Fidelity Go: This is a robo-advisor that builds and manages portfolios using Fidelity Flex mutual funds. It’s fully automated, low-cost, and suitable for clients who want a simple digital investment solution.
Fidelity Managed FidFolios: A direct indexing robo-advisor that allows clients to own individual US stocks in a customized portfolio that is designed to mirror an index. It offers tax-loss harvesting and environmental, social and governance (ESG) options and includes advisor access.
Advisory services team (AST): A remote, team-based model that provides standardized planning guidance and ongoing portfolio management.
Wealth Management (WM): A dedicated one-to-one advisor who offers personalized financial and investment planning, and broader support.
Private Wealth Management (PWM): This is a senior advisory team for high-net-worth clients that offers resources for complex needs such as family governance, estate planning, and liquidity strategies.
Fidelity’s financial advisor services include automated robo portfolios and team-based or individual advisors.
The personalization and planning support increase as the client’s asset size and financial complexity rise.
What are the pros and cons of Fidelity financial advisor?
Fidelity financial advisor combines digital and human-led solutions, with key advantages including accessibility, transparency, and a range of services.
However, there are also limitations in terms of cost, complexity, and eligibility requirements.
The pros of Fidelity financial advisor:
Planning and portfolio management: The advisory firm’s tiers integrate financial planning with discretionary investment management, giving clients strategic guidance and execution in one program.
Service levels tailored to asset size: Fidelity offers three main advisor-led options. These are the advisory services team, Wealth Management, and Private Wealth Management, which scale advisor access according to the complexity of a portfolio.
Transparent fee structure: The fee schedule is clearly disclosed, with breakpoints and credit amounts available to reduce fees.
Access to tax-efficient strategies: Clients can access tax-smart strategies and separately managed account (SMA) sleeves, providing more personalized and potentially tax-efficient portfolios.
Multiple ways to connect: Clients can get in touch online, via Fidelity’s mobile app, over the phone, or in person at an investor center.
Low entry point for Fidelity Go: Fidelity Go offers a low entry point (only $10) and a simple fee model that includes fund costs, making it ideal for beginner investors.
Direct indexing available: Fidelity Managed FidFolios provides direct indexing, so clients own individual US stocks in their portfolios. It includes tax-loss harvesting and optional advisor access.
The cons of Fidelity financial advisor:
High minimum for some services: You need at least $50,000 to start, $500,000 for a dedicated advisor, and $2 million or more for Private Wealth Management.
Extra costs: In addition to advisory fees, you pay fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) expenses, and some specialized portfolios, such as SMA sleeves, can add another 0.35%–0.4% per year.
Flat vs tiered pricing: The AST charges 1.1%, while Wealth Management’s fees fall as your balance grows, so at higher balances, this may be a cheaper option.
Program exit rules: If you leave the program, certain investments may have to be sold, which could result in unexpected taxes.
Limited personalization for digital services: Fidelity Go has no human advisor support and offers only standardized portfolios, while Fidelity Managed FidFolios requires a $5,000 minimum and charges a higher 0.4% fee compared to Fidelity Go. It allows only limited customization and excludes a small number of companies.
Fidelity financial advisor fees: how much does it cost?
Fidelity’s fees for working with a human financial advisor start at 0.50% to 1.50% annually, depending on the program and account size. The entry-level robo service charges no advisory fee below $25,000, while full-service wealth management comes with higher costs based on assets under management.
Below is a breakdown of Fidelity’s advisory fees by service level:
Fidelity Go
Fidelity Go is Fidelity’s robo-advisor offering, designed for hands-off investors who want automated portfolio management.
Fees: $0 for balances under $25,000; 0.35% annually for accounts above that threshold
Portfolio costs: $0 expense ratios using Fidelity Flex mutual funds
Best for: Beginners and hands-off investors who want automated investing without paying high fees
Considerations: Offers digital guidance only — no dedicated financial advisor
This pricing is competitive compared to other robo-advisors, especially since portfolio fund costs are eliminated. However, it lacks personalized financial planning, so it may not suit investors with more complex needs.
Fidelity Managed FidFolios®
Managed FidFolios is a step up from basic automated investing, offering direct indexing to potentially improve tax efficiency.
Fees: 0.40% annually
Value for cost: Includes automated tax-loss harvesting and customizable portfolios
Best for: Taxable accounts over $50,000 where direct indexing may outperform ETFs
Considerations: Limited advisor interaction and best suited for tax-focused investors
For investors who want tax efficiency without hiring a full-service advisor, FidFolios offers good value. However, it may be unnecessary for retirement accounts where tax benefits are limited.
Fidelity Wealth Management
Fidelity Wealth Management delivers advisor-led planning and investment management. Fees vary based on service tier, portfolio structure, and account size.
Fidelity Wealth Services (FWS)
This is Fidelity’s core advisory program with a dedicated advisor and personalized planning.
| Asset tier | Annual advisory fee |
|---|---|
| First $500,000 | 1.50% |
| Next $500,000 | 1.25% |
| Next $500,000 | 1.10% |
| Next $1 million | 0.90% |
| Next $3 million | 0.70% |
| Above $5 million | 0.50% |
Best for: Investors who want ongoing advisor support and a long-term financial plan
Value for cost: Fees are higher than robo-advisors but typical for advisor-led services
Considerations: Minimums vary by advisor availability, and fees decline with higher balances
The program is suitable for clients who want traditional wealth management without paying the premium pricing of private banks or boutique RIAs.
