iTrustCapital is the best overall place to buy stocks in 2026 for investors who want a broad investment selection, multiple account types, and access to award-winning live client service* through one simple platform.

Investors can access over 10,000 stocks and ETFs with commission-free trading and fractional shares. iTrustCapital offers tax-advantaged IRAs** and Personal Accounts for everyday investing.

The platform also provides access to 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, as well as physical gold and silver.

Where to Buy Stocks in 2026: Our Top Picks

Features, fees, eligibility requirements, and investment availability can change. Investors should confirm current information directly with each platform.

How We Chose the Best Places to Buy Stocks

The platforms in this list were evaluated based on the factors that affect how easily investors can open an account, find investments, manage their portfolios, and get help when needed. This review considered the number and variety of available stocks and ETFs, whether fractional shares are supported, and the commissions or other charges that may apply.

Account flexibility was another important part of the comparison. We reviewed the availability of personal accounts for everyday investing and tax-advantaged retirement accounts for long-term retirement savings. We also considered whether each platform provides access to additional investments, such as cryptocurrencies or precious metals.

The overall platform experience was evaluated across desktop and mobile, including how easily investors can find account balances, research investments, review portfolio information, and buy or sell assets. Research tools, portfolio features, live client service, and general ease of use were also considered.

Each platform uses a different structure. Some organize portfolios through automated allocations, while others focus on research, international markets, retirement accounts, or access to multiple types of investments. These differences were considered when determining which platform offers the most complete overall experience and which types of investors each provider may serve.

1. iTrustCapital: Best Overall Place to Buy Stocks

iTrustCapital takes the top spot because it covers more ground than a typical stock platform. Investors can access over 10,000 stocks and ETFs with commission-free trading, and fractional shares are available.

The platform also provides access to 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana, along with physical gold and silver. This gives investors a way to manage several types of investments without using multiple platforms.

Why iTrustCapital Ranks First

  • Over 10,000 stocks and ETFs
  • Fractional shares
  • Commission-free self-directed stock and ETF transactions
  • 100+ cryptocurrencies
  • Physical gold and silver
  • Personal, retirement, and organizational accounts
  • Award-winning U.S.-based live client service*
  • Desktop and mobile access

Account Options

Investors can trade stocks and ETFs through several account structures:

  • Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs: Tax-advantaged accounts for retirement investing
  • Personal Accounts: Accounts for everyday investing

Fractional Shares

Fractional shares allow investors to purchase a portion of stocks or ETFs rather than paying for a full share.

This can make higher-priced stocks more accessible and give investors greater control over how much they allocate to an individual company.

Fees and Market Access

Stock and ETF transactions are commission-free when completed through the platform. iTrustCapital does not charge monthly, annual, startup, exit, storage, withdrawal, or transfer fees. Other charges may apply depending on the investment or transaction.

Desktop and Mobile Experience

The iTrustCapital platform is available across desktop and mobile. Investors can review balances, explore investments, monitor their portfolios, and buy and sell assets from one dashboard. Clients with multiple accounts can move between their IRA and Personal Account without managing separate logins.

U.S.-Based Live Client Service

iTrustCapital provides award-winning U.S.-based live client service. Clients can speak with real people for assistance with account setup, funding, transactions, rollovers, and other account-related questions.

By combining broad investment access, several account types, a straightforward platform, and live support, iTrustCapital offers the most complete overall experience in this comparison.

2. SoFi Invest

SoFi Invest is part of SoFi’s broader financial platform, which also includes banking, lending, and credit products.

Its self-directed accounts provide access to U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. Fractional shares are available as well.

SoFi also offers individual investing accounts, retirement accounts, recurring purchases, and automated portfolios. Its investing accounts can be accessed through the broader SoFi app.

Key Details

  • U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs
  • Fractional shares
  • Fractional purchases starting at $5
  • $0 commissions on qualifying transactions
  • Individual and retirement accounts
  • Automated portfolios
  • Recurring purchases
  • Desktop and mobile access

SoFi offers $0 commissions on qualifying U.S.-listed stock and ETF transactions through its self-directed accounts. SoFi Invest is designed for people who want an investing account within SoFi’s broader financial app.

3. M1

M1 organizes portfolios into customizable models called Pies. Investors select stocks and ETFs and assign a target percentage to each investment.

When money is added to the account, M1 can allocate it across the selected investments based on those percentages. Fractional shares allow contributions to be distributed without requiring full-share purchases.

Key Details

  • Stocks and ETFs
  • Customizable portfolio Pies
  • Automated portfolio allocations
  • Fractional shares
  • Individual and joint accounts
  • Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs
  • Recurring contributions
  • Desktop and mobile access

M1 offers commission-free self-directed stock and ETF transactions. A monthly platform or IRA fee may apply, although M1 may waive the fee when certain account balance or product requirements are met.

4. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers provides access to stocks listed across U.S. and international markets.

The platform includes market data, company research, stock screeners, portfolio-analysis features, and several order types. Fractional shares are available for U.S., Canadian, and European stocks, with purchases starting at $1.

