How do I start investing?

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but it's really just four steps. Let's walk through them.

Step 1 — Open a brokerage account

Separate from your bank account, you need a brokerage account. These days you can open one in about 10 minutes in a brokerage app, fully online. Just have your ID ready.

Step 2 — Fund it (deposit)

Transfer money from your bank into the brokerage account. That cash is what you'll use to buy stocks. Start with an amount you can afford to lose.

Step 3 — Find a stock

Search a company name or ticker in the app. If you don't understand how the company makes money, it's not time to buy yet. Start with companies you know.