How to Use the Ally Invest App

The Ally Invest App is a powerful and user-friendly tool that allows investors to manage their brokerage accounts, buy and sell stocks or ETFs, and access real-time market data and analysis. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, the Ally Invest app provides all the tools needed to navigate your financial journey on the go.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from funding your account to placing trades and using key features like research tools and stock screeners. Let’s get started.

Getting Started with the Ally Invest App

Once you download and log into the Ally Invest app, you’ll land on the main dashboard. This is your home base, where you can view:

• The total balance of your investment account(s)
• Your current portfolio holdings
• Opportunities to open additional accounts, such as savings accounts with competitive interest rates (currently around 3.6% to 6% APY)

If you hold multiple accounts, each will be listed here. If you have only one, it will appear as the default.

How to Fund Your Ally Invest Account

Before you can buy or sell assets, you need to fund your account. To add funds:

1. Tap “Make an Invest Transfer.”
2. On the next screen, you’ll be asked where the money should come from:
   • A bank or brokerage account
   • An existing Ally Invest account
3. If transferring from a brokerage account, select that option and proceed.
4. Choose:
   • The Ally Invest account you’re transferring to
   • The external account you’re transferring from (e.g., Capital One)
5. Enter the amount (e.g., $30).
6. Choose the frequency (one-time or recurring).
7. Tap Continue, then Submit.

Note: Transfers made late in the week may not settle until Monday.

Buying Stocks or ETFs on the Ally Invest App

Once your funds have been added, it’s time to make your first trade.

1. From your account dashboard, tap on your investment account.
2. A bottom menu will appear — tap Trade.
3. Tap Choose a Symbol.
   • You’ll see a list of recently used symbols, or you can search for a specific one using the search bar.
   • Example: Search for VTI or SCHD (used in our example).
4. Tap on the desired ticker to open its trade dashboard.
   • You’ll see your buying power, the current price, and options to adjust trade details.
5. Set the quantity (e.g., 1 share).
6. Choose your order type:
   • Market Order: Executes at current market price.
   • Limit Order: Executes only at a specified price or better.
   • In this example, a market order was selected for simplicity.
7. Tap Preview Order to review the trade details.
8. If everything looks correct, tap Place Order.

You can then check Order Status to confirm execution. Market orders usually fill immediately.

Selling Stocks or ETFs on the Ally Invest App

Selling is just as simple:

1. Go to your holdings overview.
2. Tap on the asset you want to sell.
3. On the asset page, tap Sell.
4. Select:
   • Quantity
   • Order type (market or limit)
5. Tap Preview Order and review.
6. When satisfied, tap Place Order.

The order will be placed, and you can monitor its status just like with a buy order.

Exploring Asset Details and Performance

Each asset page offers detailed information, such as:

• Price charts
• Market cap
• Ask/Bid prices
• Expense ratios
• Dividend data (current dividend per share, ex-dividend dates, payment dates)
• Top holdings for ETFs (e.g., ConocoPhillips, Verizon, Coca-Cola)

This allows for a deeper dive into performance and financial fundamentals.

Stock Analysis and Ratings

To check analysis and ratings:

1. Tap on a stock (example: Apple).
2. You’ll see:
   • An analyst rating (e.g., 5 stars)
   • Consensus opinion (e.g., Moderate Buy)
   • Average price target (e.g., $236.47)

Important: These scores and targets are general opinions and should never be used alone to make investment decisions. Always conduct your own research.

Using the Research Tab

The Research section of the Ally Invest app provides powerful tools to stay informed:

• Market Index Performance: View daily performance for Dow Jones, S&P 500, and NASDAQ.
• Tap an index to view:
  • Performance charts (up to 1 year)
  • Buy/Sell options
  • Bid and ask data

Stock and ETF Screeners

The Screener tool helps you discover investment opportunities:

• For stocks, explore:
  • Top-rated by analysts
  • Market movers
  • Value stocks
  • “Money makers”
• Apply filters to narrow your selection.

For ETFs, choose categories like:

• S&P 500 trackers
• Retirement & income ETFs
• Low-cost equity income funds

Example: Selecting Retirement and Income ETFs displays options like SPIB:

• 4.42% dividend yield
• 6.33% one-year performance

These suggestions are helpful starting points for deeper analysis.

Market News and Updates

Stay up to date with news and headlines inside the Research tab. You’ll find:

• Breaking financial news
• Commentary on market trends
• Reports from reputable sources

This is especially helpful for day traders and active investors who want real-time context.

Is the Ally Invest App Right for You?

The Ally Invest App is an excellent mobile platform that complements the Ally Invest web version. It’s especially beneficial for users who value:

• Easy account funding
• Straightforward trading
• In-depth research tools
• On-the-go access to investment data

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a more advanced trader looking to manage your portfolio from your phone, Ally Invest provides the necessary tools without overcomplicating the process.

Final Thoughts

Using the Ally Invest app is a streamlined experience — from funding your account to buying and selling stocks or ETFs, to researching investments and reading the latest market updates. The intuitive layout, clean design, and deep functionality make it a suitable choice for both new and experienced investors.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive mobile trading platform, Ally Invest delivers on all fronts.