Common questions

Have questions about working with Ameriprise or how to get started? We've pulled together some of the questions we hear most often. If you need additional information, you can contact us or ask any Ameriprise financial advisor.

• How do I open an account with Ameriprise Financial? Do I have to have an advisor?
• Do I need to have a certain income or asset level to work with an advisor?
• What if there aren't any advisors near me?
• Can I work with my advisor over the phone or online?
• How much does it cost to work with an advisor?
• How do I choose an advisor?
• I just want to make online trades. Can I do that?
• Can you tell me the return that a particular advisor has gotten for their clients?

How do I open an account with Ameriprise Financial? Do I have to have an advisor?

You aren't required to work with a financial advisor to open certain types of accounts; however, we recommend working toward your financial goals with a financial advisor. A financial advisor can review your entire financial situation and goals and provide product and account recommendations that are tailored to your specific needs.

• Contact a financial advisor
• Open an online bank account
• Open a brokerage account

Do I need to have a certain income or asset level to work with an advisor?

No, we do not have minimum asset requirements. If you are committed to taking action to pursue your dreams and financial goals and you value financial planning and advice, we'd like to work with you. See if Ameriprise is right for you.

What if there aren't any advisors near me?

We have a convenient and easy way for you to receive the same personal attention you would from an Ameriprise financial advisor in your community. Advisors in our Ameriprise Advisor Center are available to work with you right over the phone. Call 800.257.8740, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time, to find a good match for your needs.

Can I work with my advisor over the phone or online?

You can choose to work with an Ameriprise financial advisor in your community or in the Ameriprise Advisor Center. Either way, you can get in touch with your advisor via phone, email, or our secure client website. Once you've had an initial consultation and decided to work together, how you communicate is up to you and your financial advisor.

How much does it cost to work with an advisor?

The cost of working with a financial advisor varies from person to person based on several factors including the complexity of your financial situation, your needs, the advisor's fee schedule and the types of products and services you choose. We want you to be comfortable with the value you receive in exchange for fees, so you will know the costs to work with your financial advisor before you decide to become a client.

Find out more about:

• Financial planning fees
• Brokerage fees
• Advisor compensation

How do I choose an advisor?

Many people like to start with referrals from friends and family. Often, all you need to do is ask. You can also find one or more advisors through our search tool and contact them via email, phone or set up a consultation to get to know them.

Learn more about:

• How to contact a financial advisor
• How to select a financial advisor
• What to expect from a financial advisor

I just want to make online trades. Can I do that?

Yes, our secure client website enables you to trade stocks on the NYSE, AMEX or NASDAQ and access thousands of mutual funds; however, we always encourage you to consider working with a financial advisor to address your personal financial needs.

• Open an Ameriprise ONE^® Financial Account with Ameriprise Brokerage.

Can you tell me the return that a particular advisor has gotten for their clients?

While we do not keep those records on individual advisors, you can ask any of our financial advisors about their experiences or for any client referrals.