When considering a financial services firm like Edward Jones, understanding its "rank" isn't a simple, single number. It's a multifaceted assessment based on various factors, including customer satisfaction, employee experience, industry standing, and business model. Let's delve into how Edward Jones measures up in different areas, providing you with a comprehensive picture.
Step 1: Let's Start Your Exploration – What Does "Ranking" Mean to YOU?
Before we dive into the specifics of Edward Jones' rankings, take a moment to consider: When you think about a financial firm's "rank," what aspects are most important to you? Are you primarily interested in customer service, the quality of financial advice, fees, investment options, or perhaps even their reputation as an employer? Your individual priorities will shape how you interpret the various rankings we're about to explore.
Step 2: Edward Jones' Standing in the Financial Services Industry
Edward Jones is a long-standing and prominent player in the financial services sector. Their business model, which heavily emphasizes a personalized, local branch experience, sets them apart from many large online brokerages.
Sub-heading: Overall Company Size and Revenue Rankings
Edward Jones consistently ranks among the largest U.S. companies by revenue. For instance, they have been named to the Fortune 500® list for 13 consecutive years, ranking No. 260 based on their 2024 revenue of $16.3 billion. This demonstrates their significant scale and sustained financial performance. They serve over 9 million clients with $2.2 trillion in client assets under care.
Sub-heading: Presence and Reach
One of Edward Jones' defining characteristics is its expansive physical presence. With over 20,000 financial advisors operating from more than 15,000 branch locations across North America, they reach communities in a vast majority of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories. This widespread local presence is a core component of their relationship-based approach.
Step 3: How Edward Jones Ranks in Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a critical indicator of a financial firm's performance. Edward Jones has a notable track record in this area, particularly in Canada.
Sub-heading: J.D. Power Investor Satisfaction Studies
- Canada: Edward Jones Canada has frequently been recognized by J.D. Power for Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Wealth Management Firms. They secured this leading position for the ninth time in 11 years in the J.D. Power 2023 Canada Full-Service Investor Satisfaction study, achieving an overall satisfaction rating of 699 compared to an industry average of 652.
- United States: In the U.S., Edward Jones has also performed well in J.D. Power's full-service investor satisfaction studies. For example, in the 2024 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study, Edward Jones ranked 2nd with a score of 749, demonstrating strong client satisfaction.
It's important to note that while these studies highlight strong satisfaction, individual experiences can vary.
Step 4: Edward Jones as a Workplace – Employee and Advisor Satisfaction
A firm's internal culture and how it treats its employees and advisors can indirectly reflect on its client service. Edward Jones consistently receives accolades as a desirable workplace.
Sub-heading: "Best Companies to Work For" Recognition
Edward Jones has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by Great Places to Work and Fortune® magazine for multiple years, ranking No. 24 in 2025. This recognition is based on extensive employee surveys evaluating factors like trust, career development, well-being, and company culture.
Sub-heading: Financial Advisor Satisfaction and Compensation
Edward Jones has also ranked "Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms" by J.D. Power. This indicates that their financial advisors are generally content with their roles and the support they receive from the firm.
Furthermore, Edward Jones has been recognized for its competitive advisor pay. In April 2025, Financial Planning listed Edward Jones as the number one firm for Best Advisor Pay for the $2M, $1M, and $600K production levels, and second for the $400K production level.
Step 5: Investment Offerings and Business Model Considerations
While rankings offer valuable insights, it's also crucial to understand Edward Jones' core business model and how it impacts their offerings.
Sub-heading: Focus on Personal Relationships
Edward Jones heavily emphasizes personal, one-on-one relationships with clients through its localized branch network. This model is appealing to clients who prefer in-person interactions and a dedicated financial advisor who understands their specific needs and goals.
Sub-heading: Investment Product Philosophy
The firm's investment philosophy generally revolves around long-term investing in quality investments aligned with client goals and risk tolerance. While they offer a range of products including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, some critics point to their commission-based structure and potential for higher fees on certain proprietary products or actively managed mutual funds compared to some low-cost online brokerages.
Sub-heading: Evolution and Future Direction
Edward Jones has been evolving its services, investing significantly in new technology ($1.5 billion) and expanding its offerings to include more comprehensive financial planning and sustainable investing options. They are also focusing on serving high-net-worth clients and are working to increase the number of Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) within their ranks, indicating a move towards more holistic financial advice.
