Fractional investing lets you buy partial shares of assets—stocks, ETFs, or real estate—so you can build a diversified portfolio without waiting to accumulate full-share prices. In 2026, the best apps pair low account minimums with crypto rails, tokenized assets, and faster settlement. Many platforms now let you start with $1–$5, while crypto-compatible providers add 24/7 access and flexible funding. Below, we compare leading options—spanning traditional brokers, social and mobile-first apps, and blockchain-native platforms—to help you choose based on minimums, asset coverage, crypto deposits, and user experience. As a rule of thumb: most mainstream brokers offer zero account minimums and commission-free U.S. stock/ETF trading, while crypto‑friendly platforms vary by custody, fees, and on/off‑ramp convenience.

Platform snapshot (minimums, crypto compatibility, and scope)

Note: Availability and features vary by region and account type.

ToVest

ToVest is a blockchain-powered fractional investing platform built for global access to tokenized U.S. stocks and real estate alongside on‑chain asset classes—all fundable with both fiat and stablecoins (USDT/USDC). Tokenized assets are digital representations of real-world securities or property issued and managed on a blockchain, enabling transparent, liquid, and granular fractional access. ToVest’s matching engine supports ultra‑low latency and 24/7 trading with real‑time settlement, complemented by advanced tools like portfolio analytics, risk controls, margin, and leverage where permitted.

Security and compliance are foundational principles: full KYC/AML onboarding, audited smart contracts, encryption, and rigorous custody standards align with regulatory requirements in supported jurisdictions. Transparent fees make total cost of ownership easy to model, while global payout rails support both fiat and stablecoins for faster transfer times. For deeper technical guides on tokenized stocks, settlement design, and risk management, explore ToVest’s academy resources for investors.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a top pick for active, cost‑conscious traders who want global markets, pro‑grade tools, and low fees. It supports U.S. fractional shares with $0 account minimums and offers commission‑free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs via IBKR Lite, while advanced tiers provide nuanced routing and research options. Although direct crypto trading isn’t native, investors can gain exposure through ETFs and crypto‑adjacent products, making IBKR a strong hub for multi‑market diversification with institutional‑style execution and analytics. See NerdWallet’s overview of fractional‑share brokers for details on IBKR’s structure and pricing.

Who it’s best for:

• Advanced traders optimizing execution, margin, and analytics

• Global investors seeking near‑universal market access and research depth

Fidelity

Fidelity is a standout for beginners and long-term investors who want fractional shares, robust research, and strong customer support. Fidelity’s Stocks by the Slice lets you start from $1 per fractional trade with commission‑free U.S. stock/ETF trading, backed by extensive education and planning tools. Direct crypto trading isn’t available, but investors can access crypto‑exposed ETFs and sector funds while benefiting from Fidelity’s highly rated service and platform stability. See Fidelity’s fractional‑shares program for details on minimums and eligibility.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab delivers broad market access at low cost, with a particularly approachable path to S&P 500 names via Stock Slices starting at $5 and no account minimums. Trading U.S. stocks and ETFs is commission‑free, and self‑directed investors get extensive educational content and research. While Schwab doesn’t offer direct crypto trading, you can still access crypto‑related ETFs and thematic funds. Explore Schwab’s Stock Slices to see how fractional orders work and the $5 minimum per slice.

Key features:

• Stock Slices let you buy S&P 500 companies from $5

• $0 commissions for U.S. stocks/ETFs

• Broad product coverage with strong investor education

Robinhood

Robinhood appeals to new and mobile‑first investors who want $1 minimums, zero‑commission trades, and in‑app access to major cryptocurrencies. The interface reduces frictions for first‑time investors, letting you experiment with small, frequent purchases and portfolio rebalancing. The trade‑off is fewer advanced analytics and less comprehensive research than legacy brokers, though the app continues to expand tools and educational content. See BrokerChooser’s guide to fractional‑share brokers for context on Robinhood’s minimums and product set.

eToro

eToro blends fractional stock investing with crypto trading in a social environment. A $50 minimum opens the door to U.S. and international equities plus a wide crypto roster (availability varies by region). Social trading—following and copying experienced investors’ portfolios—can help beginners learn by example, though performance and risk vary. Mind fees tied to crypto conversions or withdrawals, and review spreads carefully if you’re an active trader. See Forbes Advisor’s broker roundup for how eToro fits among multi‑asset platforms.

Webull

Webull targets mobile‑savvy investors who want zero‑commission stock, ETF, and options trading, plus integrated access to crypto. It supports fractional shares with no account minimum and offers customizable dashboards, alerting, and paper trading for practice. Webull’s crypto desk streamlines portfolio management for users who trade both traditional and digital assets, though funding is fiat‑based and regional availability may apply. Forbes Advisor’s broker guide provides a useful overview of Webull’s features and costs.

