Fractional shares let you buy a portion of a stock, so you can invest any dollar amount—often $1 to $5—instead of paying the full share price. That’s why fractional stock platforms have become a go-to for beginner investing and anyone building a portfolio with low minimums and commission-free investing. In 2025, investors care most about regulatory clarity, intuitive apps, and global access. Below, we compare top platforms that keep costs low while making it simple to start, and we explain how ToVest’s digitized shares and 24/7 trading expand what’s possible. For a quick primer on how fractional ownership works and the risks to consider, see the SEC’s investor bulletin on fractional shares from Investor.gov.

ToVest: Digitized Shares with 24/7 Trading and Regulatory Compliance

ToVest is built around digitized shares—securities represented and traded in a fully digital format—to enable efficient execution, near-instant settlement, and continuous market access. Unlike traditional market hours, ToVest supports 24/7 trading alongside cross-border compliance. The platform operates under federal licensing and adheres to FATF-compliant jurisdictions, giving both new and sophisticated investors added confidence in legal safeguards and international reach.

What this means for you:

• Start with small amounts, scale smoothly, and trade on your schedule—not just during Wall Street hours.

• Faster settlement reduces operational friction and frees up capital sooner.

• Regulatory alignment across multiple countries broadens access without compromising investor protections.

New to fractional investing or tokenized market structure? Explore our guides at the ToVest Academy.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) consistently ranks at or near the top for fractional investing because of its extremely low costs, advanced trading tools, and broad market access. IBKR has a $0 account minimum and offers $0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs (with other fees possible depending on plan and venue), making it attractive to small and advanced investors alike, according to Forbes’ best online brokers analysis.

Key features at a glance:

• Fees: $0 commissions on US stocks/ETFs (plan-dependent; other fees may apply)

• Minimums: $0 account minimum

• Interfaces: Client Portal (web), Mobile, and Trader Workstation (pro-grade)

• Research/Markets: Robust research suite with extensive international market access highlighted by BrokerChooser

Who it’s for: Beginners who want low costs and a path to advanced tools, and professionals who need global execution and deep analytics.

Fidelity

Fidelity makes fractional investing highly accessible with a $1 minimum for “Stocks by the Slice” and zero-commission trading on US stocks and ETFs. StockBrokers.com notes that Fidelity marries low trading costs with strong research, education, and user-friendly web and mobile experiences. Fidelity also has a long-standing reputation for customer service and investor education, making it a solid first home for long-term investors and cost-conscious traders.

Best for: Beginners who value strong guidance and long-term investors who want premium research without platform fees.

Charles Schwab

Schwab’s Stock Slices let you buy fractional shares of companies in the S&P 500 starting at $5 per slice, and you can purchase up to 30 companies in a single transaction, as documented by NerdWallet. Schwab combines this beginner-friendly entry point with pro-level charting through thinkorswim and a well-regarded research library. If you want one platform that grows from “getting started” to “advanced,” Schwab is a dependable option with zero-commission US stock and ETF trades.

Ideal for: New investors who want a trusted brand and seasoned traders who appreciate advanced charting and educational resources.

Robinhood

Robinhood popularized commission-free investing with a mobile-first experience that’s easy to navigate. You can buy fractional shares starting at $1, pay $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs, and get up and running quickly—features that continue to resonate with beginners, as noted by LevelFields’ 2025 app roundup. The platform also supports options and crypto, making it a simple gateway to multiple asset classes in a single app.

Best fit: Mobile-first beginners who want a clean interface and fast setup.

eToro

eToro blends fractional investing with social trading—following, learning from, or copying the trades of experienced investors—so newcomers can learn by observing. BrokerChooser highlights eToro’s low-cost stock and ETF trading, seamless account opening, and access to multiple markets. The social feed, curated portfolios, and community tools help investors compare approaches and stay engaged.

