Investing is no longer a skill reserved for Wall Street professionals. With the rise of user-friendly apps and educational tools, even teens and beginners can start building wealth early. In 2025, there are several investment apps tailored specifically for new investors. Whether you’re a teenager looking to learn money management or a beginner trying to grow your savings, this guide will help you choose the best investment app for your goals.
Why Should Teens & Beginners Start Investing Now?
Starting early gives your money more time to grow, thanks to the magic of compound interest. Teens and beginners often have time on their side—one of the most powerful tools in investing. Learning about investing at an early age also helps develop long-term financial discipline.
However, many new investors face challenges like:
- Lack of financial knowledge
- Fear of losing money
- Limited funds to start investing
Thankfully, investment apps today solve most of these problems with fractional shares, easy-to-use interfaces, and built-in financial education tools.
Top 5 Investment Apps for Teens in 2025
These apps are designed with teenagers in mind—offering parental controls, educational resources, and safe investing environments.
1. Greenlight
Overview: Greenlight is a financial app built specifically for kids and teens. It combines banking and investing in one platform.
Key Features:
- Parental control on trades
- Buy fractional shares of stocks and ETFs
- Educational content on investing and saving
Pros:
- No trading fees
- Real-time alerts for parents
- Built-in chore and allowance system
Cons:
- Monthly subscription required
- Limited advanced features
Ideal for: Teens aged 13-18 who are new to investing and need parental supervision.
2. Fidelity Youth Account
Overview: Fidelity offers a dedicated Youth Account for teens aged 13-17, giving them control over their investments.
Key Features:
- No account minimums or fees
- Real-time market access
- Access to stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
Pros:
- Trusted investment platform
- Great educational tools
- Parent linked, but teen-controlled
Cons:
- Parent must already be a Fidelity customer
Ideal for: Teens who want real-world investing experience with a reliable broker.
3. Stockpile
Overview: Stockpile simplifies the investing process and lets you buy fractional shares—perfect for young investors.
Key Features:
- Gift stocks with custom gift cards
- Parental approval required for teens
- Learning center included
Pros:
- Easy for gifting stock to teens
- No account minimums
- Focused on education
Cons:
- Fewer advanced tools
- Limited real-time trading options
Ideal for: Beginners and teens who want to invest small amounts with guidance.
4. Acorns Early (Acorns Family Plan)
Overview: Acorns rounds up your purchases and invests the change. Their family plan includes accounts for kids.
Key Features:
- Automated investing
- Custom portfolios based on goals
- UGMA/UTMA accounts for minors
Pros:
- Fully automated
- Good for passive investors
- Long-term focus
Cons:
- Monthly fee starts at $5
- No stock picking—only prebuilt portfolios
Ideal for: Teens whose parents want to start a long-term investment account.
5. GoHenry
Overview: While not a traditional investment app, GoHenry teaches financial literacy through prepaid debit cards and goal-setting features.
Key Features:
- Spending controls for parents
- Financial education tools
- Goal setting for saving
Pros:
- Excellent financial literacy platform
- Customizable savings goals
- App designed for kids
Cons:
- No direct stock investments
- Monthly subscription required
Ideal for: Younger teens and kids just starting to learn money management.
Top 5 Investment Apps for Beginners in 2025
Whether you’re in your 20s or 40s, if you’re new to investing, these apps are perfect for gaining experience without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Robinhood
Overview: Robinhood is a beginner-friendly app offering commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and even crypto.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trades
- Fractional shares available
- Intuitive mobile interface
Pros:
- No minimum deposit
- Instant deposits
- Crypto trading available
Cons:
- Limited research tools
- No automatic investing
Ideal for: Beginners who want a simple, fast, and affordable way to start trading.
2. Acorns
Overview: Acorns automates your investments based on daily spending—ideal for people who want to invest without thinking too much.
Key Features:
- Round-up investing
- Automated portfolios
- Retirement and savings accounts
Pros:
- Hands-off investing
- Great for small budgets
- Long-term focus
Cons:
- Monthly fee (starts at $3)
- Limited customization
Ideal for: New investors who want a “set it and forget it” strategy.
3. Public
Overview: Public combines investing with a social media feel. You can follow other investors and learn from their moves.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trades
- Fractional investing
- Public profiles of other investors
Pros:
- Educational and interactive
- Transparent community
- Simple and intuitive
Cons:
- Limited to long-term investments
- No crypto as of 2025
Ideal for: Beginners who want a community-based investing approach.
4. Stash
Overview: Stash is both an investing and banking app designed for complete beginners.
Key Features:
- Automated portfolios
- Banking and investing in one
- Stock-back debit card
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Fractional shares
- Teaches financial habits
Cons:
- Monthly fee (starting at $3)
- Limited customer service
Ideal for: Beginners looking to grow both savings and investing in one place.
5. Fidelity Investments
Overview: While a more traditional broker, Fidelity is beginner-friendly and offers robust research tools.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trades
- Powerful research and screeners
- Wide asset selection
Pros:
- No minimum deposit
- Excellent customer service
- Retirement accounts included
Cons:
- Interface can be overwhelming at first
Ideal for: Beginners ready to go beyond basic apps into a more comprehensive investing experience.
How to Choose the Right Investment App
Choosing the right app depends on your goals, experience level, and personal preferences. Here’s what to consider:
- Age: Teens will need apps with parental access and oversight.
- Goals: Are you saving for college, learning, or building long-term wealth?
- Fees: Some apps are free, others charge monthly or transaction-based fees.
- Features: Look for fractional investing, automation, and education.
- Ease of Use: A good UI helps you stay consistent and engaged.
Conclusion: Start Building Wealth Today
Whether you’re a teen just starting out or a beginner in your 30s, the tools to start investing are at your fingertips in 2025. From apps that teach you the basics to platforms that help you automate everything, there’s no reason to delay.
Start small. Stay consistent. Learn as you go. Your future self will thank you.