The Ultimate Guide: The Best Apps to Invest with Little Money in 2025

Access to financial markets no longer requires large initial investments. Currently, there are multiple platforms that allow beginner investors to start with small capital, trading stocks, cryptocurrencies, currencies, and other instruments from their mobile devices. We present an analysis of the most viable options for those looking to start investing without risking their assets.

What to look for before choosing an investment app

Before downloading any app, it’s advisable to evaluate certain critical aspects that will make a difference in your experience as an investor.

Security as the top priority

Not all platforms offer the same level of protection. It’s essential to verify that the broker is regulated by recognized authorities such as FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), or CNMV (Spain). These entities oversee fund custody and ensure regulatory compliance, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

Execution speed and ease of operation

The difference between a good investment and a mediocre one lies in the ability to act quickly. Agile platforms allow you to open and close positions seamlessly. This is especially relevant in volatile markets where every second counts.

Variety of assets and competitive costs

A diversified portfolio requires access to multiple asset classes. Reduced spreads and the absence of unnecessary commissions directly impact your net gains. Compare what each platform offers for the same cost.

Risk management tools

Stop-loss and take-profit are not luxuries; they are necessities. Available leverage also determines how much you can amplify your capital, albeit with increased associated risk.

Five platforms that meet these standards

MiTrade: Global access with low initial capital

Founded in Australia, MiTrade has expanded its operations to over 196 countries with 2.4 million active users. Its most attractive feature is a minimum deposit of just $20, the lowest in the market, and the possibility to access demo accounts with $50,000 virtual funds.

The platform specializes in CFDs across multiple markets: stocks, currencies, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices. It offers leverage of up to 1:200 and stands out for its negative balance protection policy: your maximum loss will never exceed your initial deposit.

Users particularly value deposits in USDT and the total absence of commissions (only spreads apply). New members receive a $100 coupon upon registration. Execution speed remains optimal on both web and iOS and Android apps.

Regulation: ASIC, CIMA, FSC | Leverage: 1:200 | Minimum deposit: $20

AvaTrade: Technological innovation from Ireland

Founded in 2006, AvaTrade obtained a banking license from Irish authorities and has maintained a focus on constant innovation. Its proprietary platform AvaTrade GO is optimized for mobile, though it also supports MetaTrader 4 and 5.

It features tools like Zulu Trade and Dupli Trade that automate strategies. Access to stocks, currencies, bonds, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and indices. The minimum deposit is $100. Although it supports copy trading, a notable drawback is the inactivity fee after 3 months without trading.

Regulation: FCA, CySEC, ASIC | Leverage: 1:30 | Minimum deposit: $100

Plus500: Solid and with massive reach

With 25 million global users since its founding in 2008, Plus500 is synonymous with stability in CFD trading. Its app includes automatic change alerts and unlimited free demo accounts, ideal for practicing without pressure.

The interface is beginner-friendly, offering access to stocks, currencies, cryptocurrencies, commodities, ETFs, and indices. However, it requires a $100 initial deposit and charges a $10 monthly inactivity fee. Some users report long withdrawal times.

Regulation: FCA, CySEC, ASIC | Leverage: 1:30 | Minimum deposit: $100

XM: Maximum leverage and continuous analysis

XM has been operating since 2009 with a presence in 196 countries and 2.5 million clients. Its distinctive feature is leverage of up to 1:1000, though with proportional risk. It offers four different account types tailored to various profiles.

An added value is the constant generation of economic analysis, news, and market information that facilitates taking early positions. The minimum deposit is just $5, the most accessible in the sector. Supports MetaTrader 4 and 5, copy trading, and spreads from 0.01 pip. The downside is the inactivity fee of $15 every three months without trading.

Regulation: FCA, IFSC, DFSA, CySEC, ASIC | Leverage: 1:1000 | Minimum deposit: $5

eToro: Simplified financial democratization

Considered a pioneer in accessibility, eToro has attracted 30 million users through an intuitive interface. It allows both CFD trading and investment in real assets (stocks and spot cryptocurrencies), which is rare in the sector.

The entire process, from registration to first trade, is surprisingly simple. Initial deposit of $50. Includes copy trading and a club system with progressive discounts. Limitations arise when advanced investors seek more complex tools: higher spreads compared to competitors and a cumbersome KYC verification process.

Regulation: FCA, CySEC, ASIC | Leverage: 1:30 | Minimum deposit: $50

Cost comparison in investment applications

Spreads vary significantly between platforms. MiTrade offers competitive spreads with zero commissions, while XM has the lowest (from 0.01 pip) but charges inactivity fees. Plus500 and eToro have wider spreads as compensation for their simple interface.

Withdrawal fees are another variable: AvaTrade and eToro charge $5, while others offer free transfers. The inactivity fee is common: $10-15 monthly after three months without trading.

The role of regulation in your protection

The main trading licenses are:

• FCA (UK): The most demanding, with high standards
• CySEC (Cyprus): Respectable European community regulation
• ASIC (Australia): Recognized for rigorous supervision
• CNMV (Spain): Local Spanish regulation
• FSC/FSA: Valid licenses but with less international coverage

All the apps analyzed comply with at least two of these regulations, ensuring a certain level of security.

First steps: From theory to practice

Most of these investment apps with small amounts offer free demo accounts. Start practicing without real risk: familiarize yourself with the interface, test different orders, experiment with minimal leverage.

Once you have grasped the basics and gained operational confidence, open a real account with your initial deposit. Consider starting with modest capital even then: many successful investors began by investing an amount equivalent to a dinner, reinvesting profits gradually.

The key is to choose the platform that best fits your risk profile, experience, and financial goals. Options are available; now it’s up to you to decide which one accompanies you on your journey as an investor.