After completing a short online questionnaire, investors are matched to one of several pre-built portfolios. These portfolios are available in two main styles:
globally diversified portfolio that balances risk and return across markets,
sustainability-focused ESG portfolio that prioritizes companies with strong environmental and social practices.
Once an account is opened, the service provides ongoing portfolio monitoring, automatic rebalancing, and reinvestment of dividends. These features help ensure that portfolios remain aligned with the investor’s original objectives without requiring ongoing manual oversight.
What are the pros and cons of Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor offers a low-cost, accessible automated investing solution, though it has limitations in terms of customization and investment options.
Pros of Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor:
Low account minimum of $500: You need at least $500 to begin investing and have 180 days to reach this minimum.
Includes human advisor access: A licensed advisor is available to all users for no added fee.
Tax-loss harvesting is included: Tax-loss harvesting, which is when you sell securities at a loss to offset gains in other investments, is available for eligible taxable accounts to help manage after-tax outcomes.
Advisory fee discounts are available: Linking an eligible Wells Fargo checking account (prime, premier, or private bank interest checking) can reduce the fee.
You can choose from two portfolio styles: You have the choice between global diversification and sustainability focused portfolio styles.
Cons of Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor:
Limited customization: Portfolios are pre-built using ETFs and cannot be customized, which may not suit investors who want more control over fund selection.
Advisory fee higher than some digital-only robo-advisors: The flat 0.35% annual fee is competitive for a hybrid service that includes advisor access, but it is more expensive than platforms that focus solely on automation, such as Betterment or Schwab Intelligent Portfolios.
No individual stock trading: Investors are limited to ETF portfolios and cannot invest directly in single stocks or other asset classes.
How much does Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor cost?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor charges a straightforward annual advisory fee of 0.35% of assets under management (AUM), billed quarterly. Clients who maintain qualifying Wells Fargo checking accounts—such as Prime, Premier, or Private Bank Interest Checking—receive discounted rates as low as 0.25%. In addition to this advisory fee, investors pay the expense ratios of the ETFs within their portfolios, which typically range from 0.07% to 0.15% for globally diversified allocations and 0.12% to 0.14% for ESG portfolios.
There are no trading commissions or account maintenance fees, but some standard account service charges, such as wire transfers or outgoing account transfers, still apply. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of Intuitive Investor’s fee structure.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Advisory Fee | 0.35% of AUM, billed quarterly |
| Discounted Fee | 0.30% with Prime Checking; 0.25% with Premier Checking or Private Bank/Interest Checking |
| ETF Expense Ratios | 0.07%–0.15% (Globally Diversified), 0.12%–0.14% (Sustainability/ESG) |
| Trading Commissions | None (all trades and rebalancing included) |
| Account Maintenance | No fee |
| IRA Termination Fee | $49.95 |
| Outgoing Transfer Fee | $49.95 |
| Wire Transfer Fees | $30 domestic, $40 international, No fee for online/mobile initiated |
Source: Intuitive Investor® Account Fee Schedule
What is Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor's minimum account size?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor requires a minimum of $500 to open an account, making it more accessible than many traditional advisory programs. Investors have up to 180 days to reach this balance, which allows some flexibility for those starting with smaller deposits.
This relatively low minimum is designed to attract beginner and intermediate investors who want automated portfolio management without needing to commit large sums up front. By comparison, Wells Fargo’s advisor-led wealth management programs typically require $10,000 or more, meaning Intuitive Investor serves as the firm’s entry-level option for digital investing.
Who should choose Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor is best suited for beginner and intermediate investors who want a straightforward, hands-off approach. It combines automated ETF portfolios with access to licensed financial advisors, making it appealing to those who prefer guidance without the need to select individual investments.
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor may be a good fit if you:
Have at least $500 to start and want a simple, online setup.
Prefer a predefined ETF portfolio aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
Value automation combined with advisor access at no additional cost.
Are an existing Wells Fargo customer who can benefit from advisory fee discounts and integrated banking and investing.
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor: Is it secure?
Yes, Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor is secure, offering protections that are standard for large brokerage firms.
Client data is encrypted, accounts require multi-factor authentication at login, and automatic session time-outs reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Wells Fargo also monitors accounts 24/7 for suspicious activity, with alerts sent if unusual behavior is detected.
Portfolios are custodied with Wells Fargo Clearing Services and protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). While this safeguards against broker failure, it does not protect against market losses.
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor: Customer service
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor provides stronger customer service than many robo-advisors, as every client has access to licensed financial advisors at no additional cost. Support is available through phone consultations, secure online messaging, and in-branch visits for those who prefer face-to-face interaction.
The online platform also allows investors to track performance, monitor accounts, and access educational resources for added guidance.
This combination of digital convenience with advisor access makes Intuitive Investor stand out for users who want more personalized support alongside automation.
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor reviews: What do real customers say?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor reviews show a mix of positives and trade-offs.
Many investors like the convenience of managing everything under one roof, especially if they already bank with Wells Fargo. One Reddit user, for example, shared that they’ve used Intuitive Investor for a Roth IRA and trust accounts, and found the experience smooth — particularly with the discounted 0.25% fee available to Premier clients. They also highlighted the value of features such as tax-loss harvesting and expanded support for specialty accounts.
More broadly, feedback suggests that Intuitive Investor works best for customers who want automated investing with the reassurance of advisor access and banking integration. However, some reviews of Wells Fargo Advisors as a whole point out that service quality can vary, which may influence the experience depending on the advisor relationship.
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor: mobile app
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor is managed through the standard Wells Fargo mobile app, available on both iOS and Android. The app provides investors with convenient access to their portfolios alongside everyday banking features, making it easy to track balances, review performance, and adjust contributions on the go.
While the integration is practical for clients who want a single app for banking and investing, it isn’t a dedicated robo-advisor app like those offered by competitors such as Betterment, Wealthfront, or SoFi Automated Investing. As a result, the experience may feel less tailored for investing, but it benefits from Wells Fargo’s broad functionality and reliable mobile platform.
Is Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor worth it?
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor is worth considering for investors who want straightforward, automated ETF portfolios with access to licensed advisors included. Its $500 minimum and banking-linked fee discounts make it especially appealing for existing Wells Fargo clients. However, those seeking broader portfolio customization or different pricing structures may find alternatives like Fidelity Go or Schwab Intelligent Portfolios a better fit.
Get expert financial advice
Wells Fargo Intuitive Investor combines automated portfolios with advisor access, making it appealing for investors who want simplicity and guidance in one place.
If you need expert financial advice beyond robo-advisors, Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who will help you manage your money and maximize your investments.