🔍 Lowcountry Brokerage Reviews

M1 Finance

tl;dr: M1 is a hybrid robo-advisor/brokerage. Build custom "pie" portfolios (stocks/ETFs), auto-rebalanced with fractional shares. Best for long-term investors wanting control, not active traders or mutual fund lovers. No fees, user-friendly.

✅ What is M1 Finance?

M1 Finance is a hybrid investment platform that combines the simplicity of robo-advisors with the control of traditional brokerages. It’s designed for long-term, buy-and-hold investors and offers a range of features that make it a compelling choice for certain types of users. However, it also has notable limitations that may not suit everyone.Check out the HSA Money Guide

Kraken

tl;dr: Kraken is one of the most secure, U.S.-regulated crypto exchanges, offering 200+ assets, staking rewards, and professional trading tools. It’s ideal for investors seeking a safe, transparent platform with both beginner-friendly features and advanced options. Downsides include higher fees for instant buys and a slightly steeper learning curve for Pro users. Overall, a Ledger-approved choice for crypto-curious readers.

✅ What is Kraken?

Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges globally. Headquartered in the U.S., it has built a reputation for security, regulatory compliance, and a professional-grade trading experience — catering to both retail investors and institutional clients.

Robinhood

tl;dr: Robinhood is the most accessible U.S. brokerage for commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto — all from one sleek mobile app. It’s ideal for beginners and casual investors who want a low-cost, no-friction platform with a modern user interface. Downsides include limited research tools, slower customer service, and fewer advanced features for serious traders. Still, Robinhood is a strong, Ledger-approved pick for everyday investors building long-term portfolios.

✅ What is Robinhood?

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Robinhood pioneered commission-free investing in the U.S., forcing the entire industry to follow suit. The company went public in 2021 under the ticker $HOOD ( ▼ 1.39% ) and has become a go-to app for a new generation of retail investors.

Gemini

tl;dr: Gemini is a U.S.-regulated crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins in 2014, known for its strong emphasis on security, compliance, and ease of use. It offers fiat onramps, spot trading for 100+ assets, staking (including ETH), a secure wallet, a crypto rewards credit card, and an ActiveTrader platform with lower fees and advanced tools. Best for beginners and cautious investors prioritizing trust and safety. Less ideal for DeFi users, NFT collectors, or those seeking the lowest fees or widest token selection.

✅ What is Gemini?

Founded in 2014 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Gemini is a New York-based cryptocurrency platform that emphasizes regulatory compliance and user security. Unlike the wilder corners of crypto, Gemini was built to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset world — with a strong focus on trust.

Public.com

tl;dr: Public.com delivers a clean, user-friendly investing experience that caters to both beginners and more seasoned investors seeking transparency and simplicity. The platform's intuitive design, commission-free trading, and access to a broad array of assets—ranging from stocks and ETFs to treasuries and crypto—make it attractive for those who want to invest without the traditional complexity. Notably, Public.com has carved out a niche by eliminating payment for order flow (PFOF) on stocks and ETFs and providing access to fractional shares, democratizing access to the markets.

✅ What is Public.com?

FPublic.com set out to make investing inclusive and social. It was among the first platforms to combine commission-free trading, fractional investing, and a community-driven feed into one mobile-first experience. By eliminating PFOF on stocks and ETFs and prioritizing educational tools, Public.com aims to foster trust in an industry often seen as opaque.

Coinbase

tl;dr: Coinbase is the most accessible U.S.-regulated crypto exchange, offering 200+ assets, easy onboarding, and a trusted brand name. It’s a top pick for beginners and casual investors seeking a safe, simple way to buy and hold crypto. Downsides include higher fees for convenience and fewer advanced tools than competitors. Still, it's a solid, Ledger-approved choice for those dipping into digital assets.

✅ What is Coinbase?

Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, Coinbase is the most well-known cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. It went public in 2021 $COIN ( ▼ 3.84% ) and has become the default crypto gateway for millions of Americans.

SoFi Invest

tl;dr: SoFi Invest is a great all-in-one platform for beginners, offering free robo-advising, fractional shares, and access to crypto—especially appealing if you already use SoFi for banking or loans. However, advanced investors may find its tools and investment options limited.

✅ What is SoFi Invest?

SoFi Invest is its brokerage arm, built for beginners and intermediate investors who want to manage stocks, ETFs, crypto, and retirement accounts in one place — with no commissions, low barriers to entry, and a strong educational bent.

Carry

tl;dr: Carry's Solo 401(k) is designed for self-employed individuals seeking a versatile and robust retirement plan. It combines traditional benefits with modern features, catering to those who desire control over their retirement investments.

✅ What is Carry?

Carry is a modern retirement benefits platform designed specifically for small businesses, startups, and venture-backed companies. Built with simplicity and growth in mind, Carry streamlines the setup and management of 401(k) plans — making it easy for founders and employees to invest in their financial futures. With a tech-forward approach and transparent pricing, Carry helps teams offer competitive benefits without the complexity of traditional retirement providers.