[Investing for Teens 2026] Best Stock Apps (Greenlight vs Stockpile, Custodial Accounts)

Investing for Teens
Financial Literacy Starts Now

🚀 Key Takeaways

• Greenlight: The best all-in-one app. It combines a debit card, chores list, and investing platform, but has a monthly fee.
• Fidelity Youth: The best free option. No monthly fees, no account minimums, and backed by a major brokerage.
• Fractional Shares: All top apps now allow teens to buy $5 worth of Apple or Nvidia, making expensive stocks accessible.

This is 'Thirsty Hippo'. You taught them how to ride a bike. You taught them how to drive. But have you taught them how to build wealth? In 2026, financial literacy is the most critical survival skill. The days of "piggy banks" are over. Today's teens want to own a piece of the companies they love—Apple, Nike, Roblox. Thanks to modern fintech apps, they can. We compare the safest, most educational platforms to turn your teenager into a savvy investor before they even graduate high school.

📌 1. The All-Rounder (Greenlight)

Greenlight is more than an investing app; it is a financial OS for families. It gives your child a debit card that you control. You can set "Chores" (e.g., wash the dishes = $5), and once paid, they can choose to spend it or invest it.

The investing interface is "Kids-First." It simplifies complex charts into easy-to-read trends. However, the "Greenlight Max" plan costs around $9.98/month. Is it worth it? Yes, if you have multiple children, as the fee covers the whole family up to 5 kids.

🧮 Hippo's Insight

The "Parental Veto": The most important feature in these apps is the "Request to Buy" button. Your teen cannot buy a risky penny stock without your approval. You get a notification, review the stock together, and then approve or deny. It turns every trade into a teaching moment.

Key Insight: Control without micromanaging.

📊 2. The Fee-Free King (Fidelity Youth)

If you hate monthly subscriptions, Fidelity Youth is the winner. It is one of the few accounts that allows teens (13-17) to have their own login and debit card with $0 monthly fees.

Feature	Greenlight	Fidelity Youth
Monthly Cost	~$9.98 (Family)	$0 (Free)
Debit Card	Yes (Customizable)	Yes (Standard)
Educational Content	Excellent (Videos/Quizzes)	Good (Articles)

Fidelity treats teens like adults-in-training. The app looks similar to the adult version but simplified. It is perfect if you already use Fidelity for your own retirement, as you can view all accounts in one dashboard.

✅ Before You Open an Account: Checklist

Verify these details:

• ☐ Age Limit: Does the app support your child's age? (Usually 13+).
• ☐ Taxes: Understand the "Kiddie Tax." Unearned income over $2,600 (in 2026) might be taxed at your rate.
• ☐ Ownership: Is it a Custodial Account (UGMA) or a Youth Account? (UGMA money legally belongs to the child at 18).

📝 Start the Conversation Today

Don't just give them the app; give them the strategy. Sit down and buy their first $10 of stock together. Explain why they own a piece of that company. This small action today builds the mindset of an investor for life.

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#TeenInvesting #StockMarketForKids #GreenlightApp #FidelityYouth #FinancialLiteracy #ParentingTips #MoneyManagement #FamilyFinance #ThirstyHippo #WealthBuilding