Minimum Deposit Explained: What Brokers Require
Minimum deposits vary from $0 to thousands of dollars. Understand why brokers set minimums, which brokers require the least, and what it means for your investing.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Most major US brokers now have no minimum deposit requirement, making investing accessible to everyone.
- ✓Some brokers, particularly international and forex-focused platforms, still require minimum deposits of $100-$2,000.
- ✓A higher minimum deposit does not necessarily mean a better broker — evaluate all factors before deciding.
- ✓Fractional shares allow you to start investing with as little as $1, even in expensive stocks like Amazon.
A minimum deposit is the smallest amount of money a broker requires you to fund your account with when opening it. In the past, many brokers required thousands of dollars to open an account, creating a significant barrier to entry for new investors. Today, the trend toward zero-minimum accounts has made investing accessible to virtually anyone.
Brokers With No Minimum Deposit
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Fractional Shares | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 | Yes (from $1) | Long-term investing |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | Yes | Full-service banking + investing |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | Yes | Cost-conscious active traders |
| Robinhood | $0 | Yes (from $1) | Mobile-first trading |
| Webull | $0 | Yes (from $1) | Mobile trading |
Brokers With Higher Minimums
Some brokers — particularly those targeting active traders, premium services, or international markets — still require minimum deposits. These range from $50-$200 (eToro in some regions) to $2,000-$10,000 (Saxo Bank premium accounts). The rationale varies: some brokers use minimums to target more serious investors, while others use them to offset the cost of providing premium services or access to international markets.