Both Personal Capital Wealth Management and Ellevest Premium offer wealth management services with distinct features. Ellevest Premium has a lower minimum investment and a flat fee structure, making it potentially more accessible for some investors. It also emphasizes socially responsible investing with a focus on women. Personal Capital, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive tax optimization strategies, including tax-loss harvesting, and provides dedicated financial advisors for higher account balances. The absence of a mobile app is a notable disadvantage for Ellevest Premium.
| Attribute | Personal Capital Wealth Management | Ellevest Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Account Management Fees | Tiered based on AUM: Up to $1 million: 0.89% per year; $1 million to $3 million: 0.79% per year; $3 million to $5 million: 0.69% per year; $5 million to $10 million: 0.59% per year; Over $10 million: 0.49% per year. Fees incorporate trade commissions and custody fees. | 0.50% per year of assets under management, with a $50,000 minimum account balance. |
| Minimum Investment Required | $100,000 | $50,000 |
| Investment Strategy Customization | Personalized investment services such as investment checkups, advice, and strategy coaching. Portfolio customization with individual stocks is available for clients with assets between $200,000 and $1 million. | Customized investment plans based on client's goals, time horizon, assets, investment strategy, and earning power. Clients can choose between traditional or impact portfolios. For clients meeting certain balance thresholds, impact-focused portfolios can be further personalized. |
| Access to Financial Advisors | Clients with $100,000 to $200,000 are assigned to a team of advisors, while those with $200,000 to $1 million get dedicated financial advisors. Fiduciary financial advisors across the U.S. | Access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP ) by phone or email for guidance on financial topics. |
| Tax Optimization Strategies | Tax optimization strategies, including tax-loss harvesting and tax-sensitive asset location. | Implements tax minimization strategies, such as including tax-efficient municipal bonds in taxable accounts and securities that may incur more taxes, like corporate and government bonds, in tax-deferred retirement accounts. Tax-loss harvesting is not available. |
| Financial Planning Tools | Retirement planner, savings planner, net worth tracker, budget and cash flow tools, and a 401(k) fee analyzer. | Offers tools for setting financial goals encompassing wealth building, home buying, family planning, business ventures, splurges, and retirement. Provides forecasts of investment outcomes. |
| Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Options | Available | Offers "Impact Portfolios" that invest in companies promoting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals, including those making a positive impact for women. These portfolios may include funds focused on gender diversity, women's leadership, and high environmental and governance standards. |
| Retirement Planning Services | Tools to project retirement income and guidance on tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. Retirement Planner helps clients determine if they're on track to retire when they want. | Offers retirement planning services to help clients plan and feel confident about their retirement. They factor in women's longer lifespans and career trajectories. |
| Educational Resources | Available to help users improve their financial literacy. | Provides access to tips, videos, and articles in-app and on their website. Offers digital workshops, self-paced courses, and downloadable budgeting and planning materials. |
| Mobile App Availability and Features | Mobile apps for iOS and Android with features like net worth tracking, portfolio holdings, and retirement planning tools. | As of February 25, 2025, Ellevest no longer supports its iOS and Android mobile applications. Users can access their accounts through the Ellevest website. |
| Customer Support Channels and Responsiveness | Financial advisors can be contacted via phone, email, or online chat. | Customer support is available via email and phone (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ET), chatbot, and social media. |
| Portfolio Performance Transparency | Tools for tracking investment accounts and visualizing asset allocation. Allows users to see how their portfolio is performing compared to major stock market indices. | Provides tax and monthly statements. Reporting on Ellevest Intentional Impact Portfolios is provided to clients no less than annually. |