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Best financial advisors

7 best financial advisors: compare fees and services

Eric Esposito

Fact checked by Eric Esposito

Updated Feb 12, 2026

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Despite rapid growth in the robo-advisory market, algorithms can’t answer all of your money questions.1 You may find you need someone by your side to guide your investment decisions. In these cases, the tried-and-true strategy remains to work with a financial advisor who has years of experience. But picking the perfect financial advisor can be a bit of a chore, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. 

While every situation is unique, a few financial advisor firms have a solid track record for helping clients. Consider these seven best financial advisors if you need personalized guidance with your finances.

Best financial advisors

Best financial advisor overall: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services

Vanguard logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $50,000
  • AUM % fee: 0.35% to 0.4%
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo-advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Personalized financial plan, ongoing portfolio management, advice on retirement planning, tax efficiency strategies, high-level guidance on estate planning and charitable giving

  • Why we chose Vanguard Personal Advisor Services

    +

    Vanguard has been at the forefront of retirement planning and index investing since the 1970s, and it continues to offer more ways for everyone to take advantage of its advisory services with new product offerings. While you could enjoy tailored advice with the Personal Advisor Select program or Wealth Management services, these specialized offerings have minimums that are out of reach for many clients.

    To provide this same level of care with a lower barrier to entry, Vanguard combined its robo-advisory tool with one-on-one guidance in a hybrid platform it calls Personal Advisor Services. For a $50K minimum, you’ll get to create a personalized investment plan centered around Vanguard’s famous mutual funds, as well as one-on-one guidance with a Vanguard financial advisor. This distinctive hybrid approach makes Vanguard Personal Advisor Services an attractive option for those who want personalized care with lower overall fees.

Vanguard Personal Advisor Services pros and cons

  • Mix of robo- and human advisors: This particular wealth management service takes advantage of algorithmic account management while also offering a personal touch with a Vanguard advisor.
  • Competitive fees: By combining robo and human advisory services, Vanguard can offer a competitive AUM fee of 0.35% to 0.4% annually.
  • Strong brand reputation: Vanguard has a long track record for credibility and a focus on low-cost investing.
  • Narrow investment focus: Understandably, Vanguard focuses on its proprietary ETFs and mutual funds, which may limit growth potential or access to alternative assets.
  • Minimum is relatively high: While not the highest for a financial advisor, the $50K minimum is a barrier to entry for some investors.
  • Low online ratings: On both the BBB and Trustpilot, there are more negative than positive reviews for Vanguard’s services, particularly noting issues with transfers or customer care.2,3

Best for financial tools: Empower Wealth Management

Empower logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $100,000
  • AUM % fee: 0.89% (for first $1 million)
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo-advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Financial planning, investment management (including individual securities), IRAs, tax optimization strategies, estate planning guidance for high-net-worth clients, and free financial dashboard

  • Why we chose Empower Wealth Management

    +

    Empower in its current form wasn’t around in the late 19th century, but this company has its roots back in this time period, making it one of the oldest names in financial and retirement planning. One aspect of Empower’s many services is its Wealth Management division, which offers personalized care either with a team or individual financial advisor to help you build, track, and readjust your portfolio.

    One feature that sets Empower apart from other brands is its highly-rated net worth tracker called Empower Personal Wealth, which gives you a detailed look into all of your investments and expenses.4 For those who fit Empower’s higher minimum thresholds, there are possibilities to capture greater growth with hard-to-acquire assets like private equity. Although Empower’s fees and minimums are steep, some people feel comfortable with these expenses due to this brand’s long history, plus its exceptional digital and educational resources.

Empower Wealth Management pros and cons

  • Extensive net worth tracker: One of Empower’s crowning jewels is its comprehensive Personal Wealth net worth tracker.
  • Specialists and special deals for HNWIs: For those with over $1 million, Empower offers unique investment opportunities like private equity with a one-on-one financial pro.
  • Access to high-yield savings: As an Empower member, you can also easily open an FDIC-insured high-yield savings account to park cash you don’t intend to invest.5
  • High minimum account balance: Even for the lowest tier, you need at least $100K to access Empower’s wealth management services (and this only includes team guidance rather than one-on-one assistance).
  • High fees: With starting advisory fees at 0.89% AUM, Empower’s rates are above many competitors.
  • Portfolio tracker is free: Although the net worth tracker is a key selling point, keep in mind you don’t need to be an Empower client to use it.

