You need $100,000 to invest with Personal Capital, an online investing start-up that hires advisors to work with clients over the phone. “When it comes to challenging questions and complicated situations, the human touch is irreplaceable,” said Chief Executive Officer Bill Harris. The firm charges a fee of 0.79 percent per year on the first $3 million, with the fee gradually dropping the more money you put in. Over $10 million, it drops to 0.49 percent. 

Raymond James

There’s no minimum account size. The firm, which has 6,400 advisors, does charge an annual maintenance fee of up to $50. It can be waived or lowered for certain kinds of accounts, including IRAs and 529 college savings plans.

Scottrade

To open a brokerage account, you'll need $2,500. The firm increased the minimum from $500 in November. Retirement accounts, including IRAs, have no minimums.

TD Ameritrade

There’s no minimum balance to open a brokerage account with TD Ameritrade, which gives access to mutual funds and exchange- traded funds. The discount broker also will recommend a portfolio based on answers to an online questionnaire. This service, called Amerivest, requires a minimum investment of $25,000. The average fee is 0.8 percent per year.

T. Rowe Price

There’s a $2,500 minimum to open a taxable account, and a $20 “low balance fee” on accounts under $10,000. The minimum initial investment for IRAs is $1,000, and subsequent contributions must be at least $100. The low balance fee can be waived on IRAs if clients receive statements electronically.UBS

There’s no minimum to open an investment account, but there is an annual $95 maintenance fee on accounts with less than $75,000.