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 $9/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 (But subscription fee applies) |
|---|---|
| Subscription Fee | Stash Growth: $3/month Stash+: $9/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). It encourages "Auto-Stash" features to set up recurring deposits.
Investment Features
- Smart Portfolio: A robo-advisor built into the app. Stash builds a diversified portfolio for you based on your risk tolerance. (Available in both subscription tiers).
- Stash+: The $9/month tier includes 2x Stock-Back rewards, $10,000 in life insurance (via Avibra), and access to Custodial Accounts for kids.
- Trading Windows: Stash does not execute trades instantly. It aggregates orders and executes them during four specific "trading windows" each day. This prevents emotional day trading and ensures a long-term focus.
- Education: The "Stash Learn" hub provides bite-sized articles and quizzes to improve financial literacy.
Account Types
Accounts are tied to your subscription tier:
- Stash Growth ($3/mo):
- Personal Brokerage
- Smart Portfolio (Robo)
- Retirement (IRA/Roth)
- Bank Account
- Stash+ ($9/mo):
- All Growth features
- Custodial Accounts (Kids)
- Premium Stock-Back Rewards