First Investment

Your first €100 invested, step by step

Six steps from picking a broker to buying your first ETF. We answer the practical questions: how to fund, what to buy, when to check.

Walk through your first investment

Click through the six phases at your own pace. Each step links to the tool you need — wizard, calculator, deposit guide.

Step 1 of 60%

Choose a Broker

Step 1

Start by selecting a regulated broker that accepts clients from your country. Compare fees, minimum deposits, and available instruments. Use our Broker Wizard for a personalized recommendation.

Pro tips:

Check the broker is regulated by FCA, CySEC, or SEC
Compare total costs, not just trading commissions
Make sure ETFs are available on the platform

What the simulator covers

From €0 to a funded account

Choose broker → open → verify → fund. We tell you which deposit methods work for CIS residents and roughly how long each takes.

Your first buy order

How to find a global ETF ticker, how much to put in, what to expect when the order fills. No stock picking — broad diversified ETFs only.

What to do after

How often to check (monthly, not daily), when to rebalance, when not to touch it. Boring is the point — boring portfolios outperform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to start investing?

Many brokers have no minimum deposit or require as little as $1-100. With fractional shares, you can buy a piece of any ETF for just a few dollars. The important thing is to start, not the amount.

Is it safe to invest through an online broker?

Reputable brokers are regulated by authorities like CySEC, FCA, or SEC. Your funds are held in segregated accounts and protected by investor compensation schemes (up to €20,000 in the EU). Always verify the broker's license.

What is an ETF and why start with one?

An ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) holds a basket of stocks or bonds, giving you instant diversification. One share of a S&P 500 ETF gives you exposure to 500 companies. It's the simplest way to start investing.

How long does the whole process take?

Opening and verifying an account takes 1-3 business days. Funding depends on your method (instant for cards, 2-5 days for wire). You can buy your first ETF within minutes of funding.

What if the market drops after I invest?

Market dips are normal and expected. Historically, the stock market recovers from all downturns. If you're investing for 5+ years, short-term drops don't matter. Regular monthly investing (dollar-cost averaging) reduces timing risk.

Pick a broker before step 2

The simulator works without an account, but you’ll need one to actually buy. The wizard takes 2 minutes.

Find my broker →

Affiliate disclosure

We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links. It does not change broker conditions and does not affect our ranking. Methodology →

Risk warning

Financial instruments carry the risk of capital loss. 74–89% of retail investors lose money trading CFDs. Assess whether you can afford this risk.