Table of Contents
In 2025, micro-investing apps like Acorns and Stash have revolutionized wealth-building by automating savings and lowering entry barriers. With 43% of millennials now using these tools to invest spare change, choosing between Acorns’ hands-off approach and Stash’s educational focus is critical. Pair these apps with zero-based budgeting tools to optimize your financial strategy.
1. Fees & Account Types: Where They Diverge
Acorns: Tiered Simplicity
- Plans:
- Bronze ($3/month): Basic investing + checking account.
- Silver ($6/month): Adds IRAs (Roth, Traditional, SEP) and premium content.
- Gold ($12/month): Custodial accounts, 3% IRA match, and life insurance.
- Unique Perk: No minimum deposit to open an account, but $5 needed to start investing.
Stash: Flat-Rate Flexibility
- Plans:
- Growth ($3/month): Smart Portfolios, Stock-Back® card, retirement accounts.
- Stash+ ($9/month): Adds custodial accounts, premium research, and 3% Stock-Back rewards.
- Transfer Fees: 75 per account vs. Acorns ’35 per ETF 4.
Best For:
- Acorns: Users seeking retirement accounts (SEP IRA) or automated round-ups.
- Stash: Investors wanting custodial accounts at a lower cost.
2. Investment Options: Passive vs. Active Strategies
Acorns: Set-and-Forget Portfolios
- Prebuilt Portfolios: 5 risk-based ETF bundles (conservative to aggressive), including a Bitcoin-linked ETF (0.95% fee).
- ESG Options: Sustainable portfolios with low expense ratios (0.03–0.25%).
Stash: DIY + Managed Choices
- Themed ETFs: Over 90 ETFs in categories like “Clean & Green” and “Data Defenders”.
- Stock Picking: Access to 3,800+ individual stocks and ETFs for hands-on investors.
Tax Tip: Use 2025’s best tax software to manage IRA contributions or capital gains.
3. Key Features: Round-Ups vs. Stock-Back® Rewards
Acorns’ Strengths
- Round-Ups®: Automatically invests spare change from purchases (e.g., 0.75 from a 3.25 coffee).
- Found Money: Earn up to 10% bonuses from partners like Apple and Walmart.
- High-Yield Accounts: 4.05% APY on savings and 2.57% APY on checking.
Stash’s Innovations
- Stock-Back® Card: Earn stock rewards (1–3%) on debit card purchases.
- Smart Portfolios: Auto-rebalanced ETF bundles tailored to risk tolerance.
- Financial Education: Guides and articles to teach investing basics.
Pair With: Best savings apps for millennials to maximize cash flow.
4. User Experience: Automation vs. Customization
Acorns: Effortless Investing
- Pros: Clean interface, automatic rebalancing, and IRA matching for passive users.
- Cons: Limited stock-picking (requires Gold tier) and higher fees for advanced features 47.
Stash: Learning While Earning
- Pros: Themed investments, real-time portfolio analytics, and SRI options.
- Cons: No tax-loss harvesting; trades execute in batches, not real-time.
For Beginners: Start with investment apps for beginners to build confidence.
5. Who Should Choose Which App?
| Factor | Acorns | Stash |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal User | Passive savers, retirement planners | DIY investors, learners |
| Strengths | Automated round-ups, IRA options | Stock-Back rewards, SRI portfolios |
| 2025 Trends | Bitcoin ETF integration | Expanded educational content |
Final Verdict: Acorns or Stash in 2025?
- Choose Acorns If: You want a “set-and-forget” tool with retirement accounts and high-yield banking.
- Choose Stash If: You prefer hands-on investing, stock rewards, and ESG-focused portfolios.
For a holistic approach, combine either app with personal finance apps vs spreadsheets to track net worth.