Best Micro Investing Apps to Start With Small Amounts

5 Micro Investing Apps to Consider

Micro-investing apps let people who are new to investing start with very small amounts, sometimes as little as one dollar. You can buy fractional shares on these platforms, which means you don’t have to buy a whole share to get into big companies. Many apps have automated features, like rounding up daily purchases to invest extra money, and they have simple, easy-to-use designs for new investors. There are also educational resources to help users make smart choices about their money.

5 Micro Investing Apps for U.S. Investors

Here are five well-known micro-investing apps that U.S. users can use to make investing easier for beginners.

1. Acorns

Acorns uses a Round-Ups feature that links to your debit or credit card. Every purchase rounds up to the nearest dollar and invests the difference.

• Portfolio Options: Low-cost ETFs based on risk preference
• Pricing: Starts at $3 per month
• Extra Features: ESG portfolios, custodial accounts for children

2. Stash

Stash combines guidance with flexibility. Users can buy fractional shares and ETFs starting at $1.

• Tools: Stash Coach provides tips, challenges, and themed investments
• Pricing: Monthly subscription for access to learning resources
• Benefits: Encourages learning while giving investment control

3. Robinhood

Robinhood offers commission-free trading with a simple interface. Fractional shares let you invest small amounts in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

• Additional Features: Options trading and extended hours
• Caution: Game-like design can encourage risky behaviors for some users

4. SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest supports fee-free trading and automated investing via a robo-advisor. You can start with $1 and access retirement accounts such as Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs.

• Integration: Works with SoFi banking and lending services
• Benefits: Beginner-friendly with access to certified financial planners

5. Public

Public combines simple trading with social features. Users can follow other investors and discuss portfolios.

• Investments Supported: Stocks, ETFs, crypto, and collectibles
• Features: Fractional shares, fee-free trades, transparent order execution
• Educational Support: Community feed offers insights from other users

Important Features of Top Micro-Investing Apps

Low Minimum Investment Requirements

These low thresholds make investing accessible to students and people with limited funds.

• SoFi Invest: $1 minimum
• Robinhood: $0.01 minimum
• Acorns: $5 minimum

Automated Investing and Robo-Advisors

Robo-advisors manage diversified portfolios based on your risk preference.

• Simplifies investing
• Reduces cost compared to personal advisors
• Supports diversification

Spare Change Round-Ups

Round-up features turn spare change into investments automatically.

• Builds savings effortlessly
• Encourages consistent investment habits

User-Friendly Interface

• Simple navigation
• Quick customer support
• Clear design suitable for beginners

Educational Resources

Apps often include guides, articles, videos, and community features to enhance financial knowledge.

How Micro-Investing Apps Work

• Link your bank account or card
• Deposit funds manually or use round-ups
• Buy fractional shares of stocks or ETFs
• Set automatic payments to maintain regular investing

Fees and Pricing Models

• Monthly subscriptions: Acorns ($3/month)
• Commission-free trades: Robinhood, SoFi Invest
• Robo-advisor fees: Typically around 0.25%

Tip: Small balances can make flat fees proportionally high, so consider your account size.

Comparison Table

Pros and Cons of Micro-Investing Apps

Pros:

• Accessible with low minimums
• Simple and easy-to-use platforms
• Educational tools for beginner investors

Cons:

• High fees on small balances
• Limited investment options compared to full brokerages
• Gamified design can encourage risky behavior

Who Should Use Micro-Investing Apps

Ideal Users:

• Beginners starting with small investments
• Students and young adults building long-term wealth
• Busy professionals using automation to save time

Goals Suitability

Best for long-term wealth building, like retirement or large purchases. Not recommended for short-term goals under five years.

Families and Children

Apps like Acorns allow custodial accounts for children, making them suitable for early savings education.

Closing

Micro-investing apps provide accessible ways to begin investing with minimal funds while offering tools for education, automation, and portfolio growth. Choosing the right app depends on goals, fees, and supported investments. These apps are suitable for beginners, students, and busy professionals seeking long-term wealth building. By leveraging fractional shares, round-ups, and educational resources, users can gradually develop investing habits with confidence. Selecting a secure, user-friendly platform ensures that learning and investing can happen simultaneously, offering measurable value and a reliable start to financial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are micro-investing apps safe?

Yes, these apps use strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and SIPC insurance. Market risks still apply, so be aware of fluctuations.

Can I invest small amounts?

Yes, fractional shares allow investments as small as $1 or less depending on the app.

Do they include robo-advisors?

Many apps provide robo-advisors to manage and adjust portfolios automatically according to your risk preference.

What are round-up features?

Round-ups invest spare change from purchases automatically into ETFs or stocks, making saving effortless.

Can I trade crypto or alternative assets?

Some apps like Robinhood and Public support crypto and other alternative investments such as collectibles or art.

Written by Kent Baker Updated August 24, 2025 by Albert Fang