Getting started with investing can feel intimidating—especially when you’re worried about fees, confusing interfaces, or making the “wrong” move with your hard-earned money. But the good news is, investing in 2025 is more accessible, intuitive, and beginner-friendly than ever before. Thanks to the rise of digital platforms and commission-free trading, first-time investors can start growing their wealth without needing a financial degree—or paying high fees to do it.
Still, not all platforms are created equal. Some boast no commissions but sneak in hidden fees. Others make it easy to start but charge extra for tools, education, or transfers. If you’re looking to keep costs low and confidence high, these are the best low-fee investment platforms for beginners this year—broken down by ease of use, transparency, and value for new investors.
Fidelity: Trusted, Transparent, and Beginner-Friendly
Fidelity has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and customer-focused investment firms—and it remains a top choice for beginners in 2025. What makes it stand out? No account minimums, no trading commissions on U.S. stocks or ETFs, and low-cost index funds (like its Fidelity ZERO lineup) that don’t charge any expense ratio at all.
Fidelity’s app and website are clean and intuitive, offering strong research tools and educational content for those who want to learn the ropes. It also offers fractional share investing, meaning you can start with just a few dollars. Unlike some fintech startups, Fidelity also provides access to human advisors if you need more help as you grow.
Best for: Beginners who want a traditional yet low-cost investing experience with strong educational support.
Watch out for: Fees on some mutual funds not part of Fidelity’s no-fee lineup—always check before buying.
SoFi Invest: Investing Meets Simplicity
SoFi Invest offers an all-in-one experience for new investors who want simplicity above all else. With commission-free trades, automated investing options, and no account minimums, it’s an ideal platform for those just dipping their toes in the market. You can choose between active investing (picking your own stocks and ETFs) or automated investing (similar to a robo-advisor) with a prebuilt portfolio.
SoFi also bundles in free financial planning sessions, access to career coaching, and member perks like cash bonuses and events. Its mobile app is streamlined and beginner-friendly, making it especially popular with younger investors.
Best for: First-time investors who want everything in one place—investing, banking, and financial education.
Watch out for: Limited advanced research tools for when you’re ready to take investing to the next level.
Charles Schwab: Strong All-Around Value with Flexible Options
Charles Schwab continues to be a favorite among cost-conscious investors who value choice. Like Fidelity, Schwab offers $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades, no account minimums, and access to its own line of low-fee index funds.
What sets Schwab apart is its flexibility: you can use its standard brokerage, open a retirement account, or opt for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios—its robo-advisor service with no advisory fees (though it requires a $5,000 minimum). The platform also offers excellent customer service and branch access, which can be reassuring to cautious beginners.
Best for: New investors who want room to grow with more investment types and planning tools.
Watch out for: Some fund minimums and robo-advisor requirements can be higher than other platforms.
Public.com: Transparent Fees, Social Learning
Public.com combines the accessibility of a mobile-first app with a community-driven approach. New investors can buy fractional shares of stocks and ETFs with no trading fees. What makes Public unique is its social feed, where users can see what others are investing in (without revealing dollar amounts) and read bite-sized, educational commentary.
There are no payment-for-order-flow (PFOF) practices, which means Public routes trades directly instead of getting paid to sell your order to a third party. This appeals to investors who want greater transparency and control.
Best for: Beginners who value community learning, simple interfaces, and fee transparency.
Watch out for: Limited investment types—mainly U.S. stocks, ETFs, and crypto—so not ideal for more diverse portfolio building.
What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Platform
While low fees are a huge draw, the best platform for you should also offer:
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Fractional shares so you can start small
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User-friendly apps and dashboards that make investing feel approachable
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No account maintenance fees or hidden costs
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Helpful education and customer support
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Clear disclosures around how your money is being managed or how trades are routed
Read the fine print. Even if a platform offers “$0 commissions,” look out for fees on mutual funds, account transfers, or premium features.