Everyday How to start investing with a small amount
Build your emergency fund first. Then take any employer retirement match, which is free money. Use low-fee index funds, invest the same amount automatically every month, and use your country's tax-free account. Time in the market matters more than timing.
Trusted resources: Investor.gov · FINRA for Investors
Investing questions? We've got the answers.
Where should you start investing? Here are the top 5 investing sites millions of people already trust. All are well known, regulated and low-cost. Pick one, start small, and let it grow like gold.
Fidelity
About 57 million customers
Best overall and best for beginners five years running, per Investopedia. $0 to open, retirement accounts and fractional shares.
Visit Fidelity →Vanguard
50+ million investors
The home of low-cost index funds. Great for set-it-and-forget-it retirement investing.
Visit Vanguard →Charles Schwab
39 million brokerage accounts
Rated best broker for beginners by Forbes, with branches and strong research tools.
Visit Schwab →Robinhood
27 million funded customers
The simplest app: $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs. Great for learning on your phone.
Visit Robinhood →Interactive Brokers
5+ million accounts worldwide
Best for investors outside the US: access to 150+ markets in many currencies.
Visit Interactive Brokers →How to choose: brand new? Start with Fidelity or Schwab. Love index funds? Vanguard. Want a simple phone app? Robinhood. Outside the US? Interactive Brokers. Still unsure? Ask the Financial Coach or try our investing calculator.
User counts from company reports (2025 to 2026) compiled by Walnut; ratings from Investopedia. We are not affiliated with these companies. Educational only, not financial advice. Investing can lose money.
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