Bamboo vs Cowrywise vs Trove — Which App Should You Use To Invest in Stocks In 2026?

[00:00:00]You're in Nigeria, or maybe in Nigeria right now, and you want to start investing in the stock market, there's a very good chance that you've heard of at least one of these three apps I'm about to mention: Bamboo app, Cowrywise app, or the Trove app. And maybe you're wondering that which one should you be using to invest in the stock market, or maybe which one is the best one for you.

[00:00:20]That's exactly what this video is all about. In this video, I will breaking down all of these three different apps.

[00:00:26]I will compare them side by side. I will talk about the different available investment on each app. I will also talk about the different fees you pay on each of these apps. I'll talk about the minimum investment or the minimum amount to start with. And also talk about the unique features on these different apps.

[00:00:43]So that by the end of this video, you will understand or know exactly which app is the right fit for you based on your investment goals, based on your investment budget, and also based on your investment experience level. So please make sure you watch this video to the end because you will be getting a lot of value from this video. And at the end of this video, I'll be telling you my own favorite app from these three. So let's get straight into it. So before we go into the comparison, let me quickly give you a short introduction to each app. And let's start with the Bamboo app. Now, the Bamboo app is basically an investment platform that gives you access to both the US stock market and the Nigerian stock market. So if you want to invest in stocks like Apple, Amazon, Google, or even any Nigerian company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Bamboo app allows you to do that right from your phone. And it is also a simple and beginner-friendly app. And as I said, from investing in the stock market on the Bamboo app, you also have different types of investments you can go into, which we'll be talking about later in this video. So that's for the Bamboo app. Now, the next one is the Cowrywise app. Now, I say Cowrywise is an app that started out as a savings and mutual funds app, but it has since expanded into a wealth management app today. So right now, the Cowrywise app is an app that allows you to save money, invest in mutual funds, and also buy stocks of companies that are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. So, CowryWise is a strong app for savings and local investing for Nigerians. Now, for the Trove app. Now, Trove is one of Nigeria's first investment platforms out there, and this is an app that allows you to go into fractional stocks, bonds, and even ETFs. And you can invest in US stocks, Nigerian stocks, and even Chinese stocks on the app. So, this makes it one of the most diverse platforms out of these three different apps. So, that's just a quick overview on these three different apps. Before I go on, please, if you haven't yet liked this video, please like this video and go ahead and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thank you. So, now that you know what each app is all about and what you can do on each one, let's now compare them properly. So, before I go on, I want to let you know that there will be different rounds of comparison, and at the end of every round, we'll be picking a winner. So, uh let's go straight to the point. So, for the first round, I want us to compare the available asset. That is, what can you invest in on these three different apps?

[00:03:00]Now, you see, this one is very important because what you can actually invest in determines how much you can grow your money on the app. So, I want us to start with the Bamboo app. So, right here on the screen is the home page of the Bamboo app. And in case you don't have a Bamboo account, you can use the first link in the description of this video to create an account on Bamboo. So, once you create your account and you log in, this is what you see on the home page.

[00:03:21]Now, to see the different investments available on Bamboo, uh just come right here to the bottom where you have invest. Uh so, just click on it right there. And then on this page, if you scroll up, come here to where you have all assets offerings. The first one you have US stocks. So, this means that you can invest in stocks or companies that are listed on the US stock market. So, you can invest in that on the Bamboo app. Number two, you have Nigerian stocks. So, this also means that you can invest in Nigerian companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. That's the second type of investment. Uh for number three, you have Treasury Bills. So, you can also invest in Treasury Bills on the Bamboo app. And number four, you can invest in Naira savings. So, this means that you can earn up to 16.25% per annum on the Bamboo app with this investment, the Naira savings. And then, if we keep going down, you see where you have fixed returns. Now, this one is for dollar investment. You see you can earn up to 7% dollar returns right there. And then, lastly, you have a managed portfolio where experts can manage your money. So, for this one, I just put your money there and they help you manage your money. They help you invest your money in different assets. So, these are the different investments that are available on the Bamboo app. Now, I won't be able to go into all of these investments and start explaining. I already have a dedicated video I've made for that. So, if you want to that video, you can check it in the description below. Or, if you can't find it, please feel free to ask me in the comment section of this video.

