: You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number (or tax ID), residential address, and employment details.

Buying stock is primarily done through an , which acts as a portal to major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. For most individual investors in 2026, this process is entirely digital and can be completed in approximately 15 minutes. 1. Open a Brokerage Account

: Choose a standard taxable brokerage account for flexibility, or an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) for tax-advantaged retirement savings. 2. Fund Your Account

: Beginners often choose between established firms like Fidelity Investments or Charles Schwab for comprehensive research and support, or mobile-first apps like Robinhood for simple interfaces.

To buy stock, you must first select a brokerage firm to hold your assets.