Some methods bypass the open stock market and traditional brokers.
: Many 2026 platforms allow you to buy small fractions of expensive shares for as little as $1, lowering entry barriers.
: Buying shares directly from the company itself through a transfer agent, though not all public companies offer this.
For advanced strategies, investors use contracts rather than direct ownership. The Basics of Investing In Stocks
: Manually choosing individual stocks through platforms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Robinhood.
: Automatically using cash dividends earned from stocks you already own to purchase additional shares or fractions of shares. 4. Options & Derivatives
: These track a market index like the S&P 500, providing instant diversification across hundreds of companies in one purchase.
The primary way retail investors buy stock is through online brokerages and mobile apps .
Some methods bypass the open stock market and traditional brokers.
: Many 2026 platforms allow you to buy small fractions of expensive shares for as little as $1, lowering entry barriers.
: Buying shares directly from the company itself through a transfer agent, though not all public companies offer this.
For advanced strategies, investors use contracts rather than direct ownership. The Basics of Investing In Stocks
: Manually choosing individual stocks through platforms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Robinhood.
: Automatically using cash dividends earned from stocks you already own to purchase additional shares or fractions of shares. 4. Options & Derivatives
: These track a market index like the S&P 500, providing instant diversification across hundreds of companies in one purchase.
The primary way retail investors buy stock is through online brokerages and mobile apps .