[00:04:45]I will give you the link to that video.

[00:04:47]So, go ahead and watch it and understand all of those different investments, whether US stocks, Nigerian stocks, Treasury Bills, Naira savings, fixed returns, or the managed portfolio investment right there. So, if you want to do any one of them, please go ahead and watch that video. So, like I said, these are the different investments available on the Bamboo app. Now, let's go to the next one, which is the Cowrywise app. So, right here on the screen is the home page of the Cowrywise app. Now, let's see the different investments uh you have. Now, if you come here at the top, you have your home, you have save, and you have invest. Now, for the save right here, this is where you can actually save money in Naira. So, if you click on savings here, you can go ahead to create a savings plan and start saving money towards anything or towards something that you want to buy or that you want to get. So, that's the first way you can invest your money on the app. Now, the second way, you come here to where you have invest. Now, if you come here under invest, you can invest in Nigerian stocks on the app. So, the 140 plus companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, you can invest in them on the Cowrywise app. So, you have Nigerian stocks, you also have the I you the investment. I think this one is for when you reach a certain level. I don't know, but this one I got it when I reach a certain level on the Cowrywise app. And if you scroll down, you will see that's where you have more to invest in. You have Nigerian stocks, I've talked about that. You have the Naira mutual funds.

[00:06:03]So, you can invest in mutual funds on the Cowrywise app, which is good. If you scroll to the left, you have another one, dollar mutual funds. So, this one is the Naira one, this one is the dollar one. So, if you want to invest in dollar assets, you can invest in the dollar mutual funds on the Cowrywise app. If you keep scrolling again, you have the fixed dollar plan. So, this one is under dollar um investment that you can do on the Cowrywise app. So, I think that's is all. These are the different investments you have available for you on the Cowrywise app. Now, let's go to the next one, which is the Trove app. So, right here on the screen is the home page for the Trove app. Now, on the Trove app, we can invest in Nigerian stocks. So, if you come here and you can see all right here where Microsoft is, you have Nigerian stocks. So, you can invest in that on the app. Number two, you have Chinese stocks. So, you can invest in stocks on this Chinese stock market. So, this is it, you can see made in China.

[00:06:53]And number three, you can also invest in the US stock market. So, if you come here and click on all teams, so you can see the different categories you have.

[00:07:00]You can go ahead and search for stocks in the US stock market and you will find them there. So, you have three different stock markets on the Trove app. Now, aside from that, you can also invest in bonds and also in ETFs right here on the Trove app. And also, if you scroll back, uh come here to where you have earn, this place at the bottom, just click on it. Now, right here with this feature, which is called earn by Trove, you can actually lock your funds to earn interest for a period of time. So, if you want to do that, you can also go ahead to do that on this app. Now, for these different investments on the Trove app and also on the Cowrywise app, I have different videos that will guide you and also teach you how to actually invest in all of these things so that you can understand them better. So, please, I won't be able to go into that in this video. If you want those videos, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below or you check them in the pinned comment of this video. So, now that you've seen all of the different investment available on these three different apps, which one is the winner? Now, personally for me, I think the winner is between the Trove app and the Bamboo app. Now, this is because on the Trove app, in terms of investing in stocks, you have access to the Nigerian stock market, the US stock market, and also the Chinese stock market. And also on the Bamboo app, you have access to the US stock market, the Nigerian stock market, you have treasury bills, you have fixed uh dollar savings, you have naira mutual funds, you have different investments on the app. And you also have a managed portfolio investments on the Bamboo app. So, I feel like, based on these different things, the Trove app and the Bamboo app are the winner for me. Now, if you don't agree with me, please let me know your winner or maybe there's a clear winner between the Trove app and the Bamboo app, please let me know in the comment section below. So, that's the first round of this comparison. Now, for the second round, let's talk about fees and charges that you pay on these three different apps.

[00:08:45]Now, I'm sure nobody wants to lose money to hidden fees that they are paying and they don't know about. So, I'll go into these three different apps right now.

[00:08:52]I'll try to make an investment and show you the exact fees you are paying to invest in different stocks on this app.

