M1 Finance FAQs
Does M1 Finance offer traditional promo codes or discount codes?
M1 Finance doesn't typically offer traditional discount codes. Instead, their savings come through permanently fee-free services, competitive rates, and referral bonuses that provide ongoing value rather than one-time discounts.
How much can I earn through M1's referral program?
You can earn up to $750 annually through the Invest Bonus referral program ($75 per referral, maximum 10 per year). Alternatively, the APY Boost gives you an extra 0.50% APY for three months, with a maximum of two boosts total.
What's the minimum deposit needed to start earning 3.60% APY?
You need just $100 to open a High-Yield Cash Account and start earning 3.60% APY on your uninvested cash. This makes it accessible for most savers looking to earn more than traditional bank rates.
Are there any fees I should know about with M1 Finance?
M1 charges a $3 monthly platform fee, but it's waived if you have $10,000+ in assets or an active Personal Loan. There's also a $50 inactivity fee for small accounts with no activity for 90+ days. Trading and management fees are free for self-directed accounts.
How do M1's margin loans work?
You can borrow up to 50% of your portfolio value at 6.15% interest, with a minimum $2,000 invested per margin account. This lets you access cash without selling investments and triggering capital gains taxes.
Can I use M1 Finance as my primary savings account?
Yes, the High-Yield Cash Account earning 3.60% APY can serve as your primary savings account. It's integrated with the investment platform, so you can easily move money between saving and investing as needed.
What are investment 'pies' and how do they save money?
Investment 'pies' are M1's portfolio management system that automatically maintains your desired asset allocation. They save money by eliminating the need for manual rebalancing trades that would cost fees at other brokers.
How long do referral bonuses take to process?
Referral bonuses are processed after your referred friend meets the deposit requirements and maintains them for 30 days. The $75 invest bonus has an additional 90-day holding period once received.
Is M1 Finance suitable for beginner investors?
Yes, M1's commission-free trading, preset investment templates, and automatic rebalancing make it beginner-friendly. The $100 minimum for the cash account and fee-free structure remove common barriers for new investors.
Can I avoid all fees with M1 Finance?
You can avoid the main $3 monthly fee by maintaining $10,000+ in assets across all your M1 accounts. Trading and management fees are already free for self-directed accounts, making it very cost-effective for active investors.