How to Buy Stocks on iPhone While Trading

For iPhone users, the ability to buy stocks directly through mobile trading platforms not only simplifies the process but also enables trading on the go. This convenience is a game-changer in today’s fast-paced market environment, where quick access to market data and trading capabilities can mean the difference between significant gains and missed opportunities.

The takeaway points on buying stocks on an iPhone come down to:

• Convenience: Mobile trading apps on the iPhone provide the convenience of trading anywhere, anytime. This means you can react swiftly to market news and updates without being tied to a desktop setup.
• Accessibility: With just a few taps, you can access your trading account, view real-time stock prices, perform technical analysis, and execute trades—all from your iPhone. This level of accessibility empowers even novice traders to engage with the markets more actively.

Let’s get to the content!

How Can You Buy Stocks on the iPhone?

Buying stocks on an iPhone involves a series of straightforward steps that make the trading process seamless and efficient.

• Set Up a Brokerage Account: Choose a reputable online broker that offers an iOS trading app. Complete the application process, which typically involves providing personal information and meeting certain regulatory requirements.
• Fund Your Account: Transfer funds into your brokerage account via bank transfer, credit cards, or e-wallets, depending on the options provided by your broker.
• Install the Trading App: Download the broker’s trading app from the App Store, log in to your account, and familiarize yourself with the interface.
• Conduct Research and Analysis: Before making any stock purchases, utilize the app’s tools to analyze potential investments. This includes reviewing historical price data, market trends, and financial news stories that could impact your stock choices.

When trading stocks on mobile platforms like the iPhone, timing your purchases can significantly impact your investment outcomes. The best times to buy stocks often align with market openings or during specific economic events when volatility is higher. Understanding these patterns can help you make more informed decisions and potentially increase your returns. For a detailed guide on the best times to engage in stock purchases and how to leverage mobile trading to your advantage, consider exploring the best times to buy stocks.

Can You Buy Stocks on the Apple Stocks App?

The Apple Stocks app offers a sleek interface to monitor market trends and view stock performance via your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. However, it’s important to understand that this app does not provide a direct mechanism to buy stocks.

• Monitoring Only: The Apple Stocks app allows you to track the price movements of your favorite stocks, get the latest financial news, and review high-level performance charts, but it does not facilitate stock purchases.
• Complementary Tools: To effectively trade stocks, complement the Apple Stocks app with a dedicated trading app from a brokerage that allows for actual stock purchases and sales. Use the insights gained from the Stocks app to inform your trades executed through your broker’s platform.

Watching stocks is the bedrock of trading — even the biggest stocks can show opportunities when you carefully monitor them. For example, the recent Tesla stock split provided unique opportunities and challenges for traders. Understanding how such events influence the market can enhance your trading strategy, especially when using sophisticated mobile apps designed for trading. For more insights into how stock splits work and how to adjust your trading approach accordingly, check out this detailed explanation on Tesla’s stock split.

Top Trading Apps for iPhone

Choosing the right trading app can significantly impact your trading experience, especially in terms of usability, the range of tools offered, and the cost of trading.

StocksToTrade

StocksToTrade has the trading indicators, dynamic charts, and stock screening capabilities that traders like me look for in a platform. It also has a selection of add-on alerts services, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Grab your 14-day StocksToTrade trial today — it’s only $7!

• Key Features: StocksToTrade offers an iPhone app that provides robust charting capabilities and real-time data, making it ideal for traders on the go.
• Extensive charting tools and real-time data feeds

TradingView

TradingView is renowned for its social network where traders can exchange insights and strategies. Integrating community-driven data into your trading decisions can be incredibly beneficial, particularly for new traders looking to understand market nuances.

• Engage with a global community of traders to exchange strategies and insights, which can enhance your trading decisions
• Comprehensive charting tools that include various indicators and graphical objects
• Customizable technical analysis tools to fit various trading strategies

Firstrade

Firstrade stands out for its commission-free trading structure, which can significantly reduce the costs associated with trading activities, especially for traders who execute frequent transactions.

• Engage in trading without worrying about the impact of fees on your investment returns
• A broad range of investment options from stocks to ETFs and options
• Access to international markets and complex investment strategies without additional costs

Tips to Customize the iPhone Stock App Display

Customizing the stock app display on your iPhone can enhance your trading efficiency by ensuring that the most relevant information is readily accessible. Adjusting how information is displayed helps you to monitor your investments more effectively, keeping you agile and responsive to market changes.

Reorder Your Stocks

• Manual Reordering: Drag and drop your stocks to rearrange them according to priority or performance, ensuring that the most watched or significant investments are immediately visible.
• Impact on Trading Decisions: Organizing your stocks can streamline the decision-making process, allowing you to focus on monitoring and adjusting the positions that matter most promptly.

Add Stocks

• Search and Add: Use the search feature within your stock app to find and add new securities to your watchlist, broadening your investment opportunities.
• Diversification: Actively expanding your portfolio through the app can help diversify your investments, which is essential for managing risk and achieving a balanced portfolio.

Change the Units

• Switch Units: Easily toggle between percentage, price change, or market cap views to better understand how your stocks are performing relative to each other.
• Strategic Adjustments: Changing the displayed units can provide alternate perspectives on your investments, aiding in strategic decisions about buys, sells, or holds based on comprehensive visibility into asset performance.

How to Buy Stocks on iPhone – A Detailed Video

There are a lot of videos out there that will give you the step-by-step. 

In the end, the process is the same no matter what device you’re using. Make sure you follow these steps…

Key Takeaways

• Ease and Accessibility: Trading on the iPhone offers unprecedented convenience, allowing users to engage with the stock market from anywhere.
• Comprehensive Tools: Utilizing apps like StocksToTrade, TradingView, and Firstrade can provide powerful trading platforms right at your fingertips.
• Customization is Key: Tailoring the stock app to fit your specific needs can significantly improve your trading efficiency and effectiveness.

There are a ton of ways to build day trading careers… But all of them start with the basics.

Before you even think about becoming profitable, you’ll need to build a solid foundation. That’s what I help my students do every day — scanning the market, outlining trading plans, and answering any questions that come up.

You can check out the NO-COST webinar here for a closer look at how profitable traders go about preparing for the trading day!

What app do you use to trade? Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Shares on the Apple Stocks App?

No, the Apple Stocks app does not support the direct purchase of shares; it is designed for tracking and monitoring market data and trends only. Use a dedicated trading app for buying and selling securities.

What’s the Best App for Free Stock Trading?

Today most brokers offer commission-free trading —  my go-to’s have always been Interactive Brokers and E-Trade. They both have their own apps, as do the dozens of other brokers out there. 

Be sure to do your research. Each app has unique features and limitations, which should be considered based on your trading needs.

How Do I Get Stocks on My iPhone?

Setting up stocks on your iPhone involves downloading a reliable trading app from the App Store, setting up and funding a brokerage account, and then using the app to search for and add stocks to your portfolio. This process allows for a seamless integration of trading into your daily life, facilitated by the convenience of mobile technology.

How Can Investors Use IRA Accounts for Buying Stocks on iPhone?

Investors can utilize IRA (Individual Retirement Account) accounts to buy stocks directly from their iPhones. This involves setting up an IRA account with a brokerage that offers a mobile-friendly platform. Most brokerages provide apps that allow for account management and stock trading on mobile devices, including the iPhone. It’s important to review the privacy practices and security features of the app to ensure the safety of your financial information.

What Features Should You Look for in Stock Trading Apps on iPhone?

When choosing a stock trading app for your iPhone, look for features that suit your investing style. Key features might include customizable watchlists to monitor your favorite stocks, detailed value and money analysis tools, and various product types to trade, such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs. Ensure the app is compatible with your device, including older models like the iPod touch, and check that it handles updates and potential issues efficiently.

How Do Privacy Practices Impact Stock Trading on iPhone?

Privacy practices are crucial when trading stocks on your iPhone. Apps should clearly detail how they handle your identity and personal information, along with their approach to resolving any privacy issues. Feedback and ratings on the app store can provide insights into how well the app protects user data. Always review these sections before downloading an app to understand how your data will be managed.

What Are the Benefits of Reading Reviews and Ratings on Stock Apps?

Reading reviews and ratings can significantly aid in selecting a reliable stock trading app for your iPhone. These reviews often highlight the experiences of other customers, offering insights into the app’s usability, feature set, and performance. Ratings can also reflect the overall satisfaction level of the user base, helping you gauge the trustworthiness and efficiency of the app.

Why Is User Interface Important When Buying Stocks on iPhone?

The user interface of a stock trading app can greatly influence your trading experience. An app that optimally utilizes the iPhone’s home screen and features easy navigation can enhance your ability to trade quickly and effectively. Compatibility issues, especially with devices like the iPod touch, should also be considered to ensure a smooth user experience. Look for apps designed to simplify the trading process, allowing you to manage investments effortlessly from anywhere.

What Are the Key Details to Look For When Choosing a Stock Trading App?

When choosing a stock trading app for your iPhone, focus on the details provided on the app’s page in the App Store. This includes the developer’s background, the range of products offered, such as stocks, ETFs, or bonds, and the specific features related to business and banking integration. For example, some apps might offer direct deposit from banking accounts or business analysis tools. These details ensure the app suits your financial needs and investment style.

How Do Companies and Developers Ensure Safe Handling of User Data in Stock Apps?

Companies and app developers must prioritize the safe handling of people’s data, especially for apps related to stock trading on iPhones. This includes implementing robust privacy practices and security measures to protect personal and financial information. The site or app page often provides insights into these practices, such as encryption methods and data privacy policies. Users should review these sections carefully to understand how their data will be managed and to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

Why Is Member Feedback and Age Rating Important for Stock Trading Apps?

Member feedback and age ratings on a stock trading app’s page provide valuable insights into the app’s usability and appropriateness for different user groups. Positive feedback from existing users, including their experiences with the app’s handling of banking transactions and investments, can guide potential new users in making informed decisions. Age ratings ensure the content and complexity of the app are suitable for specific user groups, which is particularly important in financial applications where understanding the nuances can impact financial outcomes.