M1 is a Chicago‑based brokerage and money‑management platform combining investing, borrowing, and cash tools under one login. The firm operates regulated brokerage accounts and partners with a bank for savings.
The product you’ll use day to day is M1 Invest: a self‑directed account using “Pies” (your custom mix of stocks and ETFs) plus automation that deploys deposits, buys underweight slices first, and lets you rebalance with one tap. Optional add‑ons include a brokered High‑Yield Cash Account, a separate FDIC‑insured Savings account via a partner bank, portfolio margin loans, and a small crypto menu.
M1 is not a robo‑advisor that picks for you, and it’s not a trader’s platform for chasing intraday moves. It’s a rules‑based way to own U.S. stocks and ETFs—more than 6,000 names—using fractional shares and target weights you set. That design solves a few common pain points: complicated rebalancing, idle cash, and forgetting to invest on schedule.
Trades run in windows—one at the market open and an afternoon window that unlocks once your account meets M1’s eligibility criteria (commonly $25,000+ equity). That cadence keeps the experience focused on allocation rather than tick‑by‑tick execution, which many long‑term investors prefer.
You can also keep idle cash working. The brokered cash account sweeps dollars to a network of banks for FDIC coverage after sweep, while Savings sits at a partner bank (FDIC‑insured). For liquidity, eligible taxable accounts get portfolio margin loans; for diversification, you can add a crypto sleeve (a handful of coins) with a disclosed processing fee.
You may consider M1 if you like deciding what to own but don’t want to micromanage every order. It stands out for rule‑driven automation: deposits flow to underweight slices, rebalancing is one click, and recurring transfers keep you on plan. If you expect advisor‑style planning tools or real‑time trading and options, this won’t be the perfect fit.
| Feature / Product | Key details | Price / Fee |
| Self‑directed brokerage | U.S. stocks & ETFs (6,000+), fractional shares, Model Portfolios | $0 commissions*; $3/month platform fee unless waived |
| Trade windows | Morning (market open) for all; afternoon window for eligible accounts | Included |
| Account minimums | $100 brokerage/ crypto; $500 IRA; $5,000 trust | N/A |
| Auto‑Invest & Rebalancing | Allocates to underweight slices; one‑tap rebalance | Included |
| Cash Account (brokerage) | Sweep to program banks for FDIC coverage after sweep | APY varies; $0 monthly |
| High‑Yield Savings (bank) | Deposit account via partner bank, FDIC‑insured | APY varies; $0 monthly |
| Margin (Borrow) | Portfolio line of credit in eligible taxable accounts | Variable APR; eligibility applies |
| Crypto | Small menu (e.g., BTC/ETH/LTC) via partner with embedded fee | ~1% processing reflected in price |
| Transfers & admin | ACAT out $100; IRA termination $100; paper/wire service fees | Per fee schedule |
Rates, fees, and eligibility can change. Confirm on M1’s site before acting.
You can open Individual, Joint, Custodial, Trust, and retirement (Traditional, Roth, SEP) accounts, plus a Crypto Account. Minimums are straightforward: $100 for brokerage and crypto, $500 for IRAs, and $5,000 for Trusts. Pies can hold up to 100 slices, and fractional shares make even high‑priced stocks accessible with small deposits.
Optional features can affect your all‑in cost. The $3 monthly platform fee is waived in common scenarios (for example, if your total M1 assets meet a published threshold during the billing cycle or if you hold an eligible M1 personal loan). Margin loans charge variable interest, and crypto trades include an embedded partner processing fee. Transfers like outgoing ACATs or IRA closures have fixed fees—good to know before you move assets.
1. Sign up & verify. Create an account, complete identity checks, and link your bank.
2. Pick your Pie. Choose from Model Portfolios or build your own from stocks/ETFs.
3. Fund & automate. Meet the minimum to open, set up recurring transfers, and turn on Auto‑Invest.
4. Fine‑tune. Adjust target weights, add slices, and schedule Smart Transfers if you want more rules.
5. Rebalance on demand. Use one‑tap rebalancing or let deposits nudge slices toward targets.
Yes—on iOS and Android. You can open accounts, build and edit Pies, fund transfers, view performance, manage cash/savings, place orders for the next trade window, and track margin. App listings note English as the app language and active versioning; expect frequent updates and robust ratings.
Brokerage accounts are offered by an SEC‑registered broker‑dealer that’s a member of FINRA and SIPC. SIPC protection covers securities and cash in brokerage accounts up to statutory limits if a member firm fails (it doesn’t protect against market losses). The brokered Cash Account uses a bank sweep for FDIC coverage after sweep, and the separate Savings account is held at a partner bank (FDIC‑insured). Crypto isn’t FDIC or SIPC insured.
Public reputation signals (BBB profile, Trustpilot page) exist and change over time, so it’s best to check the current rating before you open an account. Security controls such as two‑factor authentication and encrypted connections are standard across the platform and apps.
Support is available on U.S. trading days, typically Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET (market holidays excluded). Contact channels include email (help@m1.com) and phone ((312) 600‑2883), plus in‑app help. The Help Center covers accounts, transfers, trading windows, fees, and security. Expect responses during market hours; phone queue time varies by day and season.
M1 makes sense if you want to design your own allocation and have automation do the heavy lifting. The trade‑window approach reinforces discipline, the fee structure is predictable, and cash/margin features keep more of your money under one roof. If real‑time trading, mutual funds, options, or deep planning tools are must‑haves, look elsewhere.
M1 Finance LLC
200 N LaSalle St., Ste. 810
Chicago, IL 60601
Yes—your brokerage account sits at a FINRA/SIPC member firm. SIPC covers securities and cash up to statutory limits if the broker fails (not market losses). Cash safety depends on the product: brokered cash gets FDIC coverage after sweep to program banks, while Savings is FDIC‑insured at the partner bank.
Stock and ETF trades are commission‑free*, but there’s a $3 monthly platform fee unless you qualify for a waiver. Expect service fees for specific actions (for example, $100 for an outgoing ACAT and $100 for IRA termination). Margin charges interest, and crypto trades include an embedded processing fee via the partner.
Orders queue for execution in the morning window (market open). Eligible accounts also get an afternoon window. Auto‑Invest deploys deposits to underweight slices, and you can place manual orders that run in the next window. This suits long‑term allocation more than intraday trading.
Information was sourced from M1’s official website and disclosures (product pages, pricing, Form ADV, and Help Center) and cross‑checked against regulatory registrations and third‑party ratings (BBB, Trustpilot, Apple App Store, Google Play) as of September 9, 2025. Fee and risk disclosures were evaluated against Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance and standard industry practices to ensure clarity and accuracy.
M1 Finance, LLC does not charge commission, trading, or management fees for self-directed brokerage accounts. You may still be charged other fees such as M1’s platform fee, regulatory fees, account closure fees, or ADR fees. For a complete list of fees M1 may charge visit M1's Fee Schedule/Ts&Cs.
AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.
