Stock Investment Platforms: Complete Guide for 2025

The investment market in Brazil is experiencing rapid expansion. According to B3 data, in 2024, more than 5 million new investors entered the market, with a projected growth of 20% in 2025. This growth reflects not only the democratization of access to stock exchanges but also the increasing interest in diversification through global assets such as cryptocurrencies, international ETFs, and overseas investments.

The millennial and Gen Z generations are leading this expansion, seeking platforms that combine intuitive technology, competitive fees, and accessible financial education. In this context, choosing the ideal platform to trade stocks and other assets has become crucial to optimize results and minimize risks.

Essential Criteria for Selecting a Stock Trading App

In a saturated market with many options, selection criteria go beyond traditional factors. Security, transparent fees, and ease of use remain fundamental, but modern investors also value:

Integration with financial goals - Long-term planning tools that connect contributions to specific targets.

Adaptive education - Microlearning content, including quick videos, interactive quizzes, and real-time market analysis.

Sustainability and ESG - Options to invest in companies with environmental, social, and responsible governance criteria.

Smart technology - Use of artificial intelligence to identify market patterns and optimize portfolio allocation.

Foreign currency accounts - Facilities for investing abroad and managing assets in dollars or other currencies.

The app acts as a bridge between the investor and the stock exchange, enabling secure and profitable transactions. Therefore, evaluating details that differentiate platforms is essential before starting operations.

Main Platform Options for Investing in Stocks

Rico - Focus on Beginners

Rico has established itself as a brokerage aimed at those starting in the stock market. Part of the XP Inc. group, the platform uses a relaxed and accessible language for audiences with lower purchasing power.

It offers access to stocks, government and private bonds, as well as investment funds. Its main differentiator is structured educational content and a robo-advisor that simplifies investment decisions for beginners.

Rating: 4.4 ⭐

Pros:

• Ideal for beginner investors
• Confirmed security
• Zero brokerage fees on many products (excluding B3 fees)
• Simplified interface
• Structured educational material

Cons:

• Concentration within the XP Inc. group, reducing diversity of independent platforms

Toro - Technology and Personalization

Toro has been operating since 2017 and gained credibility after being acquired by Banco Santander. As a fintech, it prioritizes robust security and advanced technology, offering extensive educational resources that cover both beginners and intermediate investors.

The platform stands out for the “Investor Journey,” a personalized path that helps each user identify opportunities aligned with their profile.

Rating: 4.4 ⭐

Pros:

• Suitable for beginners to intermediates
• Top-tier security
• Free app with variable brokerage models
• Comprehensive educational content
• Personalized experience

Cons:

• Complex fee structure may impact profitability depending on the chosen plan

XP Investimentos - Range of Products

XP Investimentos evolved from a brokerage focused on large volumes to offering services to individual investors. Its portfolio includes domestic and international products, with simulators that allow comparing potential returns before each contribution.

Especially recommended for those with substantial capital to invest, the platform provides expert analysis and direct access to international exchanges like NASDAQ and NYSE.

Rating: 4.6 ⭐

Pros:

• Suitable for intermediate investors
• Confirmed security
• Zero brokerage on some assets, R$ 2.90 (day trade) and R$ 4.90 (swing trade) in stocks
• Accessible interface with educational resources
• Expert recommendations for larger investors

Cons:

• Advantages concentrated among investors with higher available capital

Nu Invest - Banking Integration

Nubank, a pioneer in digital banking services, expanded its offerings through Nu Invest, resulting from the acquisition of the former Easynvest brokerage. The platform offers over a thousand products, including stocks, real estate funds, and ETFs.

Integrated into the digital bank ecosystem, it facilitates operations for users already familiar with the brand, offering security and simplicity.

Rating: 4.6 ⭐

Pros:

• Suitable for beginners and conservative profiles
• Robust security
• Zero brokerage in various products (excluding day/swing trade in stocks)
• Quick account opening
• Integrated simulator

Cons:

• Products recommended for more conservative profiles, limiting variety

Inter Invest - Microinvestments

Banco Inter offers an integrated platform called Inter Invest, developed for its digital banking clients. Educational quality and competitive fees are key differentiators, along with support for local cryptocurrencies and reduced minimum contributions.

Ideal for those looking to start with small amounts and learn progressively.

Rating: 4.8 ⭐

Pros:

• Excellent for beginners
• Operational security
• Zero brokerage (excluding B3 fees)
• Quality educational material
• Simple for existing bank clients

Cons:

• Access restricted to Banco Inter customers

Avenue - International Investments

Avenue specializes in facilitating investments abroad, offering dollar checking accounts and operations in global markets. Ideal for those aiming to expand their assets beyond Brazilian borders.

Rating: 4.0 ⭐

Pros:

• Suitable for intermediate investors
• Robust anti-fraud system
• Free app with additional brokerage costs
• Easier access for Itaú clients
• Dollar accounts and international operations

Cons:

• Costs structured in dollars may be higher

Comparison of Main Features

Each platform caters to different investor profiles:

Rico - Focus on education and community; zero brokerage except B3; ideal for young audiences exploring markets.

Toro - Variable brokerage models; strong in personalization; backed by Santander technology.

XP Investimentos - R$ 4.90 fee; access to international exchanges; advisory experts; ideal for intermediates.

Nu Invest - Zero brokerage with exceptions; integrated with Pix and banking; safe mode for conservatives.

Inter Invest - Zero brokerage except B3; local cryptocurrencies; accessible minimum contributions.

Avenue - Average brokerage of US$ 5; dollar card; SPACs and international products.

The Importance of a Strategic Choice

The stock market will continue expanding among Brazilians in the coming years, driven by interest in international diversification and the search for additional yields. Brokerages, in turn, continuously enhance their resources, fostering healthy competition.

Evaluating reputation, specific features, and suitability to your investor profile before starting to operate is essential for success. Security, transparent fees, quality education, and reliable support are factors that distinguish quality platforms from mediocre ones.

For beginners, prioritize intuitive interfaces and robust educational content. For intermediates, compare fee structures and access to international assets. Advanced investors should focus on sophisticated analytical tools and direct access to global markets.

The timing for choosing is favorable: Brazilian banking technology is advancing rapidly, stock trading apps are offering increasingly more features, and competition among brokerages benefits end users directly. Take advantage of this moment to structure your investment strategy with an appropriate platform and start your journey toward wealth growth.