Best for existing Chase customers: J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

J.P. Morgan logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $25,000
  • AUM % fee: 0.6% annually ($25K to $249,999)
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo-advisor: No
  • Services offered: Wealth planning, investment management, lending, banking, trust and estate planning, philanthropic planning, concentrated position management, liquidity event planning, cash and liquidity management, corporate retirement plan services and tax-loss harvesting

  • Why we chose J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

    +

    As far as big banks go, J.P. Morgan is the biggest, which also means that J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a big deal. As part of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., J.P. Morgan Wealth Management has access to a vast range of investment options and advisory services for individuals, families, and businesses, all of which link seamlessly with this firm’s famed banking services. A key distinction of J.P. Morgan is its ability to blend cutting-edge technology with deep institutional expertise. Clients benefit from both innovative digital platforms like J.P. Morgan Wealth Plan and the insights of seasoned advisors.6 Whether it's retirement planning, estate strategies, or investment management, J.P. Morgan stands out for its global reach and accessibility, particularly for those who already have a bank account here.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management pros and cons

  • Seamless integration with banking: Those already a part of Chase's ecosystem will appreciate how easy it is to manage their investments and day-to-day banking in one place.
  • Virtual “money coach”: You’ll have access to many digital financial tools, like J.P. Morgan Wealth Plan, to help you achieve your financial goals.
  • Comprehensive services and asset choices: From stocks and bonds to alternatives like real estate and hedge funds, J.P. Morgan’s size gives it greater access to assets and services.7
  • Trusted and accessible brand: J.P. Morgan has centuries of credibility and a global reach.
  • Complex for beginners: J.P. Morgan’s large size and extensive range of products can be overwhelming, especially for those new to banking or investing.
  • Higher advisory fees: Investors using J.P. Morgan’s resources typically pay above-average advisory fees for these conveniences and services.
  • Concerns about customer care: J.P. Morgan has many complaints on both Trustpilot and the BBB, both of which center around its customer service.8,9

Best for DIY options: Fidelity

Fidelity Investment Advisory Services logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $5,000 to $2 million, depending on service
  • AUM % fee: 0.2% to 1.5%
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Financial planning, tax optimization, estate planning, IRAs, personalized strategies, robo- and human advisory teams, and active portfolio management
Service
Minimum Investment
Advisor Access
Key Features
Fidelity Managed FidFolios
$5,000
No dedicated advisor; digital access with optional phone support
Customizable portfoliosProfessionally managedTax-smart investingLow minimum investment Online tools for tracking
Fidelity Advisory Services Team 
$50,000
Access to a team of Fidelity advisors
Collaborative advice modelPersonalized investment strategyPeriodic reviews and updatesNo individual dedicated advisor
Fidelity Wealth Management
$500,000
Dedicated Fidelity advisor
Personalized wealth planningActive portfolio managementEstate and tax strategies
Fidelity Private Wealth Management 
$2 million
Dedicated Fidelity advisor and access to a team of specialists
Comprehensive wealth strategyAdvanced estate, tax and charitable planningAccess to alternative investmentsHighest tier of service

  • Why we chose Fidelity

    +

    As one of America’s largest financial firms, it makes sense for Fidelity to have a plethora of wealth advisory options. While this can be overwhelming for newcomers, it also gives people greater choices to find a strategy that fits their financial goals. For instance, beginners tend to focus on a Fidelity Managed FidFolios account, which gives them a basket of professionally managed funds at a lower minimum plus tax optimization perks. But if you’d like more personalized guidance, you could work with advisors at higher plans like Fidelity Advisory Services Team and Fidelity Wealth Management. No matter which service you choose, you’ll enjoy Fidelity’s high reputation for security, competitive fees and accessibility.

  • Multiple advisory options: You can easily tailor your Fidelity advisory experience by choosing one of its many offerings.
  • No expense ratios on funds: A benefit of Fidelity’s focus on its FidFolios is you don’t have to pay extra expense ratio fees.
  • Solid financial firm: Fidelity is one of the largest asset managers worldwide and has a strong reputation for security.
  • High minimum for dedicated advisor: You must have at least $500K in your account to speak one-on-one with a Fidelity agent.
  • Focuses on FidFolios: While Fidelity's FidFolios save you expense ratios, it also means you may miss out on other assets or growth opportunities.
  • Fee complexity: Each Fidelity plan has different fee rates, so you’ll need to spend extra time reviewing these advisory costs.

