Online Trading Platforms for Beginners – Getting Started with Investing

Online Trading Platforms for Beginners – Getting Started with Investing

Online trading makes investing in stocks, ETFs, options, and futures accessible for individual investors. With hundreds of trading platforms available, beginners must weigh factors like fees, sophistication, tools, and educational resources when selecting one to match their needs.

Overview of Trading Platforms

Trading platforms fall into a few main categories:

• Full-service brokers like Fidelity and TD Ameritrade offer extensive investment selection, research, and advice for higher fees.
• Discount brokers like Etrade, Charles Schwab, and Interactive Brokers focus on execution at low costs but with fewer frills.
• Robinhood and Webull pioneered zero-commission trading apps with stripped down interfaces. Make money on rebates.
• Social trading platforms like Etoro emphasize following and copying other traders.
• Some investment apps like Acorns and Stash feature micro-investing, robo-advising, and gamification.

Considering the differences helps investors select the right starting point.

Key Features to Look For

Certain must-have features make navigating the markets easier for beginners:

• Easy account setup and funding options like bank transfer or wire.
• $0 trades on stocks and ETFs, or very low commission structure.
• Available retirement accounts like IRAs in addition to taxable trading.
• Educational resources on investing basics, technical analysis, and platforms.
• Virtual trading capabilities to practice risk-free before funding an account.
• Robust but user-friendly mobile app complementing desktop access.
• Research tools like ratings, analyst reports, news, and charting.
• Paper money trading for low pressure experience before using actual capital.

Checking these boxes results in the best experience for new investors.

Comparing Major Online Trading Platforms

Here is an overview of popular trading platforms suitable for beginners:

Fidelity – Full-service platform with extensive investment selection beyond stocks, full research suite, advisor access, and excellent education content. $0 stock and ETF trades. Account minimums vary.

Charles Schwab – Discounted broker focused on streamlined execution and support. Some research available. $0 commissions and no account minimums. Intuitive platforms.

Robinhood – Barebones but completely free trading app. Very user-friendly. Limited research and account types. Primarily designed for options and stock trading.

Webull – Another commission-free trading app. Features analysis tools, paper trading, and crypto. Revenue comes from order flow payments.

Etoro – Social trading platform where you can follow and automatically copy other successful traders. $200 minimum deposit. Does not currently offer retirement accounts.

Acorns – Micro-investing app focused on automated recurring deposits into diversified ETF portfolios. No trading options. $1, $3, or $5 monthly fees based on plan.

The best platform aligns with your goals, preferences, and experience level.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started

Follow these steps when embarking on online trading as a beginner:

1. Define your investing goals – Are you saving for retirement or trading short-term? This determines what accounts you need.

2. Research trading platform options – Compare fees, tools, and offerings using the factors outlined above.

3. Sign up for a virtual practice account – Test the platform thoroughly with virtual trades.

4. Fund your live account – Initiate deposits via linked bank account transfers. Keep minimum balances in mind.

5. Place your first trade – Start small with 1-2 shares of a stock. Execute carefully and review order details.

6. Utilize educational resources – Read, watch videos, use virtual trading, and leverage other learning opportunities.

7. Analyze your trades – Evaluate what went well and not so well with your early trades. Seek feedback from mentors.

8. Set goals and create a trading plan – Develop longer-term goals, risk tolerance, and plans for achieving growth.

9. Withdraw money – When ready to take money out, transfer back to your bank. Beware tax implications.

10. Expand your skills – Over time apply more advanced strategies like options, margin trading, and shorts as you gain experience.

Take it slowly, learn continuously, and limit risks, especially when starting out. With the right diligence, beginners can find success trading online.

Table: Comparison of Major Trading Platforms for Beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should a complete beginner focus on learning first?

A: Start with the fundamentals like types of securities, how markets work, ratios, financial statements, and basic technical/fundamental analysis. Also learn your personal risk tolerance.

Q: Is it better to use a trading platform directly or go through a brokerage firm?

A: Platforms usually offer the convenience of self-directed trading, while brokerages provide helpful advice and guidance. Consider your knowledge level and need for hand-holding when deciding.

Q: How much money do I need to start trading online?

A: Many platforms allow starting with minimal amounts like $100. But focus first on virtual trading. Increase your live account gradually as you gain experience. Only invest what you can safely afford to lose.

Q: Should I pay commissions for more robust research and tools as a beginner?

A: If you will utilize included research and resources extensively, paying commissions may be justified. But lower-cost platforms work fine for basic education and trading needs.

Q: Is online trading riskier than traditional investing?

Trading inherently carries more risk than long-term buy-and-hold strategies. But sound research, small position sizes, and risk management help minimize risk for any beginner.