Man, I spent some time researching where to buy stocks and realized it’s changed a lot since my dad started investing. Back in the day, it was way too complicated, had to call the brokerage, fill out endless paperwork... Today, anyone with a phone can get into this game.

The thing is, it’s not that simple to choose where to buy stocks. There are several platforms out there, and each has its pros and cons. I started looking at MiTrade because I heard it’s pretty complete and has a demo account (great for practicing with fake money). Then I found Rico, which is more accessible and intuitive, with no brokerage fees.

There’s also Toro Investments (backed by Santander), XP Investments (which is huge), NuInvest (which you access through the bank’s app itself), and Avenue (if you want to deal with the American market). BTG Bank exists, but it’s more for people with serious money.

Before choosing where to buy stocks, people should do the basics: open an account with a trusted broker, verify identity, make an initial deposit, and then browse the asset catalog. The process is quick—just seconds to execute an order once you find the stock you want.

The truth is, each platform has a different interface, some charge zero fees, and others charge for specific operations. I recommend testing the demo before putting real money in. And if you want to trade stocks on your phone, pick one with a good app because doing everything through the browser is kind of annoying.

In the end, choosing where to buy stocks is more about finding what works for you: if you want something simple, if you need advanced tools, if you want the Brazilian or international market. Everyone has their priorities, right?