The Best Fintech Apps for Automated Investing I Trust

Fintech apps for automated investing can feel like having a personal finance assistant in your pocket. Over the past few years, I’ve tested dozens of platforms that promise to grow my wealth without constant monitoring. By the end, you’ll have a shortlist of reliable apps and practical tips to set your portfolio on autopilot.

Why trust automated investing?

Let’s face it, watching markets all day isn’t realistic for most of us. Automation takes the emotion out of buying and selling, and keeps your strategy on track. Here’s the thing, a good platform can:

• Rebalance your portfolio so it stays aligned with your goals
• Harvest tax losses to help lower your annual bill
• Buy fractional shares so you can diversify with small amounts
• Automate recurring deposits to build savings over time
• Show you clear fees so there are no surprises

Choosing the right app

Not all automated investing tools offer the same features or costs. I look at four key areas before committing to one.

Compare fees and pricing

Fees can eat into your returns over time. Most robo-advisors charge a percentage of assets under management, while others use flat monthly fees or commissions per trade. Always check what you pay so it doesn’t swallow your gains.

• Percentage fees tend to range from 0.15 to 0.50 percent of AUM
• Flat fees usually cost $1 to $5 per month
• Commission models tack on costs per transaction

If you want to see how these models stack up, check our fintech investment apps comparison.

Weigh automation features

Not all auto-investing tools are created equal. Some only rebalance, while others add tax-loss harvesting, cash management, or even automated savings.

• Automatic rebalancing nudges your portfolio back to target after market swings
• Tax optimization strategies can boost after-tax returns
• Cash buffers and high-yield savings help you park idle funds
• Goal-based roadmaps guide deposits toward milestones like down payments

Dive deeper into smart saving with fintech apps for automated savings.

Explore investment options

Think about what assets you want exposure to. Stocks and ETFs are the norm, but a few platforms let you dabble in cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer lending.

• ETFs and index funds for broad market coverage
• Individual stocks for targeted bets
• Crypto tokens if you’re okay with higher risk
• Peer-to-peer loans for income generation

For crypto-focused tools, see fintech apps for cryptocurrency investing.

Check security and transparency

Your money’s safety comes first. Look for standard protections like FDIC or SIPC insurance, two-factor authentication, and clear disclosures on fees and data practices.

• SIPC coverage up to $500,000 for brokerage accounts
• FDIC insurance up to $250,000 for cash balances
• Two-factor authentication for login security
• Straightforward statements that show fees and performance

My top automated investing apps

After trying many tools, these three stood out for reliability, features, and ease of use. Here’s a quick comparison:

App	Min. balance	Fee	Best for
Betterment	$0	0.25% AUM	Goal-based investing
Wealthfront	$0	0.25% AUM	Tax optimization
M1 Finance	$100	$0	Portfolio customization

Betterment

Features at a glance

• Goal-based investing with guided setup
• Tax-loss harvesting included
• High-yield cash reserve option

Pros and cons

• Pros: User-friendly interface, no account minimum
• Cons: Limited customization, 0.25 percent AUM fee

Pricing

• Digital plan: 0.25 percent of assets under management
• Premium plan: 0.40 percent for balances over $100,000

Betterment is one of the leading fintech apps for robo-advisors thanks to its beginner-friendly design.

Wealthfront

Features at a glance

• Passive portfolios with low-cost ETFs
• Direct indexing for larger accounts
• Cash account with competitive yield

Pros and cons

• Pros: Automated tax optimization, financial planning tools
• Cons: No human financial advice, limited crypto support

Pricing

• 0.25 percent fee on assets under management

Wealthfront shines if you want advanced tax features without managing it yourself.

M1 Finance

Features at a glance

• Customizable “pie” portfolios
• Fractional shares across stocks and ETFs
• Autopilot deposits and rebalancing

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free management, deep customization
• Cons: No tax-loss harvesting, learning curve for custom pies

Pricing

• No management fee for basic accounts
• M1 Plus plan: $125 per year for added perks

M1 Finance works well if you enjoy hands-on portfolio design.

Getting started with automated investing

Here are the steps I follow when setting up a new account:

1. Define your goal, like retirement or a new home
2. Choose a platform that matches your risk tolerance
3. Link your bank and set up recurring transfers
4. Pick a preset portfolio or customize your asset mix
5. Check your dashboard monthly and adjust contributions

Not sure which goal tracker to use? Our guide to fintech apps for goal-based investing can help.

FAQs about automated investing

1. How much money do I need to start?
   Most platforms let you open an account with zero dollars. A few require $100 or more upfront.
2. Are my funds protected?
   Most tools use SIPC and FDIC insurance. Always review each app’s coverage details.
3. Can I withdraw anytime?
   Yes, you can redeem your investments, though some tax features work best with a longer hold.
4. Will I lose control?
   You set your risk preferences and can adjust your asset mix at any time.

Key takeaways and next steps

• Automated platforms remove emotion and keep your plan on track
• Compare fees, features, investment options, and security before you choose
• Betterment, Wealthfront, and M1 Finance each serve different needs
• Follow a simple setup process and review your progress regularly

If you want to round out your toolkit, check our roundup of fintech apps for saving money. Which app will you try? Let me know in the comments below.