These leading brokers offer the best rollover IRAs for your old workplace retirement savings. We look at self-directed and automated options, investment choices, fees and more.
If you want to transition from an old employer-sponsored plan and consolidate your retirement assets, a rollover IRA is a solid option. It offers a non-taxable and penalty-free way to transfer money from an old employer-sponsored retirement plan to an IRA while preserving your money’s tax-deferred status.
No two providers are the same, so we compiled a list of the best rollover IRA providers using a methodology that evaluates costs, investment options, customer support accessibility and more. We also consider whether brokers offer any type of incentive for rolling over funds.
15+ online brokers reviewed and rated by our team of experts
Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering eight categories
20+ years of combined experience covering financial topics
We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.
Best overall
Fidelity IRA
4.6
★★★★★
Finder score
For its extensive lineup of investment options, top-tier research tools and low fees.
Fidelity's undeniably one of the best brokers on the market. Its investment options are diverse and its trading tools robust — exactly what you'd expect from a full service broker. Fidelity offers mobile, web-based and desktop trading platforms, with access to top-tier research and analysis tools like advanced charts, valuation metrics and third-party research reports. It also offer beginner-friendly resources, such as trending stock lists, educational resources and 24/7 customer support. Fidelity also boasts some of the lowest back-end account fees in the industry.
Meanwhile, Fidelity offers industry-leading planning and advice resources, including both human and robo-advisor portfolio management services.
Other winning categories: Best IRA account without fees
Minimum deposit
$0
Retirement account types
Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover, Custodial
Annual fee
$0
For its extensive lineup of investment options, top-tier research tools and low fees.
Fidelity's undeniably one of the best brokers on the market. Its investment options are diverse and its trading tools robust — exactly what you'd expect from a full service broker. Fidelity offers mobile, web-based and desktop trading platforms, with access to top-tier research and analysis tools like advanced charts, valuation metrics and third-party research reports. It also offer beginner-friendly resources, such as trending stock lists, educational resources and 24/7 customer support. Fidelity also boasts some of the lowest back-end account fees in the industry.
Meanwhile, Fidelity offers industry-leading planning and advice resources, including both human and robo-advisor portfolio management services.
Other winning categories: Best IRA account without fees
Pros
$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
Few-to-no account fees
Wide range of investment options
Large selection of top-tier research providers
Robo-advisor with no advisory fees under $25,000
24/7 customer support
Cons
$25,000 minimum to access a Fidelity financial advisor
The Fidelity Active Trader Pro desktop platform interface looks and feels antiquated
For its free robo-advisor and complimentary access to certified financial planners.
SoFi Invest is one of the only brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to certified financial planners, a service that can cost you several hundred dollars a session. As a SoFi customer, these consultations come at no additional cost. Get unlimited access and connect with a SoFi financial planner to discuss anything from investment strategies to paying off debt to tax planning. SoFi's robo-advisor is also available with no management fees — another industry rarity. Start with as little as $1 and get a custom portfolio of low-cost ETFs, with recurring deposits and automatic rebalancing.
Meanwhile, hands-on investors can trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds with a broker that makes investing approachable and professional financial guidance accessible.
Minimum deposit
$0
Retirement account types
Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover
Annual fee
$0
IRA match
1%
For its free robo-advisor and complimentary access to certified financial planners.
SoFi Invest is one of the only brokers in the industry that offers unlimited, complimentary access to certified financial planners, a service that can cost you several hundred dollars a session. As a SoFi customer, these consultations come at no additional cost. Get unlimited access and connect with a SoFi financial planner to discuss anything from investment strategies to paying off debt to tax planning. SoFi's robo-advisor is also available with no management fees — another industry rarity. Start with as little as $1 and get a custom portfolio of low-cost ETFs, with recurring deposits and automatic rebalancing.
Meanwhile, hands-on investors can trade stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and alternative asset interval funds with a broker that makes investing approachable and professional financial guidance accessible.
Pros
Free robo-advisor
Unlimited, complimentary access to SoFi's certified financial planners
$0 commissions on stocks and ETFs
Diversify with alternative assets in your IRA
No investment minimum
Cons
No tax-loss harvesting with its robo-advisor
No automatic dividend reinvestment with its robo-advisor
For its access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, tastytrade boasts an impressive collection of trading products in its IRAs and some of the best pricing on options and futures contracts in the industry. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, options have no closing commissions and its trading platforms are powerful, with advanced trading, research and analysis tools, including profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature to roll your option position into the future.
Meanwhile, tastytrade offers a comprehensive learning center with video and live demos to help you level up your trading.
For its access to and competitive trading fees on options, futures, options on futures, options on micro futures and smalls futures options.
Designed primarily for derivatives trading, tastytrade boasts an impressive collection of trading products in its IRAs and some of the best pricing on options and futures contracts in the industry. Stocks and ETFs are commission-free, options have no closing commissions and its trading platforms are powerful, with advanced trading, research and analysis tools, including profit and loss visualizations and a quick roll feature to roll your option position into the future.
