Looking to invest in gold without buying physical bars or coins? You’re not alone. Gold remains one of the most trusted assets for hedging against inflation and market volatility. The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars to get started. Today’s best gold investment platforms for small investors let you buy fractional shares, gold ETFs, and even digital gold with low minimums and competitive fees. Below are the top 10 gold investment platforms that make gold investing simple, affordable, and beginner-friendly.
1. eToro
eToro is a popular multi-asset trading platform that allows small investors to gain exposure to gold through CFDs, ETFs, and gold mining stocks. With low minimum deposits and a user-friendly interface, it’s ideal for beginners. One standout feature is social trading, where you can copy experienced investors who trade gold and other commodities. While spreads apply, there are no traditional commissions on many trades. If you want flexibility, community insights, and easy access to gold markets, eToro makes investing in gold accessible even with a modest budget.
2. Robinhood
Robinhood is known for commission-free trading, making it attractive for small investors looking to buy gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares. There’s no account minimum, so you can start with just a few dollars. The app is simple and beginner-friendly, with fractional share investing available for many ETFs. While research tools are basic compared to traditional brokers, Robinhood’s low cost and intuitive design make it easy to add gold exposure to your portfolio. It’s a practical choice if you prefer a streamlined investing experience.
3. Webull
Webull offers commission-free trading on ETFs and stocks, including gold-focused ETFs and mining companies. It’s a great platform for small investors who want more advanced charting tools without paying trading fees. The app provides in-depth technical indicators and real-time data, helping you make informed decisions. There’s no minimum deposit required to open an account. If you’re interested in actively trading gold ETFs or analyzing price trends, Webull combines powerful tools with low costs, making it appealing for budget-conscious investors.
4. Fidelity Investments
Fidelity is a well-established brokerage that offers commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs, including gold ETFs and precious metals funds. There’s no account minimum for brokerage accounts, making it accessible for small investors. Fidelity also provides strong research tools, educational resources, and retirement account options if you want gold exposure in an IRA. While it doesn’t offer direct physical gold trading for small accounts, its broad ETF selection and reputation for reliability make it a solid long-term choice.
5. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab offers commission-free ETF trading and access to a wide range of gold investment products, including ETFs, mutual funds, and mining stocks. There’s no minimum deposit requirement for brokerage accounts, which is ideal for small investors starting out. Schwab’s research tools and customer support are excellent, helping you compare gold funds and analyze performance. If you prefer a traditional brokerage with strong educational resources and long-term reliability, Schwab provides a balanced, cost-effective way to invest in gold.
6. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is ideal for small investors who prefer automated portfolio management. You can create a custom “pie” that includes gold ETFs alongside stocks and bonds. There are no trading commissions, and you can start with a relatively low minimum investment. The platform automatically rebalances your portfolio, keeping your gold allocation aligned with your strategy. While it’s not designed for active traders, M1 Finance is perfect for long-term investors who want to include gold in a diversified, automated portfolio without constantly managing trades.
7. Public.com
Public.com offers commission-free trading in stocks and ETFs, including gold-focused funds. The platform emphasizes community insights, allowing users to see what others are investing in. Fractional shares make it easy to start with small amounts of money. There are no account minimums, which lowers the barrier to entry. If you’re a beginner who wants social features combined with low-cost access to gold ETFs, Public.com provides a simple and approachable way to gain exposure to the gold market.
8. Ally Invest
Ally Invest offers commission-free ETF trading and integrates seamlessly with Ally Bank accounts. Small investors can buy gold ETFs and mining stocks without worrying about trading fees. The platform provides solid research tools and a straightforward interface. While it may not have as many advanced features as some competitors, its low costs and banking integration make it convenient for investors who want everything in one place. It’s a practical option if you prefer managing cash and gold investments under one financial brand.
9. Vanguard
Vanguard is known for low-cost investing and long-term wealth building. While it doesn’t offer direct gold bullion purchases, you can invest in gold ETFs and precious metals funds through its platform. Expense ratios are typically low, which helps maximize returns over time. Vanguard is best suited for buy-and-hold investors who want to include gold as a small percentage of a diversified portfolio. If minimizing fees is your priority, Vanguard provides one of the most cost-effective ways to gain gold exposure.
10. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest offers commission-free trading with no account minimum, making it accessible for small investors interested in gold ETFs. The platform combines investing, banking, and financial planning tools in one app. Fractional shares allow you to start investing in gold with very little money. SoFi also provides educational resources and automated investing options. If you’re looking for an all-in-one financial platform that makes adding gold to your portfolio easy and affordable, SoFi Invest is worth considering.
Choosing the Best Gold Investment Platform
The best gold investment platform for small investors depends on your goals. Want social trading? eToro may fit. Prefer ultra-low fees? Vanguard or Fidelity could work. Like automated investing? M1 Finance stands out. No matter which platform you choose, start small, understand fees, and decide whether you want short-term trading or long-term gold exposure. With today’s low-cost platforms, investing in gold has never been more accessible.