Ally Invest$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
Broker comparison
Ally Invest vs.
Robinhood
Which broker fits your needs?
Platforms, products and fees side by side.
Checked on 22 October 2026
See comparisonAlly Invest
RobinhoodVS
Summary
Your goal decides
On pure options cost Robinhood is ahead: $0 commission against $0.50 per contract at Ally Invest. Ally Invest (4.0/5) is the broader provider, with bonds, mutual funds and forex plus an integrated Ally Bank savings account. Robinhood (3.9/5) is the simpler app, with crypto and fractional shares from $1, but funds itself through payment for order flow. Both are open only to US customers.
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
RobinhoodCommission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading
At a glance
The key differences
| Criterion | Ally Invest | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App | Robinhood App, Robinhood Web |
| Product types | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto |
| Options trading | Yes, options from $0.50 per contract | Yes, commission-free US options |
| Fee model | $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract | $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options |
| Minimum deposit | 0 $ | 0 $ |
| Regulation | SEC/FINRA | SEC/FINRA |
| More information | Details | Details |
Platforms
Ally Invest
Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App
Robinhood
Robinhood App, Robinhood Web
Product types
Ally Invest
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex
Robinhood
Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto
Options trading
Ally Invest
Yes, options from $0.50 per contract
Robinhood
Yes, commission-free US options
Fee model
Ally Invest
$0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract
Robinhood
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
Minimum deposit
Ally Invest
0 $
Robinhood
0 $
Regulation
Ally Invest
SEC/FINRA
Robinhood
SEC/FINRA
Product access and costs depend on market, account and permissions.
Detailed comparison
Comparing fees
Compare total costs, not just the order fee.
Ally InvestRobinhood$0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Published fee
- $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options
- Minimum deposit
- 0 $
The relevant costs depend on market, currency, order size and trading style.
Worked out
What does it actually cost?
Typical months at Ally Invest and Robinhood, priced from their published fee schedules. Spreads, FX and exchange fees come on top depending on the venue.
| Scenario | Ally Invest | Robinhood |
|---|---|---|
| ETF savings plan, ≈ €200 a month | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 | US$0$0 online ETF commission (≈ $230 buy); $0 × 1 |
| 10 stock buys of ≈ €1,000 a month | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders | US$0$0 online US stock commission × 10 orders |
| 10 US option contracts a month | US$5$0 commission + $0.50 per contract × 10 | US$0No commission or contract fee on stock/ETF options; ~$0.04/contract exchange/regulatory pass-through excluded |
| One BTC purchase of ≈ €1,000 | —Crypto trading not offered | US$10.93Exchange Routing tier $0–10K: 0.95% taker × $1,150; market-maker routing has no commission (spread instead) |
| Custody and account fee per year | US$0No account or inactivity fee on the fee schedule | US$0No fees to open or maintain the account |
Checked on 22 October 2026. Prices can change; the current fee schedule is what counts. Sources: ally.com · robinhood.com · cdn.robinhood.com
Execution quality
Order type, venue and liquidity affect execution.
Ally InvestCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationRobinhoodCheck the provider’s execution policy and available order types for your account.
Provider informationProduct range
Ally InvestStocksETFsOptionsBondsMutual FundsForex
RobinhoodStocksETFsOptionsCrypto
Categories come from broker profiles. Check specific markets and permissions before deciding.
Trading platforms
Ally InvestAlly Invest Web · Ally Invest App
Ally Invest offers trading through Ally Invest Web and the Ally Invest App. The web platform provides order placement, portfolio overview, charting tools, and access to stock, options, and Forex trading in a unified interface. The mobile app enables trading and account management on the go with integration to the Ally Bank savings account. Both platforms are clearly designed but offer fewer advanced analysis tools than platforms from Fidelity or E*TRADE.
Explore platformRobinhoodRobinhood App · Robinhood Web
Robinhood offers trading through the Robinhood App and Robinhood Web. The mobile app is the centerpiece of the offering, known for its intuitive, minimalist user interface. It enables quick trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies in just a few clicks. The web platform offers enhanced charting features and account management. Both platforms are designed for simplicity but offer fewer professional analysis tools than competitors.
