can i buy fb stock guide

Buying Facebook (Meta) Stock

can i buy fb stock is a common search for new investors. In short: Facebook’s parent company is now Meta Platforms, Inc. (ticker: META), and you can buy its shares through a brokerage (we recommend Bitget for trading and Bitget Wallet for custody). This article explains the ticker history, how to buy META step-by-step, alternatives (ETFs, options), costs and settlement, research tips, tax and record-keeping, a practical checklist for first-time buyers, monitoring tools, a short historical timeline, and a concise FAQ.

As of 2026-01-17, according to Yahoo Finance, check the live quote page for Meta’s current market capitalization and daily trading volume before any trade.

Company identity and ticker history

Facebook, the social network launched in 2004, reorganized under a new corporate identity in 2021. The operating consumer-facing brands (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger) continued to exist, while the parent company rebranded to Meta Platforms, Inc. The historic ticker symbol "FB" was replaced by the corporate ticker "META" after the rebrand.

Why the change matters for purchasers:

• Searching for "FB" on a modern brokerage may no longer return Meta Platforms, Inc. New or casual investors should search for the company name "Meta Platforms" or the current ticker "META."
• Some legacy references and older articles still use "Facebook" or "FB"; be aware these refer to the same underlying company but under the new corporate identity.
• Exchanges sometimes reassign old tickers; always verify the issuer and CUSIP/ISIN if your broker shows ambiguous matches.

Is "FB" stock still available?

Short answer: No—"FB" as the public ticker for Facebook (the parent company) is obsolete. The public parent company trades under "META." When you ask "can i buy fb stock," make sure you are buying shares of Meta Platforms, Inc. and not a different security with a similar name or an OTC listing. Always verify the issuer name, ticker, and exchange in your brokerage platform.

How to buy Meta (META) shares

Opening a brokerage account

To buy Meta (META) shares you need a brokerage account. Brokers come in several forms:

• Online discount brokers: low fees, suitable for most retail investors.
• Mobile brokerage apps: simplified interfaces and fractional shares for beginners.
• Full-service brokers: advisory services and personalized support, typically higher fees.

Recommended platform: Bitget (for trading) and Bitget Wallet (for custody and Web3 interactions). Bitget supports stock trading services where available and offers order execution tools and educational resources suitable for beginners.

Basic steps to open and fund an account:

1. Provide personal details (name, address, tax ID) and complete identity verification (KYC).
2. Choose account type (individual, joint, retirement—platform options vary by jurisdiction).
3. Link a bank account or transfer funds via approved deposit methods.
4. Wait for funding to settle (ACH or bank transfer times vary).
5. Enable two-factor authentication and review platform security features.

Searching for the ticker and placing an order

Once your account is funded:

1. Use your broker’s search box to enter the company name "Meta Platforms" or the ticker "META."
2. Confirm the exchange (Nasdaq) and the issuer name to avoid similarly named securities.
3. Choose how many shares to buy or specify a dollar amount if the broker supports fractional shares.
4. Select your order type:
   • Market order: executes at the next available price—fast but may get a slightly different price than shown.
   • Limit order: sets a maximum (buy) or minimum (sell) price—provides price control but may not execute.
   • Stop orders and stop-limit orders: used for automated exits or entries (advanced).
5. Review estimated fees and place the order.
6. Confirm execution and view the updated position in your account.

When considering "can i buy fb stock" many beginners forget to confirm the exact ticker. Re-check that you are buying "META" on the Nasdaq and not another instrument.

Fractional shares and minimums

Meta's share price can be high relative to beginner budgets. Many brokers (including modern platforms) offer fractional shares so you can buy part of a share for a specified dollar amount. Fractional shares let you invest smaller amounts while still gaining exposure to Meta’s performance. Minimums vary by broker—some accept a few dollars, others require higher amounts.

If your chosen platform does not support fractional shares, you must buy whole shares; check the current share price and ensure you can fund at least one full share plus fees (if any).

Trading hours and after-hours/extended trading

Meta trades on the Nasdaq during regular market hours (typically 09:30–16:00 Eastern Time). Many brokers also provide pre-market and after-hours (extended) trading windows.

Points to remember:

• Regular session liquidity and spreads are usually better than extended hours.
• Prices can be more volatile in extended sessions; fills may be at prices far from the last regular-hour quote.
• Not all order types are available outside regular hours.

If you decide to trade in extended hours, set limit orders to control execution price and understand the liquidity risk.

