Invest the way
you want

Still have questions?

• How do I add funds to my self-directed investing account?

  You can fund your self-directed investing account just like any other taxable Betterment account. This includes transferring money via ACH from a linked bank account, instantly moving funds from your Betterment Cash Reserve account, and transferring eligible securities from another broker via ACAT.

  You may initiate a transfer from your automated investing account to your self-directed account, but note that this will result in the sale of securities and potential tax impact. You’ll receive a tax impact preview as part of the transfer flow. Assets will not move in-kind. 

• How do I move investments from another broker into my self-directed investing account?

  You can transfer eligible securities from another brokerage to your Betterment self-directed investing account via ACAT (Automated Customer Account Transfer). The minimum transfer amount is $10. See how to get started and learn more about ACATS transfers.

• What can and can’t I invest in?

  Betterment’s self-directed accounts currently support trading in U.S.-listed stocks from the S&P 500 and Russell 1000 indices, along with a wide range of ETFs.

  If you can’t find a particular ticker, it may be because it’s outside that universe, doesn’t meet our liquidity or custody standards, generates a K-1 tax form, or is under review for onboarding.

  At this time, mutual funds can only be transferred in and held or sold, not purchased, in self-directed investing accounts.

   
• How do I buy or sell an investment?
  Buy orders can be submitted in dollar amounts. Support for share-based orders is not currently available, but will be available in the future. Sell orders can be submitted by either share amount or dollar amount. Fractional share orders are supported, and no action is required by a client to buy or sell fractional shares.

   
• Are trades commission-free? What other fees should I expect?
  All trades are commission-free. ETFs can carry fees (the expense ratio), which are embedded within the fund’s cost of ownership. 
• How do I track my gains/losses and get tax forms?
  Self-directed investing account performance can initially be tracked at the top of your self-directed investing account overview. Self-directed investing accounts will be incorporated into the user-level performance in the near future. You can access more details on your realized gains and losses in your Documents tab. Tax forms will be made available in your Documents tab at the beginning of each year. 
• Are there trading or management fees?
  You’ll pay no trading commission fees, and Betterment’s management fee doesn’t apply. ETFs can carry fees (the expense ratio), which are embedded within the fund’s cost of ownership.