Explore platformAlly Invest
Ally Invest Securities LLC (clearing: Apex Clearing)
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Robinhood
Robinhood Financial LLC (introducing broker; clearing by Robinhood Securities, LLC); crypto: Robinhood Crypto, LLC
- Supervisor
- SEC / FINRA
Regulation does not protect against market losses. What counts is the entity you sign the contract with.
Your investor profile
Who might it suit?
Ally InvestFor Ally Bank customers who want checking, savings and brokerage in one place. Options carry a small per-contract fee; there is no crypto.
- Commission-free stock and ETF trading
- Low options fees ($0.50 per contract)
- Integrated banking with savings account
- Only available for US customers
- Fewer research tools than Fidelity or Schwab
RobinhoodFor active options traders and crypto buyers: options with no per-contract fee and crypto in the same app. Mind the fee on crypto purchases.
- Completely commission-free trading
- Very user-friendly app
- Fractional shares from $1
- Only available for US customers
- Limited research and analysis tools
Find the broker that fits
Ally Invest oder Robinhood?
Side by side. Decided with knowledge.
See the differences that matter, and the Academy lessons that explain them.
VS
- Fees
- Platform
- Regulation
- Matching lessons
Two brokers. Many options. Your call.
Ally Invest and Robinhood do not earn the same way
The table shows what they cost. These lessons show how they earn, which is what the difference is made of.
In-depth analysis
Entry and fees: There is no difference at the door — neither Ally Invest nor Robinhood asks for a minimum deposit, and both trade stocks and ETFs commission-free. The bill only separates on options. Robinhood charges $0 commission there too, Ally Invest $0.50 per contract. If you trade several contracts regularly, that gap adds up. Robinhood earns instead through payment for order flow, with a quoted execution of around 50 ms; Ally Invest quotes around 40 ms through smart order routing.
Products and platforms: Ally Invest is the broader of the two. Alongside stocks, ETFs and options it offers bonds, mutual funds and forex, plus an integrated Ally Bank savings account. Robinhood trades stocks, ETFs, options and crypto, and offers fractional shares from $1. On platforms both rely on web and app. By its own profile Ally Invest has fewer research tools than Fidelity or Schwab, and Robinhood likewise notes limited analysis tools. Neither offers futures.
Profile and verdict: Ally Invest (4.0/5 from 1,100 reviews) was founded in 2005 and is based in Charlotte; Robinhood (3.9/5 from 2,500 reviews) was founded in 2013 and is based in Menlo Park. Both are SEC/FINRA-regulated and open only to US customers. If you mainly trade options and count every cent, Robinhood fits. If you want banking, bonds, funds and forex under one roof and can accept $0.50 per contract, Ally Invest is the better match.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
How do fees differ between Ally Invest and Robinhood?
Ally Invest: $0 commission on stocks and ETFs, options $0.50 per contract. Robinhood: $0 commission on stocks, ETFs and options. Compare total costs for the specific market, product, currency and order size in the current fee schedule.
Which broker offers more products: Ally Invest or Robinhood?
Ally Invest offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Forex. Robinhood offers Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto.
How are Ally Invest and Robinhood regulated?
The broker profiles list SEC/FINRA for Ally Invest and SEC/FINRA for Robinhood. Your account's contracting entity determines the applicable oversight and protection rules; check its current disclosures.
Is Ally Invest or Robinhood better for beginners?
Ally Invest lists a 0 $ minimum deposit and offers Ally Invest Web, Ally Invest App. Robinhood lists 0 $ and offers Robinhood App, Robinhood Web. Compare usability, available products and costs for your intended use.
Ally Invest vs Robinhood: Which broker is better overall?
The choice between Ally Invest (4/5, 1100 reviews) and Robinhood (3.9/5, 2500 reviews) depends on your needs. Ally Invest: US online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking. Robinhood: Commission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading.
Your next step
Your next step
Ally InvestUS online broker with commission-free trading and integrated banking
Open accountRead reviewRobinhoodCommission-free US broker that revolutionized stock trading
Open accountRead reviewKeep learning
Before you pick a broker
The guides worth reading before your first trade, whichever of the two you choose.