Best Stock Trading Platforms in the USA
Discover the top stock trading platforms in the United States for safe and easy equity investing. Achieve your financial goals with brokers regulated by U.S. authorities.
Summary: The United States provides a robust and regulated landscape for investing in stocks and equities, under the watchful eyes of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Reserve. These authorities ensure a trustworthy financial market for secure investments in dollars (USD) into equities and ETFs through various methods like bank transfers, wire transfers, or card transactions.
Our experienced team of investors has extensively researched and pinpointed the top five user-friendly stock trading platforms in America, guaranteeing you access to the most dependable and effective investment tools:
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Top Stock Trading Apps in America
We have carefully compiled a list of the leading stock trading apps and platforms for American investors. Our review method takes into account each broker's advantages and downsides. Aspects under review include compliance with U.S. regulations, variety of supported stocks & assets, access to the U.S. S&P 500 Index, quality of user interface, USD deposit options, and fees.
For a thorough review of the top five stock trading platforms in the United States, refer to our detailed guide below.
1. Robinhood
Robinhood is the most popular stock trading platform in the United States, providing investors with an extensive portfolio of assets and features that includes 5,000+ global stocks, ETFs, options, treasuries and up to 4.65% APY on cash deposits. Trusted by millions of investors nationwide, Robinhood operates under the stringent supervision of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring a fully compliant trading environment.
The renowned broker distinguishes itself with its commission-free trading and ability to easily trade options (puts & calls) & get access to leverage. The platform is highly praised for its user-friendly interface, intuitive mobile apps for iOS & Android, minimal fees, competitive spreads, and straightforward deposit options for U.S. dollars (USD).
- Fees: Zero trading fees and competitive spreads (1%).
- Assets: 5,000+ global stocks, ETFs, options, treasuries & more.
- Regulation: Supervised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA.
- USD Deposit Methods: ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Credit Cards, Debit Cards.
2. Webull
Webull stands as a close contender to Robinhood, providing an extensive range of investment options including stocks, ETFs, options, and high interest on deposits with up to 5.8% APY. What sets Webull apart is its advanced research tools and insights via Webull Learn that help investors make informed decisions. It also offers other features like an OTC marketplace, the Webull Smart Advisor and a paper trading account.
The platform, which is also overseen by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, offers zero-commission trades and no deposit minimums, making it an appealing option for both new and seasoned investors. The company, Webull Financial LLC is also a member of the SIPC, which means up to $500,000 in value per customer is protected.
- Fees: Zero trading fees and competitive spreads (1-1.5%).
- Assets: 2,500 stocks, ETFs, options, commodities, CFDs and more.
- Regulation: Supervised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA.
- USD Deposit Methods: ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer or Check Deposit.
3. Fidelity
Fidelity Investments is a renowned brand amongst the Wall Street elite, known for its diverse range of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and high-end OTC services. It's a top choice among institutional investors, thanks to its advanced research tools, educational materials, and white-glove customer service. Its platform offers a seamless experience for both desktop and mobile users.
Regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of the SIPC, Fidelity ensures customer asset protection up to $500,000. With zero commission on trades and no account minimums, it's an attractive option for all investors, particularly institutions requiring sophisticated analysis tools and resources.
- Fees: Variable commissions depending on the product. $0 account fees.
- Assets: 3,000 stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, OTC markets and more.
- Regulation: Supervised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA.
- USD Deposit Methods: ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer or Check Deposit.
4. E*TRADE
E*TRADE takes the place as the 4th best stock broker in America. Founded in 1982, E*TRADE is a pioneer in the online trading industry, providing seamless access to investors in United States seeking exposure to stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices, treasuries, bonds, futures and many other asset classes.
The platform provides commission-free trades for a wide variety of account types including brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401Ks, business and more. They are renowned for their diverse range of products, including the most popular marketplace for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and new issues.
- Fees: Zero commissions on stocks and ETFs. $1.50 fee for futures.
- Assets: 2,000 stocks, ETFs, IPOs, futures, bond and CDs.
- Regulation: Supervised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA.
- USD Deposit Methods: ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card or Check Deposit.
5. Stash
Stash rounds out our list as the 5th best stock trading platform in the US, which is most suitable for complete beginners to the investing world. Stash is an all-in-one digital banking app that enables customers to earn up to 4% APY on deposits, invest in stocks and ETFs, create child investment accounts and the Stash Stock-Back® debit card that rewards users with fractional shares on purchases.
While Stash isn't free, its fees are clear, with three subscription plans starting at $1 per month. However, for those with smaller balances, these fees could be comparatively high. Regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of SIPC, Stash supports USD deposits through ACH transfers, wire transfers, and debit card transactions.
- Fees: Monthly subscription plans from $1.
- Assets: 1,800+ stocks and ETFs as fractional shares.
- Regulation: Supervised by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and FINRA.
- USD Deposit Methods: ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, and Debit Card.
How to Trade Stocks in the United States
Diving into the deep waters of equities and the stock market can be a daunting task, but with the correct guidance, new entrants can thrive. Here's a succinct guide to initiate your stock trading adventure in a legally compliant way as a resident of the United States:
- Understand the Basics: Grasp core investing principles and risk management within the scope of the USA or your targeted market.
- Establish Objectives: Articulate your investing aims and implement appropriate strategies such as value, growth, swing trading or income investing.
- Choose a Broker: Opt for a licensed and regulated American trading platform, taking into account aspects like transaction costs, diversity of assets, and ease of use.
- Create an Account: Register on the selected platform and finalize the mandatory identity verification process.
- Fund Your Account: Deposit USD via bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App or credit/debit cards.
- Analyze Stocks: Leverage the platform's features to pinpoint stocks that resonate with your goals and strategy.
- Execute Trades: Buy stocks with market or limit orders and continuously monitor your portfolio.
By following these steps and keeping abreast of international financial market trends, you'll swiftly hone your skills in stock trading and investing.
Who Regulates the Stock Market in the US?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent governmental agency in the United States responsible for overseeing and regulating the securities markets. Founded in 1934 and overseen by the current Chair Gary Gensler, its main objectives are to protect individual investors, enforce market regulations, and maintain the stability and integrity of the financial system.
The U.S. SEC supervises a variety of entities, including stock exchanges, initial public offerings (IPOs), securities issuers, brokers, mutual funds, and asset management firms. It sets standards for the behavior of market participants, enforces regulations, conducts investigations into market malpractices, and imposes penalties in cases of violations.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the United States offers a diverse and regulated environment for investing in stocks and equities, guided by the oversight of organizations like the Securities and Exchange Commission. The top five stock trading platforms and apps in the U.S. include Robinhood, Webull, Fidelity, E*TRADE, and Stash, each offering unique strengths and features tailored to different investing needs.
These platforms are regulated by the SEC, ensuring they adhere to high standards of practice and customer protection. Moreover, they provide an added layer of security by offering either FDIC or SIPC insurance on deposits and investments. This assures investors that their investments are well-protected, even in the event of the platform's bankruptcy.