Key Details

  • U.S. and international stocks
  • Fractional shares
  • Multiple pricing plans
  • Market data and research tools
  • Individual and retirement accounts
  • Trust and organizational accounts
  • Desktop and mobile access

Interactive Brokers uses multiple pricing plans. Commission rates depend on the selected plan, market, investment, and order. Some qualifying U.S. stock transactions may have $0 commissions through the IBKR Lite plan.

5. Fidelity

Fidelity provides access to U.S. stocks, ETFs, retirement accounts, company research, and portfolio tools.

Fractional shares are available for U.S. stocks and ETFs, with purchases starting at $1. Fractional shares may also be used with recurring purchases

Key Details

  • U.S. stocks and ETFs
  • Fractional shares
  • $0 commissions on qualifying online transactions
  • Individual and joint accounts
  • Traditional, Roth, SEP, and rollover IRAs
  • Company research and stock screeners
  • Recurring purchases
  • Desktop and mobile access

Fidelity offers $0 commissions on qualifying online U.S. stock and ETF transactions. Other fees may apply depending on the investment, account, or service.

Fidelity is designed for investors who want access to stocks, retirement accounts, and company research through one financial platform.

What to Look for When Choosing Where to Buy Stocks

The right place to buy stocks depends on what an investor wants to buy, how the account will be used, and which features matter most.

Available Stocks and ETFs

Review the platform’s investment selection and confirm that the companies and funds you are interested in are available. Some platforms focus primarily on U.S.-listed investments, while others provide access to international markets. Investors interested in multiple asset types should also check whether cryptocurrencies or precious metals are available.

Fractional Share Availability

Fractional shares allow investors to purchase a portion of a stock or ETF instead of paying for a full share. Availability and minimum purchase amounts vary by platform. Investors should confirm whether a particular stock or ETF supports fractional purchases.

Commission Fees and Other Charges

Many platforms offer commission-free stock transactions, but investors should still review the complete fee schedule. Potential charges can include regulatory, platform, subscription, transfer, data, account-closing, or service fees. The total cost can depend on the account type and how the platform is used.

Personal, Retirement, and Organizational Accounts

Consider whether the platform offers the account structures you currently need or may need in the future.

Common account types include:

  • Individual and joint accounts
  • Traditional IRAs
  • Roth IRAs
  • SEP IRAs
  • Trust accounts
  • Business accounts
  • Nonprofit and organizational accounts

A platform with several account options can make it easier to manage different investing goals in one place.

Research and Portfolio Tools

Research tools may include company information, earnings data, stock screeners, watchlists, market news, charts, and portfolio-allocation data. Some investors prefer a simple experience with essential company information, while others want detailed market data and portfolio-analysis tools.

U.S.-Based Live Client Service

Confirm whether live support is available and how easily clients can reach a real person. Live assistance can be helpful when opening an account, transferring funds, completing a rollover, submitting a transaction, or addressing an account-related question.

Access to Alternative Assets

Investors interested in more than stocks and ETFs should check whether the platform also provides direct access to cryptocurrencies, gold, or silver. Using one platform for multiple investment types can make it easier to review accounts and understand overall portfolio allocation.

Desktop and Mobile Usability

A platform should make balances, holdings, account information, and order tools easy to locate. Investors who conduct detailed research may prioritize the desktop experience, while those who manage accounts away from home may place more importance on the mobile platform.

What Is the Best Place to Buy Stocks in 2026?

iTrustCapital is the best overall place to buy stocks in 2026. Investors can access over 9000 stocks and ETFs through Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs for long-term retirement savings, and Personal Accounts for everyday investing. Also clients can access 100+ cryptocurrencies, gold, and silver. 

With desktop and mobile access and award-winning U.S.-based live client service, iTrustCapital offers the most complete overall experience in this comparison.

*Stevie Awards 2026

**Some taxes apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can Beginners Buy Stocks?

Beginners can buy stocks through iTrustCapital’s straightforward desktop and mobile platform. It offers +10,000 stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, commission-free trading, and award-winning U.S.-based live client service.

Where Can You Buy Fractional Shares?

iTrustCapital offers fractional shares for stocks and ETFs, allowing investors to purchase a portion of a share.

Where Can You Buy Stocks Without Commission Fees?

iTrustCapital offers commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs. Other charges may apply depending on the investment, account, or transaction.

Can You Buy Stocks in an IRA?

Yes. iTrustCapital offers stocks and ETFs through Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs. Investors can also access 100+ cryptocurrencies and physical gold and silver.

Can You Buy Stocks and Cryptocurrency Through the Same Platform?

Yes. iTrustCapital provides access to stocks and ETFs alongside 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. Physical gold and silver are also available through the same platform.

iTrustCapital is a fintech software platform for alternative and traditional assets. iTrustCapital is not an exchange, funding portal, custodian, trust company, licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment advisor, investment manager or adviser. iTrustCapital is not affiliated with and does not endorse any particular digital asset, cryptocurrency, precious metal, stock or ETF. It does not provide legal, investment or tax advice. Access to stocks and ETFs is provided by Apex Clearing Corporation, an SEC registered broker-dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC. Users must complete a brief onboarding process to open a brokerage account through Apex Clearing Corporation.