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Investagrams and Other Investing Apps You Need to Know About
Ready to grow your savings? Investagrams and other investing apps open up a world of opportunities, putting stocks, mutual funds, and other investment options in your hands. Think of it as planting the seeds for your financial future. With a little knowledge and the right tools, you can watch your savings grow to achieve your dream home or that European vacation.
Discover apps that empower you to navigate the market and make informed decisions, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your investment journey.
1. Investagrams: The All-In-One Platform
Investagrams: Your all-in-one app for learning, practicing, and investing in the Philippine stock market.
Image Credit: InvestaDaily
- Target Asset Types: Educational resources and virtual trading
- User Level: Beginner to advanced
- Fee Structure: Commission-based trading fees with no account maintenance fees for basic accounts
- Highlight: It offers a comprehensive platform for learning, practicing, and investing that’s suitable for novice and experienced investors.
How it works: Investagrams is your go-to resource for learning about and practicing investments. Access real-time market data, analyze trends with technical tools, and connect with fellow traders to exchange insights.
You can also hone your skills risk-free with the virtual trading platform (VTrade).
Requirements: To get started, simply register for an account using your email address or mobile number and follow the straightforward verification steps.
To unlock the full range of features and gain access to the mutual fund marketplace, you'll need to verify your account by uploading a valid ID.
Benefits: Beginners can learn the ropes and practice strategies without risking real money. Advanced traders gain access to premium tools (InvestaPrime) and a community to sharpen their skills.
Ready to invest? Investagrams seamlessly connects you to Investa, its partner app for investing in mutual funds.
2. Investa: Passive Income Made Easy
Investa lets you grow your money with easy mutual fund investing. Start with ₱100 and automate your wealth-building!
Image Credit: Investa
- Target Asset Types: Mutual funds
- User Level: Beginner
- Fee Structure: Varies depending on the mutual fund
- Highlight: Designed for passive income seekers, Investa simplifies investing in mutual funds with its intuitive interface and automated features.
How it works: Investa simplifies investing in mutual funds for passive income. Choose from a selection of curated funds that match your monetary goals and start investing with just ₱100. Plus, their auto-invest feature helps put your money to work regularly.
Requirements: Create an account using your email or mobile number, then verify your identity with a valid ID. Link your bank account to fund your investments seamlessly.
Benefits: Ideal for beginners and those with limited capital, Investa's low minimum investment and auto-invest feature make growing your money easy. By focusing on mutual funds, the app eliminates the complexity of choosing individual stocks, so you can build a diversified portfolio effortlessly.
3. COL Financial: The Established Player
COL Financial is your trusted partner for stock market investing. Research, trade, and learn with extensive tools and resources.
Image Credit: COL Financial app on Google Play
- Target Asset Types: Stocks, mutual funds, UITFs
- User Level: Beginner to advanced
- Fee Structure: Commission-based trading fees, varying account maintenance fees
- Highlight: It’s a well-established platform known for its robust research tools and educational resources, making it a good choice for investors who value information and analysis.
How it works: With COL Financial, you can easily buy and sell stocks, mutual funds, and UITFs (Unit Investment Trust Funds) after funding your account. The platform equips you with extensive research tools, live market updates, and educational resources to guide your investment decisions.
Requirements: Start by choosing an account type, each with a different minimum investment (₱1,000 for COL Starter, ₱25,000 for COL Plus, or ₱1 Million for COL Premium). Fill out the online application, submit a valid ID, and fund your account through partner banks like BPI. You can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial to explore the platform before committing.
Benefits: Beginners benefit from educational resources and an intuitive interface, while experienced traders can leverage in-depth research and real-time market data.
4. Seedbox: The Robo-Advisor
Seedbox’s mobile app, SBX: Stocks by Seedbox, grows your money with automated, diversified portfolios.
Image Credit: SBX: Stocks by Seedbox on Google Play
- Target Asset Types: Mutual funds and UITFs from the ATR Asset Management Group (ATRAM) and Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) Funds from BDO, PNB, Landbank, and Metrobank
- User Level: Beginner
- Fee Structure: Annual management fee of 0.5% of assets under management
- Highlight: Ideal for beginners who prefer a hands-off approach, Seedbox automatically builds and manages a diversified portfolio based on your risk profile and investment goals.
How it works: Seedbox simplifies investing with its robo-advisor technology. Answer a few questions about your financial goals and risk tolerance, then let its algorithms build a personalized portfolio of diversified Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) tailored for you. No need to research individual stocks—Seedbox does the heavy lifting.
Requirements: Create an account and answer a few questions about your investment goals and risk tolerance. Start growing your money for as low as ₱1,000.
Benefits: Seedbox is perfect for beginners or hands-off investors, removing the stress out of stock picking. Enjoy features like automatic portfolio management, rebalancing, and dividend reinvestment to keep your investments on track.