Meanwhile, tastytrade offers a comprehensive learning center with video and live demos to help you level up your trading.
Pros
Highly customizable trading platform
Extensive lineup of tradable derivative assets
Competitive options fee structure
Helpful educational resources and live programming
For its low-cost approach to mutual fund investing.
One of the most trusted names in the industry, Vanguard's history dates back to when it launched its first mutual fund back in 1929. Today, Vanguard continues to stand out for its vast low-cost collection of index funds, actively managed funds, target retirement funds and environmental, social and corporate governance-focused funds.
But Vanguard also offers access to stocks, options, ETFs and bonds in its IRAs, few account fees and access to human and robo financial advisory services for those looking for additional guidance on their investments.
Minimum deposit
$0
Retirement account types
Roth, Traditional, SEP, Spousal, Rollover
Annual fee
$25
For its low-cost approach to mutual fund investing.
One of the most trusted names in the industry, Vanguard's history dates back to when it launched its first mutual fund back in 1929. Today, Vanguard continues to stand out for its vast low-cost collection of index funds, actively managed funds, target retirement funds and environmental, social and corporate governance-focused funds.
But Vanguard also offers access to stocks, options, ETFs and bonds in its IRAs, few account fees and access to human and robo financial advisory services for those looking for additional guidance on their investments.
Pros
Access to more than 160 no-transaction-fee mutual funds from Vanguard and other companies
For its advanced and beginner-friendly mobile trading apps.
In addition to receiving high marks from both Apple and Android users, Interactive Brokers' (IBKR) main mobile trading platform, IBKR Mobile, offers the powerful trading tools that many brokers reserve for their web and desktop trading platforms. These include advanced, interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings and price targets, earnings estimates, company financials and more. In other words, there's little you can't do with IBKR Mobile. What's more, Interactive Brokers offers the more beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile trading platforms for those looking for a more simplified investing experience.
IBKR Mobile is the most feature-rich mobile platform according to Finder's analysis, while IBKR GlobalTrader is a solid option for beginners. Tack on its wide range of investment options, low trading costs and access to global markets and you can see why IBKR is not only the best IRA for mobile trading but also one of the best brokerage accounts on the market.
Other winning categories: Best for international trading
Minimum deposit
$0
Retirement account types
Roth, Traditional, SEP, Rollover
Annual fee
$0
For its advanced and beginner-friendly mobile trading apps.
In addition to receiving high marks from both Apple and Android users, Interactive Brokers' (IBKR) main mobile trading platform, IBKR Mobile, offers the powerful trading tools that many brokers reserve for their web and desktop trading platforms. These include advanced, interactive charts with over 90 indicators, analyst ratings and price targets, earnings estimates, company financials and more. In other words, there's little you can't do with IBKR Mobile. What's more, Interactive Brokers offers the more beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader and IMPACT mobile trading platforms for those looking for a more simplified investing experience.
IBKR Mobile is the most feature-rich mobile platform according to Finder's analysis, while IBKR GlobalTrader is a solid option for beginners. Tack on its wide range of investment options, low trading costs and access to global markets and you can see why IBKR is not only the best IRA for mobile trading but also one of the best brokerage accounts on the market.
Other winning categories: Best for international trading
Pros
Three mobile trading platforms, including the versatile IBKR Mobile and the beginner-friendly IBKR GlobalTrader
For its commission-free trades, 24/7 customer support and user-friendly trading platform.
It wasn't just its offering of commission-free trades that led Robinhood to transform the way people buy and sell stocks over the past decade but also its beginner-friendly mobile app with its intuitive design and agile interface, which simplified investing for the masses. Nothing's changed on that front. IRAs that pay matching contributions and 24/5 trading are just some of the upgrades Robinhood's made since first launching.
Robinhood's launch of its IRA matching contributions is yet another innovative product that keeps it steps ahead of other brokers. Earn up to a 3% match on annual contributions with Robinhood Gold — or 1% without — while all IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers earn 1%, with no cap. All this on top of fractional share trading, 100% commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs and options, instant deposits and a user-friendly platform that makes investing a breeze. Robinhood has lots to offer investors looking to build a retirement portfolio, and it'll reward you for making the move.
Minimum deposit
$0
Retirement account types
Roth, Traditional, Rollover
Annual fee
$0
IRA match
Up to 3%
For its commission-free trades, 24/7 customer support and user-friendly trading platform.
It wasn't just its offering of commission-free trades that led Robinhood to transform the way people buy and sell stocks over the past decade but also its beginner-friendly mobile app with its intuitive design and agile interface, which simplified investing for the masses. Nothing's changed on that front. IRAs that pay matching contributions and 24/5 trading are just some of the upgrades Robinhood's made since first launching.
