Robo-Advisor Fee Comparison Calculator
See the real dollar cost of robo-advisor management fees on your balance over time, compared side by side across platforms.
| Platform | Fee rate | Ending balance |
|---|---|---|
| Betterment | 0.25% | $331,682 |
| Wealthfront | 0.25% | $331,682 |
| Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | 0.00% | $342,715 |
Over 20 years, the fee gap between the platforms above works out to $11,033 in lost ending balance for Betterment at a 0.25% fee, all else being equal.
This calculator is informational only, not personalized financial advice. It assumes a constant annual return and fee rate for simplicity — actual returns vary year to year. Fee rates and account minimums change; verify current terms directly with each provider before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much difference can robo-advisor fees really make over time?
Even a 0.25% difference in annual advisory fees compounds significantly over decades. On a $50,000 balance growing at 7% annually, a 0.25% fee versus a 0.50% fee can mean tens of thousands of dollars of difference by retirement, because the fee is charged on your growing balance every year, not just your original deposit.
Does this calculator include fund expense ratios, or just the advisory fee?
This calculator focuses on the robo-advisor's management/advisory fee — the percentage charged for managing your account. Most robo-advisors also pass through underlying ETF expense ratios (typically 0.03%–0.15%), which are a separate, usually smaller cost layered on top.
Is a lower fee always the better choice?
Not necessarily. Fee is one input, not the whole picture — features like automatic tax-loss harvesting, human advisor access, or account minimums can offset a higher fee for some investors. Use this calculator to quantify the fee gap, then weigh it against what each platform actually offers.
How often do robo-advisors charge these fees?
Most charge the advisory fee as an annual percentage of assets under management, deducted incrementally — usually monthly or quarterly — directly from your account balance rather than billed separately.