M1 Finance vs. Webull: Which is the Best Brokerage?

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M1 Finance vs. Webull

There are so many different investment apps and online brokerages available that it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. In this M1 Finance vs. Webull review, we’ll compare two popular apps that serve different purposes.

While they have some similarities, M1 Finance and Webull have fundamental differences you should understand before choosing an investment platform. Thankfully, their differences make it easy to determine which one will be the best for your specific needs.

Webull currently offers new users up to 12 free stocks for trying the platform. You’ll get two free stocks (each worth $3 – $3,000) for signing up. Deposit any amount to get up to 10 more free stocks. Sign up for Webull through this link to be eligible for the bonus.

M1 Finance vs. Webull Overview

The main difference between M1 Finance and Webull is that M1 Finance is ideal for passive long-term investors, and Webull is better suited for active investors and frequent traders.

With M1 Finance, you’ll create a plan for your investments and then simply add money to your account as you’re able. If you like a hands-off approach, you’ll appreciate M1 Finance. But if you want to place frequent trades and move in and out of particular stocks, Webull is a much better fit.

M1 Finance Basics

M1 Finance

M1 Finance refers to itself as the “The Finance Super Appâ„¢.”

M1 Finance has some impressive capabilities, and there’s no other investment app or brokerage quite like it. You can invest, spend, and borrow from the same platform. Some features are free, and others require a paid subscription (more on that in a minute).

Since we’re comparing two investment apps, most of this article will be focused on the investing-related features and capabilities (referred to as M1 Invest).

The most unique feature of M1 Finance is automated investing. It’s sometimes lumped in with robo advisors. M1 Finance is not a robo advisor, but it does serve the same purpose of automation and saving time.

M1 Finance uses “pies” to allocate your money according to your preferences. You can think of the pie as your overall portfolio, and the specific investments within the portfolio are the slices of the pie. In this case, the slices will be different sizes, as each investment will account for a different percentage of your portfolio.

You’ll select the pie you want to use (or create your own pie), and then all you need to do is add money to your account. When you add money, M1 Finance will automatically invest it according to your pie.

The pie determines the specific assets in your portfolio and what percentage of your overall portfolio goes to each investment. M1 Finance supports fractional shares, so regardless of how much you deposit, it will be allocated based on the percentages in your pie.

You can also have M1 Finance automatically rebalance your portfolio at any time. As the holdings in your portfolio increase or decrease in value at different paces, your portfolio will not always resemble the exact allocation set by your pie. You can get back to that ideal allocation by rebalancing.

Possibly the most impressive part is that this functionality is available for free. M1 Finance offers commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs, and there are no fees to use their basic service. Robo advisors like Betterment offer lower fees than human financial advisors, but a basic M1 Finance account is totally free.

As of 2022, M1 Finance also supports cryptocurrency trading. Currently, there are about 10 cryptocurrencies support, but more may be added in the future.

Investing in crypto with M1 Finance is very similar to investing in stocks or ETFs through the platform. Simply select a pie that includes crypto or create your own custom pie.

Free Portfolio Management
M1 Finance - $100 Signup Bonus M1 Finance - $100 Signup Bonus

M1 Finance makes it easy to manage your investments. Choose from a wide variety of professionally-created "pies" (portfolio allocations) or create your own. Contribute to your account and M1 Finance automatically invests based on your selections.

Features:
  • Free alternative to robo advisors
  • Automated investing
  • Easily view and manage your portfolio
  • Ideal for long-term investors
  • Commission-free trades

M1 Spend

In addition to investing, you can also use M1 Spend for your banking. This is a free checking account with a debit card, and it will be conveniently linked to your investment account.

Optionally, if you pay for M1 Plus (more on that below), you’ll be eligible for additional perks like interest on your checking balance, the ability to send checks, and a rewards credit card. The credit card offers 1.5% – 10% cashback on your purchases. At this point, the offers for 5% – 10% cashback are fairly limited, but hopefully, more brands will be added in the future.

M1 Borrow

M1 Borrow provides a flexible line of credit secured by your investments. It’s available for margin accounts with a balance of at least $5,000, and you can borrow up to 35% of your portfolio’s value.

