Can you start with 1000 yuan? 7 investment entry points in Taiwan that beginners must learn for small-scale investing

The era of inflation has arrived, and bank fixed deposits can no longer keep up with the rate of currency depreciation. Many young people entering the workforce find that saving money through salary alone cannot match the rising cost of living. So the question is: How can limited funds truly grow in value? With so many investment channels available, which should beginners choose?

Don’t worry, this article will outline the most practical small-scale investment strategies for friends with limited capital, and introduce 7 trustworthy investment platforms in Taiwan. Whether you have only 1,000 NT dollars or less, you can easily step into the world of investing.

What should you invest in if you save 1,000 NT dollars per month?

6 investment channels suitable for small investors

When it comes to small-scale investing, many people’s first reaction is to keep their money in the bank. Of course, this is safe, but the returns are painfully low. With the development of FinTech, small investors now have unprecedented options.

Key understanding: “Small” means different things to different people, so choose based on your own capital size and risk tolerance.

1. Foreign currency deposits - Stable with a subsidy effect

Foreign currency fixed deposits are a good choice to hedge against exchange rate fluctuations. NT dollar fixed deposit interest rates have stagnated for years, leading more investors to turn to strong currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, etc. Major banks such as CTBC, Cathay United Bank, Fubon, and others offer these.

Advantages: Higher interest rates; profit from exchange rate appreciation
Disadvantages: Watch out for exchange rate risk; choose currencies with high liquidity
Entry barrier: Most banks require a minimum of 100 USD

2. Zero deposit, lump sum withdrawal - The laziest financial management method

Want to steadily accumulate funds? Zero deposit and lump sum withdrawal is designed for you. Allocate 1,000–5,000 NT dollars monthly, invest regularly, and receive interest at maturity. Perfectly pressure-free for small investors.

Advantages: Very low threshold, almost zero risk, simple operation
Disadvantages: Lower returns
Entry barrier: No restrictions

3. Regular fixed investment in funds or ETFs - Long-term wealth-building plan for office workers

Want your money to work automatically? Regular fixed investment in funds is a good choice. Entrust professional managers to handle it, and through long-term investing, average out entry costs, reducing short-term volatility impact on your psychology.

Advantages: Low threshold, suitable for long-term accumulation
Disadvantages: Requires some financial knowledge; short-term fluctuations may cause anxiety
Entry barrier: No restrictions

4. Gold and precious metals - Safe haven during inflation

Gold’s appeal lies in its timelessness. Many platforms now offer small amounts of gold purchasing services, allowing you to buy flexibly based on your available funds.

Advantages: Good stability, hedging effect
Disadvantages: Returns may not match high-risk assets
Entry barrier: Flexible, no restrictions

5. US stock investment - Diverse options with great potential

There are over 8,000 US stocks, offering far more opportunities than Taiwan’s approximately 1,600 stocks. Most importantly, US stocks are traded in units of 1 share, perfect for small investors.

Advantages: High liquidity, large market, high potential returns
Disadvantages: Higher risk, requires stock-picking skills
Entry barrier: Usually above 10,000 NT dollars

6. Contracts for Difference (CFD) - Leverage game for advanced players

CFDs, warrants, options are derivatives suitable for experienced investors. Benefits include low entry barriers and two-way trading, but due to leverage, risks are higher. Underlying assets include forex, precious metals, crude oil, stocks, cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin BTC, current price about $87.12K).

Advantages: Low initial margin, diverse underlying assets, supports long and short positions
Disadvantages: High leverage risk, not suitable for long-term holding
Entry barrier: Usually $1–$100

💡 Investment selection logic

• Low risk tolerance? Try foreign currency deposits, small fixed deposits, bond funds, or ETFs
• Willing to accept moderate risk? Consider US stocks or CFDs and other advanced products

8 Checklist for choosing an investment platform

Different platforms vary greatly. Choosing the wrong one can directly affect your investment experience. Here are 8 essential indicators for evaluating investment apps:

1. Is the trading execution smooth, with no delays or lag?
2. Is it recognized by major financial regulatory authorities?
3. Is customer support professional and timely?
4. Are fees and transaction costs reasonable?
5. Are deposit methods convenient and diverse?
6. Is withdrawal quick and straightforward?
7. Does it offer free demo accounts for beginners to practice?
8. Are there quality educational resources and market analysis?

Online security tips: Avoid logging in with social media accounts, install antivirus software, and use different passwords for each platform.

