Have you ever wondered how easy it is to make money on Stash—even with just $5 in your account? In this guide, you’ll discover the exact steps beginners can take to turn spare change into real investing returns using the Stash app. Whether you want to earn passive income, start building wealth, or get rewarded for everyday spending, this post covers it all.
You’ll learn how the platform works, what tools and plans give you the most ROI, and how to realistically grow your Stash account over time. Some users have turned $2,000 into over $7,000 using long-term strategies. After reading this, you’ll know how to do it too.
Let’s break down the best ways to earn, invest, and automate your way to steady income with Stash in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Beginner-friendly investment platform – Learn how Stash allows you to start investing with as little as $1 using stocks, ETFs, and Smart Portfolios.
- Earn rewards through Stock‑Back® – Use your Stash debit card to earn fractional shares of stock on daily purchases, automatically.
- Multiple ways to automate investing – Discover how Round-Ups and Auto-Stash make saving and investing effortless, even on a tight budget.
- Plans that fit your goals – Understand which plan (Beginner, Growth, or Stash+) gives you the highest return potential based on your needs.
- Realistic income expectations – Get an honest breakdown of how much you can actually earn using different features, including a $7,000 case study.
How to Make Money on Stash?
Making money on Stash is surprisingly accessible, especially for beginners. You don’t need thousands of dollars or deep investing knowledge to get started. With just a few dollars, you can buy fractional shares in major companies or let the app do the work for you through Smart Portfolios.
Unlike other investment apps, Stash combines banking and investing with features like Stock-Back® rewards, helping users passively grow wealth. Every plan also comes with personalized advice and access to financial education, which boosts long-term performance.
That said, success on Stash depends on consistency. Most users earn through steady investing over time, not overnight gains. But if you stay active and automate smartly, Stash can absolutely help you grow real money.
What do you need to get started?
To make money on Stash, you’ll need to:
- Download the app and create a free account (U.S. only)
- Choose a plan (Beginner, Growth, or Stash+)
- Link a funding source (bank account or paycheck)
- Decide between self-directed investing or Smart Portfolios
- Optionally, activate the Stock-Back® card for rewards
No minimum balance is required to start, but $5–$10 is ideal for your first investment.
How much money can you make on Stash?
Returns vary depending on your strategy, account size, and time invested. Users who consistently invest see much higher returns. For example, one Reddit user grew a $2,000 portfolio into $7,000 over a few years through regular contributions and long-term holdings.
Realistically, new users can expect modest early gains—around 5–10% annually using diversified ETFs or Smart Portfolios. Stock-Back® rewards add bonus shares valued at 0.125%–1% of purchases (up to $10–$20 monthly for active spenders).
Higher earnings come from maximizing all features: investing regularly, using Stock-Back®, and optimizing tax-advantaged accounts.
17 Proven Methods to Make Money on Stash
Whether you’re investing spare change or optimizing a growing portfolio, these 17 proven methods show how to leverage Stash’s tools—fractional shares, Stock-Back® rewards, automation, and promos—to build steady returns and accelerate long-term wealth.
1. Invest in Fractional Shares of Stocks
One of the easiest and most popular ways to make money on Stash is by investing in fractional shares of stocks. This allows you to buy a portion of expensive stocks like Apple, Amazon, or Tesla, even if you only have a few dollars to spare. You don’t need to buy a whole share to participate in the market.
Fractional investing helps you stay diversified and start small. You can automate your deposits and grow your portfolio slowly over time, benefitting from long-term market gains. This method is ideal for beginners who want full control over what companies they invest in.
Unique Requirement: You must select the “Self-Directed Investing” option when signing up.
How to Invest in Fractional Shares on Stash?
- Open a Stash account and select the Beginner, Growth, or Stash+ plan
- Choose the “Invest” tab and explore stocks or ETFs
- Tap any stock and select “Buy”
- Enter the dollar amount (as little as $1)
- Confirm your purchase and place the trade
- Use Auto-Stash to schedule recurring weekly/monthly deposits
- Reinvest earnings and monitor performance over time
- Sell shares anytime, or hold for long-term growth
Quick Tip: Start with high-performing ETFs before exploring single stocks for less risk and broader exposure.
2. Use the Stock‑Back® Card for Daily Purchases
The Stock‑Back® card is a Stash-exclusive debit card that rewards you with fractional shares of stock every time you spend money. For example, if you buy a coffee at Starbucks, you could earn stock in Starbucks. It’s one of the most fun and passive ways to build your portfolio.
