M1 Finance Review 2026: Is It Good for ETF Investing?

M1 Finance at a Glance

M1 Finance for ETF Investors: What You Need to Know

A unique hybrid platform blending robo-advisor automation with self-directed investing. Lets you build custom ETF portfolios called Pies with automatic rebalancing, fractional shares, and no management fees. With commission-free ETF trading and fractional share support (invest from $1) , M1 Finance makes it accessible with a $100 minimum deposit.

The platform offers access to over 1,500 ETFs, giving you plenty of options whether you're looking for broad market index funds like VOO and VTI, dividend-focused ETFs like SCHD, or sector-specific funds. The research tools are rated good, which offers adequate tools for most beginner needs, though power users may want more.

M1 Finance's mobile app lets you manage your ETF portfolio on the go, set up automatic investments, and monitor your holdings from anywhere.

Pros and Cons

How to Open a M1 Finance Account for ETF Investing

1. Visit M1 Finance's website and click "Open an Account." You'll need your Social Security number, government ID, and bank information.
2. Choose your account type — Individual Brokerage (most common for beginners), Roth IRA (tax-advantaged retirement), or Traditional IRA. If you're not sure, start with an individual brokerage account.
3. Fund your account via bank transfer. The minimum deposit is $100.
4. Search for your chosen ETF (e.g., VOO, VTI, or SCHD) using the search bar and place your first trade.
5. Set up automatic investing to buy your chosen ETF(s) on a regular schedule. This is dollar cost averaging — the simplest and most effective strategy for beginners.

How M1 Finance Compares