M1 Finance Review 2025 – Features, Pros & Is It Worth It?

M1 Finance Review 2025 – Is This Smart Investing Platform Worth It?

M1 Finance is one of the most talked-about investing apps in the U.S. With over 10K monthly searches for “M1 Finance,” it's clear that users want a smarter, automated way to grow their money. In this 2025 review, we explore what makes M1 Finance stand out among robo-advisors and traditional brokerages.

Whether you're comparing M1 Finance vs Robinhood, wondering about M1 Finance fees, or simply asking “is M1 Finance safe?”, this guide covers it all.

What is M1 Finance?

M1 Finance is a financial platform that combines the flexibility of a brokerage account with the automation of a robo-advisor. Users can create custom portfolios called “Pies,” automate deposits, and even borrow against their portfolio using M1 Borrow. It’s ideal for long-term investors who want a set-it-and-forget-it experience without giving up control.

Top Features of M1 Finance

• Custom Pies: Build your own investment strategy using stocks, ETFs, or expert-curated templates.
• Fractional Shares: Invest as little as $1 into any asset.
• Automation: M1 automatically rebalances your Pie and reinvests dividends.
• M1 Borrow: Borrow at low rates using your portfolio as collateral.
• M1 Spend: A checking account integrated directly into your investment platform.
• No Commissions: Invest with zero trading fees.

Pros and Cons of M1 Finance

Pros

• No trading commissions or account management fees
• Supports both automation and customization
• Fractional shares allow easy diversification
• M1 Plus unlocks extra perks (like a second trading window)
• Beautiful and intuitive mobile app

Cons

• Only 1 or 2 trading windows per day (not for day traders)
• No mutual funds, options, or crypto
• Customer support can be slow at peak times

Who Should Use M1 Finance?

M1 Finance is best for:

• Long-term investors and FIRE community members
• People looking for low-cost portfolio automation
• Investors who want more control than a robo-advisor but less stress than manual trading

M1 Finance may not be ideal for frequent traders or those needing advanced asset types like crypto, options, or mutual funds.

M1 Finance vs Robinhood vs Wealthfront

Platform	Best For	Trading Fees	Automation
M1 Finance	Long-term portfolio investors	$0	✅ Yes
Robinhood	Active traders	$0	❌ No
Wealthfront	Hands-off investing	0.25% AUM	✅ Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M1 Finance safe?

Yes, M1 Finance is regulated by the SEC and offers SIPC protection up to $500,000. It uses 256-bit encryption to protect your data.

Does M1 Finance charge fees?

Basic accounts are free. M1 Plus offers added benefits for $10/month or $95/year.

What makes M1 Finance different?

Its unique Pie investing model gives users control while automating rebalancing and investing.

Can I use M1 Finance as a beginner?

Absolutely. Its clean UI and educational resources make it perfect for beginners and intermediate investors alike.

Final Verdict – Is M1 Finance Worth It in 2025?

M1 Finance is a top-tier investment platform for those focused on building long-term wealth. With zero commissions, customizable portfolios, and automatic investing, it offers the best of both worlds. It’s not for day traders, but it’s perfect for those who want smart, hands-off growth with a personalized touch.

📌 Ready to start? Sign up for M1 Finance today and automate your investment journey.