M1 Finance Review: Automated pies for long-term investors
Best for set-and-forget portfolios, fractional shares, and auto-invest. Not ideal for active trading or intraday order control.
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Open with M1 Finance →Who M1 Finance is best for
- US-based investors focused on long-term, rules-based portfolios.
- People who want automated deposits, fractional shares, and scheduled rebalancing.
- Investors building “pies” of ETFs and stocks they plan to hold for years.
- Busy investors who prefer a simple app over a complex trading terminal.
Who might prefer another broker
- Active day traders who need real-time trading tools and advanced order types.
- Investors outside the US who need global markets or multi-currency accounts.
- People who want access to futures, complex options strategies, or institutional-style platforms.
If you want broader markets or more advanced tools, compare Interactive Brokers or Webull, or view all broker picks.
Pros
- Automated “pies” and scheduled rebalancing for rule-based portfolios.
- Fractional shares, making it easier to invest small amounts consistently.
- No stock or ETF trading commissions on most US trades (check current terms).
- Clean mobile and web experience focused on long-term investing.
- Simple way to build diversified, low-maintenance index fund portfolios.
Cons
- No true real-time active trading platform for intraday strategies.
- Limited order types versus pro platforms; not built for scalping or day trading.
- US-focused; availability and features vary by region and account type.
- Less suitable if you want to trade many niche instruments or global markets.
Key fees and limits
| Feature | Details (check M1 Finance for current terms) |
|---|---|
| Stock & ETF commissions | Typically $0 commissions on most US stock and ETF trades, but always verify current pricing and any limits that apply to your account type. |
| Account types | Individual taxable accounts, some retirement account options, and other account types depending on eligibility and regulations. |
| Minimum to invest | No large minimum to get started for many accounts, but building a meaningfully diversified portfolio still requires enough capital over time. |
| Automation features | Recurring deposits, auto-invest into pies, and automatic rebalancing based on your target weights, helping you stick to a long-term plan. |
| Extras and upgrades | Additional features and membership tiers may include different perks or fees. Review the current pricing page to see which level fits you. |
Terms and pricing change. Always confirm details on M1 Finance’s official site before opening an account or relying on a specific feature.
How M1 Finance works in practice
Instead of placing individual trades manually, you build “pies” of ETFs and stocks with target percentages. When you deposit money, M1 allocates into those slices according to your rules.
- You choose the ETFs and stocks plus their target weights.
- Set up recurring deposits from your bank on a schedule you can sustain.
- M1 invests new money and rebalances within your pie automatically over time.
This structure can be attractive if you want long-term index investing w