Opening a custodial brokerage account can usually be done in just a few minutes and entirely online. Here are some of the things to know before you get started.

Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about insurance, investing, personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina ...

Brokerage accounts trade assets like stocks and ETFs; taxes apply on gains and dividends annually. Choose between self-service, automated, or full-service accounts based on your investment needs.

Whether you choose a long-time favorite like Charles Schwab or an innovative new brokerage like Robinhood, ensure you’re aware of competing features and fees so you can trade as effectively as ...