| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Under $10K | $800–$1,000 |
| $10K–$50K | $2,400–$3,900 |
| $50K–$250K | $5,600–$9,100 |
| $250K+ | $15,000+ |
Compare providers near you
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wealthfront (0.25%) | 8.5–10% avg annual return |
| Betterment (0.25%) | 8–10% avg annual return |
| Schwab Intelligent ($0) | 7.5–9% (higher cash allocation) |
| Vanguard Digital (0.20%) | 8–10% avg annual return |
| DIY index funds (0.03%) | 8.5–10.5% avg annual return |
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios charges no advisory fee but keeps 6–10% of your portfolio in cash earning low interest — this cash drag effectively costs 0.2–0.4% annually, similar to competitors who charge explicit fees. Wealthfront's tax-loss harvesting has been shown to add 1–2% annually for taxable accounts, more than offsetting the 0.25% fee. For accounts under $25,000, use Fidelity Go (free) or SoFi Automated (free). Above $25,000, Wealthfront or Betterment for taxable accounts, DIY index funds for retirement accounts. Many providers offer free consultations or estimates — take advantage of these to compare options before committing.
The true cost of robo advisor extends well beyond the sticker price. Fees, tax implications, opportunity costs, and time horizons all factor into the real cost of any financial decision. Evaluating only the upfront cost without considering long-term impact leads to consistently poor financial outcomes.
Individual circumstances drive the right choice more than general advice. Your tax bracket, timeline, risk tolerance, and existing financial picture all influence which option delivers the best outcome. What works for someone in their 20s with decades of compounding ahead is very different from what makes sense for someone approaching retirement.