SoFi Invest vs. Stash
In this article, we’ll discover:
• Stash and its rival SoFi Invest offer simple investing through robo and brokerage accounts.
• Custodial accounts are only available at Stash.
• Only Stash requires a monthly subscription (starting at $3).
If you’re looking for a simple way to invest and trade, Stash and SoFi Invest should be at the top of your list. Here’s the full scoop on these two:
Cost
| Broker Fees |
Stock/ETF
Commission |
Mutual Fund
Commission |
Options
Commission |
Maintenance
Fee |
Annual IRA
Fee |
|
SoFi Invest
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0 per contract
|
$25*
|
$0
|
|
Stash
|
$0
|
na
|
na
|
$3 or $12 per month
|
$3 or $12 per month
|
Services
| Broker Review |
Cost |
Investment Products |
Trading Tools |
Customer Service |
Research |
Overall Rating |
|
SoFi Invest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Stash
|
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Investing and Trading
At Stash, investors can trade stocks and ETFs in brokerage accounts. Stash does not offer other securities like options or mutual funds. SoFi Invest, however, offers stocks, options, mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative funds. Both firms have some OTC stocks.
Self-directed traders at SoFi Invest can trade during market hours (plus extended hours). Stash customers get trading windows during the market day; Stash sends queued orders to exchanges during these windows. Real-time data is available on SoFi’s platform but not on Stash’s.
Both firms offer robo accounts, which are automatically invested in low-cost ETFs. SoFi Invest charges 0.25% per year, while Stash does not charge a separate advisory fee. However, Stash requires a monthly membership fee, depending on the plan.
Winner: SoFi Invest
Mobile Software
Stash’s app is user-friendly and lets you browse ETFs and stocks by category. You can pick a stock or ETF and submit an order request, which Stash handles. The app also offers auto-invest (recurring orders) and a portfolio-diversification tool. Other Stash services, like cash management, are accessible through the app’s menu.
SoFi Invest’s app is equally intuitive and includes banking tools. Unlike Stash, SoFi users have direct control over their trading. Orders are sent promptly for market execution, and SoFi traders can buy and sell options. The app includes option chains with data like open interest and implied volatility, but it lacks integrated spreads.
Winner: SoFi Invest
Website Tech
SoFi’s website has basic charts with only one plot style (line) and no tools. Charts show up to 5 years of price history. The site does offer recurring investments, allowing you to set up systematic purchases of stocks and ETFs on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule. Option chains on the website include Greek values.
Stash’s website has two watchlists: one for stocks and one for ETFs. Profiles include simple charts with 10 years of price history. An “Invest” button leads to an order form with pre-filled dollar amounts or a custom amount option.
Winner: SoFi Invest
Margin
Stash doesn’t offer margin trading. SoFi Invest does, with an interest rate of
9.5%. However, SoFi doesn’t allow short stock positions or
option spreads. SoFi’s website and app do show important details for margin-enabled accounts.
Winner: SoFi Invest
Added Services
Extended-Hours Trading: SoFi Invest customers can trade from 9:00 am to 9:30 am ET and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET.
Initial Public Offerings: SoFi Invest allows trading in upcoming stock releases; Stash does not.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan: Both firms allow DRIP in brokerage accounts.
Fully-Paid Securities Lending Program: Both firms offer this service.
Fractional Shares: SoFi Invest allows orders in whole shares or dollar amounts. Stash also allows fractional investing.
IRA Lineups: Both firms offer Individual Retirement Accounts.
Winner: SoFi Invest
Recommendations
Beginners: A robo account at either firm is a good choice; SoFi is slightly better due to
access to credentialed financial planners.
Retirement Planning & Long-Term Investing: SoFi offers more financial resources outside of
investing, like loans, banking, and insurance-related services.
Stock and ETF Trading: Neither Stash nor SoFi Invest is ideal for active trading.
Charles Schwab is a better option.
Mutual Funds: SoFi Invest has a limited selection of mutual funds.
Charles Schwab is a better choice.
Small Investors: Stash’s flat monthly fee makes it less ideal for small accounts. SoFi Invest
is the better option.
Judgment
If Stash wants to compete with its major rivals, it needs to do more.
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Updated on 3/21/2026.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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