kitio.aiStash vs Surmount
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Stash starts at $12/mo and Surmount starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Strategy marketplace
- No-code and code builders
- AI strategy builder
- Paper trading
- Automated trade execution
- Tax harvesting
| Feature | Stash | Surmount |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Investing app with an AI money coach and managed portfolios | Automated investing with data-driven strategies and an AI strategy builder |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Stash Financial | Surmount |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Stash starts at $12/mo and Surmount starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
3 plans
Core
$5/mo
- Free strategy templates
- Paper trading
- 1 external account
Plus
$10/mo
- No-code strategy builders
- Up to 3 external accounts
Pro
$30/mo
- All builders including AI and code
- Unlimited connected accounts
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 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
Surmount
- Works with your existing brokerage accounts
- Paper trading to test strategies
- Several ways to build a strategy
- AI and code builders need the Pro plan
- Investing involves risk of loss
- Free tier details are limited
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 Surmount if you want:
- Works with your existing brokerage accounts
- Paper trading to test strategies
- Several ways to build a strategy
Watch out: ai and code builders need the pro plan.
Stash vs Surmount FAQ
What is the difference between Stash and Surmount?
Stash: Investing app with an AI money coach and managed portfolios. Surmount: Automated investing with data-driven strategies and an AI strategy builder. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Stash or Surmount cheaper?
Stash starts at $12/mo and Surmount starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Stash and Surmount have free plans?
Stash: No, 7-day trial. Surmount: Yes.
Who makes Stash?
Stash is made by Stash Financial, based in United States.
Who makes Surmount?
Surmount is made by Surmount.
Which should I choose, Stash or Surmount?
Choose Stash if you value one flat monthly fee and advice available around the clock. Choose Surmount if you value works with your existing brokerage accounts and paper trading to test strategies.