Stash vs Candlestick
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Candlestick has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $12 for Stash.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI Money Coach
- Personalised investment plan
- Managed Smart Portfolio
- Fractional stocks and ETFs
- Retirement accounts with match
- Stock-Back rewards card
- AI-picked stock portfolios
- Automatic investing
- Selectable AI models
- News behind each holding
- GPT-4 Advisor chat
| Feature | Stash | Candlestick |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Investing app with an AI money coach and managed portfolios | Investing app where AI models build and manage your stock portfolio |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Paid |
| Starting price | $12/mo | $6/mo |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | No |
| Made by | Stash Financial | Candlestick Inc. |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Candlestick has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $12 for Stash.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
1 plan
Stash Plan
$12/mo
- Investing and retirement accounts
- AI Money Coach
- 3% retirement match
- $10,000 life insurance
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Stash
- One flat monthly fee
- Advice available around the clock
- Low minimum to start investing
- Monthly fee is high for small balances
- Only available in the US
- Built for long-term investing, not trading
Candlestick
- Low monthly starting price
- Explains the reasoning behind picks
- SEC-registered advisory arm
- Investing carries risk of loss
- US stocks only
- Model performance is not guaranteed
Which one should you choose?
Choose Stash if you want:
- One flat monthly fee
- Advice available around the clock
- Low minimum to start investing
Watch out: monthly fee is high for small balances.
Choose Candlestick if you want:
- Low monthly starting price
- Explains the reasoning behind picks
- SEC-registered advisory arm
Watch out: investing carries risk of loss.
Stash vs Candlestick FAQ
What is the difference between Stash and Candlestick?
Stash: Investing app with an AI money coach and managed portfolios. Candlestick: Investing app where AI models build and manage your stock portfolio. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Stash or Candlestick cheaper?
Candlestick has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $12 for Stash.
Do Stash and Candlestick have free plans?
Stash: No, 7-day trial. Candlestick: No.
Who makes Stash?
Stash is made by Stash Financial, based in United States.
Who makes Candlestick?
Candlestick is made by Candlestick Inc., based in United States.
Which should I choose, Stash or Candlestick?
Choose Stash if you value one flat monthly fee and advice available around the clock. Choose Candlestick if you value low monthly starting price and explains the reasoning behind picks.