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Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the simplest ways to grow long-term wealth. They come with powerful tax advantages, so the sooner you get the account opened, the more time your money has to compound and grow.
Choosing the right place to open yours matters. Low fees help you keep more of your returns, strong investment lineups make it easier to be diversified, and good tools can boost your investing confidence.
We've reviewed 45+ brokers and selected the best IRAs below as our top picks.
Choosing an IRA can feel overwhelming, but these two options make it easier to get started:
Charles Schwab: Best for availability of features on one platform
SoFi Invest®: Best for managing all your money in one place
| Broker | Best For | Fees | Special Offer | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
All-in-one investing platform |
Fees:
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares. |
N/A |
Learn More for Charles Schwab
On Charles Schwab's Secure Website. |
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
IRA matching and user-friendly app |
Fees:
$0 per trade, expense ratio 0.03%-0.08% |
SPECIAL OFFERGet a 1% IRA Match on contributions & rollovers. Terms apply. |
Learn More for SoFi Invest®
On Secure Website. |
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
5.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Beginners |
Fees:
No account fees to open a Fidelity IRA |
N/A |
Learn More for Fidelity IRA
On Fidelity's Secure Website. |
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Gentle learning curve |
Fees:
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold |
N/A |
Learn More for Robinhood Retirement
On Robinhood's Secure Website. |
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Active traders and advanced tools |
Fees:
Commission-free; other fees apply |
N/A |
Learn More for E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley
On E*TRADE's Secure Website. |
|
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Chase customers |
Fees:
$0 per trade |
N/A |
Learn More for J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
On J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing's Secure Website. |
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Passive investors using mutual funds and ETFs |
Fees:
$0 online; $25 broker-assisted fee for some phone trades of stocks and ETFs from other companies (Less than $1 million) |
N/A |
Learn More for Vanguard
On Vanguard's Secure Website. |
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Best For:
Investing in alternative assets |
Fees:
$0 commissions, 1%-2% crypto markups |
N/A |
Learn More for Public
On Public's Secure Website. |
At Motley Fool Money, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring brokerages from reputable brands. Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates brokerage accounts.
At Motley Fool Money, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring brokerages from reputable brands. Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates brokerage accounts.
Picking the right IRA partner can make your long-term investing feel smoother and give you more peace of mind. A few things that matter when evaluating brokers:
When you compare these factors, the best IRA brokers really start to separate themselves and it becomes easier to decide which one is right for you.
Next, let's break down what each one of our top picks does best.
Charles Schwab pioneered the low-cost brokerage model decades ago, and that legacy continues with its lineup of no-commission-fee offerings. The robust lineup of account types, investment vehicles, and high quality app round out the stacked feature set.
$0 stock, ETF, and Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource® trades. No fees to buy fractional shares.
$0
On Charles Schwab's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Schwab makes it easy to manage your IRA alongside your brokerage, checking, and banking tools -- all under one roof. Its low-cost index funds, strong research suite, and $0 trading fees give you a ton of value. It's a great fit if you want everything in one reliable, well-supported ecosystem.
This brokerage is a clear standout for its well-rated mobile app and has unique investment offerings like IPOs, options, and fractional shares.
$0 per trade, expense ratio 0.03%-0.08%
$0
Get a 1% IRA Match on contributions & rollovers. Terms apply.
On Secure Website.
Why we like it: SoFi® is one of the only brokers offering IRA matching, which can boost your retirement contributions without extra effort. The platform also offers checking, savings, budgeting tools, and coaching -- creating a true all-in-one money hub. It's suitable for young investors who want straightforward automation and perks.
Fidelity IRAs are a smart choice for anyone looking to invest for retirement. You get tax advantages, free online tools to help you build a retirement plan and access to financial professionals if you have retirement planning questions, and access to support when you need it. Plus, there are no account fees or minimums to open—making it easy to start investing today.
No account fees to open a Fidelity IRA
$0
On Fidelity's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Fidelity is an ultra beginner-friendly interface and one of the strongest low-cost investment platforms in the industry. Its research, planning tools, and customer support are top tier. Fidelity is consistently featured on our winners list for best brokers, and offers a huge range of account types and services.
