SoFi Invest Review: Best App for New Investors in 2025?

SoFi started as a student loan refinancing company, but in recent years it has transformed into a full-service financial platform—offering banking, credit cards, personal loans, and now, investing. With its sleek design, zero-commission trades, and beginner-friendly tools, SoFi Invest has quickly become one of the most talked-about investing apps in 2025.

But with so many choices out there—Robinhood, Webull, M1 Finance, and more—the big question is: Is SoFi Invest actually the best app for new investors?

In this SoFi Invest review, we’ll explore its features, fees, bonuses, pros and cons, and how it compares to competitors. We’ll also cover recent changes, like the introduction of a robo-advisor fee, and highlight where SoFi shines—and where it falls short. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether SoFi Invest deserves a spot in your investing journey.

What Is SoFi Invest?

SoFi Invest is the investing branch of SoFi Technologies, Inc., a company originally founded in 2011 to help graduates refinance student loans. Over the last decade, SoFi has expanded into a wide range of financial services: banking, credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and—through SoFi Invest—investment accounts.

SoFi positions itself as a one-stop financial ecosystem, and that makes its investing platform unique. Unlike traditional brokers that only focus on trading or robo-advisors that only offer automation, SoFi gives users multiple ways to invest depending on their comfort level and financial goals.

Active vs. Automated Investing

One of SoFi’s biggest strengths is that it offers both:

Active Investing
- Commission-free trades on stocks and ETFs.
- Access to fractional shares, making it possible to start with just $5.
- Cryptocurrency trading directly within the app (including Bitcoin and Ethereum).
- IPO access for retail investors, letting users buy into public offerings before they hit the market—something that used to be reserved for institutional investors.
Automated Investing (Robo-Advisor)
- A fully managed option for people who prefer a hands-off approach.
- Builds a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance.
- Offers rebalancing to keep your portfolio aligned.
- Includes thematic options like ESG (environmental, social, governance) portfolios.
- As of 2023, SoFi began charging a 0.25% annual advisory fee for this service (previously free), aligning it with competitors like Betterment and Wealthfront.

Safety and Regulation

SoFi Invest accounts are regulated by the SEC and are members of FINRA.
Accounts are protected by the SIPC (up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash).
Security measures include encryption, biometric logins on mobile, and two-factor authentication.

Integration With Other SoFi Services

Unlike many competitors, SoFi ties its investing arm directly into the broader SoFi ecosystem. This means users can:

Link their SoFi checking and savings accounts for faster transfers.
Access SoFi loans and credit cards within the same app.
Earn rewards points from other SoFi products and redeem them into their investing account.

Who It’s Designed For

SoFi Invest is clearly positioned for:

New investors who want an easy, low-barrier way to start building wealth.
Passive investors who want a robo-advisor managing their portfolio for them.
SoFi ecosystem users who already use other SoFi services and want everything in one place.

However, it’s not designed for highly active traders who need advanced charting, deep analytics, or niche asset classes like futures and bonds.

Bonuses & Promotions

One of the main ways SoFi Invest attracts new users is through its generous promotions and rewards programs. In 2025, these offers continue to be a major selling point, especially for beginners who may be hesitant to risk their own money right away.

Free Stock for Signing Up

New users who open a SoFi Invest account can claim a free stock valued between $5 and $1,000.
The reward is randomly selected from a pool of popular U.S. companies.
While most users receive smaller-value shares, it’s not unheard of for lucky sign-ups to receive a higher-value stock worth hundreds of dollars.
This is a simple way for beginners to get their first piece of real ownership in the stock market.

Deposit Bonuses

From time to time, SoFi runs deposit-based promotions, where you can earn cash or stock rewards for funding your account.
For example, a deposit of $100–$5,000 may qualify for tiered rewards, with higher deposits unlocking larger bonuses.
These promotions rotate frequently, so it’s best to check the official SoFi promotions page for the most current offers.

Referral Program

SoFi also has a strong referral program.
Existing users can invite friends and receive $25–$100 in rewards once the new account is opened and funded.
This has made SoFi popular among communities of beginner investors who spread the word via social media.

SoFi Rewards Points

If you use multiple SoFi products (like their credit card or banking services), you can also earn SoFi Rewards points.
These points can be redeemed directly into your Invest account, effectively turning everyday spending into additional investments.
It’s a perk that ties the whole SoFi ecosystem together and incentivizes users to stay within the brand.

Why These Bonuses Matter for Beginners

For new investors, the idea of committing real money to the stock market can feel intimidating. Promotions like free stock, deposit bonuses, and referrals lower that barrier and make the first step feel rewarding. Even if you only get a $10 share, it’s a piece of real equity—and that psychological boost often encourages beginners to keep going.

SoFi Invest Fees: What You Really Pay

One of the main reasons SoFi Invest has gained popularity is its promise of low costs. For beginners especially, minimizing fees is critical because small charges can eat away at long-term returns. But while SoFi Invest is indeed cost-effective in many ways, it’s not completely free. Let’s break it down in detail.