[00:08:59]And after I show you this, we will now pick which one has the lowest fees for investing in stocks. So, let's go straight into that. Um so, I'll be starting with the Bamboo app. So, we are back on the Bamboo app. So, I'll try to invest in a Nigerian stock and then we'll see the uh fees we are paying for investing in that stock. And I'll also do the same for uh Cowrywise app and Trove app. So, let's start to uh with the Bamboo app. So, I'll just come here to invest and then I go to Nigerian stocks. Uh so, let's say we want to invest in um let me just pick a random company. Let's say Wema Bank, for example. Uh let's try Wema Bank. So, just search for it. So, this is Wema Bank. I click on it. So, right here on the screen, it's saying that the price of one Bank share is about 30 naira 50 kobo. And then, if you want to go ahead and buy it, you just come here to the bottom, click on buy.

[00:09:45]And then, we come here to click on buy now.

[00:09:48]Um and then, you enter the number of shares you want to buy. So, let's say for example, we want to buy maybe uh 10,000 naira worth of share. This is just for example. So, 10,000 naira worth of shares, uh let's calculate it. Uh if it's 30 naira, so I think that should be around 300 and something shares. Let's try 320. So, 320 shares is uh 9,760.

[00:10:07]So, let's try 322. Okay, 325. Okay, 328.

[00:10:12]Okay, let's say 320. Okay, let's say 328. So, 328 uh shares of Wema Bank, that's exactly 10,004 naira. So, let's see the amount of fees or charges we'll be paying for this. So, let me click on this, and then click on review order.

[00:10:27]So, right here on the screen, you have the number of shares you're buying, 328.

[00:10:30]Uh the price per share we're buying at 30 naira 50 kobo. The estimated amount is 10,000 naira. And then, estimated commission, this is the amount of fees you're paying, that's 157 naira 80 kobo.

[00:10:42]Please, take note of that because we're going to compare it with the two other apps. So, we click on this drop-down, and it show you the breakdown of the fee or the commission you're paying. So, you can see the brokerage fee, that's 100 naira. The stamp duty, CSCS and NSE charges, you have 38 naira. Uh the trade alert, you have 10 naira. And then, the VAT you're paying, that's 9 naira 75 kobo. So, everything together is 157 naira 80 kobo. So, please take note of that. So, this one is for the Bamboo app. Now, let's go to the uh Chaka Rise app. So, right here on the screen, we're on the Chaka Rise app. So, I'll just come here to invest, then come here to NG Stocks. Uh the search button also at the top. Uh let's search for Wema. So, we're using Wema across the three apps so that uh it can be uh fair. And then, you come here to where you have buy. So, it is the same price. You can see it is the same price, 30 naira 50 kobo. So, you come here to buy.

[00:11:34]And then, um oh, I can't remember how many shares we bought earlier, but let's try it again. I think we bought 328, if I'm correct. Yes, 328. I'm correct. So, you can see the estimated value is 10,004 naira, the same price. So, let's come here and see the amount you're paying in fees. So, I'll just come here and click on continue.

[00:11:53]So, right here on the screen, you're seeing the estimated amount. Uh you're spending 10,004 naira. Estimated fees is 189.65 kobo. So, this is the amount of fees you're paying on the Cowrywise app. And then, you click on this breakdown. Let me click on it. You can see the breakdown. Brokerage fee, you have 135 naira. Uh SEC fee, you have 30 naira. Uh stamp duty fee, you have 8 naira. Trade alert, you have 6 naira. And then, your VAT, you have 10 naira 58 kobo. So, please take note of that. So, in total, you're paying 189.65 naira. Now, before I go on, you will see this amount here that says buffer amount, 1,020 naira. You may be wondering, is that not a fee, or what is this about? Now, this right here is just an amount that they add to it, just in case by the time you click on buy now, by the time you click on buy now, just in case the price has increased, they won't need or even ask you to even pay additional money. They will just take out of this buffer amount and add to it.

