ETF Investment Minimums: How Little Can You Start With?
The minimum to start investing in ETFs has never been lower. Here is what you actually need at each major broker.
Don't have time? Here's what you need to know:
- 1ETF minimums are $1-5 at brokers with fractional shares (Fidelity, Schwab, Robinhood)
- 2At Vanguard, you need a full share (~$80-500) since they do not offer fractional ETF shares
- 3The starting amount matters less than starting — $50/month at 25 beats $500/month at 35
- 4Fidelity is the best broker for small starting balances due to $0 minimums and fractional shares
ETF Minimums at Major Brokers
With fractional shares, the minimum ETF investment is $1 at Fidelity, $5 at Schwab, and $1 at Robinhood. Without fractional shares, you need enough for one full share: about $260 for VTI, $500 for VOO, or $80 for BND. Vanguard does not offer fractional ETF shares, making full-share purchases the only option for their ETFs.
| Broker | Account Minimum | ETF Minimum Purchase | Fractional ETF Shares |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | $0 | $1 | Yes |
| Charles Schwab | $0 | $5 | Yes |
| Robinhood | $0 | $1 | Yes |
| Vanguard | $0 | One full share (~$80-500) | No (mutual funds yes, ETFs no) |
| Interactive Brokers | $0 | $1 | Yes |
Practical Starting Amounts
You can technically start with $1, but practical starting points depend on your broker. At Fidelity or Schwab: $50-100 is enough to buy fractional VTI and set up monthly automatic investments. At Vanguard: you need $260 for one share of VTI or can start with their mutual fund equivalents (VTSAX has a $3,000 minimum, but Vanguard Target Retirement funds start at $1,000).
The amount matters less than the habit. Someone investing $50 monthly from age 25 builds more wealth than someone who waits until they can afford $500 monthly but does not start until 35.
Tip: If you have less than $1,000, use Fidelity — $0 minimums, fractional shares on all ETFs, and excellent automatic investing features. Transfer to Vanguard later if you prefer their platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need $3,000 to start investing?
No. That is Vanguard's mutual fund minimum (VTSAX). ETFs have no minimum except the cost of one share (or $1-5 with fractional shares at other brokers). Fidelity's zero-fee funds (FZROX) have no minimum at all.
Is $100 enough to start investing?
Absolutely. $100 in VTI at Fidelity buys a fractional share of 4,000+ companies. Set up $100 monthly automatic investments and you are building wealth. At 10% annual returns, $100/month for 30 years grows to ~$197,000.
Can I buy ETFs with a credit card?
No. Brokerages do not accept credit card payments. Fund your account via bank transfer (ACH), wire, or check. Most brokers also accept direct deposit from your paycheck.
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Alex Harrington
CFA Level II Candidate, Finance & Economics
Alex Harrington is an independent ETF researcher and personal finance writer with over 8 years of experience analyzing exchange-traded funds. A CFA Level II candidate with a background in economics, Alex has reviewed 800+ ETFs and helped thousands of beginners build their first investment portfolios through clear, jargon-free education.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.