Fidelity Strategic Disciplines (FSD)
This program manages portfolios of individual securities through separate accounts.
Fees: 0.20%–1.04% depending on strategy and assets
Best for: High-net-worth investors seeking tax-efficient or customized investment strategies
Value for cost: Offers access to professional SMAs, often used by sophisticated investors
Considerations: Some strategies may have additional fees for overlays or managers
Compared to competing SMA programs from Merrill or Morgan Stanley, Fidelity’s pricing is generally competitive, especially at higher asset levels.
Private Wealth Management (PWM)
PWM is Fidelity’s highest service tier designed for ultra-high-net-worth families.
Eligibility: Typically $10 million+ in assets
Value for cost: Includes a dedicated advisory team and advanced tax, estate, and wealth transfer planning
Considerations: Fees follow FWS or FSD schedules but include more bespoke service
PWM may appeal to affluent investors wanting family office-style guidance without moving to a boutique wealth management firm.
What is the minimum account size for Fidelity financial advisor?
The minimum account size to work with a Fidelity financial advisor is $50,000 through the firm’s Fidelity Wealth Services (FWS) program. This is the first tier that includes a dedicated financial advisor and personalized planning support.
Fidelity also offers additional investing services with different minimum requirements depending on whether you want automated investing, portfolio customization, or high-touch wealth management. Here’s how the minimums compare by service level:
Fidelity Go – Robo-advisor
Minimum: $10 to open; investing begins at $10
Advisor access: No dedicated financial advisor; digital support only. Clients with $25,000+ get access to one-on-one coaching sessions but not full financial planning.
Fidelity Managed FidFolios® – Direct indexing service
Minimum: $5,000
Advisor access: Limited. Portfolios are professionally managed, but this is not a full advisory relationship. Some guidance is available, but no dedicated advisor.
Fidelity Wealth Services (FWS) – Human financial advisor
Minimum: $50,000
Advisor access: Yes. Clients work with a dedicated Fidelity advisor who provides portfolio management and financial planning support.
Fidelity Strategic Disciplines (FSD) – Advisor-led SMA portfolio management
Minimum: $100,000 to $200,000 (varies by strategy)
Advisor access: Yes. Clients collaborate with an advisor to choose and manage separately managed account (SMA) strategies.
Fidelity Private Wealth Management (PWM) – High-net-worth wealth advisory
Minimum: $2 million managed through Fidelity Wealth Management programs (FWS or FSD) and $10 million+ in total investable assets
Advisor access: Yes. Clients receive a dedicated wealth advisor team with advanced planning services, including tax and estate strategies.
Who should choose Fidelity financial advisor?
Fidelity offers multiple levels of advisory services, ranging from low-cost automated investing to dedicated wealth management. The right option depends on your portfolio size, financial goals, and the level of advisor support you want.
Fidelity Go
Best for investors who want a simple, low-cost robo-advisor with automated portfolio management. This option is suitable for beginners or hands-off investors who do not need a personal financial advisor.Fidelity Managed FidFolios®
Ideal for investors who want customizable portfolios through direct indexing and potential tax benefits like tax-loss harvesting. Limited advisor support is available, but this is not a full advisor relationship.Fidelity Wealth Services (FWS)
Designed for investors who want ongoing support from a dedicated Fidelity financial advisor, including financial planning, retirement guidance, and portfolio management. Suitable for individuals with growing wealth who value personal advice.Fidelity Strategic Disciplines (FSD)
Best for investors who want professionally managed separately managed accounts (SMAs) with personalized portfolio strategies. This service is suitable for tax-sensitive investors or those seeking more advanced investment customization, guided by an advisor.Fidelity Private Wealth Management (PWM)
Built for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families who require comprehensive wealth management, including estate planning, tax strategy, philanthropy, business succession, and investment management. Clients work with a dedicated private wealth advisor team.
Fidelity financial advisor: Is it secure?
Yes, Fidelity accounts are protected through its security framework, which includes multi-factor authentication, encryption, and 24/7 monitoring to prevent unauthorized access.
Clients receive security alerts and notifications for account activity.
From a regulatory standpoint, accounts are covered by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash).
Fidelity also has excess SIPC coverage with an aggregate limit of $1 billion and a $1.9 million cash sub-limit per customer. These protections do not cover market losses but offer strong safeguards against brokerage insolvency or unauthorized account activity.
Is Fidelity financial advisor worth it?
Fidelity’s financial advisor service can be worth it for investors who want professional guidance from a well-established firm and are comfortable paying for hands-on support.
Its advisor-led programs offer financial planning, portfolio management and access to tax-aware strategies, but fees range from around 0.50% to 1.50% of assets, which may feel high for investors with simpler needs.
Those focused on lower costs may find better value from alternatives like Vanguard Personal Advisor Services or Charles Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium, while high-net-worth investors may also compare options from Merrill Lynch or independent fiduciary advisors.
Get expert financial advice
Fidelity’s financial advisor services offer scalable guidance, from automated investing to full-service wealth management with dedicated advisors. They suit investors who want professional planning support and access to tax-efficient strategies, though fees and minimums increase with service level.
If you need expert financial advice tailored to your goals, Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who will help you plan, invest, and build long-term financial confidence.