Platform Comparison

Ally Invest vs J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

Compare Ally Invest and J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research for dividend investing.

AI

Ally Invest

4.2

Ally Bank's brokerage arm pairs $0 commissions and free dividend reinvestment with seamless banking integration—though the lack of direct fractional shares holds it back.

Higher Rated
JP

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

4.3

Chase bank's self-directed investing platform with seamless banking integration, commission-free trading, and access to J.P. Morgan research.

Ally Invest vs J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureAlly InvestJ.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
Our Rating4.2/54.3/5
Trading Commissions$0$0
Account Minimum$0$0
Fractional SharesDRIP onlyYes
DRIPFreeFree
Research ToolsBasicGood
Best ForAlly Bank CustomersChase Bank Customers

Ally Invest vs J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Pros and Cons

Ally Invest

Pros

  • + $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
  • + Free dividend reinvestment (DRIP) with fractional share support
  • + $0 commissions on no-load mutual funds—the old $9.95 fee is gone
  • + Seamless integration with Ally Bank accounts (3.00% APY savings)
  • + Low options pricing at $0.50 per contract

Cons

  • - No direct fractional share purchases—DRIP is the only way to own fractions
  • - High margin rates, starting around 12% for balances under $25,000
  • - No cryptocurrency or futures trading
  • - $50 account transfer out fee (ACAT) and $25 IRA closure fee

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing

Pros

  • + Commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds
  • + Seamless integration with Chase banking accounts
  • + Fractional shares available for direct purchases
  • + Free dividend reinvestment with fractional share support
  • + Access to J.P. Morgan proprietary research

Cons

  • - Trading interface feels clunky compared to Merrill Edge
  • - Extremely low 0.01% APY on uninvested cash
  • - No cryptocurrency, futures, or forex trading
  • - Limited investment screeners and analysis tools

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: Ally Invest or J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing?

Choose Ally Invest if you...

  • Are in Ally Invest's core audience: ally bank customers

Choose J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing if you...

  • Are in J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing's core audience: chase bank customers
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our Ally Invest review and J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing review.

Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.