Whether you’re new to investing or planning ahead for your family’s future, we bundle our products, tools, and education into subscription plans - each curated to meet you at whichever stage of life you and your family are at. For people who want automated, hands-off investing with banking, retirement, and education bundled into one app, Acorns is for you.
More than 14 million people have already opened Acorns accounts, putting over $30 billion to work for their future. Acorns has built a track record as one of the most popular platforms for everyday investors. The platform has been named “America’s Best Financial Services 2026” and “World’s Top FinTech Companies 2025” with a 4.7/5 App Store rating.
Read more to find out which subscription plan is right for you and your financial journey.
Acorns Bronze, Silver, and Gold: what each plan includes
Acorns offers three subscription levels. There are no hidden costs or transaction fees on top of the monthly subscription.
Acorns Bronze ($3/month) gives you an Acorns Invest account with an expert-built, diversified portfolio of ETFs (exchange-traded funds) from Vanguard and BlackRock (iShares). You get Round-Ups®, which automatically invest your spare change from everyday purchases, plus Recurring Investments on a schedule you set. You also get Acorns Later (an IRA for retirement) and Acorns Checking.
Acorns Silver ($6/month) includes everything in Bronze plus a 1% IRA match on new contributions to your Acorns Later retirement account during your first year. You can also open an Emergency Savings with a high APY. With Acorns Earn, bonus investments also get a 25% match.
Acorns Gold ($12/month) includes everything in Silver plus a 3% IRA match on new contributions to your Acorns Later retirement account during your first year. You can add individual stocks and ETFs with Custom Portfolios. You also get access to financial tools for the kids in your life, such as Acorns Early Invest and the Acorns Early smart money app and debit card for kids. Other features include Money Manager (which automatically splits your deposits across investing, saving, and spending), free tax filing with April, a complimentary Will, $10,000 life insurance, and a 50% match on Acorns Earn bonus investments.
Is Acorns worth it at different balance levels?
Acorns charges a flat monthly subscription regardless of your balance. That means the effective percentage of your investments going toward the subscription decreases if your balance grows.
Here’s how the math works for Acorns Bronze ($36/year):
| Balance | Annual subscription | Effective annual % |
| $500 | $36 | 7.20% |
| $1,000 | $36 | 3.60% |
| $5,000 | $36 | 0.72% |
| $10,000 | $36 | 0.36% |
| $14,400 | $36 | 0.25% |
| $25,000 | $36 | 0.14% |
| $50,000 | $36 | 0.07% |
The flat structure can work in your favor over time. At $5,000, the effective rate is already 0.72%, well below what many managed platforms charge. At $14,400, it matches the industry-standard 0.25% that percentage-based robo-advisors charge. Above that, it keeps getting cheaper. At $50,000, you’re paying just 0.07% annually.
A flat price means the long-term payoff can be huge. Acorns’ smart system is built to help you invest consistently, which is key to compounding. The long-term returns on those early, regular investments offer the potential to outweigh the monthly subscription. In fact, customers using Round-Ups® invest an average of $45 a month from spare change alone.
How the Acorns IRA match and Round-Ups® offset the subscription
Your subscription often pays for itself, thanks to benefits like the IRA match.
For 2026, the IRS has set the IRA contribution limit at $7,500 ($8,600 for those 50 and older). If you’re an Acorns Gold customer and you max out your Acorns Later contributions during your first year, the 3% match adds $225 to your retirement account. The Gold plan costs $144/year, so the match alone produces a net gain of $81 before you consider market returns or any other features.
Aside from the match, you can also get bonus investments with Acorns Earn when you shop with partner brands. These bonus investments can add real dollars to your portfolio over time.
And then there’s the behavioral value. Acorns customers have invested over $4 billion in spare change alone through Round-Ups®. For many people, the subscription isn’t paying for portfolio management. It’s paying for a system that potentially turns money they’d never notice into a growing investment, using dollar-cost averaging to invest small amounts consistently over time. That’s the concept described by Clark Howard as ‘the forced, automatic investing', otherwise known as "Pay Yourself First".
Features included in your Acorns subscription
Round-Ups® and diversified ETF portfolios are the foundation, but depending on your plan, your subscription includes tools that go well beyond spare-change investing.
Money Manager (Gold Plan) automatically splits your deposits across investing, saving, and spending based on percentages you set. You can fund it through direct deposit or Recurring Investments, and it adjusts as your goals change. If you want your finances running in the background without daily decisions, this is one of the most practical tools in the app.