Standout community features:

• CopyTrader to mirror selected investors’ strategies

• Thematic Smart Portfolios

• Public performance stats and risk scores

Webull

Webull offers fractional investing starting from $5, $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs, and a feature-rich platform that appeals to active, tech-savvy traders. NerdWallet’s broker comparisons point to Webull’s fast account opening and robust mobile/desktop charting. The platform also pays interest on uninvested cash, helping your idle funds do a bit more while you wait for opportunities.

Good for: Self-directed traders who want modern tools without platform fees.

Zacks Trade

Zacks Trade targets investors who prize research depth and customization. BrokerChooser notes its strong research capabilities, a broad selection of stocks and ETFs, and attentive customer service. While not a “gamified” app, it’s well-suited to investors who want to dig into data, tailor their layouts, and focus on analysis-driven decisions with competitive pricing for active trading.

Who benefits most: Research-centric investors who value advanced tools and personalized workflows.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca is designed for developers and quants who want API trading with fractional shares and commission-free stock/ETF execution. BrokerChooser spotlights Alpaca’s automation flexibility, making it a compelling choice for systematic strategies, bots, and custom dashboards.

API trading, simplified: Strategy signal → API order → Broker routing → Execution & fractional allocation → Position update/metrics

Why it’s different: You can design and deploy your own trading logic, schedule, and risk controls instead of clicking through a retail UI.

SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest integrates banking, lending, and investing into one platform, making money management feel cohesive. Fractional trades start at $5, US stocks and ETFs trade at $0 commission, and the interface is geared toward newer investors. NerdWallet’s broker rankings frequently highlight SoFi for simplicity and financial “all-in-one” convenience—valuable if you prefer fewer apps and a single brand relationship.

Best for: Beginners and busy professionals who want to manage investments alongside checking, savings, and loans.

How to Choose the Best Fractional Stock Platform

The right platform balances costs, convenience, and protections. Start with these criteria:

• Fees: Look for zero trading commissions on US stocks/ETFs; verify any account, FX, or routing fees in disclosures. CNBC’s free-trading overview explains how brokers compete on price.

• Minimum investment: Many platforms let you start with $1–$5 for fractional shares; lower minimums make consistent investing easier.

• Asset selection: Check availability of US stocks/ETFs, international markets, options, and crypto where relevant. BrokerChooser’s comparisons detail multi-market access.

• User experience: Prioritize intuitive mobile/desktop tools, research quality, screeners, and education that match your skill level.

• Regulatory protection: Confirm brokerage regulation and protections (e.g., SIPC in the US where applicable) and review the SEC’s guidance on fractional shares via Investor.gov.

Quick at-a-glance minimums and commissions:

• Interactive Brokers: $0 account minimum; $0 US stock/ETF commissions (plan-dependent)

• Fidelity: $1 fractional minimum; $0 US stock/ETF commissions

• Charles Schwab: $5 Stock Slices; $0 US stock/ETF commissions

• Robinhood: $1 fractional minimum; $0 US stock/ETF commissions

• Webull: $5 fractional minimum; $0 US stock/ETF commissions

• SoFi Invest: $5 fractional minimum; $0 US stock/ETF commissions

Definitions:

• Commission-free: No broker commission charged on eligible trades; other fees (spreads, regulatory, routing) may still apply.

• Minimum investment: The smallest dollar amount required to place a fractional order.

• Asset selection: The range of securities you can trade (e.g., US stocks, ETFs, options, international equities).

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment needed for fractional US stocks?

Many top platforms let you start with $1 to $5, so you can begin investing with virtually any budget.

How do fractional shares work for small budgets?

They let you buy a portion of a stock, allowing you to invest a set dollar amount instead of paying for a full share.

Are there any hidden fees with fractional stock platforms?

Most leading platforms have eliminated trading commissions, but always review fee schedules for account, FX, routing, or transfer fees.

Is fractional share ownership as safe as traditional stock ownership?

Yes—fractional shares are typically held in regulated brokerage accounts with the same protections as whole shares, per the SEC’s investor guidance on fractional shares.

Can I set up automatic investments with fractional shares?

Yes, many platforms support recurring buys so you can dollar-cost average into positions over time.