Alternative ways to gain exposure

If you are asking "can i buy fb stock" but prefer a different risk profile, consider these alternatives.

ETFs and mutual funds

Buying a diversified ETF or mutual fund that holds META provides exposure without owning a single stock. Examples of diversified approaches:

• Broad market ETFs that track large-cap indexes often include Meta as a component.
• Sector or technology ETFs may have larger weightings in Meta.
• Actively managed mutual funds with a growth or technology mandate can include Meta as part of a diversified portfolio.

Advantages: instant diversification, rebalancing, lower single-company risk. Disadvantages: less direct control of position size and slightly different fee structures. For investors who want exposure but not the single-stock risk, ETFs are a practical alternative.

Options and derivatives (overview)

Advanced investors may use options (calls and puts) to speculate on or hedge exposure to META without owning the underlying shares. Other derivative instruments (futures or CFDs where available in certain jurisdictions) provide leverage and different risk profiles.

Key cautions:

• Options involve time decay and complex pricing; they can lead to total loss of premium.
• Derivatives amplify gains and losses; only use them if you understand the mechanics and risks.
• Local regulations and broker offerings determine availability.

Direct stock purchase plans and DRIPs (if applicable)

Some companies historically offered direct stock purchase plans (DSPPs) or dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) for retail investors. Meta does not maintain a widely advertised public DSPP for new retail purchases; most investors acquire shares through brokers. Meta has not historically paid regular cash dividends; check current investor communications for policy updates.

Costs, fees and settlement

Common costs when buying Meta shares:

• Commissions: many brokers now offer $0 commissions for U.S. equities, but check your platform.
• Spreads: the difference between bid and ask can be a cost, especially for large orders or low-liquidity windows.
• Margin interest: if buying on margin, interest applies on borrowed funds.
• Foreign transaction costs: non‑U.S. brokers may apply currency conversion or international trading fees.
• Platform fees: account maintenance, withdrawal fees, or inactivity fees may apply with some providers.

Settlement cycle:

• Equities in U.S. markets use a T+2 settlement cycle (trade date plus two business days) for cash settlement; this affects when you can withdraw funds from a sale or use proceeds for further trades.

Always read your broker’s fee schedule and understand any special charges before placing trades.

Fundamental and practical considerations before buying

Research and due diligence

Before you decide whether to buy Meta shares, perform due diligence:

• Read the company’s annual (10-K) and quarterly (10-Q) filings for business details and risks.
• Review investor presentations and earnings call transcripts for management commentary.
• Check analyst coverage for a range of perspectives (buy, hold, sell) and price targets.
• Examine recent news for regulatory, product, or leadership developments.

Sources to consult: company investor relations, SEC EDGAR filings, reputable financial media, and research summaries available on trading platforms.

Business model and revenue drivers

Meta generates the majority of its revenue from advertising across its family of apps (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp) and related ad technology. Other strategic areas include:

• Reality Labs and metaverse-related investments—capital intensive and experimental.
• Commerce and payments initiatives integrated across social platforms.
• Investments in AI infrastructure and services, which can drive future product improvements and monetization.

Assess how advertising demand, privacy changes, and product innovation could influence future revenue and margins.

Valuation, analyst ratings and performance metrics

Common metrics to evaluate include:

• Market capitalization: size of the company measured by price × outstanding shares.
• Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and adjusted P/E: compare to peers and historical levels.
• Revenue growth, operating margins, and free cash flow: fundamentals that support valuations.
• Earnings per share (EPS) and guidance provided by management.

Avoid relying on a single metric—combine valuation, growth prospects, and risk assessment to form a holistic view.

Risks and regulatory considerations

Major risk categories relevant to Meta:

• Advertising cyclicality: revenue tied heavily to digital advertising demand.
• Privacy and regulatory risk: data protection rules, antitrust scrutiny, and content moderation policies can create legal and compliance costs and affect user engagement.
• Large capital expenditures: Reality Labs and other initiatives require significant investment and may take years to produce returns.
• Platform competition and user behavior shifts: changing user preferences can affect engagement metrics.
• Market volatility: large-cap growth names can experience sharp price swings in different market regimes.

Documented security incidents or policy missteps in the past have impacted sentiment and, at times, stock price. Keep risk diversity and position sizing in mind when considering an allocation to single stocks.