Custom Portfolios (Gold Plan) let you add individual stocks and ETFs to your already-diversified Base portfolio. You can invest in specific companies you believe in, with Acorns handling the math so you can start with as little as $1. It’s a way to personalize your investing without giving up the diversified core that your Base portfolio provides.
The Bitcoin-linked ETF option (all plans) lets you add Bitcoin exposure to your portfolio through a regulated ETF, not by buying cryptocurrency directly. This is an opt-in portfolio preference that allocates up to 5% of your Invest account to a Bitcoin-linked ETF, depending on your portfolio type.
High-yield banking (Silver and Gold Plans) includes a high APY for Acorns Emergency Savings, with no minimum balance requirements and no hidden charges.
Your money is invested in diversified portfolios built on a proven strategy called Modern Portfolio Theory, using ETFs from trusted firms like Vanguard and BlackRock (iShares). The best part? Acorns automatically monitors and rebalances your portfolio to make sure it always stays aligned with your goals and risk level. You can even see those consistent investments could grow over time using the compound interest calculator.
Who is Acorns best for?
If you’re a beginner who hasn’t started investing yet, the automation removes the biggest barrier: actually doing it. Round-Ups®, Recurring Investments, and split deposits mean your money gets invested without requiring you to make active decisions every week. If you want to understand how Acorns works before signing up, the process is straightforward.
Ready for an all-in-one financial solution? Acorns brings together your core money tools - investing, retirement, and banking - into a single, easy-to-use app. This means your Invest account, Later retirement account, Checking, and Emergency Savings are all together. This simplicity is a genuine advantage over trying to manage your money across multiple platforms.
If you’re a parent, the Acorns Gold plan includes Acorns Early Invest (UGMA/UTMA custodial accounts) with a 1% match on contributions, plus the Acorns Early smart money app and debit card for teaching kids about money. You can add multiple kids at no additional cost.
If you’d invest nothing without a nudge, the subscription may be the most productive $3 to $12 you spend each month. Over time, your money has a chance to tap into compounding. The compound returns on money you invest early and consistently can potentially outweigh the cost of the subscription in the long-run.
How Acorns compare to other investing platforms
Acorns is one of several investing platforms available, and it’s worth understanding how we differ. Most robo-advisors charge a percentage of assets under management (typically 0.25%), which means their costs scale up if your balance grows. Our flat subscription doesn’t. At higher balances, that difference can help keep more money in your portfolio.
Acorns stands apart because we've bundled all your financial essentials into one powerful, easy-to-use platform. Managed investing, retirement accounts, banking, automated behavioral tools like Round-Ups®, and a full kids’ financial wellness platform are bundled into a single subscription. Most competitors require separate accounts or additional charges to access equivalent features. For a more detailed look, see our Acorns vs. Robinhood comparison.
Is Acorns safe and regulated?
Acorns is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered investment advisor. Brokerage services are provided through Acorns Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). SIPC coverage protects your securities up to $500,000 if the brokerage fails, though it does not protect against investment losses. Banking products are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor through partner banks. All accounts are secured with 256-bit encryption. For independent guidance on choosing an investment platform, the SEC’s Investor.gov provides educational resources on evaluating robo-advisors.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Start investing with Acorns and compare our plans to find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acorns worth it for small amounts?
Yes. Acorns is specifically built for people starting with small amounts. Round-Ups® turn spare change into investments, and you can begin with as little as $5. The subscription is a flat monthly amount, which means it stays the same whether you have $100 or $100,000 in your account.
The key is consistency. Small amounts invested regularly can add up. Acorns customers who use Round-Ups® invest an average of $45 a month from spare change alone. Over years of compounding, those small contributions can grow into meaningful savings.
How much does Acorns cost per month?
Acorns offers three plans: Bronze for $3/month, Silver for $6/month, and Gold for $12/month. There are no per-trade commissions, no hidden charges, and no percentage-based management charges on top of the subscription.
Each plan includes more features. Bronze covers investing and retirement basics. Silver adds an IRA match and Emergency Savings with a high APY. Gold adds Custom Portfolios, Acorns Early Invest for kids, Money Manager, and additional benefits. See the full breakdown at Acorns plans and pricing.
Does Acorns charge hidden charges?
