E*TRADE Core Portfolios review

E*TRADE Core Portfolios is a straightforward managed ETF account for investors who already use E*TRADE or want a values-based portfolio. The annual advisory fee is 0.30%, which E*TRADE frames as $1.50 a year on the $500 minimum, and underlying fund expenses are charged separately. After you describe your goals, E*TRADE recommends a portfolio, and you can personalize it with socially responsible (SRI and ESG) or smart beta ETF strategies before you approve it. The service tracks investments daily, rebalances to stay on target and offers tax-loss harvesting. Compared with the leaders, the fee is 0.05 to 0.10 points higher than Betterment, Wealthfront and Vanguard's index option, and the $500 minimum matches Wealthfront but sits above Betterment and Fidelity Go. It earns a place here for its strategy menu, but cost-focused investors have cheaper choices above it.

Who it is for

E*TRADE customers who want an ESG or smart beta portfolio

Price

0.30% per year advisory fee, as low as $1.50 a year on $500; $500 minimum.

The Annual Advisory Fee is 0.30%, or as low as $1.50 for $500 in assets, and is the direct fee charged to any client in the advisory program.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 0.30% annual advisory fee
• $500 minimum investment
• Portfolio customization with socially responsible (SRI and ESG) and smart beta ETFs
• Daily tracking and rebalancing
• Tax-loss harvesting option

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: SRI, ESG and smart beta strategies can be added to the recommended portfolio
• Strength: Fee is $1.50 a year on the $500 minimum
• Strength: Sits alongside an existing E*TRADE brokerage relationship
• Weakness: 0.30% is higher than Betterment, Wealthfront and Vanguard
• Weakness: $500 minimum is above Betterment, Fidelity Go and Ally
• Weakness: Underlying fund expenses are charged on top of the advisory fee

Key facts

• Advisory fee: 0.30% per year
• Minimum: $500
• Strategies: Core, SRI/ESG, smart beta
• Rebalancing: Tracked daily

Where it ranks

E*TRADE Core Portfolios is No. 7 in our Best Robo Advisors verdict.