10 Best IRA Accounts to Save for Retirement [2025]

Opening an IRA is one of the smartest moves you can make for your financial future.

Whether you’re rolling over a 401(k), starting a Roth IRA, or looking for the best hands-off investing option, the right IRA account can help you maximize tax advantages and grow your retirement savings faster.

These Smile Money Picks offer the best IRA accounts in 2025—based on fees, investment flexibility, ease of use, and long-term value.

Quick Summary: Best IRA Accounts of 2025

Our Smile Money Picks Methodology

We reviewed and ranked top IRA providers using the following criteria:

• Account and trading fees
• Minimum investment requirements
• Access to Roth, Traditional, and Rollover IRAs
• Investment options (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, robo-advisors)
• User experience and customer support

Whether you prefer a DIY approach or automated investing, these IRA accounts help you save for retirement your way.

In-Depth Reviews of Our Smile Money Picks

1. Charles Schwab – Best for Low-Cost Index Investing

Schwab IRAs offer access to low-fee mutual funds and ETFs, with no minimums and zero trading commissions.

Key Features:

• No fees or account minimums
• Commission-free stock, ETF, and mutual fund trades
• Retirement planning tools and 24/7 support
• Supports Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRAs

Why It Stands Out: Schwab offers exceptional value, education, and service for retirement investors.

My Smile Money Take: Whether you’re rolling over a 401(k) or just starting out, Schwab is one of the most flexible and affordable options.

👉 Learn more about Charles Schwab

2. Fidelity – Best for Full-Service Retirement Planning

Fidelity combines robust research, low-cost funds, and excellent support in one seamless IRA experience.

Key Features:

• $0 commissions and no account fees
• Wide range of index funds and ETFs
• Tools for retirement income planning
• Award-winning customer service

Why It Stands Out: Fidelity is a reliable long-term partner with all the resources you need to retire smarter.

My Smile Money Take: Fidelity is ideal for long-term investors who want hands-on control with top-tier support.

👉 Learn more about Fidelity

3. Robinhood IRA – Best for IRA Match and Free Trading

Robinhood’s IRA offers a unique 1% match on your contributions—plus zero trading fees and an easy-to-use app.

Key Features:

• Commission-free trading
• IRA contribution match up to 1%
• Supports Traditional and Roth IRAs
• Invest in stocks, ETFs, and crypto

Why It Stands Out: It’s one of the only platforms that rewards you for saving for retirement.

My Smile Money Take: Robinhood is a great choice if you’re just starting your retirement journey and want a fast, low-cost option.

👉 Learn more about Robinhood IRA

4. SoFi Invest – Best for All-in-One Financial Platform

SoFi makes it easy to open an IRA while managing your banking, loans, and credit—all in one app.

Key Features:

• $0 account fees
• Access to Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs
• Free financial planning sessions
• Commission-free stock and ETF trades

Why It Stands Out: SoFi combines retirement investing with a broader financial wellness experience.

My Smile Money Take: Great for people who want to manage their entire money life—from investing to student loans—in one place.

👉 Learn more about SoFi IRA

5. M1 Finance – Best for Custom Portfolio Automation

M1 Finance IRAs allow you to build a custom investment “pie” and automate contributions, rebalancing, and growth.

Key Features:

• Commission-free trading
• Custom portfolio builder
• Automated rebalancing
• Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRA options

Why It Stands Out: M1 gives you control without the stress of manual investing.

My Smile Money Take: If you want a balance of personalization and automation, M1 Finance is a hands-off way to stay intentional with your IRA.

👉 Learn more about M1 Finance IRA

6. Betterment – Best for Automated Retirement Investing

Betterment is a robo-advisor that automatically manages your IRA based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Key Features:

• Goal-based investing
• Tax-efficient strategies and rebalancing
• 0.25% annual management fee
• Supports Traditional, Roth, SEP, and Rollover IRAs

Why It Stands Out: Betterment makes it easy to grow your retirement savings with minimal effort.

My Smile Money Take: If you want expert-level investing without managing anything yourself, Betterment is a great choice.

👉 Learn more about Betterment IRA

7. Vanguard – Best for Long-Term, Low-Cost Investing

Vanguard’s IRAs are built around its ultra-low-cost index funds, making it ideal for set-it-and-forget-it investors.

Key Features:

• Access to top-rated Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs
• No trading commissions
• Long-term performance focus
• Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and Rollover IRAs

Why It Stands Out: Vanguard’s investor-first philosophy and low fees have made it a top choice for retirement savers for decades.

My Smile Money Take: If your strategy is long-term and low-cost, Vanguard will help you build serious wealth.

👉 Learn more about Vanguard

Honorable Mentions

These platforms also offer strong IRA options for certain types of investors:

• Public.com – Social investing with commission-free IRAs
• Acorns Later – Round-up investing into a Roth IRA for beginners
• Wealthfront – Robo-advisor IRA with tax-loss harvesting and goal setting
• E*TRADE – Robust trading platform for active retirement investors

What Is an IRA?

An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a tax-advantaged account designed to help you grow retirement savings. There are two primary types:

• Traditional IRA – Contributions may be tax-deductible; taxes are paid on withdrawals in retirement.
• Roth IRA – Contributions are after-tax, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

You can also roll over old 401(k)s into an IRA when you change jobs to keep your savings growing with better investment choices and lower fees.

How to Choose the Best IRA Account

When comparing IRA providers, look for:

• Fees and Commissions – Zero or low fees give your money more room to grow.
• Investment Options – Make sure you can access the funds, ETFs, or stocks you prefer.
• Ease of Use – Mobile apps and dashboards should make retirement planning intuitive.
• Account Types – Look for Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRA options.
• Support and Education – Choose a provider that offers help and resources to grow your knowledge.

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FAQs About IRA Accounts