Best for high-net-worth individuals: Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Merrill Edge logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $20,000 to $3 million, depending on service
  • AUM % fee: 0.45% or 0.85% annually
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes (with higher account tier)
  • Access to robo-advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate planning services, trust services, banking products through Bank of America, access to a wide range of investment solutions and personalized investment advice

  • Why we chose Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

    +

    Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is a subsidiary of Bank of America, which makes it a convenient option for existing BofA clients. But even if you aren’t in the BofA ecosystem, you could benefit from this brand’s reputation and reach. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) often enjoy Merrill Lynch’s personalized advisory experience thanks to the features it offers for white-glove service (plus perks like Preferred Rewards).10,11

    However, you don’t have to opt for one of the higher tiers to get a Merrill Lynch experience. For a $20K deposit, you could open a Merrill Guided Investing robo-advisory account that also has access to a human advisor. Whichever option you choose, Merrill Lynch shines for its convenient and comprehensive suite of services.12

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management pros and cons

  • Comprehensive services: Offers full-spectrum wealth management, including investment advisory, estate planning, tax strategies, and banking through Bank of America.
  • Access to Bank of America perks: Clients benefit from integrated services like the Preferred Rewards program, which can offer fee discounts and other financial perks.
  • Different tiers to choose: From HNWI accounts to more manageable hybrid models, there are a few programs to get in touch with Merrill’s money managers.
  • Complex fee structure: The layered pricing (advisory, fund, and service fees) can be confusing and hard to understand without a close review.
  • Generally higher fees: Not only is it harder to understand the full extent of Merrill Lynch’s fees, it tends to have higher average advisory fees than competitors — even on its hybrid model.
  • Negative customer service reviews: While Trustpilot has only about 130 reviews, most of them have voiced issues with Merrill Lynch’s customer care division.13

Best beginner investors: Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor

Wells Fargo logo

3.4

Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $500
  • AUM % fee: 0.35% annually
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo-advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Automated investing, portfolio monitoring and rebalancing, goal tracking, tax-loss harvesting and personal guidance

  • Why we chose Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor

    +

    It’s a myth that wealth management is only for the wealthy. True, HNWIs often use wealth management services, and the minimums for advisors aren’t always within reach, but more companies are using technology to break down these barriers. Take the Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor app as an example. Part of the renowned Wells Fargo banking family, this service offers a hybrid approach with a robo and human advisor to cut costs while giving you access to personalized guidance.

    While you won’t get the same degree of care as you would with one-on-one meetings, you’ll still get insights at a fraction of the cost, plus digital tools like LifeSync to track your progress. As a bonus, the minimum investment is $500, making this one of the more accessible ways to work with an advisor.14

Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor pros and cons

  • Low minimum deposit: You only need $500 to open a Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor account and get access to both robo- and human advisory services.
  • Competitive advisory fees: At only 0.35% AUM each year, the Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor app is one of the more cost-effective options.
  • Access to digital tools: In addition to the central robo-advisor, this app gives you digital tools like LifeSync to track goals and monitor your financial health.
  • Limited investment options: The Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor only has two broad portfolio types (global versus sustainable) and three core asset categories (stocks, bonds, and cash).
  • No tax strategies: Wells Fargo doesn’t provide any bonus tax enhancing features like tax-loss harvesting in these portfolios.
  • Optimized for Wells Fargo customers: While available to all, those already banking with Wells Fargo get the most seamless experience with this app.

Best for hands-off investors: Betterment Premium

betterment logo
Fast facts:
  • Minimum investment: $100,000
  • AUM % fee: 0.65% annually
  • Flat fee: None
  • Access to human advisor: Yes
  • Access to robo-advisor: Yes
  • Services offered: Financial planning, retirement help, unlimited priority calls with CFP professionals, tax optimization strategies, line of credit available, discount on Trust & Will estate planning, cash reserve interest boost and portfolio customization

  • Why we chose Betterment Premium

    +

    Betterment is better known for its standard — and more accessible — robo-advisory service, but it also offers a Premium account for those who want a more personalized experience. The key differentiator between Betterment and Betterment Premium is the latter gives you unlimited access to a certified financial planner (CFP). Beyond this tailored guidance, Betterment Premium offers perks like a boost for interest in a high-yield savings account, an optional line of credit (made using your non-retirement assets), and a discount to Trust & Will for estate planning. While the $100K minimum is steep, some may feel the entry price is worth it for a comprehensive, personalized and hands-off investment experience.

  • Unlimited calls with advisor: A major reason people upgrade to Betterment Premium is to take advantage of unlimited calls to a CFP.
  • Securities-backed line of credit: If you need extra cash, Betterment Premium gives you the flexibility to take out a securities-backed line of credit against your non-retirement assets.
  • Higher APY on cash reserve: Currently, Premium members get a 0.25% boost on the current APY offered in Betterment’s high-yield savings account.
  • High minimum deposit: At $100K, Betterment Premium has one of the highest barriers to entry.
  • Not the best advisory fees: While the 0.65% advisory fee isn’t the worst, it’s also not the most competitive.
  • Estate management isn’t in-house: Instead of including estate management in your advisory fee, Betterment Premium only offers a discount to create an account with Trust & Will.

