Alternative Investing

We tested dozens of services to bring you our top picks as you look to turn knowledge into action

Coinbase

Access crypto investments

Beginner-friendly app and desktop interface
Very low minimum balance
Strong security measures with 2FA and biometrics
Wide range of available coins and trading pairs
Increasing opportunities to earn interest on crypto
Educational tools that pay you crypto
Coinbase Pro for advanced traders
Solid customer support
A publicly-listed company, regulated by the SEC
FDIC-insured USD balances up to $250,000
Bank-like security measures and 98% cold storage

Somewhat vague and varying transaction fees
Not the lowest transaction fees available
Takes time for new coins to be added to the platform
Security insurance covers breaches on Coinbase's side, but not individual hacks

Worthy alternatives

AltoIRA

Add alternatives to your retirement account

Simple interface for complex investing
Crypto-specific IRAs with no account minimum
Private investment (real estate, angel, etc.) IRAs with no account minimum
No account fees on CryptoIRA
Low account fees and processing fees for private investment IRA
Transparent fee structure
Integrated with Coinbase for wide crypto trading ability
Excellent customer service
Seamless sign up process and transfer assistance
Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs
Invest through Alto partners or identify your own direct investments
FDIC-insured USD balances up to $250,000

Not necessary unless you're investing in crypto or private assets
Designed to widen the available investment options, not for better trading
Monthly account fees for private investment IRA
No mobile app
Account closure fees
No individual 401(k) plans
Limited investing research or analytical tools

Worthy alternatives

Fundrise

Access private real estate investing

Invest in private real estate for as little as $10
Multiple diversified fund options, so you don't have to choose properties
Access commercial, single-family, and industrial real estate
Open to non-accredited investors (regular people)
Quarterly dividend distributions
User-friendly interface
Guided sign-up process to easily choose a fund that fits your goals
Relatively low fees for a private investment fund
IRA investment options
Automatic dividend reinvestment
Quality market insights and newsletters
Regular, detailed portfolio investment updates
Educational resources
Clear portfolio transactions, allocations, and performance
Regulated by the SEC

Complex investments that require your own due diligence
Some hidden fees for origination, IRAs, and redemptions
Private eREIT structure is illiquid, with fees for redeeming <5 years
Higher fees than publicly-traded REITs
Limited investment track record
IRA investments only available at higher minimum investments
You don't get to see the investments upfront
The fund investment documents are thick and complex

Worthy alternatives

Coinbase

Access crypto investments

Beginner-friendly app and desktop interface
Very low minimum balance
Strong security measures with 2FA and biometrics
Wide range of available coins and trading pairs
Increasing opportunities to earn interest on crypto
Educational tools that pay you crypto
Coinbase Pro for advanced traders
Solid customer support
A publicly-listed company, regulated by the SEC
FDIC-insured USD balances up to $250,000
Bank-like security measures and 98% cold storage

Somewhat vague and varying transaction fees
Not the lowest transaction fees available
Takes time for new coins to be added to the platform
Security insurance covers breaches on Coinbase's side, but not individual hacks

Worthy alternatives

AltoIRA

Add alternatives to your retirement account

Simple interface for complex investing
Crypto-specific IRAs with no account minimum
Private investment (real estate, angel, etc.) IRAs with no account minimum
No account fees on CryptoIRA
Low account fees and processing fees for private investment IRA
Transparent fee structure
Integrated with Coinbase for wide crypto trading ability
Excellent customer service
Seamless sign up process and transfer assistance
Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs
Invest through Alto partners or identify your own direct investments
FDIC-insured USD balances up to $250,000

Not necessary unless you're investing in crypto or private assets
Designed to widen the available investment options, not for better trading
Monthly account fees for private investment IRA
No mobile app
Account closure fees
No individual 401(k) plans
Limited investing research or analytical tools

Worthy alternatives

Fundrise

Access private real estate investing

Invest in private real estate for as little as $10
Multiple diversified fund options, so you don't have to choose properties
Access commercial, single-family, and industrial real estate
Open to non-accredited investors (regular people)
Quarterly dividend distributions
User-friendly interface
Guided sign-up process to easily choose a fund that fits your goals
Relatively low fees for a private investment fund
IRA investment options
Automatic dividend reinvestment
Quality market insights and newsletters
Regular, detailed portfolio investment updates
Educational resources
Clear portfolio transactions, allocations, and performance
Regulated by the SEC

Complex investments that require your own due diligence
Some hidden fees for origination, IRAs, and redemptions
Private eREIT structure is illiquid, with fees for redeeming <5 years
Higher fees than publicly-traded REITs
Limited investment track record
IRA investments only available at higher minimum investments
You don't get to see the investments upfront
The fund investment documents are thick and complex

Worthy alternatives

Pick the platform that makes things easier for you

At the end of the day, it's all about what's right for you. With something like budgeting, debt management, or investing, the most important criteria is that you feel comfortable using it. Otherwise, you're not going to build the confidence to take your future into your own hands. If you're buying basic stocks and funds to hold for the long term, you can do that almost anywhere. Just find a respectable institution that charges low or no fees and has an interface you don't hate using.