With the Growth plan, you earn 0.125% in Stock‑Back® rewards. With the Stash+ plan, you earn up to 1%, plus extra bonuses at select merchants. Over time, your spending translates into a diversified mini-portfolio — all without changing your habits.
Unique Requirement: You must activate and use the Stock‑Back® debit card.
How to Earn with the Stock‑Back® Card on Stash?
- Upgrade to Growth or Stash+ to access Stock‑Back® rewards
- Order your debit card and activate it in the app
- Use the card for everyday purchases (groceries, gas, subscriptions)
- Earn stock in the brand you spent with, or a substitute ETF
- Track rewards in the “Portfolio” tab
- Use your Stock‑Back® portfolio for long-term investing
Quick Tip: Use your Stash card for all recurring bills to maximize rewards effortlessly.
3. Automate Investing with Auto-Stash & Round-Ups
Auto-Stash and Round-Ups are automation tools built into Stash to help you invest consistently — even when you forget. Auto-Stash lets you schedule regular deposits, while Round-Ups automatically invest your spare change from debit card purchases.
Both tools are designed to grow your portfolio over time without requiring effort. It’s a great way to dollar-cost average and make your money work passively. Even saving $5 a week can turn into thousands with compounding returns.
Unique Requirement: Must enable automation from the “Tools” section in your app.
How to Use Auto-Stash and Round-Ups?
- Tap “Tools” in your app dashboard
- Turn on Auto-Stash and select how often to invest (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.)
- Choose your investment destination (portfolio or Smart Portfolio)
- Enable Round-Ups and link to your Stash debit card
- Every time you spend, your spare change gets rounded up and invested
- Track your investments in real time
- Adjust or pause the tools anytime
Quick Tip: Start with $5 weekly Auto-Stash, then scale up as your budget grows.
4. Invest Using Smart Portfolios
If you prefer a hands-off approach, Smart Portfolios are ideal. These are professionally managed portfolios built by Stash’s investment team. They’re diversified, automatically rebalanced, and reinvest dividends to help your money grow.
You don’t need to choose individual stocks. Instead, just deposit money and let Smart Portfolios handle everything. They’re built around your risk profile and include asset classes like U.S. stocks, international stocks, bonds, and even crypto exposure.
Unique Requirement: Available with all plans but performs best with consistent contributions.
How to Use Smart Portfolios on Stash?
- Tap “Smart Portfolio” during your setup or in the dashboard
- Answer a few risk tolerance questions
- Review your recommended portfolio mix
- Set up recurring deposits via Auto-Stash
- Enable dividend reinvestment
- Watch as the portfolio auto-rebalances over time
- Add funds whenever you have extra cash
Quick Tip: Use Smart Portfolios if you’re unsure how to invest in stocks on Stash individually.
5. Build Wealth with Retirement Accounts
Stash also offers tax-advantaged retirement accounts like Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs. These are long-term investment vehicles that help you grow wealth while deferring or avoiding taxes, depending on the account type.
Contributing to an IRA through Stash lets you invest in stocks and ETFs just like a regular account, but with powerful tax perks. It’s one of the best ways to build serious wealth over time.
Unique Requirement: Must be age-eligible and meet income criteria for Roth IRA contributions.
How to Open a Retirement Account on Stash?
- Go to the “Retirement” tab in your app
- Choose either Roth or Traditional IRA
- Answer setup questions and verify eligibility
- Select your portfolio (manual or Smart)
- Link a funding source and start contributing
- Set up recurring deposits for tax-year maximums
- Monitor your growth and adjust allocations yearly
Quick Tip: Use Roth IRA for tax-free retirement withdrawals if you qualify.
6. Open a Custodial Account for Your Kids
Stash+ members can open custodial investment accounts for their children. These accounts are managed by parents until the child turns 18 (or 21 in some states) and can help build wealth early in life.
You can invest on your child’s behalf in stocks or ETFs. Over time, compounding returns can grow their financial future — whether for college, a first home, or adult investing.
Unique Requirement: Must be on the Stash+ ($9/month) plan.
How to Set Up a Custodial Account?
- Upgrade to the Stash+ plan
- Go to “Family Accounts” in the dashboard
- Add your child’s legal info and birth certificate
- Choose investments or use Smart Portfolio
- Set recurring deposits
- Track progress and teach your child financial literacy
- Transfer control when they reach legal age
Quick Tip: Use birthdays or holidays to gift investments instead of toys.
7. Refer Friends to Earn Bonus Cash
Stash has a generous referral program that pays you cash when friends sign up using your link. Sometimes, both you and your referral can get stock bonuses or free months of Stash+.
