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Which platform to use PLATFORM GUIDE · 5 MIN READ
Where to buy your ETFs
All four platforms below are free to open, commission-free for ETFs, and regulated. The right one depends on where you live and what matters to you.
IN A HURRY? PICK BY SITUATION
I'm in the US and want the simplest app→ Robinhood
I'm outside the US→ eToro or IBKR
I'm serious and want the most powerful platform→ Interactive Brokers
I only want Vanguard ETFs (VOO, VTI, BND)→ Vanguard
🔵eToro⭐ Recommended
Best for most ETF.PLAN users outside the US TRADING FEES
Commission-free
AVAILABILITY
100+ countries (not US)
PROS
✓Available in 100+ countries
✓Copy-trading feature
✓Fractional shares
✓Clean mobile & desktop app
✓Crypto too if you want it
CONS
✗$5 withdrawal fee
✗Wider spreads than IBKR
✗USD-denominated (FX fees for non-USD)
ETFS AVAILABLE: Most major ETFs including VOO, QQQ, VTI, SCHD, VGT, ARKK
💡 Best option if you're outside the US. Easy to set up, mobile-first.
🟢Robinhood🇺🇸 US only
Best for US beginners — simplest app TRADING FEES
Commission-free
AVAILABILITY
United States only
PROS
✓No account minimum
✓Fractional shares from $1
✓Instant deposits
✓Clean dead-simple mobile app
CONS
✗US residents only
✗Limited research tools
✗No retirement accounts on free tier
ETFS AVAILABLE: All major US ETFs (VOO, VTI, QQQ, SCHD, BND, VGT, TQQQ, ARKK)
💡 Start here if you're in the US and want the simplest possible experience.
⚫Interactive Brokers💼 Pro choice
Best for serious investors worldwide TRADING FEES
From $0 (IBKR Lite)
AVAILABILITY
200+ countries
PROS
✓Access to global markets
✓IBKR Lite is completely free
✓Lowest margin rates
✓Advanced tools when you level up
CONS
✗Interface is more complex
✗Better suited for intermediate users
ETFS AVAILABLE: Every major ETF globally
💡 Best if you want maximum control and the lowest possible fees long-term.
🔴Vanguard🏛️ Long-term
Best for long-term Vanguard ETF investors TRADING FEES
Commission-free (Vanguard ETFs)
AVAILABILITY
US + select international
PROS
✓Lowest expense ratios in industry
✓Owned by its own investors
✓Direct access to VOO, VTI, BND, SCHD
CONS
✗Older interface
✗Less suited for active use
✗No crypto
ETFS AVAILABLE: Vanguard ETFs direct: VOO, VTI, BND, SCHD, VGT
💡 If you only want Vanguard ETFs and plan to hold for decades, go direct.
HOW TO BUY YOUR FIRST ETF
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
1
Get your free ETF.PLAN
Sign up at etfplan.app, complete the 2-min onboarding. You'll see exactly which ETFs to buy this month and how much of each.
2
Open a free broker account
Use the comparison above. eToro is the most popular choice for ETF.PLAN users globally — free to open, zero commission on ETFs.
3
Deposit your monthly amount
Transfer $50, $100 or $150 — whatever your plan says. Bank transfer, card or PayPal.
4
Search the ticker and buy
Search 'VOO' on your broker. Enter the $ amount from your plan. Click buy. Repeat for each ETF. Takes about 5 minutes total.
5
Mark as bought in your dashboard
Come back to etfplan.app and click 'Mark as bought'. Your dashboard now tracks real gains from actual entry prices.
Affiliate disclosure: Some "Open account" links above may be affiliate links. If you sign up through our link, ETF.PLAN may earn a commission at no cost to you. This never influences our ETF picks or recommendations.
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