What do those fees really cost you?
Some apps charge a flat fee like $3/month. It sounds tiny - but on a small balance it can be a big slice of your money. Put in your numbers and see the real cost.
Reviewed by Market Minute · Updated June 2026 · ✓ Fact-checked · how we rate
Flat monthly fee
Flat fee, total
$180
5.1% of what you put in
A 0.25% robo ≈
$25
over the same period
A $0 broker
$0
no commissions
How much of your money the fee eats5.1%
$180 of the $3,500 you put in over 5 years.
On these numbers a flat $3/mo eats 5.1% of everything you put in. A $0-commission broker would cost you nothing.
Fees only, before any investment growth - a deliberately simple, conservative view. Flat fees can still be worth it for the automation; this just shows the cost so you decide with eyes open. Educational, not advice.