Robinhood is a simple, low-cost brokerage with a few rare perks. It matches retirement deposits like an employer, the interface is gorgeous, and it's extremely affordable. No matter what or how you trade, Robinhood fees tend to match or beat the competition. It's worth a look.
$0 for stocks, ETFs, and options; up to $5 monthly for Robinhood Gold
$0
Earn up to 3% extra on annual IRA contributions with Robinhood Gold. Subscription and terms apply.
On Robinhood's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Robinhood has an intuitive app and clean design, making it easy to learn investing basics as you go. The platform offers IRA matching, helpful education, and straightforward investing tools. It's especially attractive for newer investors who want a smooth, mobile-first experience.
E*TRADE is a strong option for IRAs with hundreds of commission-free ETFs and over 4,000 no-transaction-fee mutual funds. Additionally, there are no account minimums for Roth IRA accounts.
Commission-free; other fees apply
$0
Get up to $10,000 when you open and fund a new eligible E*TRADE retirement account. Terms apply.
On E*TRADE's Secure Website.
Why we like it: E*TRADE caters more towards confident, hands-on investors and offers deep charting, screeners, and advanced order types. It also offers a wide fund lineup and $0 commissions on online stock and ETF trades. Great for people who enjoy digging into data and customizing their strategy.
Why we like it: If you already bank with Chase, opening an IRA here keeps everything tightly connected. The interface is clean, the fees are minimal, and the platform integrates seamlessly with the Chase mobile app. It’s a natural fit for loyal Chase users who value convenience.
Vanguard is one of the best brokerages for passive investors who want to buy low-cost index fund ETFs. It also offers thousands of no-transaction-fee mutual funds, and excellent zero-commission options for buying stocks online, with no account minimums for brokerage accounts. Vanguard tries to keep its costs and expense ratios low so investors (like you) can keep more of your returns.
$0 online; $25 broker-assisted fee for some phone trades of stocks and ETFs from other companies (Less than $1 million)
$0
On Vanguard's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Vanguard is home to some of the lowest-cost index funds and ETFs on the planet, making it a favorite for long-term, buy-and-hold investors. Its focus on simplicity keeps fees down and helps your money compound more efficiently. It's perfect for "set and forget" investors.
Public is an investing platform that simplifies trading stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and crypto. With zero fees on many trades, Public stands out as a low-cost brokerage, while also providing yield-focused products to help you earn returns on your cash.
$0 commissions, 1%-2% crypto markups
$1
On Public's Secure Website.
Why we like it: Public gives IRA investors access to a wider universe of assets -- including alternatives -- all in an easy-to-navigate interface. It also offers transparent pricing, strong educational content, and a modern mobile experience. It's a great option if you're curious about diversifying beyond traditional stocks and funds.
An individual retirement account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged account that is designed for growing long-term wealth. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and more -- all inside a structure that gives your money extra room to compound.
They matter because the tax benefits are a superpower. With consistent contributions and low fees, an IRA can become one of your biggest assets over the long haul, even if you start small.
Traditional IRA: These work very much like a traditional 401(k). Contributions may be tax-deductible, and your money grows tax-deferred. You'll pay income taxes when you withdraw in retirement, which can be helpful if you expect a lower tax bracket later.
Roth IRA: In a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, and then qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. These accounts are a great fit for younger earners or anyone expecting higher taxes in the future.
Other IRAs: SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs are designed for self-employed individuals and small businesses, offering higher contribution limits than standard IRAs. Rollover IRAs let you move money from a 401(k) or another employer plan into an IRA while keeping your savings tax-advantaged.
IRA rules are pretty straightforward once you get the hang of them. For 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 to a traditional or Roth IRA, and if you're 50 or older, you get an additional $1,100 catch-up, bringing your total limit to $8,600.
Withdrawals work differently depending on the type of IRA. Traditional IRAs tax your withdrawals in retirement, while Roth IRAs let you take qualified withdrawals tax-free. Both accounts have rules and penalties for tapping the money before age 59 1/2, which is why IRAs work best when you treat them as long-term, hands-off retirement savings.
