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Financial decisions made with complete information consistently outperform those made under pressure or with incomplete data. Take time to compare at least 3 options before committing.
Quick Comparison: Acorns vs Stash
Feature
Acorns
Micro-investing App
Stash
Micro-investing App
Monthly Fee
$3, $6, or $12
$3 or $12
Account Minimum
$0 to open, $5 to invest
$0 to open, $5 to invest
Investment Expense Ratios
0.04% - 0.22%
0.06% - 0.08%
Tax-Loss Harvesting
No
No
Human Advisor
No
No
Automated Investing
Yes
Yes
DIY Investing
Limited (Gold plan)
Yes
Round-Ups
Yes
Yes
Checking Account APY
2.57% (Silver/Gold)
0%
Savings Account APY
4.05% (Silver/Gold)
0%
Verdict: Acorns vs Stash
Choose Acorns if: You prioritize automated investing with robust banking features, including high-yield checking and savings accounts, and appreciate IRA matching contributions. Acorns is particularly strong for those who want to set it and forget it, leveraging round-ups and bonus investments to grow their wealth passively.
Choose Stash if: You want more control over your investments with the option for both automated and DIY investing, and you value fractional shares and values-based investing. Stash is ideal for beginners who want to learn and participate more actively in their investment choices, while still having access to automated tools.
Acorns: Full Review
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#1 Top Pick #1
AcornsMicro-investing App
$3-$12/month
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Minimum
4.05%
Savings APY (Silver/Gold)
Pros
- Automatically invests spare change (Roundups)
- High-yield checking (2.57% APY) and savings (4.05% APY) accounts available
- IRA matching contributions (1% or 3% depending on plan)
- Cash back at over 450 retailers
- Diversified portfolios including Bitcoin-linked ETF and ESG options
- UTMA/UGMA accounts for kids (Gold plan)
Cons
- Monthly fees can be high for small balances
- No tax-loss harvesting
- No human financial advisors
- High transfer fee ($35 per ETF) to move investments out
- Customer service reviews are mixed
Acorns stands out as a pioneer in micro-investing, making it incredibly easy for beginners to start investing by rounding up everyday purchases. Its tiered subscription model offers various benefits, with higher tiers providing access to robust banking features like high-yield checking and savings accounts, and even IRA matching contributions. This makes Acorns an attractive option for those looking for a hands-off approach to growing their wealth, especially if they can take full advantage of the banking and bonus features.
The platform's portfolio construction is well-diversified, utilizing low-cost ETFs that cover a broad range of assets, including domestic and international stocks, bonds, and even a Bitcoin-linked ETF. Acorns also caters to socially conscious investors with sustainable portfolio options. However, the flat monthly fee structure can be a drawback for investors with very small balances, as it can eat significantly into returns. The absence of tax-loss harvesting and human financial advisors might also be a concern for more advanced investors.
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Stash: Full Review
Stash
Micro-investing App
$3 or $12/month
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Minimum
DIY & Automated
Investing Options
Pros
- Offers both automated (Smart Portfolios) and DIY investing
- Fractional shares available for broad investment access
- Values-based and socially responsible investment options
- Stock-Back® Card allows earning stocks as rewards
- Round-up feature for passive investing
- Educational resources for beginner investors
Cons
- No automated IRA management
- Smart Portfolios do not offer tax-loss harvesting
- Banking account does not pay interest
- Higher monthly fees compared to percentage-based robo-advisors for larger balances
- Outgoing ACAT transfer fee of $75
Stash offers a unique hybrid approach to investing, allowing users to choose between fully automated Smart Portfolios and a Personal Portfolio for self-directed trading. This flexibility, combined with the availability of fractional shares, makes it an appealing platform for beginners who want to learn and gradually take more control over their investments. Stash also emphasizes values-based investing, offering a variety of socially responsible portfolios that align with different ethical preferences.
The Stock-Back® Card is another innovative feature, rewarding users with stock in companies where they shop, further integrating investing into daily life. While Stash provides valuable educational content, it falls short in offering automated IRA management and tax-loss harvesting, which are common features among its competitors. The banking account also lacks interest-earning capabilities, which might be a drawback for users seeking an all-in-one financial solution with competitive APYs.
Who Should Choose Acorns?
Acorns is best suited for:
- Passive Investors: Those who prefer a hands-off approach to investing, relying on automated round-ups and diversified portfolios.
- Savers Prioritizing Banking Features: Individuals who can benefit from high-yield checking and savings accounts integrated with their investing platform.
- Retirement Savers: Users who can take advantage of the IRA matching contributions offered at the Silver and Gold tiers.
- Parents: Those interested in setting up UTMA/UGMA accounts for their children through the Gold plan.
Who Should Choose Stash?
Stash is best suited for:
- Beginner Investors Who Want Control: Individuals new to investing who want the option to choose their own stocks and ETFs while also having access to automated portfolios.
- Values-Based Investors: Those who prioritize investing in companies that align with their social and environmental values.
- Budget-Conscious Spenders: Users who can benefit from the Stock-Back® Card to earn stock rewards on everyday purchases.
- Those Seeking Educational Resources: Individuals who want to learn more about investing through Stash's educational content and tools.