We tested 18+ platforms on IRA support, fund costs, rollover tools, and retirement planning features. Whether you want a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, or to roll over a 401(k) — here are the top 5 platforms.
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All five brokers offer $0 commissions and $0 minimums for IRA accounts. Key differentiators are fund costs, IRA variety, and planning tools.
| Broker | Best For | IRA Types | Min. Deposit | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Fidelity | Best Overall for Retirement | Roth, Traditional, SEP, SIMPLE, Rollover | $0 | 4.9 | Open Account → |
| Charles Schwab | Best for Rollover IRAs | Roth, Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SIMPLE | $0 | 4.8 | Open Account → |
| SoFi Invest | Best Hands-Off Roth IRA | Roth IRA, Traditional IRA | $0 | 4.7 | Open Account → |
| Interactive Brokers | Best for Self-Employed (SEP/Solo 401k) | Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover | $0 | 4.6 | Open Account → |
| Vanguard | Best for Index Fund Purists | Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover, SIMPLE | $0 (some funds: $1,000) | 4.5 | Open Account → |
Fidelity is the undisputed champion for retirement investing — offering every IRA type, ZERO expense ratio index funds, industry-leading research, and free financial planning. No hidden fees, no gimmicks.
Schwab's deep bench of retirement tools — including Intelligent Portfolios, branch advisors, and a massive fund library — make it the go-to platform for rolling over 401(k) accounts and building a diversified IRA.
SoFi makes opening a Roth IRA stupid-simple — $0 fees, $0 minimum, and a free robo-advisor that auto-builds and rebalances your retirement portfolio. Perfect for set-it-and-forget-it investors.
IBKR offers the broadest investment universe for retirement accounts — stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and global markets all in one IRA wrapper. Exceptional for self-employed investors maxing SEP IRA contributions.
Vanguard is the original home of low-cost index investing. Owned by its fund investors, Vanguard has an inherent incentive to keep costs low — making it the ideal platform for investors who want maximum long-run wealth accumulation.
Every broker compared on the features that matter most for retirement account holders.
| Feature | Fidelity | Charles Schwab | SoFi Invest | Interactive Brokers | Vanguard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roth IRA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traditional IRA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SEP IRA | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SIMPLE IRA | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 401(k) Rollover Support | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Robo-Advisor (free) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero-ER Index Funds | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| DRIP | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fractional Shares | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Account Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Choosing the right IRA is the single most important retirement investing decision you'll make — it determines your tax treatment for the next 30+ years.
Contribute after-tax dollars. Growth is completely tax-free. Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. No required minimum distributions (RMDs). Best for investors who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
Contributions may be tax-deductible depending on your income and employer plan coverage. Growth is tax-deferred. Pay taxes only when you withdraw. Required minimum distributions starting at age 73.
Simplified Employee Pension IRA — designed for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Contribution limits are dramatically higher at up to $69,000 in 2026 (or 25% of compensation). Employer contributions only.
When you leave a job, rolling over your 401(k) into an IRA gives you more investment choices, lower fees, and full control. A direct rollover avoids taxes and penalties entirely. Schwab and Fidelity are the gold standard for rollovers.
Maxing out your retirement accounts is one of the highest-ROI financial moves you can make. Here are the 2026 limits:
| Account Type | 2026 Limit | Age 50+ Catch-Up | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roth IRA | $7,000 | $8,000 | Tax-free growth & withdrawals |
| Traditional IRA | $7,000 | $8,000 | Tax-deferred growth; taxed on withdrawal |
| SEP IRA | $69,000 | $69,000 | Tax-deductible contributions |
| SIMPLE IRA | $16,500 | $20,000 | Pre-tax contributions |
| 401(k) (employee) | $23,500 | $31,000 | Pre-tax or Roth option |
| Solo 401(k) | $70,000 | $77,500 | Pre-tax or Roth option |
Limits are IRS estimates for 2026 and may be subject to adjustment. Consult a financial advisor for personalized tax advice.
Fidelity is our #1 pick — $0 minimum, zero-expense-ratio index funds, and free financial planning. Voted best IRA provider 5 years running.
Read Our Fidelity ReviewIndependent recommendation — no affiliate commission.