Step 6: Comparing Edward Jones to Competitors
To truly understand Edward Jones' ranking, it's helpful to see how they stack up against other major financial institutions.
Sub-heading: Full-Service Brokerage Landscape
In the full-service brokerage arena, Edward Jones competes with firms like Merrill Lynch, Raymond James, and UBS. Their focus on localized branches and personalized service sets them apart from the more digitally-focused discount brokers like Charles Schwab and Fidelity. While the latter often boast lower fees for self-directed investing, Edward Jones aims to justify its fees through the value of its advisor relationships and guidance.
Sub-heading: Fee Structure
Edward Jones' advisory fees generally range from 0.5% to 1.35%, which is considered in the mid-to-high range compared to other major firms. Some competitors may offer lower entry points, flat robo-advisory fees, or commission-free trading for many investments. It's essential for potential clients to carefully review Edward Jones' fee schedules and compare them to alternatives based on their individual investment needs and preferences.
Conclusion: A Nuanced Perspective on Edward Jones' Ranking
In summary, Edward Jones consistently ranks highly in areas related to customer satisfaction (especially in Canada) and as a great place to work for its employees and financial advisors. Its extensive branch network and emphasis on personalized relationships are core strengths, reflected in its ability to attract and retain clients and advisors.
However, when evaluating "how Edward Jones ranks," it's crucial to consider your specific needs. If you highly value a dedicated, local financial advisor and personalized guidance, Edward Jones' model may rank very highly for you. If your priority is primarily low-cost, self-directed investing with a broad range of digital tools, other firms might appear to "rank" higher in that particular category. Edward Jones is a major player with a distinct business model that appeals to a significant segment of the market.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to choose the right financial advisor at Edward Jones?
To choose the right financial advisor at Edward Jones, focus on factors like their experience, credentials (e.g., CFP designation), communication style, and whether their investment philosophy aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your needs and see if there's a good personal fit.
How to compare Edward Jones' fees to other firms?
To compare Edward Jones' fees, obtain their detailed fee schedules, including advisory fees, mutual fund loads, transaction fees, and any administrative charges. Then, compare these directly with the fee structures of other brokerage firms, paying close attention to expense ratios for investment products and whether they offer commission-free trading options.
How to evaluate Edward Jones' customer service?
To evaluate Edward Jones' customer service, consider their J.D. Power ratings for investor satisfaction, read online reviews, and, if possible, speak to current clients about their experiences. Pay attention to responsiveness, clarity of communication, and the availability of your financial advisor.
How to understand Edward Jones' investment philosophy?
To understand Edward Jones' investment philosophy, discuss their approach to long-term investing, diversification, risk management, and product selection with your potential advisor. Ask for explanations of how they tailor strategies to individual client goals.
How to open an account with Edward Jones?
To open an account with Edward Jones, you typically schedule an appointment with a local financial advisor. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork, gather information about your financial situation and goals, and help you select the appropriate account types.
How to switch from another brokerage to Edward Jones?
To switch from another brokerage to Edward Jones, your new Edward Jones financial advisor will usually assist you with the transfer process. This often involves completing account transfer forms (ACATs) and providing necessary documentation from your previous institution.
How to find an Edward Jones branch near me?
To find an Edward Jones branch near you, visit the Edward Jones website and use their "Find an Advisor" or "Branch Locator" tool, typically by entering your zip code or address.
How to access my Edward Jones account online?
To access your Edward Jones account online, you'll need to register for their online access portal, usually through their official website. You'll then create a username and password to view account statements, portfolio performance, and other relevant information.
How to prepare for a meeting with an Edward Jones financial advisor?
To prepare for a meeting with an Edward Jones financial advisor, gather financial documents such as recent statements from other investment accounts, bank accounts, retirement plans, and details about your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Also, think about your financial goals and any questions you have.
How to understand the role of an Edward Jones financial advisor?
To understand the role of an Edward Jones financial advisor, recognize that they aim to build a personal relationship with you, understand your financial aspirations, and provide tailored advice and investment solutions. They serve as your primary point of contact for financial planning and investment management.
