Empower vs Wealthfront - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Empower vs Wealthfront

Compare Empower and Wealthfront side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Empower

Empower

High-balance hybrid advisory clients

Empower is a US hybrid robo-advisor combining automated portfolio management with access to human financial a…

VS
Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Hands-off long-term investors

Wealthfront combines automated investing, stock and ETF trading, a cash account, direct indexing and bond lad…

Head-to-head comparison

Empower vs Wealthfront
Feature Empower Wealthfront
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission-free trading on investment accounts Zero commissions on trades and $1 to start investing
Regulators SEC, FINRA, SIPC SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC
Best for High-balance hybrid advisory clients Hands-off long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Bonds
Funds
Ready Made Portfolios
Investment Plans
-
Money Market Funds
-
Fractional Shares
-

Pros & cons

Empower

Empower

Pros

  • Comprehensive free financial dashboard with net worth, retirement planner and fee analyzer
  • Hybrid model gives access to human advisors alongside automated portfolio management
  • Tax-loss harvesting and tax location strategy included in advisory fee
  • Tiered fees decrease as assets grow, reaching 0.49% above $10 million
  • Client assets held at established independent custodians with SIPC protection
  • High-yield cash account with FDIC insurance up to $5 million
  • Dedicated advisors and estate planning access at higher asset tiers
  • Commission-free trading on investment accounts

Cons

  • $100,000 minimum investment required to access any managed advisory services
  • Advisory fee of 0.89% on the first $1 million is high relative to robo-only competitors
  • No direct-to-consumer trading platform for active self-directed trading
  • No demo account available
  • No support for forex, CFDs, futures or options trading
  • Tax and estate planning features restricted to higher asset tiers
  • Free tools may prompt upsells for users approaching the $100,000 threshold
Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Pros

  • Zero commissions on stock and ETF trades
  • $1 minimum for Stock Investing Account
  • Cash Account has zero account fees
  • Free 24/7 instant withdrawals to eligible accounts
  • Up to $8M FDIC insurance through program banks
  • S&P 500 Direct starts at $5,000 with a 0.09% fee
  • Automated Bond Ladder waives advisory fee for 3 months
  • Two out-of-network ATM reimbursements monthly, up to $7.50 each

Cons

  • Automated Investing Account starts at $500
  • S&P 500 Direct requires $5,000 to start
  • Automated Bond Ladder has a 0.15% annual advisory fee
  • 529 plan total fees are 0.39%-0.45%
  • Cash APY can change before or after account opening
  • APY Boost applies only up to a $150,000 balance
  • FDIC coverage starts only after cash reaches program banks
  • Stock Investing Account is not built for options or crypto trading
Empower

Empower

Empower is a US hybrid robo-advisor combining automated portfolio management with access to human financial advisors, built on the foundation of Personal Capital.

Visit Empower Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Wealthfront combines automated investing, stock and ETF trading, a cash account, direct indexing and bond ladders with low stated fees.

Visit Wealthfront Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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