Fidelity
FROM $1Broad fractional stock and ETF access; recurring investing available.
Eligible U.S. securities; other fees and fund expenses can still apply.
Verify with FidelityTHE PRACTICAL GUIDE / U.S. PLATFORMS
Start where you are.
A $10–$50 monthly plan needs a platform that won't make small orders unnecessarily expensive. Here is what to compare before you open an account.
How this guide is funded: No affiliate links or paid placements appear here. Listings are editorial, not endorsements. Terms and eligibility change; confirm directly with each provider. U.S. availability only. Updated October 2026 using linked provider information; features should be rechecked before use.
SIDE BY SIDE
The small-budget checklist.
| Platform | Fractional minimum | Fractional stocks | Fractional ETFs | Recurring buys | Online stock/ETF commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $0 |
| Robinhood | $1 | Yes | Yes* | Check app | $0 |
| Charles Schwab | $5 | S&P 500 only | No* | Mutual funds | $0 |
| SoFi Invest | $5 | Eligible | Eligible | Yes | $0 |
*Eligibility varies by security. Schwab Stock Slices are for S&P 500 stocks, not a general fractional ETF program. “Check app” means recurring fractional eligibility is not independently confirmed here. $0 commission does not mean no costs: fund expense ratios, spreads, regulatory fees, or other charges may apply.
Robinhood
FROM $1Simple dollar-based orders. Eligible listed securities only.
Fractional eligibility and execution rules apply; not all securities qualify.
Verify with RobinhoodCharles Schwab
FROM $5Stock Slices are limited to S&P 500 companies; not a general fractional ETF program.
ETF orders have $0 online commission, but whole-share purchases are distinct from Stock Slices.
Verify with Charles SchwabSoFi Invest
FROM $5Recurring purchases for eligible fractional stocks and ETFs.
Not every security is fractional-eligible; review the order screen and fee schedule.
Verify with SoFi InvestBefore your first deposit
Check whether your chosen stock or ETF supports fractional orders, whether recurring purchases are available, and how orders are executed. Fractional shares may not transfer between brokers as fractions, and voting rights can differ.
A broad, low-cost diversified fund may be a simpler starting point than a concentrated theme. Neither fractional shares nor a small dollar amount removes market risk.