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Looking back a decade ago, the situation for investors, especially in the Netherlands, was very different. Banks, were the primary option for investing. Their services often came with higher costs and restrictions before you could join. Online platforms were either not yet established or not widely accessible. There was much less freedom for you to manage your own individual stocks.
In the global market nowadays, there are many online brokers, that offer user friendly, low costs options for training with access to global stock markets.
This article on “How to Start Investing in Stocks” is for general information and education only. This is not financial or investment advice. Make sure you do your own research or talk to a qualified advisor about your personal situation before making decisions.
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Investing in Stocks
When you only save money in the bank, you will face three (3) key problems:
- Your money is losing value over time because bank interest rates often do not keep up with inflation.
- You miss out on growth opportunities, limiting your ability to achieve financial goals like buying a home, retiring comfortably, or achieving financial freedom/independence.
- You remain passive about money, potentially leading to insecurity or dependence on the government later in life
Investing in stocks empowers you to take control of your financial future. Psychologically, it builds confidence and financial awareness. Factually, stocks have historically delivered strong long-term returns, outperforming other asset classes.
Financially, stock investing supports your money growing faster than inflation, supporting your future goals.
Even a small portion of your money, monthly consistent investments can add up, and making it one of the smartest steps you can take for long-term wealth. It all starts with your mindset and willing to do research and reading the best books about money mindset.
How to Start Investing in Stocks
To start buying stocks you need to choose a stockbroker or online trading platform. You will have to set up an account with a licensed broker or an online trading platform to buy and sell shares.
In most countries brokers must be regulated by a financial authority (AFM Netherlands, ASIC Australia, and SEC USA). Therefore it is key to do your research to ensure the platform you choose is reputable and meets your needs.
To start buying stocks you need to choose a stockbroker or online trading platform and set up an account. In most countries brokers must be regulated by a financial authority. Do your research to ensure the platform you choose is reputable and meets your needs.
The Barriers to Start Investing
For many first-time investors it might not be easy to start today with investing in stocks. There are a lot of outdated myths circling around like: “Are brokers expensive?”, “Are online platforms risky or unsafe?” and “Do I need a financial advisor or large sums of money?”
When online trading platforms first emerged, some lacked regulation, consumer protection standards, or transparency, which made investors cautious.
In the past many brokers required a minimum investments and investors often needed to work through an advisor to access the markets.
Today, online platforms are heavily regulated in most countries (e.g., AFM in the Netherlands, FCA in the UK, SEC in the USA). Online brokers dominate the market, offering user-friendly apps, a commission-free or low-fee investing with no or very small account minimums.
The myths are outdated because regulatory improvements, technological advances, and competition have removed many of the previous barriers. This means that investing is now accessible to everyone, as long as you approach it with care and proper education.
Before opening an online broker account, you need to adopt a long-term, disciplined money mindset.
Focus on investing in stocks for future goals rather than quick wins. Approach investing in stocks as a gradual, informed process, not a way to get rich quick.
Requirements for Selection of Brokers and Platforms
I have done research to ensure the brokers and online platforms meet the key requirements. The key requirements are: accessibility to individual investors, fee structures, availability of global stocks, ease of account setup, and dominance in their respective markets.
1. Regulation & Investor Protection
All platforms included are licensed and regulated in their home jurisdictions (e.g., BaFin in Germany, FCA in the UK, SEC in the USA). Many also offer statutory deposit protection or securities insurance (e.g., SIPC, FSCS, EU deposit guarantee scheme).
2. Accessibility for Individuals
These platforms allow you as individual investors to open accounts online easily and typically do not require large initial deposits.
3. Competitive Fees
The platforms have transparent, low-cost structures suitable for you, as beginner, including commission-free trading or flat-fee models (important for managing costs).
4. Platform Features
The platforms compared offer simple interfaces, access to global stocks, and additional services like fractional shares or savings plans, which are attractive for you as new investor.
5. Relevance by Region
Platforms were selected to reflect leading choices per continent. In case you are located in Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, you can identify your regional options.
The key requirements to select a broker or online platform are: investor accessibility, fee, access to global stocks, simple account setup, and strong market presence.
World Stock Investing: Brokers and Online Platforms
The platforms for investing in stocks below have been selected to give you a representative overview of regulated, beginner-friendly online brokers and investing apps across different regions.
