Rakuten Securities and SoFi Invest both cater to cost-conscious, beginner-friendly traders, but only one comes out ahead on our independent rating. Rakuten Securities edges out SoFi Invest 3.4/5 to 3.3/5, backed by a $0 minimum deposit and broader market access. Here's the full breakdown.
Rakuten Securities delivers a rare blend of zero minimum deposit, zero commissions, and multi-asset access, making it one of the most accessible full-service brokers on the market today.
SoFi Invest pairs a rock-bottom $1 minimum deposit with the backing of SEC oversight, appealing to U.S.-based investors who want simplicity over complexity.
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It DifferentCore features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | RS Rakuten Securities | SI SoFi Invest |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | San Francisco, USA |
| Regulation | FSA | SEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices | Stocks, Crypto, Indices |
Rakuten Securities
$0
SoFi Invest
$1
Rakuten Securities
0 pips
SoFi Invest
0 pips
Rakuten Securities
None
SoFi Invest
None
Rakuten Securities
None
SoFi Invest
None
Rakuten Securities
None
SoFi Invest
None
Rakuten Securities is the stronger all-round broker, earning our Best Overall, Best for Beginners, Best for Low Fees, and Best for Regulation awards with a 3.4/5 rating versus SoFi Invest's 3.3/5. It wins on accessibility with a $0 minimum deposit, broader market coverage across five asset classes, and higher available leverage. SoFi Invest remains a solid, low-cost alternative for U.S.-based investors who prefer its streamlined platform and $1 entry point.
On our independent rating system, Rakuten Securities scores 3.4/5 while SoFi Invest scores 3.3/5. The gap is narrow, reflecting the fact that both brokers are competent, low-cost options with modern proprietary platforms.
Rakuten Securities pulls ahead primarily due to its broader market access, higher leverage ceiling, and its zero-minimum-deposit policy. SoFi Invest counters with strong simplicity and a domestic U.S. regulatory framework that may appeal more to American investors.
For most traders comparing the two head-to-head, Rakuten Securities is the stronger all-round choice. However, SoFi Invest remains competitive for those who specifically value its streamlined platform or its SEC-regulated structure.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, putting them on equal footing when it comes to headline pricing. Neither broker charges commissions on supported markets, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees entirely.
This means the fee comparison ultimately comes down to what you're trading rather than the base cost structure. Since Rakuten Securities supports five market types against SoFi Invest's three, traders with more diverse portfolios may find better overall value at Rakuten Securities simply due to breadth of access.
Neither broker's fee schedule includes hidden account maintenance charges based on the data reviewed, which is a positive for cost transparency on both sides.
Rakuten Securities requires no minimum deposit whatsoever, allowing traders to open and fund an account with as little as $0. SoFi Invest is close behind with a minimum deposit requirement of just $1.
Both figures are exceptionally low compared to industry norms, making either broker a viable entry point for new investors with limited starting capital. Rakuten Securities technically holds the edge here, which contributes to its Best for Beginners award.
For traders prioritizing the absolute lowest possible entry cost, Rakuten Securities' $0 requirement is a meaningful, if marginal, advantage.
Rakuten Securities operates under the regulatory authority of Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), a well-respected regulator known for strict compliance standards. SoFi Invest is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), one of the most recognized financial regulators globally.
Both regulatory bodies provide strong oversight within their respective jurisdictions, and neither broker's safety profile shows red flags in the data reviewed. The decision here may simply come down to which jurisdiction's protections matter more to you as an investor.
Rakuten Securities holds our Best for Regulation award in this comparison, reflecting its slightly higher composite score, though SoFi Invest's SEC oversight remains a robust and trusted framework in its own right.
Rakuten Securities offers three distinct platforms: a Proprietary Web platform, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the more advanced MarketSpeed II terminal built for serious traders. This gives users flexibility depending on whether they want simplicity or professional-grade charting and execution tools.
SoFi Invest keeps things simpler with just two platforms: Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile. This streamlined approach may appeal to casual investors who don't need advanced order types or in-depth technical analysis tools.
Traders who anticipate growing into more sophisticated strategies may prefer Rakuten Securities' MarketSpeed II option, while those who want a no-frills experience may find SoFi Invest's simplicity refreshing.
Rakuten Securities supports five market categories: stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices. SoFi Invest supports three: stocks, crypto, and indices, notably excluding ETFs and forex.
On leverage, Rakuten Securities allows up to 1:3 on eligible instruments, while SoFi Invest caps out at 1:1, effectively limiting trades to cash-covered positions. This makes Rakuten Securities the clear choice for traders wanting broader diversification and some degree of leveraged exposure.
SoFi Invest's narrower focus may still suit buy-and-hold investors who primarily want straightforward stock and crypto exposure without the complexity of leveraged or forex products.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Rakuten Securities edges out SoFi Invest overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