Taxes and record-keeping

Tax implications when buying and selling Meta shares:

• Capital gains tax: realized gains are taxable. Short-term capital gains (assets held ≤12 months) are usually taxed at higher ordinary income rates; long-term gains (assets held >12 months) often receive preferential rates depending on jurisdiction.
• Dividends: historically Meta has not paid regular cash dividends; if that policy changes, dividends would be taxable in the year received.
• Broker reports: brokers supply year-end tax documents (e.g., Form 1099 in the U.S.) listing proceeds, cost basis, and dividends to help prepare tax returns.

Keep trade confirmations, statements and tax documents, and consult a tax professional for jurisdiction-specific advice.

Practical checklist for first-time buyers

When you first search "can i buy fb stock" use this checklist:

1. Choose a broker (recommend Bitget for trading and Bitget Wallet for custody).
2. Open and fund your account; complete KYC.
3. Confirm the correct issuer and ticker: Meta Platforms, Inc. — ticker META (Nasdaq).
4. Decide how much to invest and whether you need fractional shares.
5. Select order type (market vs limit) and place the order.
6. Confirm execution and check position details in your account.
7. Record the trade confirmation and update your personal portfolio tracker.
8. Monitor earnings, material news, and regulatory updates.

This checklist helps prevent common mistakes such as buying the wrong ticker or overlooking fees.

How to follow and monitor Meta stock

Reliable sources and tools to monitor META:

• Brokerage quotes and watchlists—set price alerts and news alerts.
• Company investor relations pages and SEC EDGAR filings for official disclosures.
• Major financial news outlets and analyst research summaries for context.
• Independent research resources and educational sites for background and tutorials.

Set up a watchlist in Bitget to receive alerts on price movements, earnings dates, and news items.

Historical timeline (selected milestones)

• 2012 — Facebook IPO: the company completed its initial public offering and began trading publicly.
• 2016–2020 — Growth and monetization: heavy ad revenue growth across mobile and international markets.
• 2021 — Rebrand to Meta Platforms, Inc.; increased strategic focus on metaverse technologies and Reality Labs.
• 2021–2025 — Ongoing investments in augmented/virtual reality, AI infrastructure, and commerce integrations across platforms.

For a complete, date-verified timeline, consult the company’s investor relations archival pages and SEC filings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy FB stock?
A: The phrase "can i buy fb stock" refers to Meta Platforms, Inc. Public shares trade under the ticker META. Confirm the ticker and issuer when placing any trade.

Q: What is the ticker for Facebook now?
A: The current corporate ticker is META. "FB" is an older ticker reference associated with the pre-rebrand name.

Q: Do Meta shares pay dividends?
A: Historically, Meta has not paid regular cash dividends. Check the company’s most recent statements to confirm current policy.

Q: Can non-U.S. residents buy META?
A: Many jurisdictions allow non‑U.S. residents to buy U.S.-listed stocks through local brokers or global brokerage platforms, subject to local regulations and account requirements. Use a broker that serves your jurisdiction and comply with tax and KYC rules.

Q: Is buying an ETF that includes Meta better than buying the stock directly?
A: ETFs provide diversified exposure and can reduce single-company risk. Direct stock ownership gives more control over position size and enables shareholder voting rights.

See also

• Stock market investing basics
• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Fractional shares explained
• How to read SEC filings
• Meta investor relations and earnings resources

References

Sources used to prepare this guide (titles and publishers—consult these publishers for the original articles and data):

• How to Buy Facebook Stock (META) — The Motley Fool
• META Stock Quote Today & Investment Insights — Public.com
• How to Buy Meta Stock (META) — NerdWallet
• Meta Platforms: META Stock Price Quote & News — Robinhood
• Facebook (META): How To Buy Its Shares — Forbes Advisor
• Meta Platforms Inc (META) Stock Price, News & Analyst Forecast — eToro
• A Beginner's Guide to Buying Facebook (Meta) Stock — Investopedia
• Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) Stock Price, News, Quote & History — Yahoo Finance
• How to Buy Facebook (META) Stock — SmartAsset

Notes on timeliness: as stated at the top, as of 2026-01-17 consult live market pages (e.g., Yahoo Finance) for current market cap and daily volumes. This article is informational and not investment advice.

Notes and guidance for readers

• Verify the current ticker and price before trading.
• Review broker terms and fees—Bitget is recommended in this article as a primary trading platform and Bitget Wallet for custody.
• Investment decisions carry risk; consider consulting a licensed financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Further exploration: use Bitget’s educational center to learn order types, watchlists, and how to enable alerts so you can efficiently monitor META and other holdings.