Look, I get it. Another subscription? In this economy? But hear me out—some broker premium tiers are actually worth the monthly coffee money, and I’m not just saying that because I fell for the marketing.
Here’s the thing: while you’re busy avoiding fees like they’re your ex at a party, these premium memberships are quietly offering perks that could actually make you money. We’re talking higher yields on your cash sitting around doing nothing, lower trading costs, and research tools that don’t make your brain hurt.
The Heavy Hitters Worth Your Attention
Robinhood Gold ($5/month)
Yes, the meme stock app has grown up. At 3.75% APY on uninvested cash and a 3% IRA match, it’s basically paying you to exist. Plus, they’re rolling out a credit card with 3% cashback on everything—which is honestly better than most “premium” cards that make you jump through hoops for decent rewards.
Webull Premium ($3.99/month)
For the chart-obsessed traders who think candlestick patterns are a legitimate form of art. The 3.5% IRA match alone covers the annual fee if you max out your contributions. It’s like getting paid $245 to use better trading tools.
SoFi Plus ($10/month, free with direct deposit)
The Swiss Army knife of financial apps. Unlimited access to certified financial planners? That’s normally a rich-people thing. If you can get it free with direct deposit, it’s a no-brainer—unless you enjoy figuring out your financial life through YouTube videos and Reddit threads.
Public Premium ($8/month)
For when you want to feel like a Wall Street analyst without the cocaine habit. Advanced company metrics, earnings transcripts, and fee-free after-hours trading. It’s like having a Bloomberg terminal, but one that won’t require you to sell a kidney.
The Real Talk
Most of these cost less than your Netflix subscription, and unlike Netflix, they might actually improve your financial situation instead of just enabling your true crime addiction.
The math is pretty simple: if you’re getting 3.75% on cash instead of 0.01% from your traditional bank, and you typically keep $10,000 uninvested, that’s an extra $375 per year. The subscription pays for itself in two months.
But here’s the catch—don’t upgrade just because the numbers look pretty. Try the basic platform first. Make sure you actually like using it and that it has the investments you want. There’s no point in paying for premium features on a platform you hate using.
The bottom line? These aren’t just marketing gimmicks designed to separate you from your money (okay, they’re partially that, but they also deliver real value). In a world where every basis point matters and information is power, these upgrades might be the edge you didn’t know you needed.
Just don’t tell your financial advisor I said that.