Betterment vs Fidelity
Last updated July 2026
Betterment
Robo-advisor with human advisor access at the Premium tier
Advantages
- 0.25% annual advisory fee on the Digital tier
- Access to CFPs on the Premium tier ($100K+ minimum, 0.40%/yr)
- Tax-loss harvesting on all taxable accounts
- 4.75% APY on Cash Reserve
- Goal-based investing UX is the best in the category
Drawbacks
- Premium tier's $100K minimum is a significant hurdle for advisor access
- No direct indexing option like Wealthfront
- Digital tier has no human advisor access
Fidelity
Invested in your future
Advantages
- Zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX) unique to Fidelity
- Industry-leading research, screeners, and analysis tools
- Full range of account types including HSA, 529, trusts, and business accounts
- 24/7 phone support with knowledgeable representatives
- No account minimums and no account fees
Drawbacks
- Mobile app is functional but less polished than Robinhood
- Crypto access is limited compared to Robinhood
- The wealth of features and tools can overwhelm new investors
- Website interface feels complex compared to app-first competitors
Betterment and Fidelity both play in investing platforms, but they're aimed at different buyers. Betterment is built for investors who want goal-based planning and (at Premium) human advisor access. Fidelity is built for serious investors who want comprehensive research, diverse account types, and long-term retirement planning. Which one fits depends on which of those descriptions sounds more like you.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Betterment | Fidelity |
|---|---|---|
| Advisory Fee | 0.25% Digital; 0.40% Premium (CFP access) | -- |
| Minimum Investment | $0 to open; $10 to invest | -- |
| Tax-Loss Harvesting | Yes on all taxable accounts | -- |
| Human Advisor | Yes on Premium (0.40%/yr, $100K minimum) | -- |
| Cash Yield | 4.75% APY on Cash Reserve | -- |
| Direct Indexing | No | -- |
| Planning Tools | Goal-based planning; retirement calculators | -- |
| Portfolio Customization | Flexible portfolios by theme (SRI, Innovative Tech, etc.) | -- |
| Trading Commissions | -- | $0 for stocks, ETFs, options; $0 index funds |
| Account Types | -- | Individual, joint, IRA, 401(k), HSA, 529, trust, business |
| Research & Analysis | -- | Extensive, proprietary + third-party (20+ research providers) |
| Fractional Shares | -- | Yes, starting at $1 |
| Cryptocurrency Trading | -- | Limited, Bitcoin, Ethereum via Fidelity Crypto |
| Cash Savings Yield | -- | Fidelity Cash Management: competitive sweep rates |
| Customer Support | -- | 24/7 phone, chat, 200+ branch locations |
| Retirement Products | -- | Full suite, 401(k), IRA, annuities, managed accounts |
Fidelity Wins
Fidelity takes it overall (9/10 vs 8/10), but Betterment is still the sharper pick for investors who want goal-based planning and (at Premium) human advisor access.
Fidelity's standout strength: Zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX, FZILX) unique to Fidelity. Its biggest drawback (mobile app is functional but less polished than Robinhood) is easier to live with than Betterment's (premium tier's $100K minimum is a significant hurdle for advisor access). Betterment isn't out of the running though — its own standout strength is 0.25% annual advisory fee on the Digital tier. If you fit the profile of investors who want goal-based planning and (at Premium) human advisor access, that alone can flip the decision.