10 Best Stock Trading Platforms of 2026

What Is Online Stock Trading?

Online stock trading lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and other securities directly from your phone or computer, no broker phone call required. Modern platforms offer commission-free trades, real-time data, and tools that make investing accessible whether you're starting with $5 or $50,000. The barrier to entry has never been lower, and with fractional shares now widely available, you can own a piece of top companies without needing thousands upfront.
Most online trading platforms also offer educational resources, portfolio analysis tools, and access to research reports. Some even include features like automated investing, IRA accounts with contribution matching, and high-yield cash management, turning a simple trading app into a complete financial hub.

Types of Investments You Can Trade

A stock trading platform gives you access to a range of investment products. Here are the most common:
Stocks: Buy ownership shares in publicly traded companies
ETFs: Diversified baskets of assets traded like a single stock
Options: Contracts that give you the right to buy or sell at a set price
Bonds: Fixed-income securities issued by governments or corporations
Fractional Shares: Own a slice of high-priced stocks for as little as $1–$5

1

Limited time offer - 1% Match on ACAT

SoFi® offers $0 commission stock and ETF trading with no account minimums and fractional shares from as little as $5, restrictions apply, plus access to credentialed financial planners, all in one user-friendly app.

Pay zero commission on stocks & ETFs
Buy a piece of your favorite company for as little as $5
Access personalized advice from a credentialed financial planner

Start Trading

2

8.1% APY* on uninvested cash + up to $1000 NVDA

Moomoo offers advanced trading tools, in-depth market data, and tokenized assets trading, with up to $1,000 in NVDA stock for new users and 8.1% APY on idle cash.

Up to $1,000 in NVDA stock for new deposits
8.1% APY on idle cash (4.1% base + 4% bonus for 3 months)
Trade tokenized assets and stocks in one platform
24/7 online support for seamless trading
Trade with as little as $5 on fractional shares

Up to $1,000 in NVDA stock for new deposits
8.1% APY on idle cash (4.1% base + 4% bonus for 3 months)
Trade tokenized assets and stocks in one platform
24/7 online support for seamless trading
Trade with as little as $5 on fractional shares

Start Trading

3

Earn a 1% match on your annual IRA contribution

Public gives investors access to stocks, bonds, options, and a high-yield Bond Account, with a 1% IRA match and rebates on options trades.

Invest in stocks, bonds, options and more
Automate your investing with AI Agents
Earn 3.3% APY* on your cash
Earn rebates on your options trades, including with our free active trading API

Start Trading

How to Choose the Right Trading Platform

Not all platforms are built the same. The best one for you depends on your experience level, investment goals, and how hands-on you want to be. Start by looking at commissions and fees, most top platforms now offer $0 trades on stocks and ETFs, but options contracts, margin interest, and account transfers can still carry hidden costs.
Next, consider what you actually want to trade. Some platforms focus on stocks and ETFs, while others give you access to options, bonds, or futures. If you're just getting started, a simple interface with built-in education matters more than advanced charting tools. Active traders, on the other hand, should prioritize fast execution, real-time data, and customizable dashboards.
Don't overlook account features like tax-advantaged IRAs, automatic recurring investments, and cash management options. A good platform should do more than execute trades — it should help you build a long-term financial plan. Customer support quality, mobile app reliability, and security standards are also worth checking before you commit.

What Fees Should You Watch For?

Commission-free trading doesn't always mean free. While most platforms have dropped per-trade fees on stocks and ETFs, other costs can quietly eat into your returns. Options trades typically carry a per-contract fee ranging from $0.50 to $0.65, and margin interest rates can run anywhere from 5% to 13% depending on the platform and your balance.
Account transfer fees are another common surprise, moving your portfolio to a new broker can cost $50 to $100 or more. Some platforms also charge inactivity fees if you don't place trades within a certain window.
The easiest way to avoid unexpected costs is to read the platform's fee schedule before signing up. Many of the top-rated platforms on our list have transparent pricing with no hidden charges and some even reimburse transfer fees when you switch.

Start Investing with Confidence

The stock market has historically returned roughly 10% annually over the long term, making it one of the most accessible ways to grow wealth over time. You don't need a large sum or a finance background to get started, just a solid platform, a consistent strategy, and the patience to think long-term. The platforms featured on this page have been selected based on fees, ease of use, available investment products, and overall value for both beginners and experienced traders. Whether you're opening your first brokerage account or looking for a better home for your portfolio, the right choice comes down to matching a platform's strengths to your personal goals.

Limited time offer - 1% Match on ACAT

Start Trading

Disclosures

SoFi®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). For a full listing of the fees associated with SoFi Invest®, please view our fee schedule. Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply.

The probability of a member receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. If you don't make a selection in 45 days, you'll no longer qualify for the promo. Members must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify. The probability percentage is subject to decrease. Members are only eligible for the Stock Award promotion upon opening their first brokerage account; subsequent cash brokerage accounts are ineligible for the promo, including for members with multiple accounts.