Referral promos change, but typical rewards range from $5 to $50 per sign-up. It’s one of the easiest ways to make quick money on the platform.
Unique Requirement: Must share your personal referral link from the app.
How to Refer Friends on Stash?
- Tap “Invite Friends” in the dashboard
- Copy or share your unique referral link
- Send it via text, social media, or email
- Your friend signs up and links a bank account
- Both receive your reward (stock or cash bonus)
- Watch for seasonal promos to earn even more
Quick Tip: Stack referrals during promo periods for max earnings.
8. Grow Earnings Through Dividend Reinvestment
Many ETFs and stocks on Stash pay dividends. Rather than withdrawing these small payments, you can choose to reinvest them automatically, increasing your share count and compounding your returns.
This method helps your portfolio snowball over time — especially if you invest in dividend-paying ETFs or blue-chip stocks.
Unique Requirement: Must hold assets that pay dividends (not all do).
How to Enable Dividend Reinvestment on Stash?
- Tap on your “Portfolio”
- Click on a dividend-paying stock or ETF
- Scroll down to see dividend history
- Enable “Dividend Reinvestment” in settings
- Dividends will now be used to buy more of that stock
- Check for growth quarterly or annually
Quick Tip: Prioritize dividend ETFs if you want more frequent compounding.
9. Use Stock Back Bonuses from Partner Merchants
Stash sometimes partners with major merchants to offer boosted Stock‑Back® bonuses (up to 2–3%) when you shop at select stores. These special offers help you earn more shares during promotional periods.
Merchant bonuses are limited-time but rotate often. For heavy shoppers, it can lead to a few hundred dollars a year in extra stock.
Unique Requirement: Must activate offers in-app when available.
How to Earn Merchant Bonuses on Stash?
- Check the “Stock-Back Boosts” section in the app
- Tap on the current partner offer (e.g., Walmart, Netflix, DoorDash)
- Use your Stock‑Back® card at that merchant
- Earn bonus stock up to the limit
- Track bonuses in your reward history
Quick Tip: Set notifications to never miss boosted Stock‑Back® deals.
10. Participate in Promotional Offers and Challenges
Stash frequently runs seasonal challenges and promotions that reward users for completing simple tasks — like investing a certain amount, enabling Auto-Stash, or linking a paycheck.
These promos offer cash, free stock, or other perks and are ideal for new or returning users. They’re time-sensitive but easy to complete.
Unique Requirement: Must opt-in when the promotion becomes available.
How to Take Advantage of Challenges on Stash?
- Tap the “Promotions” banner on your app home screen
- Read the current challenge or offer details
- Follow the requirements (e.g., invest $10 in a Smart Portfolio)
- Complete the task within the time frame
- Receive your reward directly in your account
- Watch for recurring promos each quarter
Quick Tip: Always check for new promos before making your next investment move.
11. Invest in Thematic ETFs
Stash offers curated thematic ETFs like “Clean & Green,” “Women Who Lead,” and “Cannabis Innovators.” These funds allow users to invest in trends they believe in while diversifying their portfolio.
They’re ideal for beginners who want broad exposure to industries like renewable energy, tech, or health care without picking individual stocks. Thematic investing also aligns well with long-term market movements, giving you potential for steady returns.
Quick Tip: Choose themes you’re already passionate or knowledgeable about to invest with more confidence.
12. Link Your Paycheck for Early Direct Deposit & Investing
By linking your paycheck to your Stash account, you can get paid up to 2 days early and immediately direct a portion into investments or Smart Portfolios.
This automates your financial goals and ensures consistent contributions — which is key for compounding. Many users set 5–10% of their paycheck to auto-invest, building wealth without even thinking about it.
Quick Tip: Start with a small auto-transfer amount and scale up as your confidence and income grow.
13. Invest in Cryptocurrency Exposure Portfolios
While Stash doesn’t allow direct crypto purchases, it offers diversified ETFs with exposure to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through its Smart Portfolios.
This gives users a safer, regulated entry point into crypto investing — ideal for those curious but cautious. These portfolios balance risk with traditional asset classes, making them beginner-friendly.
Quick Tip: Choose the “Crypto Exposure” Smart Portfolio if you want to test the waters without full-on crypto volatility.
14. Use Your Tax Refund to Invest
During tax season, Stash makes it easy to deposit your refund into your investment account. This lump-sum funding can supercharge your portfolio, especially when applied to dividend stocks or long-term growth ETFs. Instead of spending your refund on short-term items, you’re letting that money grow passively for future gains.
Quick Tip: Set a yearly goal to invest at least 50% of your tax refund automatically.
