Wealthfront vs Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Review

Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our 2017 Broker Review, we factored in 308 different variables to assess 16 different brokers. So when taking a look at Schwab Intelligent Portfolios vs Wealthfront, there is a huge database of information available to us.

To start this comparison, first we will take a look at the broker commission rates for placing regular stock and options trades. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Wealthfront both cost $0 per trade. Looking at trading options, Wealthfront's base fee is $-1 while Schwab Intelligent Portfolios's is $0. At a difference of $1.00 per contract, Wealthfront's per contract rate of $-1 is less than Schwab Intelligent Portfolios which charges $0. Not all brokers charge a flat rate fee per trade though, so it is important to read the full commission notes to know the complete breakdown (go to any online broker review page, then scroll to the "Commissions Notes" section).

Next to commission rates, being able to trade the instrument you want is important. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Wealthfront unfortunately do not provide clients with Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading. Looking at mutual funds, both Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Wealthfront provide clients with access to total funds. Commission free ETFs also should not be forgotten, which in this case means trading a possible funds at both brokers.

Lastly, taking a look at popular features and functionality, we can go a bit deeper to really break down the difference of both brokers. Schwab Intelligent Portfolios nor Wealthfront has virtual trading. Taking a look at mobile trading, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and Wealthfront sadly do not provide clients with an iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Not to be left out, online banking is also a nice benefit for many investors, and some brokerages provide these services to clients. Unfortunately Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans are not available at Schwab Intelligent Portfolios or Wealthfront . On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and trading on the go, Neither Schwab Intelligent Portfolios nor Wealthfront were rated Best in Class - Platforms & Tools, Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading.

Overall, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios takes the upper hand with 4.50 stars over Wealthfront's 4.00 stars.