Opening an IRA is a lot easier than most people think. The whole process usually takes five to 10 minutes. Here's a quick overview of the process:
Pick a platform with low fees, strong investment options, and tools that match your comfort level. You can't go wrong with any of our above mentioned best IRA brokers.
You'll fill out some basic info, like your name, address, Social Security number, etc. just like opening a bank account. Then you'll select the IRA type you want: Traditional, Roth, or another option if you're self-employed.
Here is where you will "link" your bank account and make your first contribution. You can transfer a lump sum, set up recurring deposits, or do both. There's no harm in starting small, and increasing contributions later.
We recommend beginners start with broad, low-cost index funds or ETFs (eg. S&P 500 index fund). They're simple, diversified, and built for long-term growth.
Every year you get a fresh opportunity to contribute to your IRA and take advantage of those tax perks. Successful investors set up automatic contributions, investing a little at a time throughout the year. It removes the guesswork, keeps you consistent, and turns long-term growth into a habit instead of a once-a-year scramble.
The biggest investing regret most people have is wishing they started sooner. Opening your IRA and making that first contribution is the hardest part.
But once you're in motion, compounding starts to happen and do the heavy lifting for you.
Get started today, even if you begin small. And if you're ready to take that step, the IRAs above are some of the strongest places to begin your retirement journey.
TIP
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Yes. You can open multiple IRAs at different brokers, but your total annual contributions across all accounts can't exceed the IRS limit.
A traditional IRA may give you a tax deduction upfront, and you'll pay taxes when you withdraw later. A Roth IRA offers no upfront deduction, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.
You can, but there may be taxes and penalties depending on the type of IRA and your age. These accounts are designed for long-term retirement savings, so early withdrawals should be a last resort.
Nope! Many brokers have no minimums, so you can open an IRA with a small deposit and build over time. Even $25 or $50 a month can build great momentum.
Yes. You can transfer your IRA from one broker to another without triggering taxes, as long as it's done properly through a trustee-to-trustee transfer.
Brokerages we evaluated for consideration on this page: Acorns, Ally Invest, Axos Self-Directed Trading, Betterment, Cash App Investing, Charles Schwab, Delphia, Domain Money, Ellevest, Empower, eToro Brokerage, E*TRADE Core Portfolios from Morgan Stanley, E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, Fidelity Cash Management, Fidelity Go®, Firstrade, FOREX.com, Interactive Brokers, J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, M1 Finance, Magnifi, Marcus Invest, Merrill Edge® Self-Directed, Moomoo, NinjaTrader, Personal Capital, Plynk, Prosperi Academy, Public, Robinhood, Rocket Dollar, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, SoFi Active Investing, SoFi Robo Investing, Stash, Stockpile, tastytrade, Titan, Tornado App, TradeStation, Tradier, Vanguard, Vanguard Digital Advisor®, Wealthfront, Webull, Zacks Trade.
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.
Investing is risky. Bonus offers subject to terms and conditions, visit robinhood.com/hoodweek for more information. Margin is not suitable for all investors. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Gold LLC and is a subscription offering services for a fee. Brokerage services offered through Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), a registered broker dealer.
You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA.Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.
The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
E*TRADE services are available just to U.S. residents.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
Vanguard disclosures
Visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus, for Vanguard and non-Vanguard funds offered through Vanguard Brokerage Services. The prospectus contains investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other information; read and consider carefully before investing.
Commission-free trading of Vanguard ETFs applies to trades placed both online and by phone. All ETFs are subject to management fees and expenses; refer to each ETF's prospectus for more information. Account service fees may also apply. All ETF sales are subject to a securities transaction fee. See the Vanguard Brokerage Services commission and fee schedules for full details.
Vanguard funds not held in a brokerage account are held by The Vanguard Group, Inc., and are not protected by SIPC. Brokerage assets are held by Vanguard Brokerage Services, a division of Vanguard Marketing Corporation, member FINRA and SIPC.
Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor of the Vanguard Funds