Yes. Your contributions are invested into diversified real estate ETFs (REITs), which own portfolios of income-producing properties. This gives you exposure to real estate returns without buying property directly.

How much do I need to invest with Bricks?

There's no minimum. Set whatever monthly amount works for you. Even $100/month builds meaningful progress over time. Consistency matters more than amount.

When will Bricks launch?

We're releasing Bricks gradually through our waitlist. Join now to secure your spot. The more friends you refer, the higher you climb.

Is my money safe with Bricks?

Your investments are held at a registered brokerage and are SIPC-insured up to $500,000. We never hold your money directly.

Can I withdraw my money from Bricks?

Yes, your investments are yours. You can withdraw anytime, though we encourage staying invested for the long-term to maximize your downpayment growth.

Is Bricks or Acorns better for saving for a house?

Bricks is purpose-built for saving for a home. It invests 100% into real estate through diversified REITs, tracks your progress toward a specific down payment goal, and includes tax loss harvesting. Acorns is a general investing app that spreads your money across stocks, bonds, and a small slice of real estate. If homeownership is your goal, Bricks is the better fit.

Does Acorns invest in real estate?

Acorns includes a small allocation to real estate in some of its portfolios, typically around 8-15% depending on the portfolio you choose. The rest is split across stocks and bonds. Bricks invests 100% into diversified REITs, so every dollar is working in real estate.

Can I use Acorns for a down payment?

You can use Acorns to save money and eventually withdraw it for a down payment. However, Acorns has no concept of a down payment goal, no housing-specific tracking, and no tools designed around homeownership. Your portfolio is a general mix of stocks and bonds with limited real estate exposure. Bricks is specifically designed for this purpose.

Is Bricks more expensive than Acorns?

Bricks costs $5/month. Acorns ranges from $3 to $12/month depending on your plan. For the core investing features most relevant to saving for a home, the costs are comparable. Bricks also includes tax loss harvesting, which can offset or exceed the monthly cost through tax savings.

Can I use both Bricks and Acorns?

Yes. Some people use Acorns for general long-term investing or retirement savings, and Bricks specifically for their down payment goal. The two serve different purposes. Acorns is designed for broad wealth building, while Bricks is focused entirely on getting you into a home.

Bricks vs. Acorns

Both invest your money automatically. Only one is built for homeownership.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bricks	Acorns
Purpose	Down payment savings	General investing/retirement
Investment type	Diversified REITs (real estate)	ETF portfolios (stocks, bonds, real estate mix)
Real estate focus	100%	~8-15% (varies by portfolio)
Progress tracking	Brick-based, tied to down payment goal	General portfolio value
Tax loss harvesting	Yes	No (not on basic plans)
Round-ups	No	Yes
Retirement accounts	No	Yes (IRA)
Monthly cost	$5/month	$3-12/month
Bank connection	Plaid	Plaid
Best for	Renters saving for a home	General long-term investing

The Core Difference

Acorns is a general investing app. It spreads your money across stocks, bonds, and a small slice of real estate. It has no concept of a down payment goal, no housing-specific tools, and no way to track progress toward homeownership.

Bricks invests 100% into real estate through diversified REITs. Every dollar you invest is working in the same market you're trying to buy into. Your progress is tracked as "bricks" toward a specific down payment goal.

Why Real Estate Focus Matters

When you invest in a general portfolio (like Acorns), your returns depend on the broad stock and bond market. When you invest in REITs through Bricks, your returns are tied to real estate.

If home prices rise 5% this year, your REIT investments likely benefit from similar trends. Your down payment grows alongside the market you're saving to enter.

When to Choose Acorns

You want general long-term investing
You want round-ups on purchases
You need a retirement account (IRA)
You're not specifically saving for a home

When to Choose Bricks

You're a renter saving for a down payment
You want your investments aligned with real estate
You want housing-specific progress tracking
You want tax loss harvesting

Built for renters. Built for homeownership.

Bricks automatically invests for your future home. Join the waitlist for early access.

About Acorns

Acorns is a popular micro-investing app founded in 2012. It offers automated investing, round-ups on purchases, and retirement accounts. It manages over $20 billion in assets and is designed for general long-term wealth building.