The most convenient aspect of M1 Borrow is that it requires no application and comes with no set payment schedule. The rates are also much lower than lines of credit from most competitors, but keep in mind that your investment secures the loan. If you don’t pay the loan, you’ll lose money from your investment account.

While M1 Borrow is a nice option to have in case of emergency, keep in mind that borrowing against your investment portfolio is going to slow down your progress and does come with risk.

M1 Plus

The basic M1 Finance account is completely free, but they do offer M1 Plus, which is an optional paid upgrade. The cost of M1 Plus is $125 per year, but the first year is free. The benefits of M1 Plus include:

  • Interest on your checking and cash back balance.
  • Lower interest for a line of credit.
  • 4 monthly ATM fee reimbursements.
  • No international fees on debit card purchases.
  • Send paper checks from the M1 Finance app.
  • Rewards credit card (pending a credit application).
  • Automatically invest your credit card rewards.
  • Access to custodial accounts.

Read our M1 Finance review for more details.

Webull Basics

Webull is a popular trading app that offers commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, and options. They’ve also added cryptocurrency, and currently, you can trade about 25 different crypto tokens through Webull.

Compared to M1 Finance, Webull is more straightforward in what it offers (at least, for now). There are no banking or borrowing features, just the ability to buy and sell securities from the mobile app or your desktop.

Commission-Free Trades
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Webull is a free investing app that provides advanced reporting tools and allows you to make free trades of stocks, ETFs, and options. Right now Webull is offering up to 12 free stocks when you signup through our link (use the button below) and deposit ANY AMOUNT!

Features:
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  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency
  • Buy fractional shares for any amount
  • Extended trading hours
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • IRAs now available
  • 24/7 customer service

The features of Webull include:

  • Commission-free trades of individual stocks, ETFs, and options.
  • Fractional shares for as little as $5.
  • Trading of about 25 different cryptocurrencies.
  • No minimums. Get started with any amount of money.
  • Advanced research and analysis tools for active traders.
  • Extended trading hours (4:00 am – 8:00 pm).

As of now, Webull is free to use. It stands out from other free trading apps like Public and Robinhood thanks to the advanced research tools. However, the downside is that Public and Robinhood offer a more beginner-friendly user interface than Webull’s.

Read our Webull review for more basics.

Pricing and Fees

Both M1 Finance and Webull offer free accounts with no commissions to buy or sell stocks and ETFs. The difference is that M1 Finance offers the option to upgrade to an M1 Plus account for $125/year (free for the first year).

Although M1 Finance does charge for certain features and benefits, Webull currently does not offer the same functionality. If you’re comparing only the free accounts, the two are the same in terms of pricing since they charge nothing for the account, and both offer commission-free trades.

Getting Started

It’s easy to start with M1 Finance and Webull. In both cases, you can signup on a desktop or mobile device. Both companies offer a mobile app, or you can simply use a browser on your desktop to set up the account, download the mobile app, and sign in.

Of course, since you’ll be creating a financial account, you’ll need to enter some personal information. However, the process is very similar, and both M1 Finance and Webull make it easy to start.

One difference is that you’ll need to fund your M1 Finance account with at least $100 to use the investing features. However, Webull allows you to fund your account with any amount of money.

Portfolios

One of the biggest differences between Webull and M1 Finance is how you manage your portfolio. M1 Finance helps you set up your portfolio allocation using its pie concept. You can select from more than 80 professionally-created pies that offer different approaches and investment strategies. Or, you can create your own custom pie that will determine how your money is invested.

Thanks to the pie concept and the built-in automation, M1 Finance helps self-directed investors to manage their portfolios in an almost hands-free way.

Webull offers a more traditional brokerage account (similar to TD Ameritrade, Ally Invest, and others) where you can buy and sell investments as you choose, including fractional share investing. You won’t get the automation or portfolio management functionality from Webull.

Investment Options

With M1 Finance, you can invest in individual stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrency. Webull offers stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto, as well as margin trading. Both offer fractional shares of stocks and ETFs.

Neither currently offers mutual funds.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investing

Another significant difference is that M1 Finance is exclusively intended for long-term investing, while Webull can be used for either short-term or long-term investing.