15. Upgrade to Stash+ for Maximum Features
While the Growth plan offers strong basics, Stash+ unlocks extra earning power — including higher Stock-Back® rates, custodial accounts, and exclusive market insights.
Users on this tier often report higher engagement and better portfolio performance, simply because they use more features. The $9/month fee can pay off if used consistently.
Quick Tip: If you use 3+ features (Stock‑Back®, custodial, insights), Stash+ can easily justify its monthly cost.
16. Take Advantage of Educational Tools to Improve Returns
Stash includes a built-in “Learn” tab packed with beginner-friendly articles and lessons on investing, market cycles, and budgeting. Users who consistently read these tend to make smarter, more confident investing decisions, which leads to stronger performance over time. It’s not a direct income stream, but it’s a powerful long-term money-making tool.
Quick Tip: Dedicate 10 minutes a week to the “Learn” section to boost your investment IQ and performance.
17. Follow Weekly Market Insights from Stash
Stash publishes weekly bite-sized market updates and trend analysis, helping users spot opportunities early. If you’re a self-directed investor, these updates can help you decide where to allocate funds or what to avoid. It keeps you informed without overwhelming you with technical jargon.
Quick Tip: Set alerts to read the weekly insights before making any new investment each Monday.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Money on Stash
Here’s your complete beginner-friendly roadmap to start making real money on Stash — even if you’ve never invested before. Each step moves you closer to consistent earnings, passive rewards, and long-term portfolio growth.
Step 1: Create Your Stash Account
Head to the Stash website or download the app, then sign up with your email and personal details. You’ll be prompted to choose one of three plans — Beginner, Growth, or Stash+. Each plan includes different features, but all allow you to start investing with just $1. Link your bank account to fund your first deposit.
Step 2: a Strategy: Self-Directed or Smart Portfolio
You’ll need to decide whether to build your own portfolio (picking individual stocks or ETFs) or go with a managed Smart Portfolio. If you’re a total beginner, Smart Portfolios are a great way to automate diversified investing based on your risk profile. Self-directed investing gives you more control if you want to learn how to invest in stocks on Stash hands-on.
Step 3: Set Up Auto-Stash and Round-Ups
Turn on Stash’s automation tools in the dashboard. Auto-Stash lets you schedule recurring investments (like $5/week), while Round-Ups automatically invests spare change from your debit card purchases. These small, consistent contributions can snowball over time and are key to growing wealth without stress.
Step 4: Activate and Use the Stock-Back® Card
Order and activate your Stash debit card, then start using it for everyday spending. You’ll earn Stock‑Back® rewards — fractional shares of the companies you shop with. With the Growth or Stash+ plan, you’ll receive higher percentages and bonuses at select merchants. Use the card for groceries, streaming services, gas, or subscriptions to passively build your portfolio.
Step 5: Explore Retirement and Custodial Accounts
Open a Roth or Traditional IRA to grow your investments tax-free or tax-deferred. If you have kids, consider setting up a custodial account under the Stash+ plan. These options allow you to build wealth for the long term while taking advantage of tax benefits.
Step 6: Reinvest Dividends and Enable Compounding
Enable dividend reinvestment inside your portfolio settings. Instead of cashing out your dividends, they’ll be used to automatically buy more shares. This creates a compounding snowball effect that boosts long-term returns, especially with ETFs and dividend stocks.
Step 7: Use Promotions and Referral Bonuses
Watch the Stash app for promotions — like bonuses for first-time investors, automated investing challenges, or boosted Stock‑Back® offers. You can also share your referral link with friends to earn cash or free stock. These boosts won’t make you rich alone, but they help accelerate early growth.
Step 8: Upgrade to Stash+ for Advanced Features
If you’re actively investing, spending with the debit card, and managing family accounts, upgrading to Stash+ can pay off. It unlocks higher rewards, custodial accounts, premium market insights, and more. If you plan to scale your usage, the $9/month fee is worth the added value.
Step 9: Track, Learn, and Adjust
Use the “Learn” tab and weekly insights to boost your investing IQ. Monitor your portfolio monthly and make small adjustments based on performance, goals, or market changes. You’ll improve over time, and small decisions now can create big results later.
Step 10: Integrate Tools to Optimize Your Strategy
To grow faster, consider using some of the best AI tools for investing on Stash to help monitor trends, automate decisions, or optimize portfolios. Tools like budgeting apps, investing calculators, or stock analyzers can give you an edge as your strategy matures.
