Fidelity Go vs Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Compare Fidelity Go (0% advisory fee) vs Schwab Intelligent Portfolios (0% advisory fee) — features, cash requirements, portfolio construction, and which free robo-advisor wins.
⚠ Not Financial Advice
The information on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute personalized investment advice, a recommendation, or an endorsement of any specific investment product or strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investment decisions involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. You should consult a qualified financial advisor or investment professional before making any investment decisions. Fee structures, account minimums, and platform features are subject to change — verify current terms directly with each provider before opening an account.
Quick Answer
Both offer 0% advisory fees on portfolio management. Fidelity Go has no account minimum and no cash drag. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios requires a $5,000 minimum but keeps a significant cash allocation (6-30%) that earns low interest, creating an indirect cost. Fidelity Go is better for beginners; Schwab offers more human advisor access.
Fidelity Go
Fidelity's robo-advisor with zero management fees on balances under $25,000 and no account minimum. Combines automated portfolio management with access to human advisors via unlimited coaching calls.
Pricing
$0.35/yr
Key Features
- ✓Automated portfolio management using Flex Asset Allocation methodology
- ✓Zero management fee on balances under $25,000
- ✓0.35% annual management fee on balances above $25,000
- ✓No account minimum — start investing with $10
- ✓Unlimited one-on-one coaching calls with Fidelity advisors
- ✓Taxable brokerage, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA account types
Pros
- +Genuinely free at low balances — no management fee under $25,000 is unique among major robo-advisors
- +No account minimum makes it the most accessible option for new investors starting with small amounts
- +Unlimited human coaching calls provide a bridge between automated management and live guidance
- +Backed by Fidelity, a large and established financial institution with strong customer service reputation
- +Integration with existing Fidelity accounts for consolidated portfolio viewing
Cons
- −No tax-loss harvesting — a notable gap compared to Betterment, Wealthfront, and Schwab
- −0.35% fee above $25,000 is higher than Betterment's standard tier (0.25%) and Schwab ($0)
- −Limited customization — Fidelity Go constructs the portfolio; you cannot choose individual stocks or ETFs
- −Fewer account types than competitors — no SEP IRA, trust accounts, or crypto exposure
- −Coaching calls are guidance-only, not dedicated portfolio management from a human advisor
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android
Learn more →Schwab Intelligent Portfolios
Schwab's robo-advisor with zero advisory fee and no commissions. Automated portfolio management with access to over 300 physical branches for in-person service.
Pricing
$30/mo
Key Features
- ✓Zero advisory fee — no percentage-based management fee
- ✓Portfolio of Schwab ETFs, stocks, and bonds selected based on risk profile
- ✓$5,000 account minimum
- ✓Mandatory cash allocation of 6–30% held in Schwab Bank deposit account
- ✓Premium tier ($300 + $30/month) adds CFP access for comprehensive planning
- ✓Automatic rebalancing and dividend reinvestment
Pros
- +Zero advisory fee — no percentage charged on assets under management
- +Physical branch access at over 300 locations offers in-person support unavailable from digital-only platforms
- +Tax-loss harvesting included at no additional cost for taxable accounts
- +Broad fund selection across Schwab's ETF lineup covering multiple asset classes
- +Premium tier provides access to a CFP for holistic financial planning beyond portfolio management
Cons
- −Mandatory 6–30% cash allocation creates cash drag — a portion of the portfolio earns deposit rates rather than participating in market returns
- −High account minimum ($5,000) compared to zero-minimum competitors like Fidelity Go, Betterment, and Wealthfront
- −No ability to customize portfolio holdings beyond the algorithm's allocation
- −Cash allocation is Schwab's revenue model — the structure creates an inherent potential conflict of interest
- −Premium tier's $300 upfront fee + $30/month is expensive relative to the standard tier's zero-fee structure
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android
Learn more →Real-World Scenarios
You want truly zero-cost, zero-minimum investing
You're a new investor with a small amount to start. You don't want any account minimums and you don't want a portion of your portfolio sitting in low-yield cash.
You want access to human advisors at no extra cost
You have at least $5,000 to invest and want the option to speak with a human financial advisor without paying extra fees for the service.