10 Best Online Investment Platforms for US and European Investors
Why choosing the right online investment platform matters
With inflation eating into savings held in cash or low-interest accounts, more people are turning to online investment platforms to put their money to work. The platform you choose affects the fees you pay, the assets you can access, the tools available to you, and how protected your capital is. Here are the best options across the US and Europe, covering different investor profiles and goals.
US investment platforms
1. Fidelity
Fidelity offers commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options, with zero expense ratio on its own index funds. It supports fractional share investing, a robo-advisor service (Fidelity Go), and access to IPOs, mutual funds, and precious metals. Fidelity also includes strong retirement account options (IRA and 401k rollover) and has no account minimums for most accounts. It is a strong all-around platform for both beginners and experienced investors.
2. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab acquired TD Ameritrade in 2020 and completed the full migration of accounts by 2024. The combined platform offers commission-free trading in stocks, ETFs, and options, along with access to mutual funds, futures, and forex. Schwab inherited TD Ameritrade’s thinkorswim trading platform, which is one of the most capable tools available to retail traders for technical analysis and options strategies. There is no account minimum.
3. E*Trade (Morgan Stanley)
E*Trade, now owned by Morgan Stanley, provides access to more than 9,000 mutual funds alongside commission-free stock and ETF trading. Managed portfolio options are available with annual fees starting at 0.3% of invested assets. The platform has a strong mobile app and includes a savings account integration. The main drawback is a $19.99 transaction fee for mutual funds not included in its no-fee lineup.
4. Robinhood
Robinhood is a commission-free trading platform designed for simplicity and accessibility. It covers stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies in a single app with no account minimum. A Robinhood Gold subscription adds margin investing, larger instant deposits, and premium research. While Robinhood is best suited to beginner and intermediate investors due to its limited advanced tools, its ease of use makes it the most widely adopted entry-point platform in the US.
5. Prosper
Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that allows investors to fund personal loans directly to borrowers in exchange for interest payments. With over 17 years of operation in the US, it has its own borrower rating system that helps investors assess risk across loan categories. Not all US states are supported. Returns vary significantly based on the risk grade of loans you fund, making it most suitable for investors who want fixed-income alternatives outside traditional bonds.
European investment platforms
6. Mintos
Mintos is a Latvian peer-to-peer lending marketplace that connects investors with loan originators globally. Yields can reach up to 12% depending on risk tolerance and loan type, with diversification across lending companies in multiple countries. According to Mintos, over 400,000 investors use the platform. It is regulated by the Latvian Financial and Capital Market Commission. The main risks are loan defaults and loan originator failures.
7. PeerBerry
PeerBerry connects investors with non-bank lending companies primarily in Eastern Europe and Asia. It features a buyback guarantee on most loans and has reported no capital losses for investors since launch. Yields have declined slightly in recent years as demand has increased. The platform is well regarded for transparency and has paid out more than €49 million to investors. Funds cannot be withdrawn instantly, so liquidity planning is important.
8. Bondora
Bondora is one of Europe’s oldest peer-to-peer lending platforms, operating since 2008. It offers up to 12% annual interest on loans, primarily to individuals and small businesses. Investors can use the automated Go & Grow feature for a simplified hands-off approach. The platform does not offer buyback guarantees, and as with all peer lending, default risk exists. Its long track record makes it one of the more trusted options in the European P2P space.
9. Funding Circle
Funding Circle focuses on small business lending in both the UK and the US. Investors fund loans to vetted small businesses, with automated investment tools available. The platform is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, which provides a degree of accountability and transparency uncommon in alternative lending. Interest rates and risk levels can be configured by the investor.
10. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is best suited for sophisticated investors who want global market access. It supports trading in stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and funds across more than 150 markets in 33 countries. Fees are low, and the platform includes professional-grade tools for analysis and execution. There is no account minimum for cash accounts. While the platform has a steeper learning curve than consumer-facing apps, it is the most capable option for investors who need access beyond US markets. According to Interactive Brokers, it handles over 2 million trades per day across its global client base.
How to choose the right platform for you
Before opening an account, consider: the minimum deposit required, fee structure per trade or per year, which asset classes you want access to, the regulatory framework protecting your capital, and whether the platform suits your experience level. Beginners generally do well starting with Fidelity, Schwab, or Robinhood in the US, or Bondora or PeerBerry in Europe. Verify that any platform you use is properly licensed and regulated before depositing funds.
FAQs about online investment platforms
What happened to TD Ameritrade?
TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab in 2020. The full migration of all TD Ameritrade clients, accounts, and services to the Charles Schwab platform was completed by 2024. Former TD Ameritrade users now access their accounts through Schwab, which also retained the thinkorswim trading platform.
What is the best online investment platform for beginners?
Fidelity and Robinhood are the most beginner-friendly US platforms. Fidelity offers no account minimums, commission-free trading, and strong educational resources. Robinhood offers the simplest interface for getting started quickly. In Europe, Bondora’s Go & Grow feature requires minimal knowledge to use effectively.
Are peer-to-peer lending platforms safe?
Peer-to-peer lending platforms carry more risk than traditional bank deposits. Your capital is not covered by government deposit insurance schemes. The main risks are borrower defaults and loan originator failures. Platforms with buyback guarantees, like PeerBerry, offer some protection, but those guarantees are only as reliable as the lending companies behind them. Diversify across multiple loans and loan originators to manage risk.
How do I verify if an investment platform is legitimate?
Check the platform’s regulatory status first. US platforms should be registered with FINRA and the SEC. European platforms should be licensed by their national financial regulator. Review their full fee disclosure, terms of service, and independent user reviews. Be cautious of platforms promising unusually high guaranteed returns with no risk — these are common indicators of fraud.
Can you lose all your money on an investment platform?
Yes. All investments carry risk. Stock prices can fall significantly, businesses funded through peer lending can default, and platforms themselves can fail. US brokerage accounts are protected up to $500,000 by SIPC insurance if the brokerage itself fails, but this does not cover market losses. Always invest only what you can afford to lose and diversify across asset classes.