[00:12:51]But, if by the time you click on this buy now, the price is still the same as 13.50 kobo, this your buffer amount, they are not touching it. It will go directly to your wallet on the Cowrywise app. So, they are not taking it, they are not using it for anything. I hope you get it. Please let me know if you understand that. If you don't understand, I can explain in the comments section. So, for the Cowrywise app, in summary, you're paying 189.65 kobo. I think that's higher than the one you're paying on the Bamboo app. Now, let's do the last one, which is the Trove app. So, right here on the screen, we are on the Trove app. So, let's check for the Trove app. So, I'll just come to the top right here. Uh let's search for Wema Bank.

[00:13:28]So, just search right there. So, you can see it's Wema Bank. Click on it. So, right here on the screen, I'll come here to put in the number of shares we want to buy. Now, please take note. You see that the price has changed. Uh, this is about 13 Naira 90 kobo. And that's because I'm recording this section of this video some hours later. So, that's why the price has changed. But, I'm still going to use the same price of 10,000 Naira. And for 10,000 Naira, I think that should be around 320, uh, 325. Let's see the cost. Okay, 325 that is 10,000 for 32. Let's check 324.

[00:13:57]So, 324 shares. Uh, let's review cost.

[00:14:00]That's 10,011 Naira. And that is still okay. And if you want to see the fees you are paying, just click on tap to review order.

[00:14:07]And then you can see the service fee.

[00:14:08]So, you are paying 187 Naira 64 kobo.

[00:14:11]That is the fee you are paying for 10,011 Naira worth of shares on the Trove app. So, in summary, in terms of fees and charges that you are paying, uh, on the Bamboo app, you are paying 157 Naira 80 kobo. On the Chaka app, we are paying 189 Naira 65 kobo. And on the Trove app, we are paying 187 Naira 67 kobo. Now, take note that this one is based on buying stocks worth of 10,000 Naira. So, from this information that you have seen by yourself in this video, the lowest one is the Bamboo app. So, the winner for this category is clearly the Bamboo app. Now, the third round of comparison will be about the minimum investment or the minimum amount of money you can use to start investing on these three different apps. So, I'm wondering if you need to get started.

[00:14:57]Let's see. So, I will show you on the app so that you can see it for yourself.

[00:14:59]Because this is one of the most asked questions I've ever received on this YouTube channel. So, let's see the answer for ourselves. So, let's start with the Bamboo app. So, we are back on the Bamboo app. Um, so, let's see the minimum amount of money we can use to invest. Uh, let's go back to let's go to invest.

[00:15:15]Um, then on the invest, let's come here to NG stocks. Um, let's use let's use Wema Bank again. Let's try Wema Bank again. So, we'd search for Wema Bank, Uh, click on it.

[00:15:25]Once you search for it, come here to the bottom, click on buy.

[00:15:29]Click on buy now, too. So, let's enter the number of shares. So, you can see one share is 13 Naira. So, let me just enter one. Let's say for example, I want to buy one share, which means that I want to invest 13 Naira. Let's see whether it will go through. I'll just come here and click on review order.

[00:15:44]Okay, so you guys see it says your order could not be processed because the minimum allowed trade amount is 5,000 Naira. So, in summary, the minimum amount you can use to invest in stocks on the Bamboo app is 5,000 Naira. So, that one is straight to the point. Now, let's go to the second app, which is Cowrywise. So, right here on the Cowrywise app, to check that, come again to invest, come again to NG stocks, just click on the search button, search for Wema. Okay, this is it right here. Just click on it. Click on buy again.

[00:16:16]So, for this one, too, let's say let's put one share. So, we're buying one share. Oh, okay, it says minimum of 164 shares is allowed. So, let's enter 164 and see the amount. So, you can see estimated value is 5,000 Naira or 5,002 Naira right there. So, it means that the minimum amount you can invest on the Cowrywise app, too, is 5,000 Naira. So, for Bamboo app, we have 5,000 Naira. For the Cowrywise app, we have 5,000 Naira.

[00:16:41]Now, let's check the last one, which is the Trove app. So, on the screen, you have the Trove app. So, again, come here, search for Wema. This is Wema.

[00:16:48]Then, come down to buy again. Let's enter the amount of shares we want to buy. Let's enter one. So, if you enter one, you can see I'm unable to click on review cost, but it is not telling us the minimum we can put in. Let's try maybe two. Let's try two.

