Thinking about starting your investment journey, but got discouraged by high fees? Fees can eat into your returns more than you'd expect, especially when you're just getting started. The good news? There are platforms available that make it easier by charging no monthly fees.

Which platforms help you grow your money without charging you just to be there? Let's explore the top investment platforms that offer no monthly maintenance fees, along with their key features, advantages, and who they're best suited for. Whether you're a beginner investor or someone looking to cut down on unnecessary costs, this list will help you choose smarter.

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity is one of the oldest names in the industry, and it has done a great job of keeping up with modern investor needs.

Why It Stands Out

Fidelity charges no monthly account fees, no minimums, and even offers zero-expense-ratio index funds—a rare find.

Best For: Long-term investors, retirement planners, and index fund fans.

Top Features:

• Commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs
• No account minimum to get started
• Fractional share investing
• Wide range of retirement and brokerage accounts
• Strong research tools for all skill levels

Worth Noting:

Fidelity offers a clean mobile experience, but it isn't as sleek as some newer apps. Still, the cost-saving potential makes it a winner.

Charles Schwab

Schwab has long been a favourite for serious investors, but it's just as welcoming to beginners now. And, yes, there are no monthly fees here either.

Why It Stands Out

The platform blends professional-grade tools with a zero monthly fee policy. You can also trade U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options for free.

Best for: Long-term investors seeking reliability and a diverse range of investment options.

Top Features:

• No maintenance or inactivity fees
• $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs
• Access to robo-advising with Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
• Strong customer support

Worth Noting:

Some mutual funds on Schwab may still incur transaction fees, so be sure to double-check before making a purchase.

SoFi Invest

Looking for an easy entry point into investing, without having to worry about monthly charges or complicated setups? SoFi might be your thing.

Why It Stands Out

SoFi Invest is built for simplicity. You can choose between active investing (do it yourself) and automated investing (hands-off)—all without paying a cent in monthly fees.

Best for: Beginners and casual investors seeking a straightforward experience.

Top Features:

• No management or platform fees
• $0 commissions on stock and ETF trades
• Access to IPO investing (rare for free platforms!)
• Free financial planning with human advisors

Worth Noting:

Crypto investing is also available on SoFi, but note that trading fees apply for crypto transactions.

Webull

Want something built for active traders, but still budget-friendly? Webull is sleek, modern, and free of monthly fees.

Why It Stands Out

Webull offers powerful trading tools and charts without charging account maintenance fees. That’s especially rare among platforms that cater to active traders.

Best For: Intermediate to advanced investors who want more analytics and don’t want to pay for them.

Top Features:

• $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options
• No account minimums or monthly fees
• Extended trading hours
• Real-time data and charting tools

Worth Noting:

Webull doesn't offer mutual funds or bonds, so it's not the best option if you're looking to build a diversified retirement portfolio.

Robinhood

You probably know Robinhood already, but does it charge any monthly fees to use the basic version?

Why It Stands Out

Robinhood brought zero-commission trading into the spotlight, and its straightforward interface is still a top draw.

Best For: New investors who want to get started quickly, with a minimal learning curve.

Top Features:

• No monthly fees or account minimums
• Commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, and options
• Crypto investing (with trading fees)
• Fractional shares

Worth Noting:

Robinhood Gold (premium version) has a monthly fee, but the free version is powerful enough for most beginner investors.

Public.com

Want to invest with your values—and not pay monthly maintenance fees? The public is making that easier.

Why It Stands Out

The public focuses on social and community investing, allowing you to follow other investors and see what they're trading. And yes, it's completely free to open and maintain an account.

Best For: People who want to learn by watching others and are drawn to values-based investing.

Top Features:

• Zero commissions and no monthly fees
• Themed investing (clean energy, diversity, etc.)
• Fractional shares
• Community feed with real-time updates

Worth Noting:

The public has recently shifted away from crypto investing but is now focusing more on alternative assets and community growth.

M1 Finance

If you like the idea of automated investing with complete control, M1 Finance brings the best of both worlds—and doesn't charge monthly fees for its basic plan.

Why It Stands Out

M1 allows you to build custom portfolios, called "pies," and automate the whole investing process—all without ongoing costs.

Best For: Investors who want structure and automation but don’t want to pay for a robo-advisor.

Top Features:

• No monthly or annual fees (for basic account)
• Automated rebalancing and contributions
• Fractional shares
• Borrowing and cash management options

Worth Noting:

M1 Plus (the premium version) comes with added features but does have an annual fee. Stick to the free version if you're cost-conscious.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right platform depends on how you like to invest, what you want to invest in, and how hands-on you want to be. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Platform	Best For	Highlights
Fidelity	Long-term investors	Zero-expense-ratio funds
Charles Schwab	All-around reliable investing	Great research tools
SoFi Invest	Beginners & young professionals	Free financial advisors
Webull	Active traders	Advanced tools, no fees
Robinhood	New investors	Super simple UI
Public.com	Value-driven investors	Social investing
M1 Finance	Automated DIY investing	Smart portfolio management

Investing Without Monthly Fees Is Possible

You no longer have to pay monthly to access great investing tools. From established giants like Fidelity to newer players like Public or M1 Finance, there are numerous options to suit your style and budget.

The key? Start somewhere. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow. So take that first step. Choose the platform that matches your goals and get started, without worrying about fees quietly draining your gains. Because smart investing should be about growing your money, not losing it to maintenance charges.