Best Brokers for ESG Investing

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing is more than a trend, it’s a strategic approach to building a portfolio that aligns with your values. From climate-conscious funds to companies with transparent labor practices, ESG investing allows individuals to support causes they care about while still pursuing long-term financial growth. To invest intentionally, you need a brokerage that offers the right tools and access.

These five brokers are all well-equipped to help ESG-focused investors research, evaluate, and build sustainable portfolios using stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, and more. Whether you're new to investing or refining a purpose-driven strategy, their platforms offer the transparency, screening tools, and educational content necessary to make confident, impact-aligned choices.

How We Chose the Best Brokers for ESG Investing

This list was developed using our methodology which emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and functionality across account types. For ESG-specific investing, we focused on the following criteria:

• Commission structure: Low or zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds that include ESG and SRI (socially responsible investing) products.
• Platform usability: Interfaces that are intuitive and mobile-friendly, with strong search capabilities for ESG-focused assets.
• Account options and minimums: Flexibility in account types, including IRAs, Roth IRAs, and custodial accounts, with low or no minimums.
• Customer service: Reliable, easily accessible support and assistance.
• Asset class coverage: Broad access to ESG-screened funds, impact ETFs, individual stocks, and green bonds.
• Educational content: Tools and resources to help investors understand ESG scores, company ratings, and values-based portfolio construction.
  
  

Best Brokers for ESG Investing

Here are the top brokers that make it easier to invest with purpose offering the tools, research, and access needed to build a sustainable, impact-driven portfolio.

Fidelity – Best Overall 

Fidelity offers a wide selection of ESG mutual funds and ETFs, alongside in-depth research tools that help investors evaluate company practices on sustainability, diversity, and corporate governance. Its "ESG Screener" tool allows users to filter investments by environmental and social impact, and compare funds based on MSCI ratings and other third-party data.

Fidelity combines that with $0 commissions on U.S. stocks and ETFs, robust retirement account options, and a clean mobile interface. It's a strong fit for long-term investors who want to build values-driven portfolios without compromising quality or access.

Key Features:

• Fees: $0 commissions on U.S. stock and ETF trades
• ESG Tools: Dedicated ESG fund screener, impact ratings, sustainable investing center
• Account Options: IRAs, Roth IRAs, taxable, custodial accounts
• Educational Support: ESG strategy guides, fund comparison tools
• Drawbacks: Platform depth may be overwhelming for true beginners

E*TRADE – Best for ESG Fund Variety

E*TRADE offers one of the most diverse selections of ESG and SRI mutual funds and ETFs, many of which are available with no transaction fees. The platform’s mutual fund screener includes environmental and social impact metrics, and users can filter funds by Morningstar sustainability ratings or specific causes, such as clean energy or gender equity.

ETRADE’s Power ETRADE platform also supports advanced charting and fund comparison tools, helping investors balance values and performance in one place.

Key Features:

• Fees: $0 commissions on online U.S. equity and ETF trades
• ESG Tools: Mutual fund screener with Morningstar sustainability scores
• Account Options: Taxable, retirement, joint, custodial accounts
• Educational Support: ESG investing guides and webinars
• Drawbacks: Stronger on fund selection than individual ESG stock research

Betterment – Best for Automated ESG Portfolios

Betterment is a robo-advisor that makes ESG investing easier for hands-off investors. Its ESG portfolio options include diversified ETFs screened for lower carbon exposure, inclusive workplaces, and ethical governance. Investors can select between core ESG, social impact, or climate-conscious portfolios.

All rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and dividend reinvestments are automated. Betterment charges a flat advisory fee of 0.25% per year, which includes portfolio management and access to a user-friendly mobile app.

Key Features:

• Fees: $4 per month for a $0 - $20K balance, 0.25% annual fee for $250+ monthly recurring deposit or $20K - $1M balance
• ESG Tools: Prebuilt ESG portfolios with optional tax-loss harvesting
• Account Options: IRAs, Roth IRAs, joint accounts, savings goals
• Educational Support: ESG guides, ethical investing explainers
• Drawbacks: Limited control over individual securities

Charles Schwab – Best for ESG Retirement Accounts

Charles Schwab offers a diversified and pragmatic approach to ESG investing, which may appeal to wealth builders looking to align their values with long-term retirement goals. Its platform supports ESG ETFs and mutual funds across asset classes, and it recently introduced its own Schwab Ariel ESG ETF (SAEF) for socially responsible exposure.

Retirement-focused tools like automatic contributions and comprehensive calculators make it a solid choice for young professionals or mid-career investors looking to align long-term savings with sustainable values.

Key Features:

• Fees: $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs; no maintenance fees
• ESG Tools: Schwab Select List® of ESG funds, personalized screening
• Account Options: IRAs, SEP IRAs, 401(k) rollovers
• Educational Support: Sustainable investing resources in the knowledge center
• Drawbacks: ESG screener is not as advanced as competitors

SoFi Invest – Best for Beginners 

SoFi Invest offers a beginner-friendly experience with commission-free stock and ETF trading, fractional shares, and easy access to sustainable investing. The platform allows users to invest in themed collections, including “Socially Responsible” and “Green Energy” baskets.

SoFi also integrates budgeting, banking, and investing in one app, ideal for young adults getting started. While the ESG research depth is more limited than other platforms, SoFi’s simplicity and low barrier to entry make it a good introduction to purpose-driven investing.

Key Features:

• Fees: $0 commissions, no account minimum
• ESG Tools: Themed investing collections, beginner guides
• Account Options: Taxable, Roth IRA, traditional IRA
• Educational Support: SoFi Learn hub, webinars, and community Q&A
• Drawbacks: Limited ESG screening depth for advanced investors

Why ESG Tools Matter in Modern Investing

Values-based investing has evolved from niche to mainstream, with more investors seeking to align portfolios with causes they support, whether it's climate resilience, social equity, or corporate transparency. 

But ESG investing is only as effective as the platform you use. Without screening tools, transparent ratings, or impact-focused research, it’s hard to differentiate between greenwashing and genuinely sustainable opportunities. Brokers that offer ESG filters, access to MSCI or Morningstar sustainability ratings, and curated fund lists help investors put their money where their values are without sacrificing performance or clarity.

As ESG data continues to improve, platforms that lead with transparency, accessibility, and education will offer investors the greatest long-term advantage.

Build Wealth with Purpose

The best ESG brokers don’t just offer sustainable funds, they provide the resources, tools, and transparency to help investors stay informed and intentional. Whether you want to automate your portfolio with Betterment or dive deep into fund research with Fidelity or E*TRADE, there’s a platform designed to help you grow your wealth while supporting the values you care about.

Frequently Asked Questions