If you have ever searched for a Robo-advisor, chances are you’ve come across Betterment, due to its low fees and cash management features, and you’re interested in knowing if it’s available in your country, right?
Betterment is one of the first fintech companies to offer Robo-advisory services in the US. It recommends multiple portfolio options at low fees (0.25% annually) with many other features like access to financial advisors, tax-loss harvesting, automatic rebalancing, and cash management accounts.
Want to know if Betterment is available internationally, its expansion plans, and the alternatives available to international investors? We’ve got you covered!
What is Betterment?
Betterment is a US robo-advisor fintech founded in 2008 that helps you manage your money through a set of automatically managed portfolios, cash management features, and financial planning tools. It offers two services:
Betterment Digital: provides a diversified set of automatically managed portfolios at a low management fee of 0.25% annually, including socially responsible investing options. The service includes automatic rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, access to financial advisors for an additional cost, and a personalized retirement plan. The key advantage is that they don’t have a minimum balance requirement to start investing.
Betterment Premium: On top of the Betterment Digital features, you have unlimited access to certified financial planners and can add checking and cash reserve features at no cost. Still, you need to have a minimum balance of $100,000 to qualify, and the annual fee increases to 0.40%.
Betterment has worked on expanding its product offerings throughout the years since 2008. It has lately acquired Makara, an innovative company offering automated cryptocurrency portfolios.
Does Betterment work outside the US?
Unfortunately, you can’t open an account at Betterment if you don’t live in the US, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. The company’s Help Center states the following requirements to be eligible to open an account:
“Betterment currently only operates in the United States, and for regulatory reasons cannot accept international customers residing outside the United States. This includes US citizens residing and/or working abroad.* All customers must be at least 18 years of age in order to consent to all our agreements. Customers must have a permanent US address, a US Social Security Number or an ITIN, and a checking account from a US bank.
*Betterment supports residents in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We currently do not support residents in Guam.”
Betterment Alternatives
Despite innovating its product offerings, Betterment has not mentioned any plans to expand internationally. But don’t worry, we've looked into some solid alternatives that are worth considering if you live outside the US!
Although they do not have the same features, here is a list of a few Robo-advisors offering similar services:
It is a Robo-advisor offering various portfolios and customization possibilities. The service is fully automated, and it allows you to invest in socially responsible investments and benefit from tax-loss harvesting. It charges an annual management fee between 0.13% and 0.41%, depending on the investment amount, and you can have access to a personal financial advisor for amounts greater than €100,000. You can read our inbestMe review.
eToro is a social investing platform. The company offers robo-advice services through its “Smart Portfolios” which are designed to help investors in creating diversified portfolios.
A Robo-advisor offering seven portfolios built from a mixture of ETFs recommended based on your risk profile. It provides access to investment consultants and currently accepts clients from the UK and Italy. The fees charged by Moneyfarm range between 0.35% and 0.75% annually.
A popular Robo-advisor in Canada, offering over 60 different portfolios based on your preferences and risk profile. JustWealth provides many features to its clients, like financial planning, tax-loss harvesting, automatic rebalancing, and socially responsible investment options. It charges 0.50% on the first $500,000 invested in the portfolio and 0.40% on any additional amount. It is available only in Canada, and the minimum amount to start investing is $5,000.
Six Park is an automated investment service offering five core investment portfolios and a matching sustainable alternative if you prefer sustainable investing. It is available in Australia and offers a tier pricing structure starting at $6.25 per month.
Betterment Alternatives by country
Betterment alternatives compared
The bottom line
Betterment is an attractive Robo-advisor for many investors due to its low pricing and the various features it offers, but you won’t be able to open an account if you don’t live in the US. We hope this short list of alternative options will make it easier for you while searching for your suitable Robo-advisor.
At the end of the day, the choice will depend on your particular goals and risk perception. In general, we recommend that you check their websites, read how their investment process is implemented, compare the fees charged, and make sure that the company is regulated.
Finally, we hope you’ve found our breakdown of Betterment and its alternatives useful. And remember, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
A reminder that the above should not be construed as investment advice and should be considered information only. Investors should do their own research and due diligence about the services and opportunities best suited for their risk, returns, and impact strategy.
Happy investments!
Other FAQs
Does Betterment work internationally?🌐
No, Betterment isn’t available anywhere outside the US, and has no plans to expand internationally.
Is Betterment available in Canada? Can Canadians use Betterment?🇨🇦
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