Getting Started with Micro Investing: 5 Apps That Actually Work for Your Budget

Want to invest but don’t have thousands sitting around? You’re not alone. Micro investing apps have completely changed the game for everyday people looking to build wealth without massive upfront capital. These platforms let you start with pocket change—literally—and grow your portfolio through small, consistent contributions. Here’s what makes each of these investing apps worth your attention.

The Game Changers in Micro Investing

The rise of investing apps has democratized the market. Gone are the days when you needed a broker, a fat wallet, or years of experience to start trading. Today’s platforms eliminate friction by offering commission-free trading, fractional shares, and incredibly low entry barriers. Let’s break down which investing apps are worth your attention.

Robinhood: The OG of Zero-Commission Trading

Since launching in 2013, Robinhood disrupted the industry with a simple promise: free trades. This mobile-first platform lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs and options without paying a single commission. What really makes Robinhood compelling for micro investing is the fractional shares feature—you can own a slice of expensive stocks with just a few dollars.

The interface is slick and intuitive, perfect if you’re new to the stock market. With minimal friction to get started, users can begin investing with just a handful of dollars. The platform also throws in solid educational resources to help you make smarter choices as you build your portfolio.

Webull: Power Tools for Serious Micro Investors

If Robinhood is the training wheels, Webull is the racing bike. This platform also offers commission-free trading, but it loads you up with professional-grade tools. Real-time market data, advanced charting, customizable watchlists—Webull gives you everything a serious investor wants.

The standout feature? Extended trading hours. You can trade before and after regular market close, perfect if your day job doesn’t align with market hours. Paper trading is another gem—practice with virtual money before risking your actual funds. For micro investors ready to level up, Webull combines accessibility with serious analytical power.

Interactive Brokers: The Global Operator

Interactive Brokers has been around since 1978, and it shows. This online brokerage firm operates on over 150 markets across 34 countries. You get access to stocks, options, futures and forex all in one place. No account minimums and competitive commission rates make it solid for micro investing.

The platform is built for serious traders, but the mobile app keeps things user-friendly. If you’re thinking internationally or want exposure to diverse asset classes, Interactive Brokers delivers flexibility that other investing apps can’t match.

Stash: Investing for Literally Everyone

Here’s the kicker: Stash lets you start investing with just 1 cent. Seriously. This platform was built specifically around the idea of removing barriers to entry. You get a curated collection of stocks, ETFs and themed portfolios—imagine ETFs focused on AI, gaming, or clean energy.

What makes Stash different is how it personalizes investing to your values and interests. Plus, automatic investing lets you set recurring deposits, turning spare change into compounding growth over time. Stash also pairs its investing app with educational content to help you actually understand what you’re doing.

SoFi: All-in-One Financial Hub

SoFi (Social Finance) takes a different angle—it’s not just an investing app, it’s a complete financial platform. You can handle loans, banking, and investing all in one place. For micro investing, SoFi offers automated investing with zero account minimums, starting at just $5.

No commissions, diverse stocks and ETFs to choose from, and a strong emphasis on financial education through webinars and articles. The unified experience of managing all your money in one app appeals to people who don’t want to juggle five different platforms.

How to Pick Your Investing App

Each of these investing apps fills a different need. If you want simplicity and mobile-first design, Robinhood or Stash shine. If you’re willing to learn more advanced tools, Webull or Interactive Brokers offer deeper functionality. SoFi works if you want everything in one ecosystem.

The key is evaluating fees (most are zero-commission now), the range of investments available, and how well the platform’s features match your experience level. With micro investing becoming the norm, you can start small, learn as you go, and upgrade your approach over time.

The best part? You can literally start today with less than the price of a coffee. Pick your investing app, fund it with whatever you can spare, and let the power of consistent small contributions build your wealth.