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Quick answer: For small portfolios, Fidelity Go stands out. It has no minimum to open an account and charges no advisory fees on balances under $25,000. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios also offers a free tier for balances below $5,000, but requires a $5,000 minimum for its premium service. You'll find that these platforms make investing accessible, even if you're starting with just a few hundred dollars.

Starting your investment journey can feel daunting, especially when you don't have a large sum of money. Many traditional financial advisors require minimums of $10,000 or even $100,000. That's a huge barrier for new investors. Robo-advisors, however, have changed the landscape entirely. They offer automated investment management, diversified portfolios, and low fees, making them perfect for those with smaller portfolios. These platforms use algorithms to manage your investments based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. They're typically much cheaper than human advisors, with annual fees often falling between 0.25% and 0.50% of your assets under management.

In 2024, a Bankrate study found that 23% of Americans aren't investing because they feel they don't have enough money. Robo-advisors directly address this concern by lowering entry barriers. You can begin with a few hundred dollars and still benefit from professional portfolio management. This article will explore the best robo-advisors for small portfolios, looking at their minimum deposits, fee structures, and unique features. We'll help you decide which one fits your financial situation best.

How We Put This Together

Our editorial team researched over 15 popular robo-advisor platforms. We focused on those with low or no minimum investment requirements, transparent fee structures, and strong reputations for customer service and investment methodology. We didn't open accounts or test investment performance directly, as past performance doesn't predict future returns. Instead, we analyzed their published disclosures, fee schedules, and service offerings as of August 2026. Our goal was to provide an objective comparison based on publicly available information to help you make an informed decision.

Top Robo-Advisors for Small Portfolios

Choosing the right robo-advisor can make a real difference in your early investing years. It's not just about the lowest fees, though those are important, especially with smaller balances. You'll also want to consider the minimum to open an account, the types of investments offered, and any additional financial planning tools. Here's a look at some leading options that cater to smaller portfolios.

1. Fidelity Go

Fidelity Go is an excellent choice for new investors with limited funds. It requires no minimum to open an account, and you can start investing with just $0. What's more, Fidelity Go doesn't charge any advisory fees for balances under $25,000. This means you can get started without worrying about fees eating into your small initial investments. For balances over $25,000, the advisory fee is 0.35% annually.

Fidelity Go invests your money in a diversified portfolio of Fidelity Flex® ETFs, which also carry no expense ratios. This makes it one of the most cost-effective options available. You'll get automated rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting isn't included, but that's typical for platforms with such low minimums. It's a great option for those who want a simple, low-cost way to invest without much hassle. Learn more about getting started with investing by checking out our beginner's guide to investing.

  • Fits you if:
  • You're starting with very little money (under $25,000).
  • You want zero advisory fees on smaller balances.
  • You prefer a simple, hands-off approach to investing.
  • Skip it for now if:
  • You need tax-loss harvesting (it's not offered here).
  • You want access to human financial advisors for personalized advice.

2. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

Schwab Intelligent Portfolios offers a unique fee structure that can be very appealing for small portfolios. It charges no advisory fees for its basic service, regardless of your balance. This means you can invest in a diversified portfolio of ETFs, with automated rebalancing, for free. The catch? You'll need a $5,000 minimum to open an account.

The portfolio consists of Schwab ETFs, which have low expense ratios. Schwab also includes cash in your portfolio, which can be a point of contention for some investors. However, for those comfortable with its methodology, the zero advisory fee is a major draw. If you want access to a human financial advisor, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium requires a $25,000 minimum and a one-time planning fee of $300, plus a $30 monthly advisory fee. This makes the basic version much more attractive for smaller accounts.

  • Fits you if:
  • You've at least $5,000 to start.
  • You want a completely free robo-advisor service (no advisory fee).
  • You trust Schwab's investment approach, including its cash allocation.
  • Skip it for now if:
  • You want to maximize every dollar invested without a cash allocation.
  • You don't have $5,000 to meet the minimum.

3. Vanguard Digital Advisor

Vanguard Digital Advisor is another strong contender, especially if you appreciate Vanguard's reputation for low-cost investing. It requires a minimum of $3,000 to get started. The advisory fee is 0.15% of your assets under management annually, making it one of the most affordable options on our list. For example, on a $5,000 portfolio, you'd pay just $7.50 per year in advisory fees.