No. Acorns charges a single flat monthly subscription, and the price you see is the price you pay. There are no surprise add-on charges, no trading commissions, and no percentage-based management charges layered on top of the subscription.
The only additional costs are the expense ratios embedded in the ETFs within your portfolio, which typically range from 0.03% to 0.25%. These are charged by the ETF providers (like Vanguard and BlackRock), not by Acorns, and are standard across all investment platforms that use ETFs.
Is Acorns good for beginners?
Yes. Acorns is specifically designed for people who are new to investing. The app removes the complexity of choosing individual stocks, timing the market, and manually managing a portfolio. Your money is placed into a diversified ETF portfolio recommended based on your investor profile, and tools like Round-Ups® and Recurring Investments help you stay consistent without having to think about each deposit.
If you’re looking for a platform where you can sign up in a few minutes and start investing with your spare change, Acorns is one of the most beginner-friendly options available.
What are the risks of investing with Acorns?
All investing carries the risk of losing money, and Acorns is no exception. Your portfolio will fluctuate with market conditions, and there’s no guarantee your investments will increase in value. We use diversified ETF portfolios to help manage risk, but diversification does not ensure profits or protect against losses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Your securities are protected by SIPC coverage up to $500,000 in the event the brokerage fails, but SIPC does not cover investment losses due to market declines.
Is automated investing better than picking your own stocks?
Automated investing and self-directed stock picking serve different goals. Automated investing through platforms like Acorns works well for people who want a disciplined, long-term approach without spending time on research or monitoring the market daily. Your portfolio stays diversified and gets rebalanced automatically.
Picking individual stocks gives you more control, but also requires more time, research, and a higher tolerance for volatility. Many investors use a combination of both: a diversified core portfolio, like the Acorns Base portfolio, alongside selected individual positions, which is available through Acorns Custom Portfolios with the Gold plan.
This material has been presented for informational and educational purposes only. The views expressed in the articles above are generalized and may not be appropriate for all investors. The information contained in this article should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. There is no guarantee that past performance will recur or result in a positive outcome. Carefully consider your financial situation, including investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, and fees prior to making any investment decisions. No level of diversification or asset allocation can ensure profits or guarantee against losses. Article contributors are not affiliated with Acorns Advisers, LLC. and do not provide investment advice to Acorns’ clients. Acorns is not engaged in rendering tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult a qualified professional for this type of service.
For informational purposes only. Strategies and investments discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Contents of this article have been generalized and should not be considered investment advice, a recommendation, or be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell an interest in any specific security. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. Please consider your objectives, risk tolerance, and all fees before making any investment decisions.
Investment advisory products and services offered by Acorns Advisers, LLC ("Acorns"), an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Brokerage products and services are provided by Acorns Securities, LLC, an SEC registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.
Acorns Invest is an individual investment account which invests in a portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) recommended to customers based on their responses to the Acorns investor profile questionnaire.
Acorns Later is an Individual retirement account consisting of a Traditional, ROTH or a SEP IRA selected for customers based on investor profile questionnaire answers.
Acorns Early® is not a bank. Kids aged 6-18. Cards are issued by nbkc bank, Member FDIC, under license from Visa USA. Inc. Charges apply (min. $8/mo) until cancelled. Terms & Limits apply. Two subscriptions offered: Acorns Early Lite and Acorns Gold.
Acorns Early Invest is an UTMA/UGMA investment account managed by an adult custodian until the minor beneficiary reaches the selected age of transfer, at which point the minor assumes control of the account assets. Money in a custodial account is the property of the minor.
Acorns is not a bank. Acorns Visa™ debit cards and banking services are issued and provided by Lincoln Savings Bank and nbkc bank, Members FDIC.
Custom Portfolios are non-discretionary investment advisory accounts, managed by the customer. Custom Portfolios are available only to Acorns Gold customers with an open Acorns Invest Account and are not available as a stand alone account. Custom portfolios are not instant trading. Customers wanting more control over order placement and execution may need to consider alternative investment platforms before adding a Custom Portfolio account. This is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or hold, an interest in any security or investment product. Acorns Advisers does not provide investment advice with regard to orders directed in a Custom Portfolio.