M1 Finance’s approach using pies and automation is all built around the concept of investing for the long haul. Trades are made only at the beginning or the end of the day, so M1 Finance isn’t suitable for day trading or other short-term strategies. (Day trading involves buying and selling securities within a single trading day.)

Related Reading: The Best ETFs for Long-Term Growth

Webull functions much differently, and you can trade instantly, even during extended trading hours. You can day trade on Webull.

You can certainly use Webull if you have a long-term buy-and-hold approach, but you can also use it for short-term strategies.

If your Webull account balance is below $25,000, you can make three day trades within five consecutive business days. If your balance is over $25,000, you have unlimited access to day trading.

With a Webull cash account, only settled funds can be used for day trading. With a margin account, settled and unsettled cash can be used for day trading. (It’s important to note that trading on margin increases your risk of loss.)

Research Tools

Many Webull users have chosen it because of the research and analysis tools available. You’ll get tools like a stock screener (no screener for ETFs), charting functionality, fundamental data, and news. These types of tools are not available with most trading apps.

M1 Finance offers very little in the way of research tools. The platform is best for investors who know what they want to invest in or use other tools to identify the stocks and funds for their portfolios.

With M1 Finance, you can browse the different pies that are available and see basic details about stocks and ETFs, but there are no advanced tools.

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Features:
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  • Details on 4,000 ETFs and 40,000 mutual funds
  • Portfolio management (syncs with your brokerage)
  • Detailed portfolio performance
  • Powerful charting and screening
  • Fully customizable

Account Types

M1 Finance offers individual and joint brokerage accounts. However, joint checking accounts are not currently offered through M1 Spend. In addition to a taxable account, they offer Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs. A SEP IRA is a retirement account for self-employed individuals.

Custodial accounts are also available, but only for M1 Plus users. A custodial account is set up by an adult for the benefit of a minor.

M1 Finance also offers trust accounts, although these accounts require some forms to be filled out on paper. When you select a trust account during the signup process, they’ll mail the additional paperwork to you.

Webull offers individual taxable brokerage accounts, as well as a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or Rollover IRA. Currently, Webull does not offer any type of joint accounts, custodial accounts, or trust accounts.

Ease of Use

M1 Finance is relatively easy to use whether you use a desktop browser or the mobile investing app. It features a clean, well-design user interface that’s logical and intuitive.

Since M1 Finance does not offer advanced tools for research, the interface is clutter-free, which adds to the ease of use.

From the dashboard, you can view your portfolio, check out the available pies, adjust your holdings, and rebalance at any time. Within just a few minutes of using M1 Finance, you’ll have a pretty good understanding of how to manage your account and your portfolio from the dashboard.

Webull excels by offering research and analysis tools, but the ease of use is not as good as some of its competitors that take a more simplified approach. Whether using the mobile app, desktop app, or logging in through a browser, the Webull interface is a little clunky and takes some time to get used to.

Support and Customer Service

M1 Finance offers customer support by email during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. They typically respond within one business day.

Webull offers customer service by phone (1-888-828-0618) or email. If you don’t want to send an email, you can submit a request for assistance directly within the app.

Signup Bonus

Both Webull and M1 Finance offer a bonus (if you sign up through our referral link) to entice new users to sign up and give them a shot. Since there’s no cost to use either of these brokerages/apps, the signup bonus is free money.

Webull currently offers new users up to 12 free stocks for trying the platform. You’ll get two free stocks (each worth $3 – $3,000) for signing up. Deposit any amount to get up to 10 more free stocks. Sign up for Webull through this link to be eligible for the bonus.

Currently, M1 Finance is offering a $10 bonus when you create and fund your account. Sign up for M1 Finance through this link to qualify for the bonus.

For more freebies, see our list of ways to get free stock.

Head-to-Head Comparison

To wrap up this M1 Finance vs Webull comparison, let’s summarize the key advantages of each trading platform.

M1 Finance Advantages

  • Automated portfolio management. Free alternative to robo advisors.
  • More than 80 “pies” created by experts. Use these pies to determine which securities are in your portfolio.
  • One-click portfolio rebalancing. Rebalance at any time to adjust your holdings according to your pie.
  • Excellent user interface. It’s well-designed and easy to use.
  • Joint brokerage accounts. In addition to individual accounts.
  • SEP IRAs. In addition to Traditional and Roth IRAs.
  • Custodial accounts. For M1 Plus users.
  • M1 Spend. Free checking account linked to your investment account.
  • Rewards credit card. For M1 Plus users.
  • M1 Borrow. Low-interest line of credit secured by your investments.