Vanguard Digital Advisor builds portfolios using Vanguard ETFs, known for their low expense ratios. It offers automated rebalancing and goal tracking. Unlike some other platforms, it doesn't offer tax-loss harvesting. This service is best for investors who want a simple, low-cost way to invest in Vanguard's renowned funds. It's a straightforward approach for long-term growth. Tracking your investments can be simple with the right tools. We've compiled a list of the best apps for tracking investments.

  • Fits you if:
  • You've at least $3,000 to invest.
  • You prefer Vanguard's low-cost investment philosophy.
  • You want a straightforward, automated investment service.
  • Skip it for now if:
  • You need tax-loss harvesting for advanced tax efficiency.
  • You want a platform with no minimum investment.

Comparison of Top Robo-Advisors for Small Portfolios

Here's a quick look at how these three robo-advisors stack up for smaller portfolios:

| Feature | Fidelity Go | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | Vanguard Digital Advisor | | :------------------------ | :------------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | | Minimum to Open | $0 | $5,000 | $3,000 | | Advisory Fee | 0% on balances < $25,000; 0.35% > $25,000 | 0% (basic); $30/month + $300 (premium) | 0.15% | | Investments | Fidelity Flex® ETFs (0% expense ratio) | Schwab ETFs (low expense ratios) | Vanguard ETFs (low expense ratios) | | Tax-Loss Harvesting | No | No | No | | Human Advisor Access | No | Yes (with Premium, $25,000 min) | No | | Best For | Beginners with very little money | Those with $5,000 seeking zero advisory fees | Vanguard enthusiasts with $3,000+ |

How to Choose the Right Robo-Advisor

Selecting the right robo-advisor involves more than just looking at the minimum deposit. Consider these key factors to ensure you pick a platform that aligns with your financial goals.

  • Minimum Investment: Some platforms, like Fidelity Go, let you start with $0, while others require $3,000 or $5,000. If you're starting small, this is often your first filter.
  • Fee Structure: Advisory fees typically range from 0% to 0.50% of assets under management. A 0.25% fee on a $1,000 portfolio is only $2.50 per year, but it grows with your balance. Be sure to check underlying ETF expense ratios too, as these are separate costs.
  • Investment Philosophy: Some robo-advisors, like Vanguard, stick to broad market index funds. Others might include more niche ETFs. Understand what types of assets your money will be invested in.
  • Goal Planning Tools: Many platforms offer tools to help you plan for retirement, a down payment, or other financial goals. These can be very useful, especially for long-term investors.
  • Access to Human Advisors: While robo-advisors are automated, some offer hybrid models where you can consult with a human advisor for an additional fee. This might be valuable as your portfolio grows.

When you're just starting, every dollar counts. A platform that charges no advisory fees on small balances, like Fidelity Go, can give your money a better chance to grow without being chipped away by costs. However, if you've a bit more to invest, Schwab's zero advisory fee on its basic plan can be very attractive, even with the $5,000 minimum.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-08-03 by Editorial Team

FAQ

What's the best robo-advisor for beginners with little money?

For beginners with under $100 to start, Fidelity Go or Schwab Intelligent Portfolios are strong choices. Fidelity Go requires just $0 to open, while Schwab asks for $5,000 for its premium service, but its basic version is free for balances under $5,000. You'll find these options very accessible.

Can you start a robo-advisor with $100?

Yes, you can start with $100 or even less. Many popular robo-advisors like Fidelity Go and Wealthfront have no minimums to open an account, though they might require more to start investing or access advanced features. It's often easier than people think.

Are robo-advisors good for small amounts?

Robo-advisors are excellent for small amounts. They automate investing, keep fees low, and provide diversified portfolios without needing a large upfront sum. This makes them ideal for new investors building wealth gradually. For example, Vanguard Digital Advisor charges only 0.15% annually.

How much do robo-advisors cost for small portfolios?

For small portfolios, costs vary. Fidelity Go charges 0% advisory fees on balances under $25,000. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios charges 0% advisory fees on its basic service. Vanguard Digital Advisor charges 0.15% annually. These fees are significantly lower than traditional financial advisors, who might charge 1% or more.

Do robo-advisors offer tax-loss harvesting for small portfolios?

Most robo-advisors typically don't offer tax-loss harvesting for very small portfolios because the tax benefits are often minimal compared to the administrative effort. Services like Fidelity Go and Vanguard Digital Advisor don't include it. You'd usually need a larger portfolio, often $50,000 or more, to see significant benefits from tax-loss harvesting.