Advertiser Disclosure
Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which The Motley Fool receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear), but our reviews and ratings are not influenced by compensation. We do not include all companies or all offers available in the marketplace.
Christy Bieber is a full-time personal finance and legal writer with more than a decade of experience. She has a JD from UCLA as well as a degree in English, Media and Communications with a Certificate in Business Management from the University of Rochester. In addition to writing for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, her work has also been featured regularly on MSN Money, CNBC, and USA Today. She also ghost writes textbooks, serves as a subject matter expert for online course design, and is a former college instructor.
Robin Hartill, CFP®, is The Ascent’s Head of Product Ratings and has worked for The Motley Fool since 2020. Her work has appeared in various national publications, including Yahoo! Finance, NerdWallet, Investopedia, CNN Underscored, MSNBC, USA Today, and CNET Money. She previously wrote The Penny Hoarder’s syndicated “Dear Penny” personal finance advice column. She is based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Eric McWhinnie has been writing and editing digital content since 2010. He specializes in personal finance and investing. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Deciding between Stash vs. Robinhood? Robinhood provides access to a wider variety of different assets to invest in, but Stash offers some unique features including its Stock-Back program, which allows you to earn free stock when you shop with your debit card.
Take a look at the key differences between Stash vs. Robinhood to find out which investing app is right for you.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Commissions
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $6.99 monthly for Robinhood Gold
Robinhood and Stash work very differently in terms of pricing.
Stash charges $3 for its Stash Growth plan and $9 per month for its Stash+ plan. Robinhood doesn't charge any monthly fees (unless you opt for Robinhood Gold at $5 monthly). However, Stash offers services Robinhood doesn't, which may make this fee worth paying for some investors.
Some of Stash's key features that justify its monthly fee include access to personalized portfolio recommendations, life insurance, and the Stock-Back Rewards® card, a debit card that allows you to earn stock rewards with purchases.
Robinhood has traditionally required investors to be more hands-on than Stash, both with moving money into their investment accounts and with selecting their investment mix. However, the Robinhood app provides personalized portfolio recommendations for investors who haven’t yet made their first trade. This feature may help cement Robinhood's place as one of the best online brokers for beginners, and may make it more attractive to those who need more hand-holding when it comes to building their portfolio.
The good news is, neither Robinhood nor Stash charge commission fees for buying stocks so you won't pay for your trades with either platform.
Stash
Robinhood
Stock & ETF commissions
$0
$0
Options commissions
N/A
$0
Crypto commissions
N/A
0%
Mutual fund commissions
N/A
N/A (Robinhood doesn't allow trading of mutual funds)
Account transfer fee
$75 for Automated Customer Account Transfers
$100
Account maintenance fee
$3- $9 per month
$0, or $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold
Data sources: Stash and Robinhood.
Stash vs. Robinhood: Investments available
Stash allows you to invest in thousands of different stocks and ETFs. You also have the option to select personalized portfolios or set up automated investing so the app will buy assets for you.
You have the option to buy fractional shares on Stash with as little as $5, and can gain exposure to different asset classes, such as bonds, through Stash's extensive ETF offerings. If you're looking for the best robo-advisors, Stash may also be worth considering given its investment options. It's unique in that it offers some automated investing opportunities and pre-built portfolios while also allowing you to select individual investments. With many robo-advisors, you must give up the option to control your own portfolio entirely, but Stash doesn't require that.
Robinhood, on the other hand, doesn't provide as much investing help as Stash does. But, like Stash, it also offers stocks, ETFs, and fractional share investing. It also offers cryptocurrency investing, which Stash doesn't. If you want to try your hand at investing in virtual coins, Robinhood Crypto could be the solution. And if you're looking for the best options trading platforms, Robinhood is also worth a look as the brokerage firm doesn't charge an options contract fee as many competitors do.
Stash
Robinhood
Stocks and ETFs
Yes
Yes
Fractional shares
Yes
Yes
Options
No
Yes
Mutual funds
No
No
CDs
No
No
Bonds
No
No
Futures
No
No
Crypto
No
Yes
Currencies
No
No
Data sources: Stash and Robinhood.
Alternatives to Consider
We recommend comparing brokerage options to ensure the account you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of our best trading platforms of 2024.
Account
Fees
Account Minimum
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $6.99 monthly for Robinhood Gold
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Robinhood and Stash's account offerings differ a bit.
Robinhood and Stash both offer traditional and Roth IRAs. Stash won't let you trade on margin, though, while Robinhood does.
Stash's banking offerings are also much more robust than Robinhood's and its Stock-Back® Card really sets it apart. This unique feature allows you to earn stock with purchases. You can acquire stock in companies you shop with. You can also choose a custom investment for your Stock-Back® rewards when you make local purchases at companies that don't have stock shares available to buy on Stash.
