Partnership Disclosure
We might be compensated by one of our IRA partners for an account you open through our platform. This helps us keep the rollover service free, but it never impacts the fees you’ll pay on your new account. We only win if you do, and our job is to help you simplify your retirement accounts. We also help people who already have an IRA account even though we might receive no compensation in these situations—because it’s just the right thing to do!

Betterment IRA vs Schwab Intelligent Portfolios IRA

Betterment is a great option if you want an automated, low-fee portfolio from the largest independent provider of digital accounts. Betterment was a pioneer in providing "set-it-and-forget-it" portfolios for a low-fee.

Consider Schwab Intelligent Portfolios if you want an automated IRA with no management fee and a wide range of portfolio options.

Betterment

Betterment

Automated

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Paid client of Betterment. Views may not be representative, see more reviews at the App Store and Google Play Store. Learn More about this relationship on Betterment.
Best if you want
An automated, low-fee portfolio from the largest independent provider of digital accounts. Betterment was a pioneer in providing "set-it-and-forget-it" portfolios for a low-fee.
Fees
$4/month for balances under $20,000, and 0.25% annual fee for balances over $20,000. You can also choose to upgrade to Betterment's premium plan with a $100,000 minimum balance which adds 0.15% to the management fee.
What they invest in
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
Betterment does not have physical locations like some legacy providers; human advisors are available, but require an additional fee on the standard plan.
Human advisor available?
Yes - you can buy a consultation ($299) or pay a higher annual fee (0.40%) for unlimited access on an ongoing basis.
Account Minimums
$0
Ease of Use
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5 stars
Customer Support
Mainly online.
Additional Info
Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Automated

Best if you want
An automated IRA with no management fee and a wide range of portfolio options.
Fees
0%
What they invest in
All digital advisors create a diversified portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) based on your risk tolerance and preferences.
Limitations
Schwab's automated IRA has a $5,000 account minimum which is a little higher than other providers, but comes with 24/7 human support.
Human advisor available?
Yes, the Schwab's Premium Intelligent Portfolios offering; requires $25,000 minimum balance and costs $30 a month in addition to a $300 one time planning fee
Account Minimums
$5,000
Ease of Use
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4.5 stars
Customer Support
Online, call center, and branches.
Ready to take control of your assets?
Capitalize helps you consolidate your old 401(k)s by rolling them into an IRA of your choosing. Use an existing IRA if you have one, or we’ll help you open one if you don’t.
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