What is SoFi Automated Investing and how does it work?
SoFi Automated Investing is the robo-advisor service offered by Social Finance Inc. (SoFi), a US-based fintech company founded in 2011 that offers a broad range of lending, banking, and investment products.
SoFi Automated Investing provides automated, diversified portfolio management for individuals seeking a simple, low-cost way to invest.
Portfolios are personalized using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) aligned with your goals and risk tolerance, and are managed with features such as automatic rebalancing and dividend reinvestment.
SoFi Automated Investing charges a 0.25% annual management fee, plus the underlying expense ratios of the ETFs in your portfolio. Investors also gain access to financial planning sessions and digital tools that support budgeting, retirement planning, and long-term goal tracking.
What are the pros and cons of SoFi Automated Investing?
SoFi Automated Investing’s main strengths are its low fees, $50 minimum and CFP access, while limited customization and no tax-loss harvesting are key drawbacks.
The pros of SoFi Automated Investing
- Low advisory fee: It charges a 0.25% annual management fee, which is competitive in the robo-advisory market.
- Access to financial planners: Regular members get a complimentary 30-minute session with a CFP, while SoFi Plus members get unlimited access.
- Automatic rebalancing and dividend reinvestment: This keeps portfolios aligned with your risk profile and goals.
- Low account minimum: Start investing with $50, so it’s a low barrier to entry.
- User-friendly platform: SoFi Automated Investing has a simple and intuitive mobile app.
- Goal-based planning tools: Track multiple financial goals and monitor progress.
The cons of SoFi Automated Investing
- No tax-loss harvesting: This is a key feature offered by many competitors.
- Limited portfolio customization: Investors cannot select individual ETFs or exclude certain asset classes.
- Smaller ETF pool: Portfolios are built from a narrower range of funds compared to some alternatives.
SoFi Automated Investing fees: How much does it cost?
SoFi Automated Investing charges a 0.25% annual management fee, the same as Betterment and Wealthfront but slightly higher than Vanguard Digital Advisor at roughly 0.20% net. On a $10,000 portfolio, that works out to $25 a year.
Investors also pay the expense ratios of the underlying ETFs, while trading, rebalancing and account maintenance are included at no extra cost.
Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Advisory/management fees | 0.25% |
Minimum | $50 |
ETF expenses | ~0.05%–0.51% |
Trading | $0 |
Rebalancing | $0 |
Account maintenance | $0 |
What is SoFi Automated Investing’s minimum account size?
The minimum account size to start using SoFi Automated Investing is $50. Once you’ve funded your account with this amount, you can begin investing.
- Account minimum: A $50 initial deposit is required to set up your portfolio.
- No funding lock: After your first deposit, there’s no requirement to have a specific minimum balance.
- Advisor access: All SoFi members receive a complimentary 30-minute session with a CFP, while SoFi Plus members get unlimited advisor access (free with direct deposits or available for $10/month).
This structure makes SoFi Automated Investing highly accessible, allowing beginners and cost-conscious investors to start small and also have the option to receive expert financial advice.
Who is SoFi Automated Investing best for?
SoFi Automated Investing may suit you if you want low-cost, hands-off investing without a large starting balance. The $50 minimum makes it accessible to beginners, while the 0.25% fee covers automated portfolio management.
It is particularly useful if you value some human support, as members receive a complimentary CFP session and SoFi Plus members get unlimited access. This makes it a stronger option if you want automation with occasional financial guidance.
How does SoFi's robo-advisor compare to other robo-advisors?
SoFi’s 0.25% fee matches Betterment and Wealthfront and is cheaper than E*TRADE and Merrill, but more expensive than Vanguard, Schwab and some Fidelity Go accounts.
Robo-advisor | Annual advisory fee | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | $0 | $5,000 |
Fidelity Go | $0 under $25,000 | $0 to open |
Vanguard Digital Advisor | ~0.20% net | $100 |
SoFi Automated Investing | 0.25% | $50 |
Betterment | 0.25% | $0* |
Wealthfront | 0.25% | $500 |
E*TRADE Core Portfolios | 0.30% | $500 |
Merrill Guided Investing | 0.45% | $1,000 |
SoFi stands out for its low $50 entry point, but the best value depends on whether you prioritize fees, features or human support.
Is SoFi Automated Investing secure?
Yes, SoFi Automated Investing has regulatory and digital safeguards in place. Eligible brokerage accounts have SIPC protection up to $500,000, including $250,000 for cash, if the brokerage fails, although this does not cover investment losses.
SoFi also uses encryption, multi-factor authentication and account monitoring to help keep your account and personal information safe.
SoFi Automated Investing: What do real customers say?
Feedback about SoFi Automated Investing is generally positive.
Many users appreciate its ease of use and accessibility, but there are some concerns, particularly about fees and investment performance compared to market benchmarks.
On Reddit, some investors note that the platform is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it easy to get started without much prior knowledge.
Others have shared frustration with portfolio performance over the past few years, suggesting they might have done better with simple index funds.
A recurring theme in Reddit discussions is the recent introduction of the 0.25% advisory fee, which some users feel reduces its appeal compared to when it was free.
SoFi Automated Investing: Customer service
SoFi offers phone, live chat and in-app support. A key advantage is access to Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), professionals who can provide guidance on topics such as investing, retirement and budgeting.
All members get one complimentary 30-minute CFP session, while SoFi Plus members get unlimited sessions. This may suit you if you want automated investing with some human guidance.
SoFi Automated Investing: Mobile app
SoFi Automated Investing is integrated into the main SoFi app, where you can track your portfolio, make deposits, view goals and schedule meetings with financial planners.
The app is highly rated, with 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.3/5 on Google Play, making it a strong option if you value easy mobile account management.
Is SoFi Automated Investing worth it?
SoFi Automated Investing may be worth it if you want simple, low-cost investing. The $50 minimum, 0.25% annual fee and CFP access make it particularly suitable for beginners and hands-off investors.
However, it lacks tax-loss harvesting, ESG portfolios and extensive customization, which may limit its appeal for more advanced investors.
For more personalized advice, Unbiased can connect you with a financial advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Is SoFi Robo Investing the same as SoFi Automated Investing?
Yes. SoFi Robo Investing, SoFi Robo Advisor and SoFi Automated Investing refer to the same service. SoFi also provides advisory services through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Is SoFi Automated Investing good?
SoFi Automated Investing is a good option if you want low-cost, hands-off investing with some access to human guidance. Its 0.25% annual fee and $50 minimum are competitive, although it lacks tax-loss harvesting and offers limited portfolio customization.
What is SoFi Wealth?
SoFi Wealth refers to SoFi’s investment advisory services, provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Fact checked 09/09/2026