Starting your investment journey doesn’t require thousands of dollars. In fact, in 2025, you can start investing with just $100—and thanks to modern platforms, it’s easier than ever. Here’s how you can make your first $100 investment work for you.
💡 1. Choose a Low-Cost Brokerage
To start investing, choose a beginner-friendly platform that offers:
- No commission fees on trades
- Low or no minimum deposit requirements
- Fractional shares, so you can buy partial shares of expensive stocks like Amazon or Tesla
Popular options include:
- Robinhood – Offers commission-free trades with a simple interface.
- Webull – A more advanced option with commission-free trades and great analysis tools.
- SoFi Invest – Offers no account minimums and is very beginner-friendly.
- Fidelity – Known for its reliable and low-fee investment options, also offers fractional shares.
📊 2. Invest in ETFs or Index Funds
Instead of investing in just one stock, diversify your $100 into ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) or Index Funds. These funds invest in multiple companies, helping you spread out risk.
Some of the most popular low-cost ETFs include:
- VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) – Gives you exposure to the 500 largest U.S. companies.
- QQQ (Invesco QQQ Trust) – Tech-heavy fund focused on the Nasdaq-100.
- VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) – Gives you broad exposure to the entire U.S. stock market.
ETFs are generally safer than picking individual stocks and are great for long-term growth.
🪙 3. Consider Fractional Shares
Don’t let high stock prices hold you back. Platforms like Fidelity, M1 Finance, and Robinhood allow you to buy fractional shares, meaning you can invest just $1 in high-priced stocks like Apple, Google, or Tesla.
For example:
- If Apple stock is priced at $150 per share, you could buy 0.67 of a share with just $100.
This allows your $100 to be spread across multiple companies, even if the individual stock prices are high.
📈 4. Set Up Automatic Contributions
The key to building wealth is consistency. Many platforms allow you to automate weekly or monthly contributions. Even adding $25 a month can make a big difference, thanks to compound interest.
By regularly contributing small amounts, you can slowly grow your investment without having to think about it.
💸 5. Avoid High Fees & Stay Consistent
Keep an eye on fees—especially if you’re using apps with subscription models or hidden charges. Stick with low-fee ETFs or brokerages with transparent pricing to make the most of your $100.
And most importantly: don’t try to time the market. Time in the market beats trying to time the market, especially when you’re just starting out. Consistency and patience are key.
✅ Final Thoughts
Investing $100 might seem small, but it’s the most important step you’ll take. With the right strategy and consistency, that $100 can be the beginning of long-term financial growth. Remember: it’s not about how much you start with—it’s about starting at all.
Start simple, stay consistent, and watch your money grow over time. Your future self will thank you for it!