Compare financial advisors

Financial advisor
Who is it for and why?
Vanguard Personal Advisor Services
Excellent for long-term investors who want a mix of robo-advisory and human advisor services at attractive fees 
Empower Personal Wealth
Ideal for HNWIs who want holistic financial health planning and net worth tracking 
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
Best for clients already banking with Chase who want integrated services and access to trusted advisors and global investment resources
Fidelity
Perfect for investors who want a wide range of options, personalized planning, and access to low-cost funds 
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Tailored for HNWIs who value deep advisor relationships, customized strategies, and the backing of Bank of America
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor
Fits beginner investors looking for a low-cost, automated investing platform with the option to integrate Wells Fargo banking
Betterment Premium
Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for investors with at least $100K who want human advice with automated services 

How to choose a financial advisor

Since you’ll be entrusting a financial advisor with your savings, choosing who to partner with is a serious matter. It pays to take time researching different features on financial advisory services to see which best aligns with your preferences.

  • History and reputation: First, make sure your financial advisor has a solid track record for providing clients with results. You don’t need to work solely with firms that have centuries of history, but be sure you’ve looked into unbiased reviews, third-party ratings and regulatory checks to bolster your confidence.
  • Certifications and specialization: If you’re working with one-on-one advisors, look for credentials like CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for greater certainty. Also, ask what areas of financial planning they specialize in (e.g., retirement planning, investing or tax strategies) to see if they match your interests.
  • Investment style: Some advisors focus on a passive, low-risk approach to investing, while others take a riskier, active approach with heightened volatility. There’s no right or wrong investment strategy, but you have to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
  • Fee structure and minimum deposit: Estimate how much fees will affect the value of your investment and if they could influence your advisor’s impartiality. For example, commission-based advisors earn money from selling financial products, which could create conflicts of interest. Also, although robo-advisors tend to charge lower fees, consider whether this tradeoff is worth it for the lack of personalized guidance.

FAQs

  • Who is the best financial advisor to go with?

    +

    The “best” financial advisor depends on your goals, budget and preferred service level. While names like Fidelity, J.P. Morgan, and Vanguard have a long reputation in this field, look through each provider’s history, accreditations and fees to find one that works for you.

  • What is the average fee for a financial advisor?

    +

    Annual AUM fees of about 1% are standard at many financial advisor firms, but it’s getting more common to find options below this amount, especially if firms use robo-advisors as part of their services.

  • What is a red flag for a financial advisor?

    +

    Major red flags include vague or hidden fees, lack of fiduciary duty, poor communication or overly aggressive sales tactics. If an advisor avoids answering questions or pressures you into decisions, it’s worth re-evaluating the relationship.

  • What would three financial advisors do with $10,000?

    +

    A financial advisor should always consider your personal preferences when allocating funds, but they may have their own investing styles and preferences. For instance, one might recommend diversifying across low-cost index funds for long-term growth. Another could suggest using it to pay down high-interest debt. A third might allocate part to a high-yield savings account and invest the rest based on your risk tolerance.

  • What is the average fee to work with a financial advisor?

    +

    Fees vary between financial advisory firms, but the average cost is between 0.5% - 1.5% for this service. Generally, financial advisors offer lower fees in percentage terms if clients have more capital or there’s a greater focus on robo-advisory offerings.

  • What type of financial advisor is best?

    +

    While each individual has different criteria for choosing the “best” financial advisor, it’s ideal to work with a fiduciary since they’re obligated to act in your best interest. Also, look for fee-only advisors with relevant certifications (e.g., CFP) and experience that aligns with your financial goals.

  • Is $500,000 enough to work with a financial advisor?

    +

    $500,000 is well above the minimum for all but the most elite financial advisors. While there are some financial advisors with higher minimums, an investment of $500,000 is enough to get access to many services like personalized guidance and portfolio management in various investment categories.

Eric Esposito Contributor

Eric Esposito is a freelance contributor on MoneyWise with an interest in financial markets, investing, and trading. In addition to MoneyWise, Eric’s work can be found on financial publications such as WallStreetZen and CoinDesk. When not researching the latest stock market trends, Eric enjoys biking, walking his dog, and spending time with family in Central Florida. Eric holds a BA in English from Quinnipiac University.

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