Webull Advantages

  • For short-term or long-term investing. Unlike M1 Finance, which isn’t suitable for short-term investments.
  • Options trading. No commissions and no contract fees.
  • Crypto trading. About 25 different crypto tokens are offered (more than M1 offers).
  • Tools for research and analysis. Webull offers more research tools than other trading apps.
  • Trade instantly. Trades on M1 Finance are only processed at the start or end of the day.
  • Extended trading hours. Trade from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm (before the stock market opens and after it closes).
  • 24/7 customer service. Get help by phone or email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which one is better, M1 Finance or Webull?

The two platforms are very different, so it depends on your goals and your approach to investing. M1 Finance is ideal for long-term self-directed investors who want to automate many parts of the process. Webull is more appropriate for hands-on traders and can be used by either short-term or long-term investors.

Can you invest in crypto on M1 Finance?

No, M1 Finance does not currently support cryptocurrency. However, you can buy and trade crypto on Webull.

Is M1 Finance good for long-term investing?

Yes, M1 Finance has been created with long-term investors in mind. It includes features like automated investing, portfolio rebalancing, and other features that are ideal if you have a long-term focus.

Can I day trade on M1 Finance?

No, M1 Finance is not appropriate for day trading and other short-term investment strategies. Trades are placed only once per day (or twice per day for Plus members), so it’s unsuitable for those who want to get in and out of positions quickly. Webull is more suitable for day trading.

Is M1 Finance good for beginners?

Yes, M1 Finance is a great option for new investors. It offers more than 80 different “pies” or portfolio allocations created by professionals. You can choose a pie that matches with your investment goals and use M1 Finance for hands-free investing.

Does M1 Finance offer fractional shares?

Yes, stocks and funds available on M1 Finance can be purchased with fractional shares.

Does Webull offer fractional shares?

Yes, fractional shares of stocks and ETFs can be purchased for as little as $5.

Is Webull reliable?

Yes, Webull is as safe and reliable as any of its competitors. Just like other finance apps, Webull uses bank-level security.

Is Webull a Chinese company?

The holding company is Chinese, but Webull is registered in New York as a US company. They operate under US laws.

Does Webull allow day trading?

Yes, day trading is allowed on Webull.

Is Webull good for long-term investors?

Webull is appropriate for both short-term and long-term investors.

Final Thoughts on M1 Finance vs. Webull

Although M1 Finance and Webull are both investing apps, they serve different purposes and will appeal to different types of investors. Both are excellent options. Determining which is the best investment app requires you to think about your specific needs and approach.

The M1 Finance vs. Webull comparison can be summed up by concluding that M1 Finance is ideal for passive investors and Webull is ideal for active investors.

Use M1 Finance if you’re a long-term investor looking to reduce your time managing your portfolio.

Use Webull if you’re an active trader or interested in trading options or cryptocurrency.


Investment Platforms

 
 
 
  • Commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs
  • Buy and sell 25+ different cryptocurrencies
  • Fractional shares
  • Access alternative investments
  • High-yield treasuries accounts
  • Social community of investors
  • User-friendly interface
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and ADRs
  • Powerful screening and charting tools
  • Free real-time level 2 data
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • AI monitoring
  • AI-powered price forecasts
  • Free investing courses
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency
  • Buy fractional shares for any amount
  • Extended trading hours
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • Schedule recurring investments
  • IRAs now available
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Commission-free trades of stocks and ETFs
  • Buy and sell 25+ different cryptocurrencies
  • Fractional shares
  • Access alternative investments
  • High-yield treasuries accounts
  • Social community of investors
  • User-friendly interface
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and ADRs
  • Powerful screening and charting tools
  • Free real-time level 2 data
  • User-friendly mobile app
  • AI monitoring
  • AI-powered price forecasts
  • Free investing courses
  • Commission-free trades of stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency
  • Buy fractional shares for any amount
  • Extended trading hours
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • Schedule recurring investments
  • IRAs now available
  • 24/7 customer service

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