SoFi Invest Review 2026: Fees, Pros & Cons

Looking for an honest SoFi Invest review before opening an account? SoFi built its reputation as an all-in-one financial app — banking, loans, and investing under one roof — and its brokerage arm inherits that same “everything in one place” philosophy. This review breaks down what SoFi Invest actually charges, what’s changed recently (including its return to crypto trading), and who it fits best.

Quick Verdict
SoFi Invest is a strong fit for beginners who already bank with SoFi or want a single app for investing, saving, and borrowing. Commissions are $0 on stocks, ETFs, and options, fractional shares start at just $5, and members get free access to Certified Financial Planners. The catches: a $25 inactivity fee if you don’t log in for 6 months, and thinner charting/research tools than dedicated brokers like Fidelity or Schwab.

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SoFi Invest at a Glance

Here’s a quick snapshot from this SoFi Invest review before the full breakdown:

  • Account Minimum$0 (self-directed)
  • Stock/ETF Trades$0 commission
  • Options Contracts$0 commission, no per-contract fee
  • Fractional Shares✓ Yes, from $5
  • Crypto Trading✓ Yes (relaunched Nov 2025 via SoFi Bank)
  • Account TypesBrokerage, Roth/Traditional/SEP/Rollover IRA
  • Automated Investing Fee0.25%/year, $50 minimum
  • Inactivity Fee$25 after 6 months of no login

SoFi Invest Review: How Much Does It Actually Cost?

This SoFi Invest review found pricing that’s competitive for day-to-day use: $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options trades, with no per-contract options fee — a real difference from brokers like Schwab or M1 that still charge $0.65 per options contract. There’s no minimum to open a self-directed brokerage account, and fractional shares start at just $5.

Where costs can appear:

  • Inactivity fee: $25 if you don’t log into your account for 6 months. This is unusual — none of the other major brokers we’ve reviewed charge for simple inactivity.
  • Automated Investing (robo-advisor): If you use SoFi’s automated portfolios instead of self-directed investing, a 0.25% annual management fee applies, with a $50 account minimum. This fee was only introduced in November 2024 — SoFi’s robo-advisor used to be free.
  • Outgoing wire transfer: $25 per wire. ACH transfers remain free.
  • Margin trading: Requires a $2,000 minimum to open a margin account, in line with industry-wide (Reg T) requirements.

Overall, this SoFi Invest review found these costs to be modest for typical beginner use — most of them are avoidable with basic account habits like logging in periodically. For the complete, most current breakdown, you can always check SoFi’s official fee schedule.

SoFi’s Return to Crypto Trading

This SoFi Invest review would be incomplete without covering one notable recent change: SoFi exited direct crypto ownership in December 2023 due to banking-charter regulatory requirements, offering only spot Bitcoin ETFs in the meantime. In November 2025, SoFi Bank relaunched direct crypto trading — buying, selling, and holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and dozens of other cryptocurrencies — becoming the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to offer this directly to consumers. Crypto assets aren’t FDIC- or SIPC-insured, so they carry different risk than the stocks and ETFs in your brokerage account.

Account Types Available

  • Individual Brokerage Account: Standard self-directed taxable account.
  • Roth, Traditional, SEP & Rollover IRA: All available, self-directed or through automated investing.
  • Automated Investing: SoFi’s robo-advisor, with portfolio options including Classic, Classic with Alternatives, and Sustainable (ESG-focused).

One quirk worth knowing: joint brokerage accounts are only available through Automated Investing, not through the self-directed platform.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros

  • $0 commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options — including no per-contract options fee
  • $0 minimum to open a self-directed account, fractional shares from $5
  • Free access to Certified Financial Planners for members
  • IPO access for active investing account holders, no minimum required
  • Direct crypto trading available again as of late 2025
  • Integrated with SoFi’s banking, loans, and credit products — convenient if you already use SoFi

✗ Cons

  • $25 inactivity fee after 6 months without logging in
  • Thinner charting and research tools than Fidelity or Schwab
  • Automated Investing now carries a 0.25% annual fee (previously free)
  • No open-end mutual funds or futures trading
  • Joint accounts require Automated Investing — not available for self-directed

Who Is SoFi Invest Best For?

SoFi Invest makes the most sense for beginners who want to consolidate their financial life into one app — especially if you already use SoFi for banking, loans, or credit cards. The free CFP access is a standout feature for a broker with no account minimum, and the return of direct crypto trading adds a feature most traditional brokers still don’t offer.

How Does SoFi Invest Compare to Other Brokers?

Curious how SoFi Invest stacks up against other options? See our head-to-head comparisons: SoFi vs Robinhood, SoFi vs Acorns, SoFi vs M1 Finance, SoFi vs Fidelity, SoFi vs Schwab, and SoFi vs Vanguard.

If your priority is deep research tools or a wider range of account types, a broker like Fidelity or Charles Schwab may serve you better as your primary account. SoFi Invest works well as an all-in-one starting point, especially for beginners already inside the SoFi ecosystem.

How to Open a SoFi Invest Account

  1. Go to SoFi’s website and select “Invest.”
  2. Choose your account type — self-directed brokerage, automated investing, or an IRA.
  3. Enter your personal information — name, address, Social Security number, and employment details.
  4. Link your bank account via ACH transfer to fund it.
  5. Make your first investment — many beginners start with a broad-market ETF or a small fractional share purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SoFi Invest have a minimum deposit?

No, the self-directed brokerage account has a $0 minimum. Automated Investing requires $50, and margin accounts require $2,000.

Does SoFi Invest charge inactivity fees?

Yes — $25 if you don’t log into your account for 6 months. Logging in periodically avoids this fee entirely.

Can I trade crypto on SoFi Invest?

Yes, as of SoFi Bank’s November 2025 relaunch, members can buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana directly. This followed a period (Dec 2023–Nov 2025) when SoFi only offered spot Bitcoin ETFs instead of direct crypto ownership.

Is this SoFi Invest review up to date?

Yes. This SoFi Invest review reflects fees and features confirmed as of mid-2026. Fee schedules and product offerings can change, so always confirm current details in SoFi’s official fee schedule before opening an account.

Want to see how SoFi compares to other platforms? Read our Fidelity Investments review, our Robinhood review, or check the full comparison of the best online brokers for beginners in 2026.

For an unbiased overview of investor protections, see the SEC’s official guide to opening a brokerage account at Investor.gov.


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