Cash App Investing is a beginner-centered investing platform for accessible, low-cost trading. Although a decent option for folks already banking with the app, Cash App Investing is rather lackluster regarding advanced trading tools, account flexibility, investment options, and features. It doesnt offer mutual funds, futures, or options trading.
Business Insider compared Cash App Investing to the best cryptocurrency exchanges. Its an industry leader in mobile trading and simplified investment strategies for novice crypto-traders.
Are you just dipping your toes into the investment world and wondering if Cash App Investing is the right platform for you? I’ve been exploring various investment platforms for years and today we’re gonna take a deep dive into whether Cash App Investing is actually good for beginners in 2025.
What is Cash App Investing?
Cash App Investing is the investment arm of Cash App, which originally gained popularity as a money transfer service competing with Venmo and Zelle Owned by Block, Inc (formerly Square), Cash App expanded into the brokerage market in late 2019, allowing users to buy, sell, and trade stocks and Bitcoin right from their smartphones.
The Beginner-Friendly Features of Cash App Investing
As someone who’s helped many friends start their investment journey I can tell you that Cash App Investing has several features that make it particularly attractive for beginners
1. Super Low Barrier to Entry
- Minimum investment of just $1 to start investing
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Zero trade commissions on stocks and ETFs
- No minimum balance requirements
This is honestly one of the biggest advantages for beginners who might be nervous about committing large sums of money right away.
2. Fractional Share Investing
This is a game-changer for beginners! You can buy partial shares of expensive stocks that would otherwise be out of reach. For example, instead of needing $762,000 to buy a single share of Berkshire Hathaway (Class A) as of February 2025, you can invest just $1 and own a tiny slice of it.
3. Simple, User-Friendly Interface
The Cash App mobile experience is designed for simplicity, which is perfect when you’re just starting out. The app has impressive ratings – 4.8 stars on Apple’s App Store and 4.6 stars on Google Play.
4. Seamless Integration
If you already use Cash App for money transfers, the investing feature is built right in – no need to download another app or create a new account.
Limitations for Beginner Investors
While Cash App Investing has some great features for beginners, I gotta be honest about its limitations too:
1. Limited Investment Options
Cash App only offers:
- Stocks
- ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
- Bitcoin
There are no options for bonds, futures, mutual funds, or other cryptocurrencies. This means you’ll be somewhat limited in building a truly diversified portfolio.
2. Basic Research Tools
The research capabilities are extremely basic. There’s a “My First Stock” tool for beginners, but you won’t find the comprehensive research and analysis tools that larger brokerages offer.
3. Lack of Educational Resources
If you’re hoping to learn as you invest, Cash App doesn’t provide much in the way of educational content or investment guidance.
How Cash App Investing Compares to Competitors
To give you a better perspective, here’s how Cash App stacks up against some popular alternatives:
| Brokerage Firm | Fees | Minimum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash App Investing | $0 for stocks and ETFs | $1 | Beginner traders |
| Robinhood | $0 for stocks, ETFs and options | $0 | Mobile traders |
| Charles Schwab | $0 for stocks, ETFs and options | $0 | Advanced investors |
Robinhood is probably the closest competitor – it’s also fee-free and mobile-based, but it offers more investment types and features than Cash App. More established platforms like Charles Schwab offer far more comprehensive tools, markets, and customer support, though they might feel overwhelming for complete beginners.
The Real-World Experience of Using Cash App for Investing
When I first tried Cash App for investing, I was impressed by how easy it was to get started. Linking my bank account took less than a minute, and I was able to make my first investment with just a few taps. The interface is clean and uncluttered – perfect for someone who doesn’t want to be overwhelmed with charts, graphs, and investment jargon.
Buying fractional shares is particularly cool. I remember when I first started investing, feeling frustrated that I couldn’t afford shares of companies like Amazon or Google. Cash App removes that barrier completely.
However, as I got more comfortable with investing, I did start to feel the limitations. When I wanted to research a company more thoroughly before investing, I had to use other websites and resources because Cash App’s research tools are pretty minimal.
Who Should Use Cash App Investing?
