The Smartest Bank Stocks to Buy With $100 Right Now

Core Viewpoint - Bank stocks are generally characterized as high-value, low-growth investments, typically offering dividends and reliable long-term growth, but there are exceptions with high-growth candidates like SoFi Technologies and Nu Holdings that cater to risk-tolerant investors [1][2]. Group 1: SoFi Technologies - SoFi is positioned as a potential top-10 bank, having emerged successfully from the SPAC trend and is recognized as an industry disruptor with significant growth potential [3][4]. - The bank operates entirely online, providing user-friendly services aimed at novice users, which gives it an advantage over traditional banks due to its agility and flexibility [4]. - In Q1 2025, SoFi attracted 800,000 new accounts, marking a 34% increase year-over-year, targeting young professionals and employing aggressive marketing strategies [5]. - SoFi's growth strategy focuses on cross-selling and upselling services to enhance user monetization, while also launching innovative services like access to IPOs and blockchain-based remittances [6]. - The core segment of SoFi is lending, and with decreasing interest rates, it has reported strong revenue and profit growth, with expectations for its financial services segment to become the largest contributor to net income [7]. Group 2: Nu Holdings - Nu operates in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, experiencing rapid growth with millions of new customers added quarterly, although it still has significant room for expansion [8][9]. - In Q1 2025, Nu added over 4.3 million new accounts, totaling 118.6 million, with a strong presence in Brazil where over half of the adult population holds an account [9]. - The company reported a 40% year-over-year revenue increase and a 74% rise in net income to $557.2 million, despite a deceleration in sales growth amid high inflation in Brazil [10]. - Deposits grew by 48% year-over-year, and loan originations increased by 64%, although net interest margin decreased from 19.5% to 17.5% due to investments in Mexico and Colombia [11]. - Despite the challenges in Mexico and Colombia, Nu's Brazilian operations remain profitable, providing a foundation for continued growth in these emerging markets [12].