BrokerCue

Broker Comparison

M1 vs Wealthfront

Compare M1 and Wealthfront side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

M1

M1

Long-term investors using automated portfolios

M1 combines automated Pies for stocks, ETFs, funds and crypto with scheduled trade windows, cash accounts andโ€ฆ

VS
Wealthfront

Wealthfront

Hands-off long-term investors

Wealthfront combines automated investing, stock and ETF trading, a cash account, direct indexing and bond ladโ€ฆ

Head-to-head comparison

M1 vs Wealthfront
Feature M1 Wealthfront
Minimum deposit โ€” โ€”
Stock trading fee Regulatory expenses occur when users sell a stock or ETF Zero commissions on trades and $1 to start investing
Regulators SEC, FINRA SEC, FINRA, SIPC, FDIC
Best for Long-term investors using automated portfolios Hands-off long-term investors
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Crypto
โ€”
Bonds
โ€”
Funds
Investment Plans
โ€”
Margin
โ€”
Fractional Shares
โ€”
Ready Made Portfolios
โ€”

Pros & cons

M1

M1

Pros

  • No commission, trading or management fees on self-directed brokerage accounts
  • Pies invest new deposits toward target allocations automatically
  • Dynamic rebalancing buys underweight Slices first
  • One-click rebalancing returns a Pie to preset targets
  • Cash accounts show 3.10% APY and FDIC insurance up to $4.75 million
  • Margin loans shown at 5.65% with no minimum payment or late fees
  • Crypto Pies use Bakkt custody and can trade 7 days a week

Cons

  • $3 platform fee applies below $10,000 in M1 assets unless waived
  • Trades execute during scheduled trade windows, not in real time
  • Crypto holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured
  • Crypto on-demand trading is limited to 10 trades per calendar month
  • Margin loans require at least $2,000 invested in eligible accounts
  • Crypto can't be included in an IRA
  • Outgoing account transfers cost $100
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
M1

M1

M1 combines automated Pies for stocks, ETFs, funds and crypto with scheduled trade windows, cash accounts and margin loans.

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.

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Not the right match?

Line up any two brokers side by side, or browse the full list to find your next platform.