Based on my experience and the platform’s features, Cash App Investing is best for:
- Absolute beginners who want a simple entry point into the stock market
- Small-budget investors who benefit from the $1 minimum and fractional shares
- Existing Cash App users who want the convenience of investing through an app they already use
- Casual investors who aren’t looking for advanced features or comprehensive research tools
- Young investors who prefer mobile-first, user-friendly platforms
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Cash App Investing probably isn’t ideal for:
- Experienced investors looking for advanced trading tools and research
- Active traders who need real-time data and sophisticated order types
- Retirement-focused investors seeking tax-advantaged accounts (Cash App doesn’t offer IRAs)
- Diversification seekers who want access to bonds, options, mutual funds, and more cryptocurrencies
Tips for Beginners Using Cash App Investing
If you do decide to start your investing journey with Cash App, here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Start small – Take advantage of the $1 minimum to test the waters without risking much money
- Use fractional shares to build a diversified portfolio even with limited funds
- Supplement with external research since Cash App’s tools are limited
- Consider automatic investments to build the habit of regular investing
- Remember this is just a starting point – As your knowledge and portfolio grow, you might eventually want to explore more comprehensive platforms
The Bottom Line: Is Cash App Investing Good for Beginners?
So, is Cash App Investing good for beginners? My honest answer is: Yes, but with some caveats.
Cash App Investing is an excellent entry point into the world of investing due to its simplicity, low costs, and low barriers to entry. For someone taking their first steps into stock market investing, these features can be invaluable in building confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
However, as you grow as an investor, you might eventually find yourself outgrowing what Cash App has to offer. The limited investment options and basic research tools could become frustrating as your knowledge and ambitions expand.
I think of Cash App Investing as like those training wheels on your first bike – perfect for getting started and building confidence, but something you might eventually want to move beyond.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re brand new to investing and feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there, Cash App Investing can be a great place to start. The zero-commission trades, fractional shares, and user-friendly interface make it about as beginner-friendly as investing gets.
However, I’d recommend thinking about your long-term investing goals. If you’re serious about building wealth through investing, you might want to:
- Start with Cash App to get comfortable with the basics
- Use external resources to educate yourself about investing strategies
- Consider gradually transitioning to a more comprehensive platform as your knowledge and portfolio grow
Remember that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. The most important thing for beginners is to start somewhere, and Cash App Investing certainly removes many of the traditional barriers that have kept people from taking that first step.
For those who want more personalized guidance, connecting with a financial advisor might be helpful. Tools like SmartAsset can match you with financial advisors in your area who can provide more tailored advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.
Have you tried Cash App Investing or are you considering it? What has your experience been like? We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
FAQ About Cash App Investing for Beginners
Q: Do I need to have a regular Cash App account to use Cash App Investing?
A: Yes, Cash App Investing is a feature within the main Cash App, so you’ll need to have a Cash App account first.
Q: How quickly can I withdraw my money from investments?
A: When you sell investments, the funds become available in your Cash App balance immediately, and you can transfer them to your linked bank account.
Q: Is there a limit to how much I can invest through Cash App?
A: Cash App may have certain limits on transactions, which can vary based on verification level and account history.
Q: Is Cash App Investing safe for beginners?
A: Cash App Investing is a legitimate brokerage service backed by Block, Inc. Your investments are protected by standard SIPC insurance, which covers up to $500,000 in securities.
Q: Can I open a retirement account (IRA) through Cash App?
A: No, currently Cash App Investing doesn’t offer retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s.
Remember, the best investing platform for beginners is the one you’ll actually use consistently. If Cash App’s simplicity encourages you to start investing when you otherwise wouldn’t, then it might be the perfect choice for you right now!

What are the fees associated with Cash App Investing?
Cash App Investing is a free mobile investing app with no account management fees. It offers a commission-free trading structure for stocks and ETFs. This approach makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious investors. You only need $1 to invest in fractional shares. The cost of bitcoin varies.
Business Insider’s Overall Cash App Investing Rating
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
| Fees | 4.50 |
| Investment selection | 3.00 |
| Access | 4.00 |
| Customer service | 4.50 |
| Ethics | 4.50 |
| Overall score | 4.06 |