So, you’re looking to own a piece of the House that Buffett Built. Smart. Honestly, even with Warren Buffett stepping back from the CEO role at the end of 2025 after a legendary sixty-year run, Berkshire Hathaway remains the ultimate "sleep-well-at-night" investment for millions. But if you’re sitting there wondering, how can I buy Berkshire Hathaway stock without accidentally spending your entire life savings on a single share, you aren’t alone.
It’s kinda confusing at first. You see two different ticker symbols—BRK.A and BRK.B—and the price gap between them is literally enough to buy a small mansion in the Midwest.
As of mid-January 2026, a single share of the "Class A" stock (BRK.A) is trading for roughly $740,750. Yeah, you read that right. Three-quarters of a million dollars for one share. Most of us don't have that sitting in a couch cushion. Thankfully, the "Class B" shares (BRK.B) are much more approachable, trading around $493.
Investing in Berkshire isn't just buying a stock; it’s buying a massive collection of businesses ranging from GEICO and Duracell to Dairy Queen and massive stakes in Apple and American Express.
The Difference Between Class A and Class B (And Why It Matters)
Before you hit the "buy" button, you’ve gotta understand the "Baby Berkshire" vs. the "Big Berkshire" dynamic.
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Warren Buffett famously refused to split the Class A shares for decades. He wanted to attract long-term "partners," not short-term traders. But eventually, to help people give smaller gifts and to make the stock accessible for things like acquisitions, the Class B shares were born.
Basically, 1,500 Class B shares equal one Class A share in terms of economic value. But here is the kicker: voting rights are totally different. One Class A share gives you a massive 1,500 votes. One Class B share gives you... 1/10,000th of a vote.
Unless you're planning a hostile takeover, the voting rights don't matter much to the average person. What does matter is that you can convert Class A shares into Class B shares anytime you want, but you can't go the other way. Once you buy B, you’re staying B unless you sell and buy A.
Step-by-Step: How Can I Buy Berkshire Hathaway Stock?
Buying the stock is actually the easiest part. It’s the same process as buying a share of Apple or Tesla.
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1. Pick Your Brokerage
You need an online account. Most people use platforms like eToro, Fidelity, or Schwab. If you’re just starting and only have a hundred bucks, look for a broker that offers fractional shares. This is huge. It means if BRK.B is $493 and you only have $50, you can buy roughly 10% of a share.
2. Fund the Account
Transfer cash from your bank. This usually takes a day or two unless your broker does instant deposits.
3. Search the Ticker
Type in BRK.B. Seriously, unless you are a multi-millionaire, do not accidentally try to buy BRK.A. Most apps will warn you anyway because you probably won’t have $740,000 in your settlement fund.
4. Market vs. Limit Order
A market order buys it right now at whatever the price is. A limit order says "I'll only buy if it hits $490." In early 2026, the stock has been hovering around that $490–$500 range, so a limit order might save you a few bucks if the market is volatile that morning.
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Why Buy Now? The Post-Buffett Era
A lot of people are nervous because Greg Abel has taken over the reins. It’s a valid concern. Buffett is Berkshire. But here is the reality: the company is a well-oiled machine.
They are sitting on a cash pile that’s basically a mountain—over $380 billion in liquidity as of recent reports. That’s enough to buy almost any company on earth in cash. They’ve been putting some of that to work lately, adding to positions like Alphabet (Google) and Amazon, showing that the "new" leadership isn't afraid of tech.
Berkshire doesn't pay a dividend. Never has. They believe they can grow your money faster by reinvesting it than by sending you a check. If you want income, you have to sell shares. If you want growth and a "fortress" balance sheet, this is usually the place to be.
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
- "The B shares are lower quality." Nope. They represent the same underlying business. You just own a smaller slice.
- "I can't afford it." Again, fractional shares are your friend. Stash, Public, and Robinhood all let you buy $5 worth if that's all you've got.
- "It’s just an insurance company." Insurance (GEICO) is the engine, but the train cars are filled with railroads (BNSF), energy plants, and even See’s Candies.
Your Game Plan
If you're ready to move forward, don't overthink the "perfect" entry price. Berkshire is famously a "buy and hold forever" stock.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check if your current brokerage supports fractional trading for BRK.B.
- Decide on a "starter" amount—even $100 gets you in the game.
- Set up a recurring purchase if you want to use dollar-cost averaging to build your position over time regardless of whether the price is $480 or $510.
- Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in May for the Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha—it’s the "Woodstock for Capitalists," and owning even one share gets you in.