Top Micro-Investing Apps for Beginners in 2025: Start Small, Grow Big

If you’ve ever looked at the stock market and thought, “I wish I could start, but I don’t have enough money,” you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need thousands to begin investing. Thanks to micro-investing apps, anyone can start building wealth with just a few dollars. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top micro-investing apps for beginners in 2025, explain how they work, and help you pick the best one for your goals.

What Is Micro-Investing?

Micro-investing is all about starting small. Instead of needing hundreds or thousands to buy stocks, micro-investing apps let you invest tiny amounts—sometimes just spare change from everyday purchases. These apps often round up your transactions and invest the difference, making it easy to grow your money without even thinking about it.

For beginners, micro-investing is a low-pressure way to get started. You can learn the basics of investing, build good financial habits, and watch your money grow over time—all without risking a lot upfront.

Why Use a Micro-Investing App?

• Low minimums: Most apps let you start with as little as $5.
• Automated investing: Many apps round up purchases and invest the spare change automatically.
• Educational resources: Many platforms offer tips, articles, and tools to help you learn as you go.
• Fractional shares: You can buy pieces of expensive stocks, not just whole shares.
• No commissions: Most micro-investing apps don’t charge trading fees.

Top Micro-Investing Apps for Beginners in 2025

1. Acorns

Acorns is one of the most popular micro-investing apps, and for good reason. It’s designed to make investing effortless. Here’s how it works:

• Link your bank account or credit card.
• Acorns rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change.
• You can also set up recurring deposits or invest a lump sum.
• The app offers a range of investment portfolios based on your risk tolerance.

Acorns is perfect for beginners who want a “set it and forget it” approach. It also has a strong educational section called “Grow Your Knowledge,” which helps you learn about investing as you go.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Automatic round-ups
• Educational content
• No minimum balance

Cons:

• Monthly fee (starts at $3)
• Limited investment options compared to full-service brokerages

2. Stash

Stash is another great option for beginners. It combines investing with learning, making it ideal for those who want to understand the basics of the market.

• Start with as little as $5.
• Stash offers personalized investment guidance and a rich library of educational resources.
• You can invest in stocks, ETFs, and even themed portfolios (like “Clean Energy” or “Tech Giants”).
• The app also has interactive games and quizzes to make learning fun.

Stash is a good choice if you want more control over your investments and enjoy learning as you go.

Pros:

• Low minimum
• Educational tools
• Customizable portfolios
• No inactivity fees

Cons:

• Monthly fee (typically under $10)
• Limited advanced trading features

3. SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest is a top pick for beginners who want a simple, low-cost platform. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and zero fees.

• Start with just $5.
• No commissions or account fees.
• SoFi offers both self-directed and automated investing.
• The app includes financial planning tools and access to free financial advisors.

SoFi is a great all-around choice, especially if you want a mix of hands-on and automated investing.

Pros:

• No fees
• Easy to use
• Financial planning help
• Automated and self-directed options

Cons:

• Limited advanced trading tools
• Fewer educational resources than some competitors

4. Robinhood

Robinhood is a well-known name in the investing world. It’s popular for its commission-free trades and simple interface.

• No minimum balance.
• Trade stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies.
• Fractional shares allow you to buy pieces of expensive stocks.
• The app has a clean, easy-to-navigate design.

Robinhood is a good choice if you want to invest in specific stocks or crypto, but it’s less focused on automated micro-investing.

Pros:

• No fees
• Fractional shares
• Easy to use
• Wide range of investment options

Cons:

• Fewer educational resources
• No automatic round-ups

5. Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is a Canadian-based app that’s also available in the U.S. It’s known for its automated investing and socially responsible options.

• No minimum balance.
• Automated portfolios based on your risk tolerance.
• Socially responsible investment options.
• Educational articles and videos.

Wealthsimple is a good choice if you want a hands-off approach and care about ethical investing.

Pros:

• No minimum
• Automated investing
• Socially responsible options
• Educational content

Cons:

• Limited advanced trading
• Fewer investment choices than some competitors

6. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is a well-established brokerage that’s beginner-friendly and offers a range of tools.

• No minimum balance.
• Zero fees and no commissions.
• Fractional shares and mutual funds.
• Educational resources and a “Starter Kit” for new investors.

Schwab is a solid choice if you want a full-service brokerage with a focus on education.

Pros:

• No fees
• Fractional shares
• Educational resources
• Strong reputation

Cons:

• Less automated than some micro-investing apps

7. Fidelity

Fidelity is another trusted name in investing. Its “Stocks by the Slice” feature lets you buy fractional shares starting at just $1.

• No minimum balance.
• Fractional shares.
• Educational resources.
• Goal planning tools.

Fidelity is a good option if you want to build a diversified portfolio with small amounts.

Pros:

• No minimum
• Fractional shares
• Educational tools
• Goal planning

Cons:

• Less automated than some apps

8. Webull

Webull is a trading platform that’s gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and commission-free trading.

• No minimum balance.
• Commission-free trades.
• Fractional shares.
• Educational resources.

Webull is a good choice if you want more control over your investments and don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve.

Pros:

• No fees
• Fractional shares
• Educational tools
• Advanced trading features

Cons:

• Less automated than some apps

9. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a low-cost platform with no account minimums and competitive commission rates.

• No minimum balance.
• Low fees.
• Fractional shares.
• Educational resources.

Interactive Brokers is a good option for those who want a low-cost, flexible platform.

Pros:

• No minimum
• Low fees
• Fractional shares
• Educational tools

Cons:

• Less beginner-friendly interface

10. Change

Change is a popular choice for European traders looking to invest in cryptocurrencies and CFDs.

• Quick onboarding.
• Low fees.
• Clean interface.
• Responsive customer support.

Change is a good option if you’re interested in crypto and want a simple, secure platform.

Pros:

• Quick setup
• Low fees
• Good for crypto
• Responsive support

Cons:

• Limited to crypto and CFDs

How to Choose the Right Micro-Investing App

With so many options, it can be hard to pick the right app. Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Think about your goals: Do you want to save for retirement, build an emergency fund, or just get started with investing? Some apps are better for long-term goals, while others are great for short-term savings.
• Consider fees: Most micro-investing apps charge a monthly fee, but some are free. Make sure you understand the costs before you sign up.
• Look at investment options: Some apps focus on stocks and ETFs, while others offer crypto or socially responsible investments. Choose an app that matches your interests.
• Check educational resources: If you’re new to investing, look for an app with strong educational tools.
• Read reviews: See what other users say about the app’s customer service, ease of use, and reliability.

Tips for Getting Started with Micro-Investing

• Start small: You don’t need a lot of money to begin. Even a few dollars a week can add up over time.
• Automate your investments: Set up automatic round-ups or recurring deposits to make investing a habit.
• Learn as you go: Take advantage of educational resources to build your knowledge.
• Be patient: Investing is a long-term game. Don’t expect to get rich overnight.
• Review your progress: Check your account regularly to see how your investments are doing.

Final Thoughts

Micro-investing apps are a great way to start building wealth, even if you’re on a tight budget. With low minimums, automated investing, and educational resources, these platforms make it easy to get started and grow your money over time. Whether you choose Acorns, Stash, SoFi, or another app, the most important thing is to take that first step.

Remember, investing is a journey. Start small, stay consistent, and keep learning. Before you know it, you’ll be on your way to financial freedom.

Ready to start your micro-investing journey? Pick an app from our list, sign up, and watch your money grow—one dollar at a time.

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