Acorns Review Guide

If you’re looking for an easy and automatic way to start investing, Acorns could be the answer. Whether you're new to investing or just looking for a simpler option, Acorns helps you grow your wealth with minimal effort. In this Acorns Review for 2025, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from its unique features to its costs and user experiences. Is Acorns really worth it for beginners? Is it safe? Let’s dive in and find out if this robo-advisor app truly delivers on its promises. Keep reading for a detailed, honest breakdown of everything you should consider before starting with Acorns.

What is Acorns?

Acorns is a simple and automated investment platform designed specifically for beginner investors. It allows you to start investing with minimal effort and a small amount of money. Whether you're saving for retirement or just want to grow your wealth over time, Acorns provides an easy way to get started with investing without requiring a lot of knowledge or experience.

The platform offers a unique way to invest through its "round-up" feature, where Acorns automatically rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change. This feature makes it perfect for people who want to invest but don’t have large sums to get started. Acorns is a popular choice among beginners because it makes investing simple and automatic.

The Acorns app is designed to make investing effortless, especially for those who are new to the world of finance. It’s available on both iOS and Android, allowing users to manage their investments directly from their phones. The app automates the process by rounding up everyday purchases and investing the spare change. It’s like having an investment advisor in your pocket, helping you grow your wealth with little effort.

How does Acorns work?

Acorns works by linking your bank accounts and credit/debit cards to the app. When you make a purchase, the app rounds up the transaction to the nearest dollar. For example, if you buy a coffee for $3.50, Acorns will round it up to $4.00 and invest the 50-cent difference. This may not sound like much, but over time, it adds up.

Once your spare change accumulates, Acorns invests it into a diversified portfolio based on your preferences and risk tolerance. The app offers a variety of investment plans, including conservative, moderate, and aggressive portfolios. It automatically rebalances your portfolio as needed, ensuring your investments stay aligned with your financial goals.

In addition to the round-up feature, Acorns also provides users with tools for setting up recurring contributions, so you can actively add money to your account without thinking about it. The app’s automation makes it easy to build wealth over time, even with small contributions.

Acorns for Beginners

If you’re new to investing, Acorns might be the perfect platform to start your journey. It's an automated investment app that simplifies the process, making it easier for beginners to invest without the need for in-depth knowledge. But is Acorns truly a good choice for new investors in 2025? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

Acorns Review for Beginners

Acorns is designed to be beginner-friendly. Its simplicity is one of its strongest points. As a new investor, you don’t need to worry about managing stocks or choosing the right funds. Acorns automates everything for you. It starts by linking to your bank account or credit cards. Every time you make a purchase, the app rounds up the cost to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. This makes it easy to invest without thinking about it.

For those who are just starting, this automatic investing feature makes it easy to get your foot in the door with minimal effort. You don’t need to track your investments regularly, as Acorns does that for you. With educational resources available in the app, it’s a great way to learn as you go.

Is Acorns Legit?

When considering any financial app, legitimacy is a major concern. So, is Acorns legit? The answer is yes. Acorns is a trusted robo-advisor, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and partnered with top-tier custodians like Apex Clearing, which is insured by the SIPC. This means your investments are protected up to $500,000.

The platform uses bank-level encryption to protect your personal and financial data. Acorns has been around since 2012 and has garnered millions of users. While no platform is entirely free of risk, Acorns’ strong security measures and regulatory compliance make it a safe choice for beginners.

Has Anyone Made Money on Acorns?

Now, you might be wondering, “Has anyone made money on Acorns?” Acorns isn’t a get-rich-quick platform, but many users have successfully built wealth over time with it. A key factor in making money with Acorns is consistency—by regularly investing small amounts of money, you can build up a sizable portfolio. Acorns’ automatic rebalancing helps ensure that your investments stay aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

However, the amount of money you can make depends on your contributions, the market performance, and the amount of time you stay invested. Some users report seeing steady returns from their small investments, particularly when using the platform for several years.

Acorns Customer Reviews: What Do Users Say?

Acorns has got 3.5 stars with over 2000 reviews on Trustpilot. User reviews for Acorns are mixed but generally positive. According to the reviews:

Positive Feedback

• Simplicity: Many users appreciate how easy Acorns is to use, especially for beginners.
• "Set it and forget it": The automated round-up feature is praised for making investing effortless.
• Convenience: Users love how the app automates the investment process, saving them time and effort.
• Customer Support: Positive reviewers often highlight the helpful and responsive customer support they receive from Acorns.

Negative Feedback

• Customer Service Issues: Some users report frustration with slow or unhelpful customer service.
• Account Verification Issues: A few users experienced difficulties with account verification and technical problems.
• Fee Structure: Several users feel that the $3-$5 monthly fee is not ideal for small account balances, especially for those just starting.
• Security Block Frustration: One customer shared frustration with a security block, leading to delays and confusion in resolving their issue.

However, Acorns has responded to many of these complaints, offering help via email and phone. It's clear that the company values customer service, but like many platforms, it’s not perfect.