Fundrise

Fundrise provides fractional real estate exposure through low‑minimum, professionally managed eREITs with a focus on passive income and diversification. You can start with $10, and the platform reports historical average annual returns around 8–9%, with approximately 1% in annual management fees. An eREIT is an online‑distributed Real Estate Investment Trust that pools investor capital into diversified property portfolios without direct landlord responsibilities. Fundrise does not support crypto funding, but it offers a straightforward path to real‑asset exposure. See MoneyWise’s primer on fractional real estate investing for fee and returns context.

Lofty

Lofty tokenizes real estate so investors can buy property fractions as blockchain‑based tokens, receive rental yields in USDC, and access a secondary marketplace for liquidity. The minimum per property token is typically $50, and payouts occur in stablecoins—useful for globally distributed investors familiar with crypto rails. Tokenized real estate refers to blockchain‑recorded property shares that enable transparent, fractional ownership and faster settlement. Note that converting USDC to fiat may require extra steps and incur network or exchange fees. Learn more from Lofty’s guide to fractional real estate platforms.

How Much Can You Start Investing With on Fractional Investing Apps?

Fractional investing apps allow you to start building a diversified portfolio for as little as $1, reducing barriers for new and global investors. Minimums vary by asset and provider.

• Fidelity: $1 minimum for fractional shares (U.S. stocks/ETFs)

• Charles Schwab: $5 minimum via Stock Slices

• Robinhood: $1 minimum for fractional shares

• Webull: $0 account minimum; supports fractional shares

• Interactive Brokers: $0 account minimum; fractional shares supported

• Fundrise: $10 minimum (eREITs; c.1% annual management fee)

• Lofty: $50 per property token (USDC payouts)

• eToro: $50 minimum account opening; fractional stocks supported

Most mainstream brokers now advertise zero account minimums, making it feasible to diversify with any budget.

Criteria for Choosing Crypto-Friendly Fractional Investing Platforms

Match the app to your goals: minimum deposit, fiat and crypto funding/withdrawals, commission and spread structures, the mix of tokenized and traditional assets, speed (execution and settlement), and research or education tools. If you need on‑chain payouts or 24/7 liquidity, prioritize platforms with crypto‑compatible investing and clear tokenization models; if you want tax reporting simplicity and insurance, consider established brokers with ETF‑based crypto exposure.

Comparison snapshot

Tip: Factor in conversion costs if you’ll move between fiat and stablecoins frequently, and check regional availability and tax reporting support.

Benefits of Crypto-Compatible Fractional Investing

Integrating crypto with fractional investing expands access and efficiency. Global investors can fund accounts in stablecoins to reach U.S. assets, participate in tokenized stocks and real estate, and benefit from instant or near‑instant settlement and 24/7 markets. Native crypto trading platforms (Robinhood, Webull) streamline multi‑asset portfolios, while tokenization‑first models (ToVest, Lofty) enable on‑chain ownership, transparent cap tables, and stablecoin payouts. Using crypto rails can reduce intermediaries, speed distributions, and open alternative yield and trading strategies for active users.

Comparing Minimum Investments and Fee Structures

Here’s a practical view of minimums and typical fees. Always confirm current pricing, spreads, and promotions.

Definitions:

• Commission: The explicit fee charged per trade. Many brokers offer $0 commissions on U.S. stocks/ETFs; total cost still includes spreads and other charges.

• Management fee: Ongoing fee (often annual, as a percent of assets) paid to manage pooled vehicles like eREITs or funds.

Optimize for long‑term net returns by minimizing recurring fees and spreads, and by choosing funding rails (fiat vs. stablecoin) that reduce conversion costs.

Security and Regulatory Compliance in Fractional Investing Apps

KYC/AML refers to know‑your‑customer and anti‑money‑laundering checks that verify identity and help prevent illicit activity. Traditional brokers pair these controls with regulatory registration, investor‑protection schemes, and insurance where applicable; blockchain‑native platforms like ToVest add on‑chain transparency, auditable records, and multi‑sig or institution‑grade custody. Best practices to look for include end‑to‑end encryption, multi‑factor authentication, cold‑storage controls for digital assets, plain‑English risk disclosures, and clear tax reporting. Differences in custody (brokerage vs. wallet-based), stablecoin settlement, and regional rules mean you should review each platform’s compliance documentation before funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest amount needed to start investing with fractional shares?

Many platforms let you start with as little as $1, and several have zero account minimums for opening an account.

Which platforms allow both crypto and fiat deposits?

ToVest supports both fiat and stablecoin deposits; other platforms may support limited crypto flows for specific asset classes.

Are fractional shares commission-free across most platforms?

Most leading brokers offer commission‑free trading for U.S. stocks and ETFs, including fractional orders, though spreads and other fees may apply.

How secure are crypto-friendly fractional investing apps?

Reputable platforms combine KYC/AML, encryption, multi‑factor authentication, and clear custody policies; traditional brokers add regulatory oversight and investor‑protection frameworks.

Can I trade real estate fractions using crypto on these platforms?

Yes. Platforms such as ToVest enable investing in real estate fractions with stablecoin funding and on‑chain payouts.