Best Apps for IPO Investing in 2026: Where to Get IPO Access
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With big AI names like Anthropic heading for the public market, "how do I get IPO shares?" is a hot question. The honest answer: IPO-price allocations are limited and never guaranteed, but a handful of apps make it possible for regular investors to request them. Our top picks are Robinhood and Moomoo for no-minimum IPO access, with SoFi, Webull, and E*TRADE close behind. Here's how they compare.
Key Takeaways
- For most retail investors, Robinhood and Moomoo are the easiest ways to request IPO shares at the offer price, because both have no account minimum and a simple in-app IPO request flow.
- Most of the apps here charge no commission to buy shares, whether at the IPO price or on the open market.
Quick Comparison
| App | IPO Access | Account Min | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood Top Pick | IPO Access program | $0 | Beginners — easiest request flow |
| Moomoo | In-app IPO Center | $0 | Breadth of IPO access |
| SoFi | IPO investing | ~$100 (deal-dependent) | All-in-one money app |
| Webull | Open to account holders | ~$100 settled cash | Active traders |
| E*TRADE | New-issue hub | $0 | Morgan Stanley-led deals |
| Fidelity | Yes (tiered) | Often high-balance | Larger, long-term accounts |
| Charles Schwab | Yes | ~$100,000 | High-balance investors |
Minimums and eligibility vary by broker and even by individual deal — some brokers lower their usual threshold for a high-profile IPO. Always confirm on the broker's current IPO page.
1. Robinhood — Best for Beginners Top Pick
Robinhood's IPO Access is the simplest way for a first-timer to request shares at the IPO price: no account minimum, a clean in-app request flow, and it's widely available. Robinhood has also been named as a retail participant in recent high-profile IPO prospectuses. The one rule to know: a 30-day flipping guideline — selling IPO shares within 30 days can limit your access to future IPO Access deals. As always, allocation isn't guaranteed.
Open a Robinhood Account →2. Moomoo — Best for Breadth of Access
Moomoo is frequently ranked first for IPO access: no minimum, an in-app IPO Center where you submit subscription requests, and fractional shares. Allocations still aren't guaranteed, but its breadth of deals and low barrier make it a strong primary or secondary app for IPO hunters.
3. SoFi — Best All-in-One
SoFi folds IPO investing into its broader money app (banking, loans, investing), and has appeared as a retail participant in recent marquee IPOs. A good fit if you want IPO access alongside the rest of your finances in one place.
4. Webull & E*TRADE — Strong Runners-Up
Webull opens IPO requests to account holders (you'll typically need around $100 in settled cash) and pairs them with advanced charting. E*TRADE (owned by Morgan Stanley) offers a new-issue hub with no minimum and an edge on deals its parent helps underwrite.
The honest truth about IPO allocation: for a hot IPO, even with the right app, your allocation may be small or zero. That's normal — demand vastly exceeds the shares set aside for retail. Many investors skip the allocation lottery entirely and just buy on the open market once the stock trades, using a limit order on the volatile first day.
How to Request IPO Shares (Step by Step)
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Open & fund | Set up a brokerage account with IPO access and fund it ahead of the deal. |
| 2. Opt into IPO access | Find the broker's IPO hub/program and complete the investor profile. |
| 3. Read the prospectus | You must acknowledge the IPO's prospectus before requesting shares. |
| 4. Submit your request | Enter how many shares you want (sometimes a conditional offer) before pricing. |
| 5. Confirm or buy at open | If allocated, confirm; if not, buy on the open market with a limit order. |
Get Set Up Before the Next IPO
Our top pick for easy, no-minimum IPO access. Open and fund a Robinhood account now so you're ready to request shares when the next big name prices.
Open a Robinhood Account →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for IPO investing in 2026?
Robinhood and Moomoo for easy, no-minimum IPO requests; SoFi, Webull, and E*TRADE are strong low-minimum options. Fidelity and Schwab offer access too but often need higher balances.
How do I get IPO shares as a retail investor?
Fund a brokerage account, opt into its IPO program, read the prospectus, and submit a request. Allocation isn't guaranteed and is small for hot deals — most people who miss out just buy once the stock trades.
Does Robinhood offer IPO access?
Yes — IPO Access lets eligible users request shares at the IPO price with no account minimum. Note the 30-day flipping guideline. Allocation isn't guaranteed.
Can I buy IPO stock the day it lists?
Yes — once trading starts, any broker on that exchange lets you buy. Use a limit order on the volatile first day.
Do IPO brokers charge fees?
Most charge no commission to buy. Watch eligibility and allocation rules instead — they vary by broker and by deal.