Choosing the right stock broker is one of the first and most important decisions every investor and trader makes. With dozens of platforms available in the U.S., it can be difficult to separate the hype from real value. SoFi Invest is one name that continues to attract beginner and intermediate traders with its sleek interface, zero-commission model, and suite of financial services.
In this detailed 2025 SoFi Invest review, we’ll explore everything you need to know before opening an account. From fees and features to pros and cons, we’ll help you decide if SoFi is the right fit for your investing journey. We’ll also touch on how prop firms like TradeThePool offer a different path to getting started with trading — especially if you don’t have a large deposit.
What Is SoFi Invest?
SoFi Invest is the investing arm of SoFi (Social Finance, Inc.), a financial technology company known for personal loans, banking, and student loan refinancing. SoFi Invest offers commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, along with automated investing options and access to IPOs.
Launched to make investing simple and accessible, SoFi Invest is designed for users who want to manage their money all in one place. It’s especially appealing to beginners and younger investors looking for an all-in-one solution.
Who Should Use SoFi Invest?
SoFi Invest is ideal for:
- Beginner investors who want a simple platform
- Traders looking for $0 commission trades
- Investors interested in automatic investing or robo-advisors
- People who want to invest in fractional shares
- Users seeking access to IPOs without high account minimums
However, SoFi might not be the best choice for active day traders or those who need advanced tools and charting capabilities.
Key Features of SoFi Invest (2025)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Individual, Joint, IRA |
| Investment Options | Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, IPOs |
| Trading Fees | $0 Commission |
| Fractional Shares | Yes (starting from $5) |
| Automated Investing | Yes (robo-advisory, no fees) |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Access to IPOs | Yes (no account minimum) |
| Platform | Web, Mobile App |
| Customer Support | Live chat, email, phone |
SoFi Invest: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- $0 commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Fractional shares for as little as $5
- No account minimum to get started
- Free automated investing with portfolio rebalancing
- Access to IPO investing for regular users
- Clean, easy-to-use mobile interface
- Integrated with SoFi Money, SoFi Credit Card, and loans
Cons:
- Limited tools for advanced or active traders
- No mutual funds or bonds
- No tax-loss harvesting in automated accounts
- Crypto investing is handled by a third-party partner
Pricing and Fees Breakdown
| Service | Fee |
| Stock/ETF Trading | $0 |
| Options Trading | Not offered |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | 1.25% spread fee |
| Automated Investing | $0 management fee |
| Account Minimum | $0 |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
SoFi Invest is one of the most cost-effective platforms for casual investors in 2025. With no commissions or management fees for robo-investing, it’s hard to beat in the low commission brokers category.
SoFi Invest User Experience
The SoFi app is designed with the beginner in mind. The layout is simple, navigation is intuitive, and the signup process is smooth. Real-time quotes, account overviews, and educational content are integrated throughout the experience.
Features like Stock Bits (fractional shares) and automatic recurring investments make it easier for new users to build long-term portfolios.
The platform’s biggest drawback is its lack of customization and professional-grade tools — which might be a deal-breaker for seasoned or high-frequency traders.
SoFi Automated Investing
If you prefer a hands-off approach, SoFi’s automated investing is a solid option. It offers:
- Diversified portfolios based on your risk tolerance
- Automatic rebalancing
- No advisory or management fees
You can open an automated investing account with as little as $1. While it’s not the most sophisticated robo-advisor in the market, it provides excellent value for beginners.
SoFi vs Other Discount Brokers (2025)
| Feature | SoFi Invest | Robinhood | Webull | Fidelity |
| Stock/ETF Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Crypto Trading | Yes (1.25% fee) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Options Trading | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Investing | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| IRA Accounts | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Fractional Shares | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access to IPOs | Yes | Limited | No | No |
SoFi is clearly best suited for those who want a simplified, integrated experience. Robinhood and Webull win on active trading tools, while Fidelity remains a strong all-rounder.
Is SoFi Safe and Regulated?
Yes. SoFi Invest is a member of FINRA and SIPC. This means your account is insured up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash claims) in case the brokerage fails.
SoFi also uses modern encryption and authentication methods to keep your personal and financial data secure.
What SoFi Is Missing
While SoFi is great for beginners, here’s what it lacks:
- Advanced trading tools and indicators
- Options trading for more active strategies
- Tax optimization features like tax-loss harvesting
- Custom screeners and detailed financial metrics
If you’re planning to become a full-time or highly active trader, SoFi may not scale with your needs.
Prop Trading: A Great Option for Traders Without Big Capital
Many traders are also exploring TradeThePool stock prop firm in 2025 — these stock prop firms fund traders, so you can trade with little or no deposit.
Why consider a prop firm like TradeThePool?
- No large deposit needed when trading with a prop firm
- Access up to $260,000 in funded trading capital
- Keep a share of profits as you trade remotely
- Daily risk management rules and training programs
Prop firms help you get funded to trade remotely, making them ideal for talented traders without access to personal capital.
To learn more, visit TradeThePool.com.
FAQ: SoFi Invest Review 2025
1. Is SoFi Invest good for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed to be beginner-friendly with no commissions, a clean interface, and helpful features like fractional shares and automatic investing.
2. Can I buy crypto on SoFi Invest?
Yes, you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies, although a 1.25% spread fee applies.
3. Is SoFi a safe and regulated broker?
Yes. SoFi is a registered broker-dealer with FINRA and SIPC coverage.
4. Does SoFi Invest offer options trading?
No, options trading is not available on SoFi as of 2025.
5. How does SoFi compare to Robinhood or Webull?
SoFi is better for long-term investors and automation. Robinhood and Webull offer better tools for active trading.
6. Is there a minimum deposit to start investing with SoFi?
No. You can start investing with $0.
7. Can I access IPOs on SoFi?
Yes, you can invest in IPOs directly through the SoFi platform without high account requirements.
8. Is SoFi Invest a low commission broker?
Absolutely. SoFi charges no commission on stocks or ETFs, and its automated investing has zero advisory fees.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use SoFi Invest in 2025?
SoFi Invest is one of the best trading platforms for beginner and intermediate investors who want simplicity, zero fees, and integrated financial tools. While it lacks the advanced features some active traders may need, it’s more than enough for anyone starting their investing journey in the U.S.
And if you’re a skilled trader but don’t have enough capital to trade large positions, prop trading may be a better path.
Want to start trading without using your own money? Explore the top-rated stock prop firm tradethepool.com.
