Tips for Investing with Only $100 (or Even Less!)
Do you believe that a hefty budget is necessary for investing? Think again! You can start creating your portfolio with under $100. Discover how!
Many people believe that investing demands substantial funds. However, that’s a misconception.
In the U.S., there are plenty of options for those eager to begin investing with as little as $100—or even less.

If you’re ready to start but feel limited by your finances, check out these strategies for investing with minimal funds and building your wealth gradually.
1. Set Up a Brokerage Account with No Fees
To get started with investing, you need a reliable platform for your funds. Luckily, many U.S. brokerage firms provide accounts that require no initial fees and have no minimum balance.
Here are a few options:
- Robinhood—Offers commission-free trading in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.
- Fidelity—Provides no-fee ETFs and fractional investing options.
- Charles Schwab—Offers fractional shares and low-cost index funds.
Don’t forget to look into other brokerage options, as many more are available, with some offering special promotions.
2. Consider Fractional Shares
You no longer need to spend thousands to invest in big companies like Apple and Amazon, thanks to fractional shares.
Instead of acquiring a whole share, you can buy a fraction of it, making investing far more attainable.
This approach helps you diversify your investments without needing a large initial sum and simplifies the process of learning about the stock market.
3. Begin with Index Funds and ETFs
For beginners, investing in individual stocks can be quite risky. That’s why many experts advise starting with index funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds).
ETFs act like a collection of stocks that represent a market index, allowing you to spread out your investments without having to choose individual stocks.
One of the best things about ETFs is that many let you kick off your investment journey with under $100, making them a fantastic choice for newcomers.
4. Utilize Automated Investment Apps
Automated investment apps can streamline how you manage your finances. Check out these well-known choices:
- Acorns—Gathers your spare change from purchases and invests it.
- Betterment—An app that creates a tailored portfolio to meet your financial objectives.
- Wealthfront—A robo-advisor that efficiently manages your investments.
These applications allow you to begin investing with minimal amounts while leveraging technology to your advantage.
5. Investigate Tax-Advantaged Accounts
For those looking to invest over the long haul, think about setting up an individual retirement account like a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA.
- Roth IRA—Invest using post-tax funds, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
- Traditional IRA—Your contributions reduce your taxable income now, but withdrawals will be taxed later.
Both of these accounts let you start small while reaping tax advantages over time.
6. Look Into REITs for Real Estate Investment
Real estate investing might feel out of reach with just $100, but REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) make it possible.
REITs are investment vehicles that put money into commercial properties like malls, office spaces, and hotels.
By purchasing shares in a REIT, you can receive regular dividends without actually owning the properties yourself.
7. Explore Government Bonds and Fixed Income
The financial system provides safe investment avenues, such as Treasury Bonds (U.S. government bonds) and CDs (Certificates of Deposit), accessible through major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo.
These low-risk options cater to both small and large investors alike.
8. Utilize Cashback Programs and Reinvest
A fun way to kick off your investment journey with minimal funds is to leverage cashback programs and reinvest those savings.
Services like Rakuten, Dosh, and Fetch Rewards provide cashback on your daily buys. Instead of splurging this bonus, think about directing it towards your investments.
9. Emphasize Long-Term Goals and Financial Learning
Putting away small amounts doesn’t guarantee quick profits. The secret lies in being consistent and patient.
Regular small investments can grow significantly over time, thanks to compound interest.
Keep expanding your knowledge about the financial markets to boost your confidence and make informed investments.
Is Starting with Just $100 a Good Idea?
Absolutely! Even a modest amount can be invested wisely, allowing you to embark on your financial journey. The critical aspect is to take that first step, cultivate a regular investing habit, and continue learning.
