Why Start Investing Young?

Basic Investing Terms Every Teen Should Know

How to Start Investing as a Teen

Common Mistakes Teens Make

Best Investing Apps for Teens

Choosing the right investing app as a teen can shape your entire experience. The wrong one might feel confusing, charge high fees, or even encourage bad habits. But the right app gives you the tools, confidence, and real-world exposure to start learning while you’re still in high school or just getting started.

This guide is built for teenagers, whether you are under 18 or over 18. We’ve broken down the best options into two separate categories, one being Custodial and teen-focused accounts, and another being Adult Brokerage Accounts.

Investing Apps for Teens under 18

If you're under 18, you can’t legally open your own brokerage account yet. But that doesn't mean you're stuck on the sidelines. Thanks to custodial accounts, you can begin investing with the help of a parent or guardian. These accounts give you real experience with real money, and let you build smart habits with the guidance of an adult.

Our recommended trading platforms

Fidelity Youth: teen-owned brokerage account designed for teens aged 13 to 17 to learn about saving and investing. Parents can also monitor their teen's account activities and provide guidance.

Benefits:

  • No account fees

  • Invest with as little as $1

  • In app lessons and rewards

  • Teens can request a debit card

Acorn Early: Want to get a head start on your future and build your wealth? Acorns Early Invest (ages 6-18) is an easy way to start investing now!

Benefits:

  • Education and financial literacy content

  • Start with as little as $5

  • Builds long-term savings automatically

Investing Apps for Teens or Adults over 18

Robinhood: platform for trading stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, and cryptocurrencies, all through a user-friendly mobile app and desktop platform.

Benefits

  • Commission free for stocks, ETFs, and their options

  • High interest rate on uninvested cash.

  • Cryptocurrency trading.

E-Trade: user-friendly online broker with powerful tools for both beginners and advanced traders. It offers real-time data, customizable charts, and strong educational resources, all at competitive pricing.

Benefits:

  • Amazing Trading tools

  • Low fees

  • Commission-free trading

Real-World Teen Investing Stories

Safety and Smart Investing

Resources to Keep Learning