Wealthfront Review

Hands-off long-term investors

SEC FINRA SIPC FDIC

Founded 2011 · Wealthfront Corporation

Why investors choose this broker

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

Review summary

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

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

Company background

Wealthfront is a software-based financial advice and investing platform. It offers automated financial planning tools through Wealthfront Software LLC, investment management through Wealthfront Advisers LLC, and brokerage products through Wealthfront Brokerage LLC. The brand describes itself as simplifying finances since 2011 and is owned through Wealthfront Corporation.

The product range is built around long-term investing and cash management. Wealthfront offers an Automated Investing Account with diversified index funds, a Stock Investing Account for stocks and ETFs, retirement accounts, a 529 Education Savings Plan, S&P 500 Direct, an Automated Bond Ladder, and a Cash Account. Home lending is also shown separately under Wealthfront Home Lending.

Fees and pricing

Wealthfront publishes several specific fees. The Cash Account has zero account fees, free 24/7 instant withdrawals to eligible external accounts, and free wire transfers to title companies and accounts the client owns. The Stock Investing Account offers zero commissions on stock and ETF trades and lets clients start with $1.

Automated index investing portfolios list a 0.25% per year management fee. The 529 plan shows a 0.25% management fee, 0.06% administration fees, 0.08-0.14% portfolio expense ratios, and 0.39-0.45% total fees. S&P 500 Direct has a 0.09% annual management fee and a $5,000 starting amount. The Automated Bond Ladder has a 0.15% annual advisory fee, with no advisory fee for 3 months on the first Automated Bond Ladder.

Regulation and safety

Wealthfront Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Brokerage products, including the Cash Account, are provided by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member. Cash Account deposits are swept to program banks, where they are eligible for FDIC insurance. Wealthfront states FDIC coverage of up to $8 million for cash deposits, while funds held at Wealthfront before being swept are subject to SIPC's $250,000 cash protection limit.

Platform experience

Wealthfront emphasizes a mobile app experience. The Cash Account supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, debit cards, account and routing numbers, and automated savings transfers. Investing accounts are also managed through the app, including portfolio monitoring, automatic rebalancing, dividend reinvestment, Tax-Loss Harvesting features, direct indexing tools, and transfers from Cash Account to investing accounts.

Pros and cons

Wealthfront is strongest for investors who want automated portfolios, simple stock and ETF investing, cash features and direct indexing under one brand. Its main limitations are product-specific minimums and fees: Automated Investing starts at $500, S&P 500 Direct starts at $5,000, and the Automated Bond Ladder charges a 0.15% annual advisory fee after any introductory waiver.

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Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Trading fees & commissions

The Cash Account has zero account fees, free 24/7 instant withdrawals and free wire transfers to title companies and accounts you own. Stock and ETF trades have zero commissions with $1 to start investing. Automated index investing portfolios list a 0.25% per year management fee, S&P 500 Direct costs 0.09% annually with $5,000 to start, and the Automated Bond Ladder has a 0.15% annual advisory fee.

Fees

Item	Fee
Bonds	Annual 0.15% advisory fee; no advisory fee for 3 months on your first Automated Bond Ladder
Account	Zero account fees
Withdrawal	Free 24/7 instant withdrawals
College 529	0.25% management fee; 0.06% administration fees; 0.08-0.14% portfolio expense ratios; 0.39-0.45% total fees
Domestic Wires	Free wire transfers to title companies and accounts you own
Atm Reimbursement	2 fees per month at out-of-network ATMs in the U.S. (up to $7.50 each)
S And P 500 Direct	0.09% annual management fee; $5,000 to start
Ready Made Portfolios	0.25% per year management fee
Stock Investing Minimum	$1 to start investing
S And P 500 Direct Minimum	$5,000 to start
Automated Investing Minimum	$500

Trading platform & features

Platforms

iOS app
Android app

Regulation and investor protection

Broker FAQs

Is Wealthfront safe?

Wealthfront Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser, and brokerage products are provided by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, a FINRA/SIPC member. Cash Account balances are swept to program banks and are eligible for FDIC insurance up to $8 million.

Is Wealthfront a scam?

No. Wealthfront identifies Wealthfront Advisers LLC as an SEC-registered investment adviser and Wealthfront Brokerage LLC as a FINRA/SIPC member.

Is Wealthfront regulated and by whom?

Wealthfront Advisers LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Wealthfront Brokerage LLC is a member of FINRA/SIPC.

What happens to my money if Wealthfront goes bankrupt?

Cash Account funds are swept to program banks where they are eligible for FDIC insurance. While funds are at Wealthfront before being swept, they are subject to SIPC's $250,000 protection limit for cash.

How much FDIC insurance does Wealthfront provide on cash?

Wealthfront states that it uses program banks to provide FDIC coverage of up to $8 million for cash deposits. FDIC insurance is not provided until funds arrive at the program banks.

What does Wealthfront charge for stock trades?

Wealthfront says its Stock Investing Account has zero commissions on stock and ETF trades. The account also lets clients start investing with $1.

Is there a withdrawal fee at Wealthfront?

Wealthfront says Cash Account withdrawals are free. Eligible external accounts can receive free instant withdrawals through RTP or FedNow.

What products does Wealthfront offer?

Wealthfront offers an Automated Investing Account, Stock Investing Account, Cash Account, retirement accounts, a 529 Education Savings Plan, S&P 500 Direct and an Automated Bond Ladder.

Does Wealthfront offer ETFs?

Yes. Wealthfront offers stock and ETF investing, and its Automated Investing Account uses diversified index funds. Retirement accounts also allow clients to customize portfolios with ETFs.

Can I buy fractional shares on Wealthfront?

Yes. Wealthfront says S&P 500 Direct can hold whole and fractional shares that make up the S&P 500 index.

What is the minimum deposit at Wealthfront?

The Stock Investing Account starts at $1. The Automated Investing Account starts at $500, and S&P 500 Direct starts at $5,000.

Does Wealthfront have a mobile app?

Yes. Wealthfront refers to its app across cash and investing products and shows Apple App Store and Google Play Store ratings.

How long does it take to withdraw from Wealthfront?

Eligible Cash Account withdrawals can be instant, including on weekends and holidays. Other external account withdrawals usually take one business day, although recent deposits may take extra time to process.

Is Wealthfront good for beginners?

Wealthfront positions the Automated Investing Account as easy enough for first-time investors. It builds a diversified portfolio after the client answers a few questions and starts at $500.

Is Wealthfront good for long-term investing?

Yes. Wealthfront describes its Stock Investing Account as built for long-term stock and ETF investing, and its Automated Investing Account is designed for long-term growth through diversified index funds.

Is Wealthfront good for day trading?

Wealthfront is not presented as a day-trading platform. The Stock Investing Account is described as built for long-term stock and ETF investing, not frequent trading.

Bottom line

Wealthfront suits long-term investors who want automated portfolios, cash features, stock and ETF investing, and direct indexing in one app. It may not suit traders looking for options, crypto trading, or a platform built around frequent short-term trading.

Wealthfront

Hands-off long-term investors

Open Account

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.