5. GInvest: GCash for Investing
Invest in your future with GInvest! Start with ₱50 and explore mutual funds, stocks, and crypto directly through GCash.
- Target Asset Types: Mutual funds, Stocks, Cryptocurrency
- User Level: Beginner
- Fee Structure: Varies depending on your investment
- Highlight: It’s a convenient option for GCash users who want to start investing without switching platforms.
How it works: GInvest, found within your GCash app, offers a handpicked selection of mutual funds tailored to different risk levels and goals. Choose the funds that suit you best, then buy and sell units directly through the app.
Requirements: You need an existing GCash account to start. Just click the GInvest icon on the app, then complete a quick questionnaire to determine your risk profile. This helps GInvest recommend suitable funds for your investment goals.
Benefits: Start your investment journey with just ₱50. GInvest makes it easy to manage your money and investments in one place. Plus, access educational resources to learn and make informed decisions along the way.
6. AAA Equities: Stock Trading Made Simple
AAA Equities lets you automate your stock trading with simple tools and low fees.
Image Credit: AAA Equities
- Target Asset Types: Primarily Philippine stocks
- User Level: Beginner
- Fee Structure: Commission-based trading fees (0.25% + 12% VAT) plus a PSE fee (.0005%), SCCP (.fee 01%), and sales tax (.6% for SELL orders only)
- Highlight: It offers a streamlined platform focused on stock trading, making it easy for beginners to get started. The app provides basic research and analysis tools to help you make informed decisions.
How it works: AAA Equities simplifies stock trading for you. Open an account, deposit funds, and start buying and selling Philippine stocks with ease. The app provides real-time quotes, charting tools, research reports, and market news to guide your decisions. You can also automate your trading with its cut-loss and buy-breakout features.
Requirements: To begin, upload photos of two valid IDs, a selfie holding one valid ID, and a link to a bank account. You'll need a minimum balance of ₱10,000 to open an account.
Benefits: Ideal for beginners, AAA Equities offers a streamlined interface focused on stock trading. With no account maintenance fees for most accounts, it's an affordable way to start your investment journey.
7. First Metro Sec: Trade Like a Pro
Trade like a pro! Access advanced tools, research, and diverse assets for a seamless investing experience.
Image Credit: FirstMetroSec App on Google Play
- Target Asset Types: Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), dollar-denominated securities
- User Level: Beginner to advanced
- Fee Structure: Commission-based trading fees, varying account maintenance fees, and additional fees for margin trading. View their complete list of fees.
- Highlight: It offers a pro-level trading experience with its advanced mobile app and comprehensive features, catering to beginners and experienced investors.
How it works: FirstMetroSec provides convenient access to the Philippine stock market through its web-based platform and advanced FirstMetroSec GO mobile app. The app features an intuitive interface, touch trading, and conditional orders for automated trading.
Requirements: To get started, submit a completed application form, valid ID, proof of billing, and bank account. Make an initial deposit of ₱1,000 or $100, then upload a proof of transaction. You'll also need to provide proof of employment, TIN, and SSS. Enjoy a 15-day free trial of FirstMetroSec GO and 30 days to complete the requirements.
Benefits: FirstMetroSec empowers you with a pro-level trading experience on your mobile device. The app offers advanced tools, comprehensive research, and educational resources. Explore a variety of asset classes and build a diversified portfolio to achieve your goals.
8. Bonds.ph: Your Gateway to RTBs
Grow your money securely and support the Philippines by investing in RTBs through Bonds.PH. Start with just ₱5,000!
Image Credit: Bonds.ph App on Google Play
- Target Asset Types: Philippine Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs)
- User Level: Beginner
- Fee Structure: No fees for buying or selling RTBs; invest for as low as ₱5,000
- Highlight: It’s a platform specifically designed for investing in Philippine Retail Treasury Bonds, making it a safe and accessible option for supporting the country's development while earning fixed income.
How it works: Developed by UnionBank in partnership with PDAX, Bonds.PH simplifies investing in RTBs. Easily create an account, cash in through various channels (bank transfers, e-wallets), and subscribe to RTB offerings. Track your investments and even sell bonds before maturity, all within the app.
Requirements: To get started, you'll need a valid ID, a selfie, and a mobile number. A bank account isn't mandatory, but it makes transactions smoother.
Benefits: Bonds.PH offers a convenient and secure way for everyone to invest in RTBs. If you're risk-averse and want to support the nation's growth while earning a fixed income, this is for you. The user-friendly app and transparent fees make it perfect for new and experienced investors.
Do Your Research Before Investing
Before you trust any app with your hard-earned money, it's crucial to do research. Look for platforms regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and check reviews from other users. Investing in the stock market carries risks, so here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Diversify your portfolio. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Invest in a variety of stocks or funds to spread the risk.
- Invest for the long term. Avoid trying to time the market. Focus on long-term goals and be patient.
- Don't invest money you can't afford to lose. Only invest money that you're comfortable losing.