How To Create A Finviz Account Step-by-step
Finviz.com is a powerful, free (and paid) platform for stock market research and analysis. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting to dip your toes into the world of investing, Finviz offers a wealth of information, from stock screeners and charts to news aggregators and insider trading data. But before you can unlock all its potential, you need to create an account.
While a basic Finviz account is free and provides a ton of value, upgrading to Finviz Elite unlocks even more powerful features. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create both a free and a Finviz Elite account, so you can start leveraging this valuable tool for your investment journey.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Navigate to the Finviz Website
First, open your web browser of choice (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and type "finviz.com" into the address bar. Press Enter, and you'll be taken to the Finviz homepage.
Step 2: Locate the "Register" or "Sign Up" Option
On the Finviz homepage, look for a "Register" or "Sign Up" link. It's typically located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The exact wording and placement might change slightly over time, but it should be fairly easy to spot. Click on this link.
Step 3: Fill Out the Registration Form
Clicking the "Register" link will take you to the registration form. Here, you'll need to provide some basic information. This usually includes:
- Username: Choose a unique username that you'll use to log in to your Finviz account.
- Email Address: Enter a valid email address. This is important as Finviz will send a verification email to this address.
- Password: Create a strong and secure password. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for the best security.
Double-check that all the information you've entered is accurate before proceeding.
Step 4: Complete the CAPTCHA (If Required)
To prevent automated bots from creating accounts, Finviz may require you to complete a CAPTCHA. This usually involves identifying images or typing in a sequence of characters. Follow the instructions provided on the screen to successfully complete the CAPTCHA.
Step 5: Agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Before submitting the registration form, you'll need to agree to Finviz's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Read these documents carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities as a user of the platform. Check the box to indicate that you agree to the terms.
Step 6: Submit the Registration Form
Once you've filled out all the required information, completed the CAPTCHA (if required), and agreed to the terms, click the "Register" or "Submit" button.
Step 7: Verify Your Email Address
After submitting the registration form, Finviz will send a verification email to the email address you provided. Check your inbox (and spam folder, just in case) for this email.
Open the email and click on the verification link provided. This link will confirm your email address and activate your Finviz account.
Step 8: Log In to Your New Finviz Account
Once your email address is verified, you can log in to your new Finviz account. Return to the Finviz homepage and click on the "Login" link (usually located in the upper right-hand corner).
Enter your username and password, and click the "Login" button. You should now be logged in and able to access the features of your free Finviz account.
Upgrading to Finviz Elite: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the free version of Finviz is incredibly useful, upgrading to Finviz Elite unlocks a range of advanced features that can significantly enhance your stock market analysis. Here's how to upgrade:
Step 1: Log In to Your Finviz Account (Free or Existing)
First, log in to your existing Finviz account (whether it's a free account you just created or one you've had for a while).
Step 2: Navigate to the "Elite" Section
Once logged in, look for a link or tab that says "Elite," "Upgrade," or something similar. This is usually located in the navigation menu or somewhere prominent on your account dashboard.
Step 3: Review the Finviz Elite Features and Pricing
Clicking on the "Elite" link will take you to a page that outlines the features and benefits of Finviz Elite, as well as the pricing options. Take some time to review these details to determine if Finviz Elite is the right choice for you.
Finviz Elite typically offers features such as:
- Real-time Data: Access to real-time stock quotes and charts.
- Advanced Charts: More charting options and technical indicators.
- Backtesting: The ability to backtest trading strategies.
- Advanced Screening: More powerful and customizable stock screening criteria.
- Alerts: Receive alerts based on specific price movements or technical indicators.
- No Advertisements: An ad-free experience.
Step 4: Choose a Subscription Plan
Finviz typically offers different subscription plans for Finviz Elite, such as monthly or annual subscriptions. Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget. Annual subscriptions often offer a discounted rate compared to monthly subscriptions.
Step 5: Enter Your Payment Information
After selecting a subscription plan, you'll be prompted to enter your payment information. This usually includes your credit card details or other payment method information. Make sure to enter this information accurately and securely.
Step 6: Confirm Your Purchase
Review your order details and confirm your purchase. Once you've confirmed, your payment will be processed, and your Finviz account will be upgraded to Finviz Elite.
Step 7: Enjoy the Benefits of Finviz Elite
Congratulations! You now have access to all the advanced features of Finviz Elite. Start exploring the platform and leveraging these tools to improve your stock market analysis and trading decisions.
Tips for Using Finviz Effectively
- Explore the Screener: The Finviz stock screener is a powerful tool for finding stocks that meet specific criteria. Experiment with different filters to identify potential investment opportunities.
- Analyze Charts: Use the charting tools to analyze stock price movements and identify trends.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and market developments using the Finviz news aggregator.
- Utilize Portfolios: Track your stock picks and monitor their performance over time.
- Learn from Others: Explore the Finviz community forums to connect with other investors and learn from their experiences.
Conclusion
Creating a Finviz account, whether free or Elite, is a straightforward process that opens the door to a wealth of stock market information and analysis tools. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly set up your account and start leveraging the power of Finviz to make more informed investment decisions. Remember to explore the platform, experiment with different features, and continuously learn to maximize the benefits of this valuable resource. Happy investing!