Wealthfront Rating: 
Investing and Trading
Wealthfront is mainly a robo advisor that manages trading in a small selection of ETFs. Here are some examples of funds used in its portfolios:
| Ticker | Fund Name |
|---|
| ARKK | ARK Innovation ETF |
| BSV | Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF |
| DIA | SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF |
| ECNS | iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF |
Tax-loss harvesting and automatic rebalancing are included in Wealthfront robo accounts.
Since starting in 2008, Wealthfront has expanded its products. It now offers automated bond portfolios, including a bond ladder that invests in individual bonds. There are also socially-responsible automated portfolios.
Wealthfront also has S&P 500 Direct, an automated account that gives direct ownership of all 500 companies in the S&P 500. This account also uses tax-loss harvesting.
Recently, Wealthfront launched brokerage accounts with access to ETFs and individual stocks outside the S&P 500. These accounts are mostly self-directed and don’t include tax-loss harvesting. They do provide curated stock collections. Orders are not-held orders, meaning Wealthfront controls trade price and timing.
Brokerage accounts also include some advice. For example, when we built a stock portfolio, the site gave this warning:
This portfolio has a high chance of losing a significant amount of money in any given year. Considering your net worth, risk tolerance, and all of your investments, we recommend investing less than $6,900.00 total in this portfolio.
Wealthfront also supports tax-advantaged accounts such as retirement accounts and 529 plans.
Cash Features
Wealthfront also provides a cash account with banking tools to round out money management. A Visa debit card is included, along with:
- 19,000 in-network ATMs
- Two out-of-network ATM fee refunds per month (up to $5 each)
- Free wire transfers
- 3.5% APY
- FDIC insurance up to $8 million through bank partners
- Instant ACH transfers
- Custom savings goals
- Bill pay
- Ability to send paper checks (no physical checkbook)
Fees and Minimums
Wealthfront keeps costs low since it’s online-only. Robo accounts charge 0.25% per year with a $500 minimum. The S&P Direct account has a $20,000 minimum but charges only 0.09% annually. Neither has trading fees.
Brokerage accounts have no minimums, no management fees, and no commissions. The cash account has no minimums and no recurring fees.
Margin
Wealthfront offers Portfolio Line of Credit, a margin service that lets customers borrow up to 30% of account value. Approval is automatic, with no credit check or repayment schedule.
The interest rate is low at 5.41%. The drawback is that it’s only for taxable robo accounts with $25,000 or more.
Borrowed funds can’t be used to buy more ETFs in the same account. Deposits go first toward repaying margin balances.
Learning
Wealthfront has
a blog with articles on investing and personal finance. Examples include:
- Is a Recession Bad for Investors?
- How the Fed Funds Rate Impacts the Wealthfront Cash Account
- How Should I Save for Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals?
Wealthfront also runs
a YouTube channel with many videos, such as:
- How To Invest Without Taxes (Roth IRA)
- What Is The Best Investment Strategy For Beginners?
- How To Use Home Equity (AND a 401k) To Pay Off Debt
Brokerage accounts include stock and ETF profiles, but information is limited. Charts are basic line graphs without tools or full-screen mode. Data points include dividend yield, volume, and market cap. Equity reports are not available.
Computer Software
Wealthfront has no desktop or browser platform. Robo accounts are mostly hands-off, with the website dashboard offering only a transfer tool and retirement calculator.
Robo accounts remain very automated. Clients deposit money, and Wealthfront invests it in ETFs or bonds. The dashboard also includes a Rewards link with bonuses for activities like referrals.
Mobile App
The mobile app works on Apple and Android phones. It has most website features plus mobile check deposit (requires an average cash account balance of $1,000).
All account types—cash, robo, brokerage, and bond portfolios—can be managed on the app. Charts, however, are basic with no tools.
Additional Services
Initial Public Offerings: Not available.
Securities Lending: Not available.
IRAs: Roth, SEP, and Traditional IRAs are supported.
Extended Hours: Pre-market and after-hours trading not supported.
Fractional Shares: Available in brokerage and S&P Direct accounts, not robo accounts.
DRIP: Robo accounts reinvest dividends; brokerage accounts do not.
Recommendations
Small Accounts: Wealthfront robo and cash accounts are good choices.
Frequent Stock Trading: Wealthfront lacks strong trading tools. Interactive Brokers is better.
Retirement & Long-Term Investors: Wealthfront works, but
Charles Schwab offers more options.
Beginners: A Wealthfront advisory account is a good starting point.
Mutual Funds: Wealthfront doesn’t offer mutual funds. Charles Schwab is better.
Wealthfront Review Verdict
Wealthfront has grown from a basic robo advisor into a money-management platform with many features. Still, some limits make other brokers worth considering.
Updated on 2/4/2026.