SoFi Plus members can schedule an unlimited number of appointments with a financial planner during periods in which the SoFi Plus member meets the eligibility criteria set forth in section 10(a) of the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions. SoFi members who are not members of SoFi Plus can schedule one (1) appointment with a financial planner. The ability to schedule appointments is subject to financial planner availability. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this benefit at any time with or without notice. Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth's advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth's current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Shares will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.

Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted.

Public

Paid endorsement. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Not investment advice. Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all investors. Review Options Disclosure Document here. Review Options Rebate Terms here. Agentic Brokerage is an AI-powered conversational tool that allows you to enter instructions for a set of self-directed, recurring transactions (your "Agent") for your account. Outputs from Agentic Brokerage are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered investment recommendations or advice. The Agents you create are based on your own instructions and investment decisions. You are solely responsible for determining the suitability of any strategy and for verifying your instructions before activating your Agent. Brokerage accounts and services provided by Open to the Public Investing, Inc. Cryptocurrency accounts and services provided by Zero Hash LLC. All investing involves risk. See additional Agentic Brokerage disclosures.

*3.3% APY as of 6/9/26. Rate is variable and subject to change.

eToro

Brokerage services and securities trading (stocks, ETFs, and options) are offered by eToro USA Securities Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency assets are offered through eToro USA LLC or eToro NY LLC, which are not registered broker-dealers and not members of FINRA or SIPC. Cryptocurrency holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Commission-free trading refers to $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs; other fees and price spreads may apply. This is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

Moomoo

All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Securities products available through the Moomoo App are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc. (“MFI”), a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member of FINRA and SIPC. Moomoo Technologies Inc. provides the Moomoo trading platform. Moomoo Technologies Inc. and Moomoo Financial Inc. are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Futu Holdings Ltd.

Welcome bonus offers are subject to eligibility requirements and promotional terms. The current U.S. welcome promotion is available to eligible U.S. residents who are at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security Number. Existing brokerage customers who have previously made deposits may not qualify. Deposit-based stock rewards require qualifying net deposits and may require customers to maintain specified minimum asset balances for 60, 120, or 180 days before rewards are fully unlocked.

The Moomoo Cash Sweep Program automatically sweeps eligible uninvested brokerage cash to participating program banks where it can earn interest. APY rates are variable and may change. Cash held at participating program banks may be eligible for FDIC insurance subject to applicable limits, while funds held in the brokerage account before being swept are subject to SIPC protection rather than FDIC insurance.

Promotional rewards, APY offers, eligibility requirements, deposit thresholds, holding periods, and other terms are subject to change. Additional restrictions and conditions apply. See Moomoo’s applicable promotion terms and account agreements for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of money to start trading stocks?
- No. Many online brokerages allow you to start trading with as little as $1 thanks to features like fractional shares. You can scale your investments as your financial confidence grows.
Can I access my funds anytime?
- Yes, brokerage accounts are highly liquid. You can usually sell your investments and withdraw the funds without long waiting periods, though some trades may take a few days to fully settle.
What's the difference between stocks and ETFs?
- Stocks represent ownership in a single company, while ETFs are a bundle of multiple investments, offering greater diversification. ETFs can be a safer entry point for beginners.
Are online brokerages safe?
- Reputable online brokers are regulated by agencies like FINRA and SIPC, offering investor protection. Always research a platform's credentials before signing up.
How much do brokerages charge?
- Many online brokers now offer commission-free trading. However, some may charge fees for advanced tools, managed accounts, or specific types of trades.
Can I trade on my phone?
- Yes. Most online brokers provide mobile apps that allow you to buy, sell, and monitor your investments from anywhere.
What if I make a mistake while trading?
- It's common to make mistakes when starting out. Begin with small amounts, use demo accounts if available, and educate yourself using platform resources or consult financial advisors.
Can I automate my investments?
- Yes. Many platforms offer automated investing through robo-advisors or auto-investing features, making it easier to stick to your investment strategy consistently.

10 Best Stock Trading Platforms of 2026 – Brokers Compared 10 Best Stock Trading Platforms of 2026

Top Stock Trading Platforms Brokers Compared

Limited time offer - 1% Match on ACAT

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What Is Online Stock Trading?

Types of Investments You Can Trade

Limited time offer - 1% Match on ACAT

8.1% APY* on uninvested cash + up to $1000 NVDA

Earn a 1% match on your annual IRA contribution

How to Choose the Right Trading Platform

What Fees Should You Watch For?

Start Investing with Confidence

Limited time offer - 1% Match on ACAT

Disclosures

SoFi®

Public

eToro

Moomoo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lot of money to start trading stocks?

Can I access my funds anytime?

What's the difference between stocks and ETFs?

Are online brokerages safe?

How much do brokerages charge?

Can I trade on my phone?

What if I make a mistake while trading?

Can I automate my investments?

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