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Best Retirement Investing Platforms [2025]: Build Wealth for the Future

These top platforms for 2025 help you grow long-term wealth with IRAs, low fees, and smart automation.
Best Retirement Investing Platforms

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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.

Smile Money Picks: How We Chose the Best Retirement Platforms

We selected platforms based on accessibility, features that support long-term wealth building, and alignment with our financial wellness values. Criteria included:

  • Support for IRAs and Roth IRAs
  • Low fees and tax efficiency
  • Goal-based planning tools
  • Automation and retirement calculators
  • Strong customer service and trust

Quick Comparison: Top Retirement Investing Platforms

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 Retirement Investing Platforms of 2025

1. Fidelity

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:

  • Strong retirement calculators and goal planners
  • Access to Fidelity ZERO funds (no expense ratio)
  • 24/7 support and in-person branches

👉 Get started with Fidelity »


2. Charles Schwab

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:

  • Low-fee Schwab index funds and ETFs
  • Retirement income planning tools
  • Great mobile and desktop experience

👉 Visit Schwab »


3. Betterment

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:

  • Goal-based planning with retirement timeline
  • Roth conversion and tax loss harvesting tools
  • Passive portfolios and optional human advisors

👉 Start with Betterment »


4. SoFi Invest

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:

  • No fees + robo-investing options
  • Free access to financial planners
  • Member rewards and educational content

👉 Open an IRA with SoFi »


5. M1 Finance

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:

  • Auto-invest, rebalancing, recurring deposits
  • Tax-efficient investing
  • Excellent for long-term investors with a plan

👉 Set up a retirement plan with M1 »


Honorable Mentions

BitcoinIRA

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 »


Wealthfront

Why consider it: Offers traditional and Roth IRAs with full automation, tax optimization, and goal tracking. $500 minimum to start.
👉 Visit Wealthfront »


Vanguard

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 »

Related Learn Hub Resources


FAQs About Retirement Investing

What is the best type of IRA for beginners?

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.

How much should I contribute to retirement?

Aim to save 10–15% of your income, including employer matches. Start with what you can and increase it over time.

Can I manage my IRA myself?

Yes. Platforms like Schwab and Fidelity are great for self-directed investing, while Betterment and SoFi offer automation for hands-off investors.

What’s a self-directed IRA?

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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Author Bio

Picture of Jason Vitug

Jason Vitug

Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things
Picture of Jason Vitug

Jason Vitug

Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things

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