Acorns receives compensation from business partners to promote or refer customers to such partners for the purchase of non-investment consumer products or services. This type of promotional partnership incentivizes Acorns to refer customers to these businesses instead of businesses that are not partners of Acorns. This affects the ability of Acorns to provide unbiased promotions and could mean that the products and/or services of other businesses, that do not compensate Acorns, may be more appropriate for a customer than the products and/or services promoted by Acorns. Customers are not required to purchase any products and services Acorns promotes.
Default splits among the accounts in Money Manager take into consideration your estimated income based on verified paycheck amounts deposited to your Acorns Checking Account. Milestone targets consider the income information provided by the customer during onboarding. Money Manager may not account for all market conditions or individual circumstances, may not be suitable for all individuals, and may not consider all factors relevant to your specific financial circumstances. You should carefully consider your unique financial situation, including factors such as your investment objective, time horizon, risk tolerance, tax implications, estate planning needs, and Acorns’ fees, prior to making any allocation decisions. Acorns’ Money Manager is not a financial planning service.
Automatic investing does not ensure a profit or protect against losses. It involves continuous investing regardless of fluctuating price levels.
The ETFs comprising the Acorns portfolios charge fees and expenses that will reduce a customer’s return. Investors should read each fund’s prospectus and consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the funds carefully before investing. Investment policies, management fees and other information can be found in the individual ETF’s prospectus.
Spare change invested with Round-Ups® is transferred from your linked funding source (checking account) to your Acorns Invest account when activated. Round-Up investments from an external account will be processed when your Pending Round-Ups reach or exceed $5.
Effective March 26, 2025, customers who open an Acorns Gold or Acorns Silver subscription plan or upgrades to an Acorns Gold or Silver subscription plan can opt into the Acorns Later Match feature and receive either a 3% or 1% IRA match, respectively, on new contributions made to an Acorns Later account during the first year subscribed to these subscription plans. New customers in these subscription plans are automatically eligible for the Later Match feature at the applicable 3% and 1% match rate on all contributions made during the first subscription year. All Later funds for customers must be held in an Acorns Later account for at least four years to keep the earned IRA match and all or a portion of IRA Match may be subject to recapture by Acorns if customer downgrades to a Subscription Plan with a lower monthly fee. See full terms and conditions.
For informational purposes only. This is solely intended to provide notification of an available product or service. This is not a recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or roll over any asset, adopt an investment strategy, or use a particular account type. This information does not consider the specific investment objectives, tax and financial conditions or particular needs of any specific person. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.
Complimentary Will services are offered through third-party service provider Trust & Will. Additional account opening required. Terms apply. See http://trustandwill.com for more details. Price waiver limited to Acorns customers subscribed to the Acorns Gold plan.
Compounding is the process in which an asset’s earnings from either capital gains or interest are reinvested to generate additional earnings over time. It does not ensure positive performance nor does it protect against loss. Acorns customers may not experience compound returns and investment results will vary based on market volatility and fluctuating prices.
Acorns customers who use Round-Ups have invested an average of $45 per month as of 07/31/2025.
Over 14 million all-time customers and over $30 billion invested since inception as of 2/8/2026. App store star rating as of 12/2/24.
Tax preparation services provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. ("April") a third-party service provider. Separate April terms of service and privacy policy apply. Exclusions apply. April may not be suitable for all tax situations. Acorns does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Acorns does not guarantee the accuracy of April's calculations, tax advice, services or availability, or that April will receive the maximum refund to customers. For personal tax guidance, see irs.gov or consult a tax professional. Tax document import feature available for select Acorns-generated tax documents only. Auto-invest feature available only to Acorns customers with a Plaid-linked bank account. Tax information shared with April is subject to their data handling practices. See https://www.acorns.com/program-agreement/ for more information.
Acorns does not provide access to invest directly in Bitcoin. Bitcoin exposure is provided to Acorns customers through an ETF that invests in Bitcoin futures. They are considered high-risk investments given the speculative and volatile nature. Investments in Bitcoin ETFs may not be appropriate for all investors and should only be utilized by those who understand and accept those risks. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of bitcoin should consider a different investment. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. Investment policies, management fees and other information can be found in the individual ETF’s prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Acorns Securities, LLC is a member of SIPC. Securities in the account are protected up to $500,000. For details, please see www.sipc.org. SIPC does not protect against market risk, which is the risk inherent in a fluctuating market.
The platform has been recognized as “America’s Best Financial Services 2026” by TIME and included among the “World’s Top FinTech Companies 2025,” and holds an App Store rating of approximately 4.7 out of 5.