These platforms were based on their accessibility to individual investors, fee structures, availability of global stocks, ease of account setup, and prominence in their respective markets.
This list is not an endorsement or ranking. The best platform depends on your personal circumstances, location, and investment objectives.
Always review a broker’s terms, costs, and regulatory protections in your country, before opening an account.
When selecting a online platform for investing in stocks, evaluate:
✓ Regulation and regulatory protections.
✓ Fees, transaction costs, and charges.
✓ Features like, dashboards, portfolios, savings plans, and educational tools.
Europe & UK
Trade Republic
Trade Republic is a German-based broker offering a streamlined mobile platform for stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. It charges EUR 1 fee per transaction, with no fees on savings plans, and provides 2% interest on uninvested euro balances. The platform is regulated by BaFin, with deposit protection of up to EUR 100,000 under the German deposit guarantee scheme. The platform is mobile-and-user friendly with a sleek design.
- Focus: Stocks, ETFs, Crypto not in every European country available
- Fees: EUR 1 per trade; 0% on savings plans
- Interest: 2% on uninvested euro balances
- Deposit protection: EUR 100,000 (Germany)
- Regulator: BaFin in Germany
Trading 212
Trading 212 delivers commission-free trading across stocks and ETFs. The platform is regulated by both the Bulgarian FSC and the UK FCA, with deposit protection up to EUR 20,000 under the Bulgarian scheme. The platform appeals to investors seeking flexibility and a user-friendly interface.
- Focus: Stocks, ETFs, Fractional Shares
- Fees: Commission-free
- Deposit protection: EUR 20,000 (Bulgaria)
- Regulators: FSC in Bulgaria and FCA in UK
DEGIRO
DEGIRO is a Dutch branch of a German bank, known for broad market access and low-cost trading. It offers a transparent fee structure and safeguards client assets through segregated accounts and protection up to EUR 100,000 under the German scheme. DEGIRO is regulated by the German BaFin, and the AFM and DNB in the Netherlands, ensuring robust oversight.
- Focus: Broad EU and US markets
- Fees: Low-cost, transparent pricing
- Deposit protection: Segregated securities, cash deposit protection EUR 100,000 (Germany).
- Regulators: BaFin in Germany, AFM and DNB in the Netherlands
Popular stockbrokers and online investment platforms in Europe: Trade Republic, Trading 212, and DEGIRO.
United States
Alinea Invest
Alinea Invest is a modern, beginner-friendly investing app aimed at Gen Z, Millennials, and women, with a focus on thematic portfolios and educational tools. It offers ESG and trend-based investing options, making it appealing for socially conscious investors. Alinea is SEC-registered and client assets are protected by SIPC insurance up to USD 500,000.
- Focus: Beginner investors; thematic and ESG portfolios
- Fees: No account minimums; trading fees vary
- Deposit protection: SIPC protection up to USD 500,000
- Regulator: SEC in the United States
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is a large, established US broker known for its extensive research tools and broad access to US financial markets. It offers a wide range of account types and investment products, catering to both beginners and experienced investors.
- Focus: Comprehensive US market access; research and tools
- Fees: Low-cost trading; commission-free US stock trades
- Deposit protection: SIPC protection up to USD 500,000
- Regulator: SEC in the United States
Robinhood
Robinhood is a mobile-first platform offering commission-free trading, fractional shares, and an intuitive interface, popular among first-time US investors. In addition, the platform is SEC-registered and SIPC-protected but has a more limited product range than traditional brokers.
- Focus: Commission-free trading; beginner-friendly app
- Fees: No commissions on US stocks and ETFs
- Deposit protection: SIPC protection up to USD 500,000
- Regulator: SEC in the United States
Popular stockbrokers and online investment platforms in the United States: Alinea Invest, Charles Schwab and Robinhood.
More Articles on Investing Insights
➺ What Is a Stock and Stock Market?
➺ European Broker Trade Republic: claim welcome bonus, credited within 21 days after first transaction.
➺ Employee Stock Ownership: Types of Stocks & Employee Actions.
➺ Stock Investment Strategies: How Much to Invest, What to Buy?
➺ Discover the Best Books About Money Mindset.
※ This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. Investing involves risks, and you should always do your own research and/or seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional regarding your specific financial situation. Any actions you take based on this content are entirely at your own risk. References to (trading) platforms, financial products, or services are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, or a guarantee of future performance.
