In 2026, the barrier to entry is lower than ever, with many platforms allowing you to start for as little as $1 to $20 using . Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account

: Many modern brokers have $0 account minimums, meaning you can start with whatever you have available.

Once your account is open, you can transfer money from your checking or savings account.

The easiest way to start buying stock is through a three-step process: opening a commission-free brokerage account, funding it with even a small amount of money, and investing in broad-market or Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) rather than individual stocks.

: Established firms like Fidelity , Charles Schwab , or Vanguard provide extensive research tools, 24/7 customer support, and access to a wider variety of accounts like Roth IRAs .