[00:17:03]So, two, it is not showing us. Let's try three. I think three should be going to about 90 Naira. Oh, still not. Okay, let's try four. We are still trying.

[00:17:12]Okay, four. So, with four shares, we can be able to click on this. So, let's click on review cost. So, you can see I can invest 123 Naira. So, for four Wema Bank shares, that's 123 Naira. So, Trove app allows me to invest as low as 123 Naira. So, it means that the minimum amount of money you can invest in is let's just say 100 Naira. Let's just approximate it to 100 Naira. So, you can invest a minimum of 100 Naira on the Trove app. So, I think this one has a clear winner. Out of these three different apps, the Trove app is the winner for this. So, on the Trove app you can invest with a little as 100 Naira. On Bamboo app and Cowrywise app, you will have a minimum of 5,000 Naira.

[00:17:50]So, for the fourth round, we're going to compare the ease of use, that is how can beginners easily use this apps. Is it easy for beginners to use? Now, this one matters because uh if you're a beginner, you want to use an app that is easy to use, an app that is easy to understand, and see your money clearly. Now, you see for the Bamboo app, so right here is the Bamboo app on the screen. Uh for me, I think the Bamboo app has a user-friendly interface. They also have like educational resources for beginners. So, if you come here to learn, so right here on the screen you can see the different resources that you can learn from. If you come here to stock market basics, you can see the different things you can learn about the stock market right there. Uh come here to beyond the basics too, you can see more advanced things that you can learn about the stock market right there on the Bamboo app.

[00:18:33]And also, they have low fees, don't forget that. And personally for me, I think that a lot of people love this app because it is easy to use and also easy to navigate. So, you can clearly see your money right here. You can see your portfolio, the amount you have in your Nigerian stocks, your fixed returns. If you have other investments, you can see them right there. If you scroll up, you have your wallet, your USD wallet, your NGN wallet. You can see everything about your money all in one page and in a simple way. So, they are not hiding your money in a way that you won't be able to understand how your money is moving up and down on the app. You can clearly see everything. So, that's it for the Bamboo app. Now, let's go to the Cowrywise app.

[00:19:08]So, right here is the Cowrywise app.

[00:19:10]Now, for me, I think the CowryWise app is also another very beginner-friendly app. And like I said at the beginning of this video, this app was originally built as a savings app. So, the user experience will feel uh very familiar and easy for those of you that have been using our savings apps before. And the interface is also fantastic for me. It is one of the uh fintech apps out there where I love the design. I really, really love the design of the uh CowryWise app. And I think it is one app that every beginner can easily get used to. So, you can see on the overview page, you have your home page, your savings page, and your investment page, all on one page. It's a simple and straightforward right there. So, the third one is the Trove app. Yes, the Trove app right there. Um personally for me, I think the Trove app is kind of complicated personally for me. I don't know about you, but for me, it's kind of complicated, not easy to understand uh the movement or the flow of the app. And I think the user experience is not so good. So, please, I think if you're watching this if you're working at Trove, I think I would prefer if you guys work on uh the user experience of the app and make it simple to understand. Make it a simple uh let it be clean and simple to navigate for a lot of new users or beginners uh that are new to investment apps, please. So, with that being said, I think the winner for me um from this should be the Bamboo app or the CowryWise app. I can't pick a winner out of these two, but I think the CowryWise app or the Bamboo app uh takes the crown for me. Any of the two right there. Now, the third round of comparison will be on security and regulation. Now, this is one of the most important factor you need to understand because you want to know whether your money is safe on any of these three different apps. Now, for your information, all these three different apps are licensed by SEC. That's the Security Exchange Commission in Nigeria.

[00:20:52]So, for that, I think your money is totally safe on these different apps.

[00:20:56]Now, aside from that, all of these three different apps also have different and good security features on the app that makes it hard for hackers or maybe scammers to get unauthorized access to your money. So, with that being said, I think the winner here will be the three different apps. They are secured and they are all regulated. So, you can go ahead and use any of these three different apps if you are thinking of security or regulation. They are secured and regulated. Now, the sixth round of comparison will be on unique features on these different apps. So, what actually makes each of these apps stand out? So, for me, I think the feature that stands out on the Bamboo app is the managed portfolio feature. So, if you come here to asset, uh scroll down, you have the managed portfolio. If you click on it, this is where you can allow experts to actually manage your money and invest it for you without you doing anything. So, you can see it right here on the screen.