Stash
Robinhood
Taxable brokerage
Yes
Yes
Joint tenant
No
Yes
Margin
No
Yes
Robo-advisor
Yes
No
Traditional IRA
Yes
Yes
Roth IRA
Yes
Yes
Other IRA
No
No
Custodial
Yes (With Stash+ $9 monthly plan)
No
Checking
Yes
No, but offers a spending account
Savings
Yes
No, but has an interest-bearing cash sweep feature
Credit card
Yes
No
Data sources: Stash and Robinhood.
Stash vs. Robinhood: Mobile app and trading platforms
Both Stash and Robinhood are well-known for their user-friendly, well-reviewed apps. Robinhood's app received a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating on the iOS store, while Stash's app received 4.7 stars.
Both Stash's app and Robinhood's app allow you to easily research stocks and purchase investments. Stash also allows you to track your Stock-Back® rewards and manage your banking account, while Robinhood offers more in-depth trading and research tools on its platform than Stash does.
Final take
If you're interested in crypto investing or don't want to pay a monthly fee for your investment app, Robinhood is likely your better bet. But if you're intrigued by the idea of earning Stock-Back® rewards for purchases or you want an investment platform that's a cross between a robo-advisor and a traditional discount brokerage firm, Stash may be the ideal choice. Ultimately, you can't go wrong when deciding between Stash vs. Robinhood so you'll just need to think about which app best meets your needs.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Stash has an easy-to-understand fee structure as well as a low barrier to entry to start investing. It has tools that are great for beginners and even comes with a debit card.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Bottom Line
Robinhood is a simple, low-cost brokerage with a few rare perks. What it lacks in customer service it provides in a smooth in-app experience. Without membership, you will lack research resources but still be able to trade affordably. With a membership, you can earn 3% and 1% match on IRA and taxable deposits. The app grows fast -- new perks are being released at a rapid pace.
The best investment app depends on your preferences. Robinhood tends to be better for those who aren't seeking personalized portfolio recommendations, along with those who want access to options trading and cryptocurrency. Stash is a better fit for those who want personalized investment and financial recommendations.
The Stash subscription fee may be worth paying if you're a new investor who wants access to customized portfolio recommendations and personal finance advice. It may also be worthwhile for people who make frequent debit card purchases and want to earn stock rewards.
Yes, but whether you actually make money depends on what investments you choose. With any investment platform, if you buy a stock or ETF and the price rises, you'll make money if you sell it at a profit. If the price drops and you sell, you'll lose money.
Share This Page
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Robin Hartill has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.
E*TRADE services are available just to U.S. residents.
Stash disclosure Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Investing involves risk and investments may lose value. Paid client testimonial. Not representative of all clients and not a guarantee. View important disclosures.
Stash has full authority to manage a Smart Portfolio, a discretionary managed account. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit, nor do they eliminate the risk of loss of principal. Stash does not guarantee any level of performance or that any client will avoid losses in their account
Ancillary fees charged by Stash and/or its custodian are not included in the subscription fee.
* Stash Banking services provided by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. The Stash Stock-Back® Debit Mastercard® is issued by Stride Bank pursuant to license from Mastercard International. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Any earned stock rewards will be held in your Stash Invest account. Investment products and services provided by Stash Investments LLC and are Not FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed, and May Lose Value.
** Get fee-free transactions at any Allpoint ATM, see the app for location details, otherwise out-of-network ATM fees may apply. For a complete list of fees please see the Deposit Account Agreement for details.
*** All rewards earned through use of the Stash Stock-Back® Debit Mastercard® will be fulfilled by Stash Investments LLC and are subject to Terms and Conditions. You will bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of the investments that you earn, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash. In order to earn stock in the program, the Stash Stock-Back® Debit Mastercard must be used to make a qualifying purchase. Stock rewards that are paid to participating customers via the Stash Stock Back program, are Not FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed, and May Lose Value. What doesn’t count: Cash withdrawals, money orders, prepaid cards, and P2P payment. If you make a qualifying purchase at a merchant that is not publicly traded or otherwise available on Stash, you will receive a stock reward in an ETF or other investment of your choice from a list of companies available on Stash. See Terms and Conditions for more details.
**** 1% Stock-Back® rewards available only on Stash+ ($9/mo) and only for client’s first $1,000 of Qualifying Purchases in each calendar month program.
***** Limitations apply; 3% Stock-Back rewards available only for qualified bonus merchants on Stash+.
Ancillary fees charged by Stash and/or its custodian are not included in the subscription fee.
Stash offers access to investment and banking accounts under each subscription plan. Each type of account is subject to different regulations and limitations. Stash Monthly Subscription Wrap Fee starts at $3/month. You’ll also bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of ETFs, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash and/or the Custodian. Please see the Advisory Agreement for details. Other fees apply to the bank account. Please see the Deposit Account Agreement.
The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters.