Invest from Anywhere: The best investment platforms for a globally mobile lifestyle.
Picture this, your portfolio is growing steadily as you explore new destinations, whether you’re sipping espresso in Rome or catching the sunrise in Bali.
But which investment app can truly keep up with your travel lifestyle?
Managing your wealth no longer requires a desk or a nine-to-five schedule it’s all in the palm of your hand. In this guide, we’ll compare top investment apps like Betterment and Revolut, designed for travelers looking to build wealth without borders. Ready to find the right fit for your journey? Let’s dive in.
Why Travelers Need Location-Independent Investment Apps
For the modern traveler, wealth building requires flexibility and accessibility. Traditional brokerage accounts may not be ideal when you’re managing assets from different time zones and currencies.
Does your investment strategy align with your lifestyle?
Choosing the right app can ensure you don’t miss out on growth opportunities, no matter where you are.
Investment apps designed with travelers in mind make wealth building both easy and flexible, offering features like multi-currency support, intuitive user interfaces, and the ability to automate contributions. Let’s explore the benefits and specifics of some of the best options available.
Betterment - Automated Wealth Building with a Personal Touch
Best For: Those who prefer a hands-off approach with personalized recommendations.
Betterment is a pioneer in robo-advising, making it perfect for travelers looking for low-maintenance, diversified portfolios. You set your investment goals like retirement, general investing, or safety net savings and Betterment’s algorithms handle the rest. The app optimizes your investments with automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting to help you maximize returns.
- Fees - Betterment charges a 0.25% annual fee for its Digital Plan and 0.40% for the Premium Plan.
- Key Features - Automated rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, personalized portfolio recommendations.
- Goal-Based Planning Tools - Betterment offers tools to help you set and track specific financial goals, such as buying a home or saving for a trip. This feature allows you to align your investments with your life objectives, making it easier to stay focused on long-term plans.
- Access to Financial Advisors - With the Premium Plan, Betterment provides access to licensed financial advisors for personalized guidance. This can be especially helpful if you want a more hands-on approach when planning for major financial decisions.
- Cash Reserve and Checking Options - Betterment also offers a high-yield cash reserve account and a no-fee checking account, providing a secure place to store uninvested cash and making it easier to manage your finances in one app.
- Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Portfolios - If you’re interested in ethical investing, Betterment has SRI portfolios that prioritize companies with positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This allows you to align your investments with your personal values.
- Drawback - U.S.-based only, which can be limiting for travelers who want multi-currency options.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a hands-off, U.S.-centric approach with robust automation, Betterment offers an excellent option for growing your wealth passively, leaving you free to focus on your travels.
Revolut - Multi-Currency Banking and Investing on the Go
Best For: Travelers who need multi-currency support and flexible investment options.
Revolut combines banking, currency exchange, and investing all in one app, making it a favorite among digital nomads and frequent travelers. With Revolut, you can hold multiple currencies, trade stocks, and even invest in crypto all within one interface. It’s a great option if you need access to various currencies and want to dip into investing without multiple accounts.
- Fees - Basic accounts are free, with trading fees for stocks starting at $1 per trade. Premium accounts offer additional features for around $10/month.
- Key Features - Multi-currency accounts, crypto trading, instant spending notifications, commission-free trading on select plans.
- Instant Currency Conversion - Revolut allows seamless currency conversion at interbank rates across 30+ currencies, making it easy to avoid exchange fees while managing investments and daily spending abroad.
- Savings Vaults with Interest - Revolut offers “Vaults” where you can save in multiple currencies or even cryptocurrencies, earning interest on your cash savings. This feature can help you set aside money for specific goals while growing your funds.
- Fee-Free International ATM Withdrawals - Premium and Metal plan users can access fee-free international ATM withdrawals up to a set limit each month, which can be useful for managing cash needs while traveling.
- Stock Fractional Shares - Revolut lets you invest in fractional shares of major companies, allowing you to start with smaller amounts and diversify your portfolio without committing to whole shares. This feature is ideal for new or budget-conscious investors.
- Drawback - Limited research tools and advanced investing features.
Bottom Line: Revolut’s multi-currency support and seamless interface make it ideal for travelers looking for a one-stop solution to manage banking and investments on the go.
Charles Schwab - Traditional Wealth Management with Global Reach
Best For: Travelers seeking access to a range of investment options and global ATM fee reimbursements.
Charles Schwab is a U.S.-based brokerage with unique benefits for travelers, especially those who want to stay connected to traditional wealth management options. Schwab offers a no-fee ATM card that reimburses international fees, making it easier to access cash while traveling. On the investment side, Schwab provides a full range of stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
- Fees - $0 commission on online stock and ETF trades; fees apply for international markets.
- Key Features - Global ATM fee reimbursements, full range of investment options, mobile app access.
- 24/7 Customer Support - Schwab offers 24/7 customer service, which can be particularly helpful for travelers who need assistance across different time zones, providing peace of mind wherever you are.
- International Account Access - Schwab’s mobile and online banking platforms provide easy access to your accounts worldwide, so you can manage investments, track balances, and make trades on the go.
- Schwab Intelligent Portfolios - For those interested in automated investing, Schwab offers its own robo-advisor, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, which builds and manages a diversified portfolio for you with no advisory fees, making it ideal for hands-off investors.
- Access to Research Tools and Reports - Schwab provides a wide range of research tools, market reports, and financial analysis, which can be valuable if you want to stay informed and make data-driven investment decisions while traveling.
- Drawback: Primarily U.S.-focused, so it may lack currency flexibility for international users.
Bottom Line: Schwab’s robust investment options and international-friendly ATM policy make it an excellent choice for U.S.-based travelers who value traditional investment options and global access to funds.
eToro - Social Investing with a Global Community
Best For: Travelers interested in social investing and cryptocurrency.
eToro sets itself apart with a social investing model, allowing users to follow and mimic the trades of top investors. This feature is great for travelers who want to learn by observing or participate in high-risk assets like cryptocurrency. eToro also offers stocks and ETFs, making it a diverse choice for those who enjoy a community-driven approach to investing.
- Fees - Commission-free for U.S. stocks, with spreads for crypto and other assets.
- Key Features - CopyTrader function, crypto and stock trading, global user base, virtual portfolio for practice.
- CopyPortfolio Feature - eToro’s CopyPortfolio allows users to invest in fully managed portfolios based on themes, sectors, or top-performing traders. This feature is ideal for travelers who want diversified, hands-off investing aligned with specific interests or strategies.
- Crypto Staking Rewards - eToro offers staking on certain cryptocurrencies, allowing users to earn rewards for holding supported crypto assets. This feature provides additional income opportunities for crypto enthusiasts interested in passive income.
- Social News Feed and Community Insights - eToro’s platform includes a social feed where users can share insights, strategies, and market updates. This fosters a community-driven experience, allowing travelers to stay engaged and informed even when away from traditional research tools.
- Demo Account for Practice - eToro’s virtual portfolio, or demo account, lets you practice trading with virtual funds. This is especially helpful for beginners or those exploring new assets, allowing you to test strategies without risking real money.
- Drawback - Fees for withdrawals and inactivity, limited options for long-term investments like bonds.
Bottom Line: eToro’s social investing platform is engaging and suitable for travelers who want to try cryptocurrency and benefit from following experienced investors.
M1 Finance - Automated, Customizable Portfolios
Best For: Travelers seeking a customizable yet automated investment approach.
M1 Finance combines the hands-off benefits of robo-advising with the flexibility to create custom “pies” (portfolios). You can select stocks and ETFs to build a portfolio, then automate deposits and rebalancing based on your preferences. This customization makes M1 Finance an appealing choice for travelers who want some control over their investments without the need for daily management.
- Fees - No management fees; M1 Plus costs $125/year for premium features.
- Key Features - Customizable portfolios, automated rebalancing, fractional shares, and margin lending (M1 Borrow).
- Goal-Oriented Investment “Pies” - M1 Finance allows you to create multiple “pies” for different financial goals, such as retirement, travel savings, or emergency funds. This feature enables you to track and manage separate investment strategies within a single account.
- Recurring Investment Options - You can set up automated deposits on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, making it easy to maintain consistent contributions without manually transferring funds.
- Dividend Reinvestment (DRIP) - M1 Finance automatically reinvests dividends back into your portfolio, allowing your investments to compound over time, which is ideal for travelers seeking a low-maintenance growth strategy.
- Smart Transfers with M1 Plus - The M1 Plus membership offers Smart Transfers, allowing you to set rules to move funds between accounts based on balance thresholds. This feature helps manage cash flow effectively, ensuring your investments stay aligned with your financial priorities.
- Drawback - U.S.-based with no multi-currency options, which may limit appeal for international travelers.
Bottom Line: M1 Finance’s flexibility is great for investors who want to personalize their portfolios while keeping things largely automated.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) - Global Access and Advanced Trading
Best For: Experienced travelers looking for global access and advanced trading tools.
Interactive Brokers offers an impressive range of global markets and currencies, making it an ideal platform for international travelers and expatriates. With access to stocks, options, futures, and forex in 150+ markets, IBKR allows you to invest in different currencies and markets with low fees. This app is perfect if you’re experienced in trading and want access to more sophisticated tools and strategies.
- Fees - Low trading fees; no inactivity fee on IBKR Lite, with a tiered commission structure for IBKR Pro.
- Key Features - Global market access, multi-currency accounts, powerful trading tools, and fractional shares.
- Currency Conversion at Interbank Rates - Interactive Brokers allows currency conversions at near interbank rates, minimizing fees for international investors trading in multiple currencies and helping to avoid excessive conversion costs.
- IBKR GlobalTrader App - The IBKR GlobalTrader app is designed specifically for mobile use, offering a streamlined experience for travelers who want access to global markets from their phone without the full complexity of the desktop platform.
- Comprehensive Research and Analysis Tools - IBKR provides access to advanced research tools, data feeds, and market analysis, making it an excellent choice for investors who value in-depth insights to inform their trading decisions.
- Integrated Tax Optimization Tools - Interactive Brokers includes tax optimization tools, such as tax-lot reporting and trading in multiple currencies, to help international investors manage tax liabilities across jurisdictions more effectively.
- Drawback - The platform has a steeper learning curve and may be overwhelming for beginners.
Bottom Line: For those who want access to diverse international markets and are comfortable with a more advanced platform, Interactive Brokers is a top choice.
Stash - Micro-Investing with Educational Tools
Best For: Beginner travelers interested in learning the basics of investing.
Stash is a user-friendly investment app that combines micro-investing with educational content, making it perfect for beginners. You can start investing with as little as $5, and Stash’s “Smart Portfolios” provide a low-maintenance way to diversify. Additionally, Stash offers personalized advice and educational content, so you can continue learning as you invest from anywhere.
- Fees - Monthly subscription fees start at $3.
- Key Features - Low investment minimums, educational tools, Smart Portfolios, and access to fractional shares.
- Banking and Stock-Back® Card - Stash offers a checking account with a Stock-Back® card that gives you fractional shares of stock as rewards for everyday purchases. This unique feature helps build your investment portfolio passively while you spend.
- Goal-Based Savings Tools - Stash includes goal-oriented tools to help you save and invest for specific financial goals, such as an emergency fund or retirement, making it easier to prioritize long-term financial planning.
- Thematic Investing Options - Stash allows you to invest in thematic portfolios based on your values or interests, such as technology, clean energy, or women-led businesses. This feature enables you to align your investments with your personal values.
- Automatic Round-Ups - Stash’s Round-Ups feature rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change, making it easy to contribute consistently to your portfolio without even thinking about it.
- Drawback - Limited to U.S. markets, so it’s less suited for advanced or global investors.
Bottom Line: Stash is ideal for new investors who want to build confidence in investing while on the go, with a focus on education and ease of use.
With so many options, choosing the best investment app as a traveler depends on your financial goals, lifestyle, and preferred level of involvement. Are you more interested in hands-off investing, or do you want a more flexible, multi-currency approach? Betterment, Revolut, Charles Schwab, eToro, M1 Finance, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and Stash each bring unique features to the table, making wealth-building accessible wherever you are.
This article is intended for educational purposes; consult a licensed financial adviser to discuss your specific investment needs.
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