Best Investing Apps for College Students in 2026
Finding the right investing apps for college students means considering no credit history and prioritizing build credit. Here's our research-backed guide.
Our Top Picks
Robinhood
$0 commissions
Public
Social investing
Acorns
Round-up investing
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
We research investing apps specifically for college students, considering factors like build credit and earn rewards on small purchases. Our reviews are independent, though we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Detailed Reviews
Robinhood
For college students, Robinhood delivers on build credit. The easy to use makes it stand out, though gamified is worth noting.
Pros
- ✓Easy to use
- ✓Fractional shares
- ✓Fast deposits
Cons
- ✗Gamified
- ✗Limited tools
- ✗Past controversies
Public
Public earns 4.2/5 stars for college students. Key highlight: Social investing.
Pros
- ✓Transparent pricing
- ✓Social features
- ✓Educational content
Cons
- ✗Smaller platform
- ✗Limited tools
- ✗Newer company
Acorns
Acorns is our top pick for college students looking to build credit. With round-up investing, it directly addresses your needs.
Pros
- ✓Effortless saving
- ✓Good for beginners
- ✓Simple interface
Cons
- ✗High fee for small balances
- ✗Limited control
- ✗Basic portfolios
Webull
For college students, Webull delivers on build credit. The great charting makes it stand out, though gamified is worth noting.
Pros
- ✓Great charting
- ✓Extended hours trading
- ✓Paper trading
Cons
- ✗Gamified
- ✗Chinese ownership
- ✗Limited customer service
SoFi Invest
For college students, SoFi Invest delivers on build credit. The all-in-one platform makes it stand out, though limited tools is worth noting.
Pros
- ✓All-in-one platform
- ✓IPO access
- ✓Financial planning
Cons
- ✗Limited tools
- ✗No options
- ✗Newer platform
Stash
Stash is our top pick for college students looking to build credit. With $3/month, it directly addresses your needs.
Pros
- ✓Educational focus
- ✓Stock-Back rewards
- ✓Low minimum
Cons
- ✗Monthly fee
- ✗Limited investments
- ✗Better free options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best investing apps for college students?
The best investing apps for college students depends on your specific needs. We recommend comparing features, pricing, and reading our detailed reviews above to find the perfect match.
How much does investing apps cost?
Investing Apps pricing varies widely, from free options to premium plans costing $100+/month. Many offer free trials so you can test before committing.
Is it worth paying for investing apps?
For most college students, yes. The time saved and improved productivity typically outweighs the cost. Start with free trials to see the value firsthand.