Built by you. Managed by us.

A Custom portfolio is a managed portfolio you build yourself by choosing individual stocks and ETFs and setting a target weight for each one, rather than picking one of Betterment's pre-built strategies. Once it's set up, Betterment manages it just like any other portfolio: rebalancing, dividend reinvestment, tax features, and fractional shares all apply.

Custom portfolios are an evolution of the Flexible Portfolio experience. The biggest differences: the universe of investments to choose from has increased, and exposure analytics and AI insight are available as you build. Additionally, rebalancing works at the individual position level instead of across multiple tiers, and the portfolio is framed as "client-directed" since you choose each holding.

Yes. As you build or edit your portfolio, Betterment generates insights on your allocation, sector exposure, and geographical region exposure, highlighting any concentrations and potential impacts. These insights don't include recommendations and don't factor in your personal financial situation, nor your Betterment or other external financial accounts.

Custom portfolios launch for individual taxable accounts on August 3. We’re working on supporting IRAs, joint taxable, trust taxable, 401(k)s, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s in the meantime.

Start by opening a new automated investing account and select an individual taxable legal account type. When you're asked to choose a portfolio strategy, select "Custom portfolio." From there, you can either start from scratch, searching for and adding securities and setting a target percentage for each, or import a pre-built model portfolio as a starting point and customize it. The same builder is available if you'd like to edit your portfolio later.

A Custom portfolio lets you edit the holdings of a Betterment-built portfolio or build one from scratch, all with Betterment’s automated management and tax optimization built right in. To change your current Betterment portfolio strategy (Core, Socially Responsible Investing, etc.) to a Custom portfolio, follow these steps. Confirm Custom portfolios are available in the investing accounts (taxable, IRA, etc.) currently associated with your Betterment portfolio. Custom portfolios are currently available in individual taxable accounts, with joint and trust accounts and IRAs following in the months to come. Navigate to the relevant investing goal or account. Under “Portfolio strategy,” select “Change.” Select “Custom portfolio” from the list of options. From there, you’ll be able to start building your Custom portfolio from scratch, or use a Betterment portfolio as a template starting with our recommended allocation.

Custom portfolios carry the same 0.25% annual wrap fee as Betterment's other managed accounts. That fee is never charged on your cash position.