Stash
Overview
Stash is a personal finance app designed for the absolute beginner. Unlike most brokers that charge per trade or offer free trading with hidden costs, Stash uses a transparent monthly subscription model ($3 or $12/month). It combines banking, investing, and education into one simplified experience. Its mission is to teach you how to build long-term wealth through small, consistent habits rather than active trading.
Key Specifications
| Account Minimum | $0 ($5 to begin investing in Smart Portfolios) |
|---|---|
| Subscription Fee | Stash Growth: $3/month Stash+: $12/month |
| Stock & ETF Trade Fee | $0 (Included in subscription) |
| Options Trading | Not supported (Focus is on long-term holding) |
| Fractional Shares | Yes (Invest with as little as $0.05) |
| Banking Features | Stock-Back® Debit Card (Earn stock when you spend) |
Trading Platforms
1. Stash Mobile App
The app is incredibly colorful and friendly, avoiding jargon like "limit orders" or "candlesticks." Instead, it organizes stocks into understandable themes (e.g., "Defending America" for defense stocks, "Internet Titans" for tech). In 2026, the app features Money Coach AI, a financial assistant that provides real-time tips on diversification and helps you find more ways to "Auto-Stash."
Investment Features
- Smart Portfolio: A robo-advisor built into the app. Stash builds a diversified portfolio for you based on your risk tolerance (Conservative, Moderate, or Aggressive) and rebalances it quarterly.
- 3% Retirement Match: Exclusive to the $12/mo Stash+ tier in 2026, users receive a 3% match on their monthly contributions to a Roth or Traditional IRA, significantly accelerating retirement growth.
- Trading Windows: To discourage emotional day trading, Stash executes trades during four specific "trading windows" each day. This ensures a focus on the long-term "Stash Way" rather than timing the market.
- Life Insurance: Stash+ includes $10,000 in life insurance coverage (provided via Avibra) at no extra cost, providing a basic safety net for young families.
Account Types
Accounts are tied to your subscription tier:
- Stash Growth ($3/mo):
- Personal Brokerage
- Smart Portfolio (Robo-advisor)
- Retirement (IRA/Roth)
- Banking with 0.125% Stock-Back base rate
- Stash+ ($12/mo):
- All Growth features
- Custodial Accounts (Kids)
- 3% Retirement Contribution Match
- Banking with 1% Stock-Back base rate (up to $1k/mo spend)