Tips to Increase Revenue on Stash
To make the most money on Stash, consistency and automation are key. Set up Auto-Stash to invest on autopilot and pair it with Round-Ups to turn daily purchases into micro-investments. Users who stick to regular contributions, even just $5 per week, build far more wealth over time.
Use the Stock‑Back® card for recurring purchases like Netflix or Amazon subscriptions. Over time, these micro-rewards compound into meaningful gains. Also, make sure you’re reinvesting dividends to unlock long-term compounding.
Take advantage of boosted Stock‑Back® promotions and referral offers when they’re available. They’re simple wins that help your account grow faster with little effort.
Finally, invest with intention. Choose Smart Portfolios or diversify your self-directed picks into multiple sectors or themes to reduce risk.
Quick Tip: Always reinvest rewards and dividends instead of withdrawing them early — it speeds up portfolio growth.
Best AI Tools for Investing on Stash
AI tools can supercharge your investing experience by helping you analyze stock trends, automate decisions, and manage risk. While Stash offers its own beginner tools, pairing it with external AI apps gives you a strategic edge.
Tools like Tykr, FinChat, and Atom Finance offer predictive analytics and portfolio analysis, great for tracking self-directed stocks. For Smart Portfolio users, budgeting apps like YNAB or Monarch Money help automate savings flows into Stash.
AI assistants like QuillBot or ChatGPT can break down financial concepts, while apps like Tickeron use AI to scan stock charts and suggest entry/exit points.
When paired with Stash’s built-in automation, these tools help streamline investing while eliminating emotion-based decisions.
Quick Tip: Use AI tools to audit your portfolio quarterly and optimize for diversification and long-term goals.
Best Affiliate Platforms for Stash Users
If you’re referring people to Stash through your link or building financial content around the app, affiliate platforms can help you earn even more. While Stash offers its own referral system, third-party platforms allow you to promote related tools and financial products.
Top platforms include Impact, CJ Affiliate, and PartnerStack — all of which host finance and FinTech affiliate programs. You can promote tools that complement Stash, such as budgeting apps, credit monitoring tools, or AI investment analyzers.
This method works well for bloggers, YouTubers, or even everyday users who want to share links on social media. Combined with Stash’s built-in referral bonuses, it creates a multi-channel passive income stream.
Quick Tip: Join affiliate programs for budgeting or AI investing tools to bundle referrals with your Stash link.
Best Marketing Tools for Monetizing Your Stash Content
If you’re creating content around your Stash experience (like TikToks, Instagram Reels, or YouTube shorts), a few marketing tools can help boost engagement and monetization. Start with Canva or CapCut to design clean visuals or edit videos that showcase your portfolio growth or explain Stash tips.
Use Linktree to house multiple referral links in your bio, or Beacons.ai for a more customized page. Metricool or Later can help you schedule and analyze posts for the best times to drive traffic.
The more organized and strategic you are, the more your content will reach new users. Combine these tools with affiliate strategies for scalable passive income.
Quick Tip: Repurpose Stash content across platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube) to maximize reach from one idea.
Conclusion
Stash is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for building real, long-term wealth. With just $1, you can start investing in fractional shares, earning Stock‑Back® rewards, and growing your portfolio through automation. While you won’t get rich overnight, consistent users have turned $2,000 into $7,000 with smart, simple strategies.
From Smart Portfolios to referral bonuses, there are dozens of ways to make money on Stash — and now you know exactly how. The sooner you start, the sooner your money starts working for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you actually make money on Stash?
Yes! Users make money through investing, Stock‑Back® rewards, dividend reinvestment, and referral bonuses. Some have earned thousands over time with consistency.
How much should I invest to start?
You can start with as little as $1, but $5–$25 weekly using Auto-Stash is ideal for compounding growth.
Is Stash worth the monthly fee?
If you use the debit card, automation tools, and referral program, the $3 or $9/month fee can easily pay off.
Is Stash safe and legitimate?
Yes — Stash is a regulated financial platform with SIPC-protected investment accounts and FDIC-insured banking features.
How do I earn Stock‑Back® rewards?
Use the Stash debit card for everyday spending. You’ll earn fractional shares of the brands you shop with (or ETFs).
What’s better — Smart Portfolio or picking stocks?
Smart Portfolios are ideal for beginners or hands-off investors. Self-directed investing is better if you want more control.
Can I link Stash with other financial tools?
Yes — many budgeting apps and AI tools integrate well with Stash or help you plan around your investing goals.
Do I have to pay taxes on Stash earnings?
Yes — you may owe capital gains tax on investment profits, though Roth IRAs grow tax-free. Stash provides year-end tax documents.