[00:21:48]It says, "Introducing managed portfolio.

[00:21:50]Uh let expert investment advisors manage your wealth while you enjoy all the returns." And then it says, "Downside protection. Investing can be scary. This phone is designed to offer you the most protection from the risk and the market." And then the minimum investment value for this one is $100. So, if you want to do this, the minimum is $100.

[00:22:09]And then you have your fee you're paying, a monthly management fee of 0.083% plus a 0.5% on each deposit made into the managed portfolio. So, please take note of all of these things if you want to go into this. So, for me, I think this is the unique feature on the Bamboo app. Now, for the Cowrywise app, I think its unique feature is that it is the only one of these three apps that combine savings, mutual funds, and stocks all in one place. So, if you're the kind of person that you're looking for a one-stop finance app for saving money and also investing in Nigerian assets, I think the Cowrywise app is the best one for you. So, you have all of these things on the Cowrywise app and that is why it is unique for me. Now, for the Trove app, in case you don't know, uh Trove has a virtual card feature that allows you to create a virtual card for your foreign transactions or maybe your subscriptions. So, So want to do that, come to the bottom, the menu, you see where you have cards here, click on it.

[00:23:05]So you can see right here on the screen, introducing Trove cards. You can spend globally, no hidden fee, it is safe and secure. So if you want to create a card, just click on create a card right here and go ahead to create your card. So these are the three different unique features on these apps. Ah, there's no winner for this one because they have different unique features on these three different apps. So they are different and I think they are all winners for this. So that is it in terms of comparison of these three different apps. So now that we have compared these three different apps, the question you should be asking right now is which one is the best for you or who is each app best for? Now, I want to break this down simply for you. Now, you see I would advise that you should use the Bamboo app if you want a clean and simple app to invest in both Nigerian stocks and the US stocks with a managed portfolio feature that can also help you with investing while you enjoy your time. And this one is also great for beginner to intermediate investors who want like a straightforward experience on any investment app. So if you are the kind of person for all of these things I've just said, use the Bamboo app. Now for the Cowrywise app, which is the second one, I would advise that you use this one if you want to combine your savings and investment in one place. And also if your focus is more on Nigerian stocks and mutual funds and maybe you are kind of building like a disciplined savings habit, I would advise you go for the Cowrywise app. Now for the third one, which is the Trove app. Now if you want to use the Trove app, I would advise you use it only if you want to invest in varieties of stocks. So if you want to invest in Nigerian stocks, ah US stocks or even Chinese stocks, then you can go ahead and use the Trove app. And you also have access to bonds and ETFs on the Trove app, too. And Trove is also the best option for you if you want to practice with let's say virtual money or maybe demo. It is also a good way to actually practice with demo, ah that is virtual money, before you put your real money on the app. I think that's another unique feature I didn't mention. They have a demo trading page where you can practice with virtual money before you put in your real money. So, that is it.

[00:25:02]So, if you fall into any of these categories I've mentioned, you know the best app for you. And my honest advice is that you should not actually limit yourself to just one app. We can start with the one app and then go into the other apps later. So, don't try to limit yourself to just one single app. So, that is it for this video. And speaking of growing your finances, please, if you want to track your income and your expenses while you invest your money on these different investment apps, make sure you are using the Gro ne app right here. The Gro ne app is a simple budgeting app that my team and I are currently building to help you manage your money better and track your finances. If you want to get it, the link will be in the description below or in the pinned comment of this video. So, please go ahead and check it out. So, that is it for today's video. I hope that this comparison has helped you make a clearer decision on which of these three different apps to use for investment. So, if you found this video helpful, please like this video, share it with someone who needs to see this.

[00:25:59]And please, if you haven't subscribed to Personal Finance Circle, please go ahead and subscribe to our YouTube channel so that you don't miss our next video.

[00:26:07]Thank you for watching. I'll see you guys in the next one. Bye.