Choose a brokerage type: online broker, full-service broker, or robo-advisor
Compare fees, commissions, account minimums, and available investments
Check the broker’s regulation and investor protection coverage
Gather required documents: government ID, Social Security number or tax ID, address, employment details, and bank information
Visit the broker’s website or app and select “Open Account”
Choose the account type: individual, joint, retirement, or custodial
Complete the application with personal, financial, and tax information
Answer investment experience and risk tolerance questions
Review and accept the account agreements and disclosures
Link a bank account for funding
Deposit money into the account
Set up security features such as two-factor authentication
Choose investments based on your goals and risk tolerance
Place your first trade or set up automatic investing
Monitor the account regularly and rebalance as needed