Get Started in the Stock Market

How to Get Started in the Stock Market is a step-by-step guide for someone who has not been involved in the stock market or stock trading.

(If you have questions or need clarification on our instructions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below. We’re here to help.)

How Much Money Do You Need?

If you’ve been considering entering the stock market but feel overwhelmed by the idea of needing a large sum of money, here’s the good news: You can begin your investing journey with less than $100, and in some cases, much less! Thanks to modern brokerage platforms, anyone can start investing without breaking the bank.

The days of needing thousands of dollars to open a brokerage account are long gone. Today, many brokers have eliminated minimum deposit requirements entirely, making it easier than ever for anyone to start building wealth. Let’s break it down to show how accessible the stock market has become.

No Minimum Deposit Get Started in the Stock Market? Yes, It’s a Thing!

Many popular online brokerage firms now allow you to open an account with no minimum deposit. That’s right—zero dollars! This means you can start trading or investing with whatever amount you’re comfortable with. Here are some top brokers that offer no-minimum accounts:

Robinhood: Known for its user-friendly app, Robinhood lets you trade stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrency with no account minimum.

SoFi Active Investing: Offers commission-free stock and ETF trading with no minimum deposit required.

Charles Schwab: A trusted name in investing, Schwab has no minimum deposit for its brokerage accounts.

Fidelity Investments: Fidelity also imposes no minimum deposit, making it a great choice for beginners.

Interactive Brokers (Lite Plan): Their Lite pricing plan allows you to start trading with no minimum deposit.

Webull: Another popular platform with no minimum deposit requirement.

E-Trade: Offers standard brokerage accounts with no minimum deposit.

These platforms make it easier than ever to get started, even if you’re working with a small budget.

Low Minimum Deposit Options

If you’re looking for a platform with a slightly higher barrier to entry but additional features, there are still options with low minimums:

M1 Finance: Requires just $100 to open an account. This platform is great for automated investing and building a diversified portfolio.

Even with a small initial investment, you can start building your portfolio and take advantage of the power of compounding over time.

What About Traditional Brokerage Firms to Get Started in the Stock Market?

Traditional full-service brokerage firms often cater to wealthier clients and may require higher minimum deposits—sometimes starting at six figures. However, even these firms are adapting to the times. Many now offer online or self-directed platforms with reduced or no minimum deposit requirements. For example, firms like Charles Schwab and Fidelity have embraced the trend of no-minimum accounts, making them accessible to a wider range of investors.

Start Small: Fractional Shares Make It Even Easier

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the ability to buy fractional shares. This means you can purchase a portion of a stock rather than needing to buy a full share. For example, if a single share of Amazon costs $3,000, you can invest as little as $5 or $10 to own a fraction of that share. Here are some brokers that allow fractional share investing:

Fidelity Investments: Their “Stocks by the Slice” program lets you invest with as little as $1.

Charles Schwab: Through “Schwab Stock Slices™,” you can buy fractional shares of S&P 500 companies starting at $5.

Robinhood: Allows you to purchase as little as one-millionth of a share.

SoFi Active Investing: Invest in fractional shares with a minimum of $5.

Webull: Offers fractional share trading with no minimum deposit.

Fractional shares are a game-changer for new investors, allowing you to diversify your portfolio even with a small amount of money.

Account Types and Minimums

The minimum deposit required can also depend on the type of account you’re opening:

Individual and Joint Accounts: Most brokers have no minimum deposit for these accounts.

IRA Accounts: Some brokers may require a minimum deposit for retirement accounts, typically ranging from $500 to $1,000.

SEP and SIMPLE IRAs: These accounts may have different requirements but often align with traditional IRA minimums.

If you’re unsure which account type is right for you, start with a basic individual brokerage account. It’s the most flexible option for beginners.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is accurate as of the writing date, January 31, 2025. Please note that details regarding fractional share investing, including broker offerings and minimum investment amounts, may change over time. It is advisable to verify current terms and conditions directly with the respective brokers before making any investment decisions.

Why Get Started in the Stock Market Now?

The stock market has never been more accessible. With no minimum deposit requirements, fractional shares, and commission-free trading, there’s no excuse to wait. Even starting with a small amount can set you on the path to building wealth.

Here’s why starting now matters:

Time is Your Best Friend: The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow through the power of compounding.
Learn as You Go: Starting small allows you to gain experience and confidence without risking large amounts of money.
Build Good Habits: Investing regularly, even in small amounts, can help you develop the discipline needed for long-term success.

Get Started in the Stock Market Now

Take your first step right now!

If you’re hesitating, ask yourself: If you can’t decide to open a no-minimum brokerage account, how will you handle the fast-paced decisions required in the stock market? Making smart, decisive choices is one of the most important traits of a successful investor.

Start practicing now by taking that first step. Open an account, invest a small amount, and begin your journey toward financial independence.

Your New Journey Awaits

You don’t need to be wealthy to start investing. With just a small amount, you can build your portfolio and take advantage of fractional shares to own pieces of major companies like Apple, Tesla, or Amazon. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and let your investments grow over time.

Remember, whenever you go on a trip to a location you’ve never been, it’s wise to have a map and know how to get there. That’s where Legendary Investors and Stock Pickers can help guide you and literally save you a fortune in mistakes. So, what are you waiting for? Open an account today and take control of your financial future. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the rewards!