Acorns Pricing & Fees

When you're thinking about starting your investment journey, understanding the cost structure of a platform like Acorns is essential. Let’s break down the pricing and fees for Acorns in 2025, so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you start investing.

Acorns Account Minimum

The great news about Acorns is that you don't need a large sum of money to get started. There is no minimum investment amount required to open an account. This makes Acorns perfect for beginners who want to start small. You can start investing with as little as $5. With this low barrier to entry, Acorns makes it easy for anyone to begin building wealth, no matter their financial situation.

By linking your bank account or credit card to the app, you can set up automatic round-ups for each purchase, which means you can start investing small amounts without having to consciously think about it.

Acorns Fees

Acorns offers three main subscription plans, each with different benefits. Understanding the fees associated with each plan is crucial to deciding which one is right for you.

• Acorns Lite: This plan costs $3 per month. It gives you access to basic investment features like round-ups and automated portfolio management.
• Acorns Personal: Priced at $6 per month, this plan includes everything in the Lite plan plus features like an IRA and retirement accounts. It’s ideal if you want to take a more long-term approach with tax benefits.
• Acorns Family: This plan, at $12 per month, extends the benefits of Acorns Personal but adds the option to open accounts for children (Acorns Early). This plan makes investing for families easy, allowing you to save and invest for your kids as well.

While the monthly subscription fees are relatively low, keep in mind that Acorns does not charge transaction fees when making investments. This simplicity helps ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Investment Expenses & Fund Costs

In addition to the monthly subscription fees, Acorns charges an annual management fee based on the size of your investment portfolio. This fee generally ranges between 0.25% to 0.30% per year, depending on your portfolio choice.

Acorns offers a selection of ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) portfolios, which means your investments are spread across a variety of stocks and bonds. The cost of investing in these portfolios is relatively low compared to traditional investment strategies, with expense ratios usually ranging from 0.03% to 0.25%.

These fund expenses are standard in the investment world and are reflected in the returns you receive. Even though they are small, they can add up over time, so it's important to be aware of them when you invest.

Acorns Hidden Fees

One of the benefits of Acorns is that it is relatively transparent about its costs. However, like any financial platform, there are a few costs that users may overlook.

While Acorns does not have hidden transaction fees, there may be costs associated with certain actions such as transferring funds out of your account or closing an IRA. These fees tend to be small but may add up depending on how you use the platform.

Another hidden cost to keep an eye on is the management fee for more specialized accounts like an IRA. The taxes on investment returns are also something to consider. Although Acorns makes managing taxes easy by offering tools for tax reporting, it’s still important to know that your investment gains will be subject to taxes.

Acorns Features

Acorns stands out from other robo-advisors with its user-friendly features designed to make investing simple and accessible for everyone. Whether you're just starting or looking for an effortless way to grow your savings, Acorns offers a variety of features to suit your needs. Let’s explore what makes Acorns unique.

Automated Savings Tool

One of the most exciting features of Acorns is its automated savings tool. This tool works by linking your bank account or credit card to the app. Every time you make a purchase, Acorns rounds up the cost to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change.

It’s a perfect way for beginners to dip their toes into investing without any overwhelming commitment.

Fractional Shares

With Acorns, you don’t need to wait until you have a lot of money to invest. The platform allows you to buy fractional shares, meaning you can invest in expensive stocks without needing to buy an entire share.

By investing in fractional shares, Acorns enables you to own portions of multiple stocks, creating a diversified portfolio right from the start.

Socially Responsible Portfolios

For those who want their investments to reflect their values, Acorns offers socially responsible portfolios. These portfolios focus on companies and funds that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.

Acorns lets you invest in portfolios that focus on sustainability and ethical business practices. If you care about investing in companies that are environmentally friendly or promote positive social causes, this feature is a great way to support your values while growing your wealth.

Cash Back on Purchases

Acorns also offers a cash-back feature, adding even more value to your everyday purchases. When you use a linked debit or credit card for qualifying purchases, you earn cash back. This cash-back amount is automatically invested, which means your spending is contributing to your investment growth.

Pros & Cons of Acorns

Acorns is a popular robo-advisor, especially for beginners, but like any platform, it has both advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a quick look at what makes Acorns stand out and where it falls short.

Pros of Using Acorns

• Ease of Use: Acorns is incredibly user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners. You can easily set up your account, link your bank or card, and start investing automatically.
• Automation: The round-up feature invests your spare change from everyday purchases, making saving effortless. It’s perfect for those who want to invest without actively managing their portfolio.
• Low Fees: Acorns’ subscription fees start at just $3 per month, which is affordable for most beginners. No commission fees on trades make it cost-effective.
• Fractional Shares: With Acorns, you can invest in fractional shares, meaning you don’t need a lot of money to start building a diversified portfolio.

Cons of Using Acorns

• Limited Portfolio Options: Acorns offers a set range of portfolios, which may feel restrictive for more experienced investors seeking customization.
• Lack of Human Advisors: As a robo-advisor, Acorns doesn’t offer personalized advice, which could be a drawback for those with more complex financial needs.
• Higher Fees for Larger Balances: The $3-$5 monthly fee can be a higher percentage of your portfolio if it’s small. Larger investors may find better value elsewhere.