7 trustworthy platforms for Taiwanese investors

1. First Securities - The common choice for US stock trading

An established US online broker offering a Chinese interface. Known for zero commissions, all US stocks, ETFs, and options trading are commission-free. Intuitive and simple interface, ideal for beginners and active traders.

Investment products: US stocks, ETFs, options
Minimum deposit: No limit
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 4.8 stars
Features: Zero commissions, beginner-friendly

2. Interactive Brokers - The professional choice for global trading

Founded in 1978, one of the largest retail brokers in the US, covering 24 countries. Offers stocks, ETFs, forex, funds, bonds, futures, etc., regulated by top agencies like FCA and SEC. Low trading costs, no minimum deposit.

Investment products: Global stocks, ETFs, bonds, funds, futures
Minimum deposit: No limit
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 3.8 stars
Features: Very low trading costs, comprehensive global regulation

3. Yuanta Securities Mr. Investor - Mainstream choice for local stock market

One of Taiwan’s first securities firms, with the most branches. The “Mr. Investor” app combines stock picking and order placement, also offering futures, gold savings, funds, and forex.

Investment products: Stocks, futures, funds
Minimum deposit: 1,000 NT dollars
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 4.3 stars
Features: Trusted locally, easy to operate

4. Taishin Richart - Digital bank for young people

Designed for young users, with a very low investment threshold—start with just 10 NT dollars. Integrates saving, remittance, fund investing, and budgeting. Offers fund options, 5 free transfers per month, and 1% savings interest when depositing 20,000 NT or making two transactions.

Investment products: Lump sum deposits, funds
Minimum deposit: 10 NT dollars
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 3.6 stars
Features: Lowest threshold, integrated functions

5. CTBC SmartGO - One-stop service for diverse financial needs

Taiwan’s largest private bank with comprehensive financial services. The SmartGO platform’s investment threshold is only 1,000 NT dollars. Features automatic portfolio adjustment and transparent fees.

Investment products: Deposits, foreign currency, funds
Minimum deposit: 1,000 NT dollars
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 4.5 stars
Features: Complete financial services, automatic adjustment

6. Cathay Securities - Traditional broker’s digital transformation

A listed Taiwanese securities firm offering stocks, futures, funds, and more. Competitive trading fees, professional customer support.

Investment products: Stocks, futures, funds, foreign currency
Minimum deposit: 1,000 NT dollars
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 4.2 stars
Features: Professional service, competitive rates

7. E.SUN Securities - Innovative platform with good digital experience

Offers Taiwan stocks, US stocks, funds, futures, etc. Smooth platform experience, reasonable fees, popular among young investors.

Investment products: Taiwan stocks, US stocks, funds, futures
Minimum deposit: 1,000 NT dollars
Trading platforms: Web / iOS / Android
User rating: 4.4 stars
Features: Smooth platform, affordable rates

Quick comparison table of platforms

Note: Product offerings may change; this table is for reference only.

Three-step growth plan for small investors

How to make 1,000 NT dollars grow quickly? Sharing practical tips:

Step 1: Asset allocation

Based on your risk tolerance, divide your monthly spare money into three parts:

• One part into fixed deposits (capital preservation)
• One part into low-risk assets (steady growth)
• One part into high-risk assets (seeking higher returns)

Step 2: Adjust the allocation ratio

• Conservative: 5:3:2 (fixed deposit:low risk:high risk)
• Balanced: 4:3:3
• Aggressive: 3:3:4

Start with low-risk investments and gradually increase high-risk allocations as profits accumulate.

Step 3: Choose platforms

Select suitable platforms based on your investment types, and always verify platform legitimacy, fee structures, and ease of operation.

Key insight: Don’t underestimate small monthly savings. If you earn 20% annually, after ten years, it’s only about 6,000 NT dollars. But if you keep investing monthly and benefit from compound interest, it could grow to over 50,000 NT dollars in ten years. Small amounts add up—building your own investment portfolio is the real path to financial freedom.

Summary

For beginners, starting small is the smartest choice. This article introduced 6 major investment methods and 7 trustworthy platforms in Taiwan, hoping to help you find the most suitable entry point.

Remember: choosing the right investment method directly impacts your returns. Build your own investment system, stick to your strategy, keep investing consistently, and your funds will truly grow. Small-scale investing is not the end, but the beginning of your journey toward financial freedom.