A brokerage account is the gateway to the markets — it lets you buy and hold investments like ETFs, stocks, and bonds. Think of it as a bank account that can also own assets.
How it works
You deposit cash, place orders through the broker, and the broker executes them on an exchange and holds the assets in your name (in “street name,” but legally yours). You can sell back to cash at any time the market is open.
Choosing a broker
For most people, the basics matter more than bells and whistles:
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| No commissions | Stock/ETF trades should be free at major brokers. |
| No account minimum | You can start with any amount. |
| Fractional shares | Invest a dollar amount, not whole shares. |
| Automatic investing | Schedule recurring buys — consistency beats timing. |
| Insurance (SIPC) | Protects assets if the broker fails (not against losses). |
Pick a broker with a clean app you will actually open. The “best” broker is the one that makes good habits effortless.
Account types
- Taxable brokerage — flexible, no contribution limits, withdraw anytime. Gains are taxed.
- Traditional IRA / 401(k) — tax-deferred; you pay tax on withdrawal in retirement.
- Roth IRA / Roth 401(k) — funded with after-tax dollars; qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
See Accounts & Taxes for how to choose.
Funding it
- Link your bank account.
- Make a small first transfer to confirm everything works.
- Set up an automatic recurring deposit on payday.
What to avoid early on
Skip margin, options, and day-trading features until you understand them. Most brokers turn these off by default — leave them off while you are learning.
Next: learn what you can actually buy in Asset Classes.