- Stock Market
Best Stock Trading Apps With No Hidden Fees
Are you tired of getting excited about free stock trades only to find hidden fees lurking behind the scenes? Many new and experienced investors are now searching for apps that offer truly transparent pricing—no fine print, no surprise charges.
The good news? You've got options. 2025 has brought a wave of trading platforms that are not only beginner-friendly but also upfront with their costs. Whether you're trading casually or managing a serious portfolio, we've rounded up some of the best stock trading apps with no hidden fees to help you make more brilliant financial moves.
Let's explore which platforms cut and what makes them stand out.
Robinhood: The OG of Zero-Commission Trading
Robinhood started the zero-commission revolution, and it remains one of the top choices for investors who dislike hidden costs.
Why does it stand out
Commission-Free Trades
You can buy and sell U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options without paying a cent in commissions.
No Account Minimums
You can start investing with as little as $1.
Simple UI
The design is clean, and the app is straightforward to navigate—even if you're brand new to investing.
Hidden Fee Watch
While Robinhood itself doesn't charge for trades, it earns revenue through order flow (which some critics argue could affect trade execution quality). Still, there are no hidden charges for activities such as inactivity, maintenance, or withdrawals.
Best for: Beginners who want to dip their toes into the stock market without dealing with complicated platforms.
Fidelity: Transparent, Reliable, And Rich In Tools
Fidelity continues to earn high marks for being one of the most honest brokers around. And yes, it offers a lot for zero cost.
Why does it stand out
$0 Commissions
Trade U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options without paying commissions.
Fractional Shares
Invest in big-name stocks for as little as $1.
Advanced Tools
Even with zero-cost trades, you get access to robust research and analysis tools.
Hidden Fee Watch
Fidelity is about as upfront as it gets. You won't find inactivity fees, transfer fees, or hidden charges tucked away in the terms and conditions. That's one reason it consistently ranks at the top for customer satisfaction.
Best for: Investors who want low fees but also value detailed research and long-term planning tools.
SoFi Invest: Easy, Intuitive, And All-In-One
SoFi began with student loans, but its investment platform is now one of the most user-friendly trading apps available.
Why does it stand out
No Trading Fees
Buy and sell stocks and ETFs without any commissions.
Fractional Investing
Called “Stock Bits,” this feature lets you invest in expensive companies with small amounts.
Extra Perks
Free financial planning sessions with certified advisors are available to members.
Hidden Fee Watch
No hidden trading fees. SoFi generates revenue through lending products and interest, while its investment platform remains transparent.
Best for: Young professionals who want to invest and manage personal finances all in one app.
Public.com: Investing With A Social Twist
Public.com offers something a little different—it blends stock trading with social media. And it does so without burying fees in fine print.
Why does it stand out
Commission-Free Trades
Stocks and ETFs, all at no cost.
Fractional Shares
Start investing with as little as $5.
Transparency Built-In
Public no longer makes money through payment for order flow, which gives it an edge in transparency.
Hidden Fee Watch
You won't find unexpected fees here. Public lists optional charges (such as tipping for trades) and doesn't force users into subscriptions or additional costs.
Best for: Social-savvy investors who want to learn from a community and prefer a more ethical trading model.
Webull: Power Tools For Zero Dollars
Webull is known for its sleek interface, technical charts, and zero-commission model. It's an excellent fit for more active traders.
Why does it stand out
$0 Commissions
Includes stocks, ETFs, and even options trading.
Technical Analysis
Offers advanced charting tools and real-time market data.
Extended Hours Trading
Pre-market and after-hours trades at no extra cost.
Hidden Fee Watch
There's no catch when it comes to stock trading. However, like most apps, there may be small fees from regulators (like SEC or FINRA fees), but Webull itself doesn’t sneak in extra costs.
Best for: Traders who want more tools and data without paying platform or transaction fees.
Charles Schwab: A Veteran That Keeps Evolving
Charles Schwab may be an old name, but its app and zero-fee trading model are perfect for modern investors.
Why does it stand out
Commission-Free
Stocks and ETFs come with no trading fees.
Fractional Shares
Called “Schwab Stock Slices,” you can invest in S&P 500 companies from $5.
Strong Ecosystem
Get access to retirement accounts, planning tools, and human advisors.
Hidden Fee Watch
No surprises here. Schwab is transparent about its pricing. There are fees for services such as broker-assisted trades or paper statements, but these are optional and disclosed.
Best for: Long-term investors seeking a trusted name with numerous additional features.
M1 Finance: Automate Your Investing Life
M1 Finance isn’t just about trading—it’s about building a portfolio that runs itself. And it doesn’t nickel-and-dime you in the process.
Why does it stand out
No Fees for Trading
Build and automate your portfolio without paying trading commissions.
“Pies” System
Allocate your money into pre-set or custom portfolios for automatic rebalancing.
Cash Management
Combine investing with savings features.
Hidden Fee Watch
No trading fees, no asset management fees on regular accounts. There is a paid version (M1 Plus), but you can still access most features with the free version.
Best for: Investors seeking a hands-off, long-term approach with transparent pricing.
How to Choose the Right App
Still unsure? Here are some quick tips to match the right app to your style:
- For beginners: Robinhood, SoFi, or Public
- For active traders: Webull or Fidelity
- For hands-off investors: M1 Finance or Schwab
- For community learning: Public.com
- For complete financial planning, SoFi or Fidelity
Also, double-check whether the app charges for features like wire transfers, paper statements, or instant deposits. Most of these won't affect everyday users, but it's always good to know upfront.
Making Your First Trade Without Worry
There's never been a better time to start investing. With so many apps removing the confusion and cutting the fees, you can focus on learning and growing your portfolio, without second-guessing every click.
From beginner-friendly tools to advanced features for seasoned traders, these apps make stock trading more transparent, affordable, and accessible than ever. Start small, stay consistent, and most importantly, know where your money is going.