How Acorns Stands Out Compared to Other Investment Apps

Acorns is a popular robo-advisor for beginners, but how does it compare to other platforms like Betterment and Wealthfront? Let’s break it down.

Acorns vs. Betterment

• Fees: Acorns charges $3/month, while Betterment takes 0.25% annually. Betterment's fees can be higher, but it includes access to human advisors in its premium plan.
• Portfolio Options: Acorns offers basic portfolios based on risk tolerance, while Betterment provides more customizable options and Socially Responsible Investing (SRI).
• Services: Acorns excels in automation with features like round-ups, while Betterment offers more comprehensive financial planning and advisor access.

Acorns vs. Wealthfront

• Fees: Acorns costs $3/month, while Wealthfront charges 0.25% annually. Wealthfront’s higher fees come with extra features like tax-loss harvesting and financial planning tools.
• Investment Plans: Acorns focuses on ETF portfolios and automatic investing. Wealthfront offers more advanced features, including tax optimization.
• Minimum Investment: Acorns allows you to start with $5, while Wealthfront requires $500.

How to Sign Up for an Acorns Account

Getting started with Acorns is quick and easy. Whether you're a beginner or looking for a simple investment tool, here’s how you can sign up and start investing in just a few steps.

Acorns Login Process

1. Download the App: Install the Acorns app from the App Store or Google Play. You can also use their website, but the app is more convenient for mobile access.
2. Enter Your Credentials: Log in with the email and password you used during sign-up. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
3. Secure Your Account: Acorns uses bank-level encryption to protect your data, but always enable additional security features to safeguard your account.

Once logged in, you can track investments and manage your account easily.

How to Link Your Bank Account

1. Go to Settings: In the app, tap the profile icon and navigate to Settings.
2. Select Link Bank Account: Tap Linked Accounts and choose Link a Bank Account.
3. Enter Bank Details: Enter your bank login through Plaid for secure linking.
4. Verify Your Account: After a small deposit is sent, confirm it to finalize the linking.
5. Set Up Automatic Contributions: Enable round-ups or recurring investments to start investing effortlessly.

Is Acorns Safe?

When it comes to investing, security is a major concern. So, is Acorns safe? In this section, we will explore the security measures in place and how safe your personal information and investments are on the platform.

Is Acorns Safe from Hackers?

Acorns takes your security seriously. The platform uses bank-level encryption to protect your personal and financial data. This means that your sensitive information, such as bank account details, is stored securely and encrypted before being transmitted.

Additionally, Acorns partners with trusted third parties like Plaid to link your bank account. Plaid is widely known for its secure connection protocols, ensuring that your data remains safe while being transferred.

Acorns also offers two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security when logging in. This means that even if someone gets hold of your login credentials, they won’t be able to access your account without the second layer of verification.

Does Acorns Offer Insurance or Protections?

Yes, Acorns offers SIPC insurance, which protects your investments up to $500,000 (with $250,000 for cash claims) in case of brokerage failure. This adds an extra layer of protection, though it doesn’t cover market losses. Acorns also uses bank-level encryption to ensure your data remains safe.

Is Acorns Worth It?

Deciding if Acorns is the right choice for you depends on your investment goals. Let’s explore whether Acorns is worth your time and money in 2025.

Should You Invest with Acorns?

Acorns is an excellent platform for beginners or those looking for automated investing with minimal effort. If you prefer a hands-off approach to investing, Acorns is a great choice. The round-up feature makes it easy to save and invest automatically, even with small amounts of money. It’s also cost-effective, with fees starting at just $3 per month.

However, if you’re looking for customized portfolios or more advanced investment strategies, Acorns might not be the best fit. For those just starting or those who want to invest without worrying about the complexities of managing investments, Acorns is definitely worth it.

Acorns Alternatives to Consider

While Acorns is great for beginners, there are other platforms that may suit different needs:

• Betterment: If you’re looking for more advanced features, such as tax-loss harvesting and human advisors, Betterment might be a better choice. It offers a wider range of customizable portfolios, but at a higher fee.
• Wealthfront: For those who want more control over their investments with tools like financial planning and tax optimization, Wealthfront could be a better fit. It also offers a lower minimum investment than Acorns if you want to dive deeper into investment options.
• Robinhood: If you want to trade individual stocks with zero commission fees, Robinhood may be the better alternative. However, it doesn’t offer the same automated investing features as Acorns, so it’s more suited for active investors.

Conclusion

In this Acorns Review 2025, we’ve explored how Acorns stands out as a simple, cost-effective investment platform ideal for beginners. With its automated investing features, low fees, and ease of use, Acorns is perfect for those looking to start investing without complexity. However, for more advanced investors seeking customization or tax strategies, platforms like Betterment or Wealthfront may be better alternatives. Ultimately, Acorns is worth it for those who want a hands-off approach to investing, while experienced investors might consider other options. Whatever your goals, understanding your needs helps you make the right choice.