Stash is a SEC-registered trading platform with FIDIC insurance. The firm has a large client base of 6+ million with $3+ billion in assets under management (AUM). The choice of automated trading and self-directed investing makes the brand stand out from rivals with a low minimum investment.
M1 Finance is a US brokerage that allows users to build a customizable investment portfolio from a range of 6000+ stocks and shares, ETFs and cryptocurrencies. The innovative 'pie' based portfolio management system allows traders to build several portfolios with different aims, and the brokerage supports machine-learning tools that can provide automated portfolio management.
Bonus Offer
M1 Finance Plus free for 3 months on new accounts
Comment by Reviewer
"Stash is a great investment platform for beginners looking for automated investing solutions and a slick mobile app."
"M1 Finance remains a great choice for US investors who want a straightforward, commission-free way to invest in stocks and crypto. The intuitive dashboard, customizable portfolios and fractional shares should appeal to all experience levels and investing goals. "
Pros
Recurring and automated investments with generated portfolios based on risk profile and goals
Simple fee structure with tier-based subscription from $3 per month and the first month free
Very low minimum investment from 1¢ or $0.05 for fractional shares
Excellent education and financial advice for beginners
SIPC and FINRA membership for capital protection
Trustworthy brokerage regulated by the SEC
Stock-back rewards programme
Strong account security
Thanks to additional extras like a bank account and loan service, M1 Finance continues to offer a one-stop shop for investors
The broker offers commission-free stocks with low fees, plus fractional shares, making it a great choice for beginners
The broker delivers a clean and easy-to-use dashboard that illustrates the current composition of your portfolio
The firm offers a straightforward proprietary platform with intuitive portfolio management tools
Multiple portfolios can be facilitated, with up to five accounts under the same login
Customizable 'pies' allow investors to curate their own ETFs
The range of 6000+ stocks and ETFs is highly competitive
Bitcoin trading is available through M1 Crypto
Cons
Available to customers in the US only
Human financial advisors are not available
No automated IRA management
No tax-loss harvesting
No demo account
Despite offering stocks and ETFs, M1 Finance doesn’t provide trading on mutual funds or options
Unlike competitors such as Betterment, M1 does not employ any human financial advisors
M1 Finance is only available in the US – eToro is a top alternative for the UK market
Accounts with less than $20 and no trading activity for 90 days are charged a fee
The way trades are placed puts transaction timing out of your control
You cannot consolidate external accounts for planning purposes
M1 Finance users can open a crypto account to invest in 10 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano and Solana. You can also invest in six crypto-related funds and ETFs, which are a good way to get broader exposure to the digital currency market.
