: Best for education and macro context . Its "BondSource" platform visualizes the yield curve, helping you understand how today's rates compare to historical norms before you buy.
: Look for funds like the iShares California Muni Bond ETF (CMF) or iShares New York Muni Bond ETF (NYF) to potentially avoid both federal and state taxes if you live in those states. where to buy municipal bonds online
: Best for global and active traders . It boasts the widest selection, with over 1 million global bonds available, though it requires a steeper learning curve than domestic-focused brokers. : Best for education and macro context
Buying municipal bonds (munis) online is a "choose your own adventure" between buying (like a specific local bridge project) or bond funds (a diversified basket). 1. Top Online Brokers for Individual Bonds : Best for global and active traders
If you don't want to research individual city budgets, buying a fund is faster and requires a smaller initial investment.
For self-directed investors wanting to hold individual bonds to maturity, these platforms provide the deepest inventory and best tools:
: For higher returns, the VanEck High Yield Muni ETF (HYD) targets riskier, non-investment-grade bonds. 3. Essential Research Tool: EMMA