$0 Commissions on Trades

Stocks & ETFs: All active investing trades are commission-free, which puts SoFi on par with Webull, Robinhood, and other modern brokers.
Fractional Shares: Also free to buy and sell, making it easy for beginners to invest with small amounts.
Options Trading: Currently, SoFi does not offer advanced options trading. This limits complexity but also means no hidden options contract fees.

Crypto Trading Fees

SoFi allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum directly in the app.
While they advertise no commissions, there is a built-in spread fee of up to 1.25% per trade.
This is higher than some dedicated crypto exchanges, but common for hybrid investing apps.

Robo-Advisor Fee (Automated Investing)

Initially, SoFi’s robo-advisor was completely free—a huge differentiator in the industry.
As of 2023, SoFi introduced a 0.25% annual advisory fee, aligning it with competitors like Betterment and Wealthfront.
Example: If you invest $5,000, you’ll pay about $12.50 per year in management fees.
While not expensive, the change removed one of SoFi’s most unique advantages.

SoFi Plus Membership

SoFi Plus is a premium membership that bundles benefits across SoFi’s ecosystem.
Cost: $9.99/month or free if you meet certain direct deposit thresholds.
Perks include higher APY on SoFi Savings, reduced loan rates, and sometimes extra investing rewards.
Worth it only if you’re using multiple SoFi services, not just investing.

Fund Expense Ratios

If you invest in ETFs through SoFi, you’ll still pay the underlying expense ratios of those funds.
Many SoFi ETFs are very low-cost (0.05–0.19%), but they’re not all free.

Other Fees

Margin investing: Available, with competitive but not industry-low rates.
Account transfer out fee: Around $75 if you move your assets to another brokerage.
No inactivity fees or account maintenance fees: A big plus for beginners who start small.

Fee Comparison to Competitors

Robinhood: Also $0 commissions, but lacks a robo-advisor.
Webull: Free trading, advanced options, but no managed portfolios.
M1 Finance: Free trading with automation, but premium features locked behind M1 Plus.
Betterment/Wealthfront: Fully robo-advised, fees typically 0.25–0.40%.

Bottom Line on Fees

SoFi Invest remains one of the most affordable options for new investors. However, the introduction of robo-advisor fees and the crypto spread means it’s not entirely free. Still, for commission-free stock and ETF trading, plus the ability to invest in fractional shares, the cost structure is very beginner-friendly.

Features & Tools

What sets SoFi Invest apart from many competitors is its balance between simplicity for beginners and useful tools for growth. While it doesn’t offer every advanced trading feature (like Webull or Fidelity might), it has a wide enough toolkit to cover most new and intermediate investors. Let’s break it down.

Active Investing

Commission-Free Trades: Buy and sell stocks and ETFs without paying trading fees.
Fractional Shares: Invest with as little as $5, making expensive stocks like Amazon or Tesla accessible to beginners.
Cryptocurrency Trading: Supports popular coins such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. All managed within the same app—no need for a separate crypto wallet or exchange.
IPO Investing: A standout feature. SoFi allows retail investors to buy into IPOs at the offering price before shares hit the open market. This is a rare perk typically reserved for institutional investors.

Automated Investing (Robo-Advisor)

Goal-Based Portfolios: Users answer questions about their goals, risk tolerance, and timeline, and SoFi builds a custom portfolio.
Automatic Rebalancing: Keeps allocations aligned without manual effort.
Thematic & ESG Portfolios: Choose options that align with environmental or social values.
Low Minimums: Start automated investing with just $50—much lower than traditional robo-advisors.
Human Access: SoFi includes access to certified financial planners (CFPs), something not all robo-advisors provide.

Education & Guidance

SoFi Learn: A built-in library of beginner-friendly articles, videos, and guides. Topics range from “what is a stock?” to “how to diversify your portfolio.”
Live Financial Planners: Available to some SoFi members at no extra cost, helping new investors ask real-world questions about strategy, taxes, and goals.

Platform & User Experience

Mobile App: Sleek, intuitive, and designed for first-time investors. Easy navigation between investing, banking, and loans.
Desktop Platform: Clean and simple, but with fewer advanced features than Webull or TD Ameritrade.
Integration With SoFi Ecosystem: Because SoFi offers banking, loans, and credit cards, everything links seamlessly. For example, you can instantly transfer from SoFi Checking to SoFi Invest.

Unique Perks

Rewards Integration: Earn SoFi points (from using other SoFi products) and redeem them as investments.
Community Feel: SoFi frequently hosts webinars, educational events, and online sessions aimed at helping new investors.
No Account Minimums for Active Accounts: Unlike traditional brokers, you can open an account with $0 and only invest when ready.

Where It Falls Short

Limited Asset Classes: No mutual funds, bonds, or futures.
Basic Research Tools: Compared to Webull or Fidelity, SoFi’s charts and research options are minimal.
Not Ideal for Day Traders: No advanced order types or complex trading strategies.

