With Americans holding over $35 trillion in retirement accounts and fee structures facing unprecedented regulatory scrutiny in 2026, choosing between Edward Jones and Ameriprise has never been more consequential. Here’s what the latest data reveals about these two financial advisory giants.
The Department of Labor’s new fiduciary rule, finalized in late 2025, has intensified focus on advisory fees and conflicts of interest. Both Edward Jones and Ameriprise have made significant changes in response—and understanding the differences could mean tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement horizon.
Company Snapshots: 2026 Overview
| Factor | Edward Jones | Ameriprise |
| Founded | 1922 | 1894 (as IDS) |
| Assets Under Management | $1.9 trillion | $1.4 trillion |
| Number of Advisors | ~19,000 | ~10,000 |
| Branch Locations | ~15,000 | ~2,400 |
| Primary Model | One advisor per office | Team-based offices |
| Minimum Investment | None | $500-$2,000 |
Fee Structures: Where Your Money Goes
Fees represent the most significant difference between these firms—and the biggest factor in long-term wealth accumulation.
Edward Jones Fees
- Advisory Program: 1.35% annually on first $250K, declining to 0.50% above $10M
- Mutual Fund Loads: Up to 5.75% front-end loads on A-share funds
- Account Fees: $40/year IRA maintenance fee (waived with $250K+ household assets)
- Transaction Costs: Commission-based trades available; stocks typically $0
Ameriprise Fees
- SPS Advantage: 1.25%-2.0% annually depending on account size and strategy
- Active Portfolios: 1.0%-1.5% for managed portfolios
- Account Fees: $0 IRA maintenance on most accounts
- Transaction Costs: Commission-based option available; $0 stock trades
Real-World Impact
On a $500,000 portfolio over 20 years (assuming 7% annual returns):
- At 1.35% fees: Final balance of approximately $1,448,000
- At 1.75% fees: Final balance of approximately $1,342,000
- Difference: $106,000
Investment Options Compared
Edward Jones
Historically criticized for a limited fund lineup heavily weighted toward proprietary and preferred-partner products. However, 2025 saw significant expansion:
- Added low-cost index fund options from Vanguard and Fidelity
- Introduced ETF-based managed portfolios
- Expanded access to alternative investments for qualified clients
- Still maintains “preferred partner” relationships that critics argue create conflicts
Ameriprise
Broader platform with more flexibility:
- Access to 12,000+ mutual funds including institutional share classes
- Full ETF trading capabilities
- Alternative investments including private equity feeder funds
- Columbia Threadneedle (owned by Ameriprise) funds prominently featured
Advisor Quality and Experience
Both firms employ advisors with varying levels of expertise. Key considerations:
Edward Jones
- Pros: Neighborhood presence makes advisors accessible; strong focus on relationship building; lower turnover than industry average
- Cons: New advisors may have limited experience; one-advisor model means vacation/illness can leave you without coverage
- Credentials: Approximately 35% hold CFP designation
Ameriprise
- Pros: Team structure provides continuity; specialized advisors for complex situations; comprehensive financial planning tools
- Cons: May feel less personal; advisor compensation structure can incentivize product sales
- Credentials: Approximately 45% hold CFP designation
Technology and Digital Experience
Both firms have invested heavily in digital capabilities, but significant differences remain:
Edward Jones
- Mobile app rated 4.7/5 stars (improved significantly in 2025)
- Online account access with basic portfolio tracking
- Limited self-directed trading options
- No robo-advisor option
Ameriprise
- Mobile app rated 4.5/5 stars
- Comprehensive online planning tools
- Self-directed brokerage available within advisory accounts
- Ameriprise Guided Investing (robo-advisor) at 0.45% fee
Regulatory History: What You Should Know
Transparency matters. Both firms have faced regulatory actions:
Edward Jones
- 2024: Settled SEC charges related to mutual fund share class disclosure ($39M)
- 2023: State regulatory actions regarding cash sweep account disclosures
- Overall FINRA BrokerCheck record: Generally clean with typical customer disputes
Ameriprise
- 2024: DOL investigation into retirement plan rollovers (ongoing)
- 2022: Settled Massachusetts charges over sales practices ($4.5M)
- Overall FINRA BrokerCheck record: Comparable to industry average
Who Should Choose Which?
Edward Jones May Be Better If You:
- Value face-to-face relationships and local office access
- Prefer a single point of contact for all financial matters
- Have straightforward investment needs (retirement accounts, basic planning)
- Live in a smaller community where Edward Jones may be the only option
Ameriprise May Be Better If You:
- Need comprehensive financial planning (estate, insurance, tax integration)
- Want access to a broader range of investment options
- Prefer team-based service with specialist access
- Have complex financial situations (business owners, executives, inherited wealth)
The Bottom Line for 2026
Neither firm is objectively “better”—the right choice depends entirely on your specific needs, investment amount, and service preferences.
Key Questions to Ask Any Advisor:
- What is your total compensation from my account?
- Are you a fiduciary on all recommendations?
- What conflicts of interest should I know about?
- Can I see a comparison of funds you recommend vs. lower-cost alternatives?
The new DOL fiduciary rule requires advisors to act in your best interest on retirement accounts. Use this to your advantage—ask tough questions, compare fees in writing, and remember that the difference of even 0.5% annually compounds dramatically over decades.
Fee information current as of January 2026. Both firms periodically adjust their fee schedules; confirm current rates before making decisions.
