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Looking for the best way to invest for retirement?
Whether you’re just getting started or rolling over an old 401(k), choosing the right retirement investing platform can help you grow long-term wealth, minimize taxes, and reach your future goals with confidence.
From IRAs and Roth IRAs to automated portfolios and long-term investing tools, these platforms make it easy to secure your financial future—starting today.
In this guide, we share our top Smile Money Picks for the best retirement investing platforms in 2025.
We selected platforms based on accessibility, features that support long-term wealth building, and alignment with our financial wellness values. Criteria included:
| Platform | Best For | IRA Types | Fees | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | All-around retirement planning | Traditional, Roth, SEP | $0 trades, $0 minimums | Visit Fidelity |
| Charles Schwab | Low-cost long-term investing | Traditional, Roth, Rollover | $0 trades, $0 account fees | Visit Schwab |
| Betterment | Automated Roth IRA investing | Traditional, Roth, SEP | 0.25% management fee | Visit Betterment |
| SoFi Invest | Free IRAs + perks | Traditional, Roth | $0 advisory fees | Visit SoFi |
| M1 Finance | Custom, automated retirement | Traditional, Roth, SEP | $0 basic, $125/yr for Plus | Visit M1 Finance |
The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more your money can grow—especially when you choose the right platform.
Whether you prefer automation or hands-on control, these apps make long-term investing easier, smarter, and more aligned with your future goals.
Best for: Comprehensive retirement investing
IRA Types: Traditional, Roth, SEP, Rollover
Fees: $0 trades, no account minimums
Fidelity is a trusted name in retirement and for good reason. It offers robust tools, low-cost index funds, and personalized planning—all with no account fees.
Why We Like It:
Best for: Long-term DIY investors
IRA Types: Traditional, Roth, Rollover
Fees: $0 commissions, no maintenance fees
Schwab is another top-tier choice with rock-solid retirement tools, low-cost index funds, and great customer support. Ideal for hands-on investors and rollover IRAs.
Why We Like It:
Best for: Automated Roth IRA investing
IRA Types: Traditional, Roth, SEP
Fees: 0.25% annual advisory fee
Betterment takes the guesswork out of retirement investing. Just pick your goal, and they’ll handle asset allocation, rebalancing, and tax-smart strategies.
Why We Like It:
Best for: Fee-free retirement investing
IRA Types: Traditional, Roth
Fees: $0 advisory or trade fees
SoFi offers IRAs with no advisory fees, plus extras like career coaching and access to CFPs. It’s great for younger investors who want guidance and perks.
Why We Like It:
Best for: Customizable automation
IRA Types: Traditional, Roth, SEP
Fees: $0 (basic); $125/year for M1 Plus
M1’s “pie investing” is perfect for retirement portfolios. Choose expert-built pies or create your own, then automate everything.
Why We Like It:
👉 Set up a retirement plan with M1 »
Why consider it: For investors interested in crypto for retirement, BitcoinIRA lets you open a tax-advantaged account to hold digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
👉 Check out BitcoinIRA »
Why consider it: Offers traditional and Roth IRAs with full automation, tax optimization, and goal tracking. $500 minimum to start.
👉 Visit Wealthfront »
Why consider it: One of the best-known names in retirement, with a huge selection of low-cost mutual funds and ETFs. Excellent for long-term index investors.
👉 Explore Vanguard »
A Roth IRA is often best for beginners, especially if you’re younger or expect your income to grow. It offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.
Aim to save 10–15% of your income, including employer matches. Start with what you can and increase it over time.
Yes. Platforms like Schwab and Fidelity are great for self-directed investing, while Betterment and SoFi offer automation for hands-off investors.
It’s an IRA that allows you to invest in non-traditional assets like real estate, crypto, or private equity. Great for experienced investors.
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