SoFi Invest is clearly designed with new investors in mind: simple entry points, free trades, fractional shares, and a guided robo-advisor for those who want automation. It’s not the app for professional traders, but it doesn’t need to be—its strength is helping beginners feel confident enough to start.

Pros & Cons of SoFi Invest

Like every investing app, SoFi Invest comes with both strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial before deciding if it’s the right platform for your needs.

Pros of SoFi Invest

$0 Commissions on Stocks and ETFs
SoFi Invest offers commission-free trades on stocks and ETFs, making it cost-effective for beginners who want to start small. By removing trading fees, every dollar you invest actually goes toward building wealth—not paying broker costs.

Fractional Shares With Low Minimums
With a minimum investment of just $5, SoFi makes expensive stocks accessible to everyone. You don’t need hundreds of dollars to own a piece of Apple, Amazon, or Tesla. This lowers the barrier to entry for new investors.

Automated Investing With Low Minimums
SoFi’s robo-advisor lets beginners get started with as little as $50. Portfolios are diversified, rebalanced automatically, and tailored to your goals. For those who want to “set it and forget it,” this feature is a major advantage.

Access to IPOs
Unlike many brokerages, SoFi allows everyday investors to participate in initial public offerings (IPOs). This gives you the chance to buy shares at the offering price, a privilege that used to be limited to institutional investors.

Free Financial Planning Access
Some SoFi members get access to certified financial planners (CFPs). This is a huge perk, as many beginner-friendly platforms don’t provide professional guidance without charging extra.

Educational Resources (SoFi Learn)
The built-in education hub offers blogs, guides, and webinars that walk new investors through key concepts. Combined with the easy-to-use interface, this makes SoFi a great learning platform.

Integration With SoFi Ecosystem
If you already use SoFi for banking, loans, or credit cards, everything connects seamlessly. You can move money instantly between SoFi accounts, and even redeem SoFi Rewards points into your Invest account.

Cons of SoFi Invest

Limited Asset Classes
SoFi Invest does not offer mutual funds, bonds, or futures, which may be disappointing for investors looking for broad diversification. This makes it less ideal as a one-stop shop for long-term, retirement-focused investors.

Crypto Spread Fees
While SoFi advertises commission-free crypto trades, it charges up to 1.25% in spread fees. Frequent crypto traders may find this more costly than using dedicated crypto exchanges.

Robo-Advisor Now Has a Fee
SoFi’s automated investing used to be free, but it now charges a 0.25% annual advisory fee. While still competitive, it removed one of SoFi’s most attractive differentiators.

Customer Service Limitations
Support is mostly available via email or chat, and response times can be inconsistent. This can be frustrating for new investors who may need more guidance.

Basic Research Tools
Compared to advanced platforms like Webull or Fidelity, SoFi’s research and charting tools are limited. Active traders who want in-depth technical analysis may feel constrained.

Not Suited for Day Traders
With its emphasis on simplicity, SoFi Invest doesn’t cater to active day traders. It lacks advanced order types, level II market data, and other tools that high-frequency traders need.

Bottom Line on Pros & Cons

SoFi Invest is best for beginners and passive investors who value simplicity, low fees, and integration with a broader financial ecosystem. However, it’s not ideal for active traders or investors seeking advanced research capabilities.

Verdict: Is SoFi Invest Worth It in 2025?

SoFi Invest has carved out a unique space in the investing world by blending accessibility, automation, and integration with a larger financial ecosystem. For beginners, it offers some of the lowest barriers to entry: commission-free stock and ETF trades, fractional shares starting at just $5, and automated investing with a $50 minimum. On top of that, perks like IPO access and integration with SoFi Rewards make it stand out in ways competitors can’t easily match.

That said, it’s not perfect. The introduction of a 0.25% robo-advisor fee, limited asset classes (no mutual funds or bonds), and basic research tools may frustrate investors who want more options or advanced analytics. For day traders or highly active investors, platforms like Webull or Fidelity still offer a stronger toolkit.

Final Take:

If you’re a beginner looking for your first investing app, or someone who already uses other SoFi products, SoFi Invest is an excellent choice.
If you’re a long-term, passive investor, its automated portfolios are affordable and effective.
But if you’re a day trader or advanced investor, you’ll likely find SoFi too basic.

Overall, SoFi Invest is worth it in 2025—especially for new investors who want an easy, low-cost entry into the market.

Conclusion

SoFi began as a disruptor in student loans and has now become a disruptor in investing. With its beginner-friendly tools, commission-free structure, and seamless integration into a larger financial ecosystem, it provides a clear path for new investors to start building wealth.

It won’t replace full-service brokerages or satisfy hardcore traders, but that’s not its mission. SoFi Invest is about accessibility, confidence, and simplicity—the exact qualities most beginners need when taking their first steps into investing.

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