Robinhood's launch of its IRA matching contributions is yet another innovative product that keeps it steps ahead of other brokers. Earn up to a 3% match on annual contributions with Robinhood Gold — or 1% without — while all IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers earn 1%, with no cap. All this on top of fractional share trading, 100% commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs and options, instant deposits and a user-friendly platform that makes investing a breeze. Robinhood has lots to offer investors looking to build a retirement portfolio, and it'll reward you for making the move.
Pros
Easy to sign up and easy to invest
Fractional share trading
Earn up to a 3% match on annual contributions
Earn 1% on all IRA transfers and 401(k) rollovers
Commission-free stock, ETF and options trading
24/7 customer support
Cons
Limited advanced tools unless you upgrade to Robinhood Gold
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Methodology: How we choose the best rollover IRA accounts
Finder’s investments experts review 18 brokers available on the market to narrow down the best IRAs for trading and investing.
We analyze each platform based on 147 key metrics we collect directly from brokers and assess each provider’s performance based on eight different categories, weighing each metric based on the expertise and insights of Finder’s investment experts. We then score and rank each provider depending on how it performs in each category. If a broker offers a unique, standout feature that’s a key distinguisher between others, the broker is given additional recognition.
How we weigh the overall rating
Investment options
Trading platforms
Trading costs
Account fees
Account types
Customer support
Mobile app reviews
Features
21%
12%
9%
13%
5%
8%
8%
25%
We update our best picks as products change, disappear or emerge in the market. We also regularly review and revise our selections to ensure our best provider lists reflect the most competitive available.
How do I open a rollover IRA?
Opening a rollover IRA isn’t much different than opening a brokerage account or bank account. With most providers, you can open a rollover IRA online in minutes.
Choose a broker or robo-advisor, and complete a brief application by providing personal information such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Completed applications are typically approved instantly, though the broker may take a couple days to verify your information. Follow these steps to roll over an old 401(k):
Choose an IRA type. For pre-tax assets in a 401(k), open or use a traditional IRA. For after-tax assets in a 401(k), open a Roth IRA.
Contact your old 401(k) plan admin for important information. Request a direct rollover of the 401(k) and ask what’s required to initiate the rollover.
Choose your investments. Build a portfolio of stocks, ETFs are any other asset your IRA provider offers.
What to look for when choosing the best rollover IRA?
Finder’s picks for the best rollover IRA accounts are meant to provide you with a starting point for finding the right broker for your retirement. That said, it’s important to consider your personal preference and individual investing goals too.
Consider the following factors when comparing your options:
Fees. From trading fees to miscellaneous fees, it’s important to understand the cost to trade and invest. Consider which investment products you plan to trade and the fees that apply, but also be mindful of any back-end fees, such as inactivity or transfer fees, that can also eat into your profit.
Tradable assets. Not every IRA custodian offers the same investment options in an IRA as it does in an individual brokerage account. Stocks and ETFs are standard, but what if you want to expand into options, mutual funds or bonds?
Account types. What other account types, in addition to IRAs, does the custodian offer? Consider your other investment needs and how important it is to maintain all your accounts under one roof.
Research and data tools. In-house research and tools simplify investing, as you don’t have to venture elsewhere to make an informed decision about an investment. If you’re a passive index investor, extensive research and analysis tools may not matter all that much. Active stock pickers may feel otherwise.
Mobile app reviews. Mobile trading is more popular than ever, allowing you to trade and invest from anywhere. Check out what current or previous customers say about the platform’s functionality.
Signup bonus. While it may not make sense to choose an IRA custodian solely based on whether or not they offer a signup bonus, a new customer incentive such as a free stock may be enough to help you choose one over another if all else is equal.
Traditional IRAs vs. Roth IRAs: What’s the difference?
The main difference is how they’re taxed: Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, but distributions in retirement are taxed. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, allow tax-free distributions in retirement, but you need to pay taxes when you make your contributions.
If you’re saving and building up gains in the account for a long time and think you’ll be in a higher tax bracket when you leave the workforce, a Roth may be a better option. But if a tax deduction in the year in which you made the contribution is more important, then a traditional IRA may be more suitable. Alternatively, open a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, if you’re eligibile, for a choice of taxable or tax-free contributions and income when you retire. You can’t contribute more than the total contribution limit for that tax year to all your IRAs, and Roth IRAs have specific income limits you need to meet to qualify to open an account.
Investing through an IRA up to the $7,000 ($8,000 if you’re age 50 or older) limit in 2024 can help grow your retirement savings at a potentially quicker pace than if you were to invest that same $7,000 in a taxable brokerage account. That’s because IRA contributions and earnings grow tax-free or tax-deferred and you can enjoy tax-deductions or tax-free withdrawals in retirement, depending on which IRA type you go with — traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Plus, trade most assets in an IRA just as you would in an individual brokerage account.
But not all Americans who buy stocks do it through one of these accounts, Finder’s Consumer Confidence Index shows. Of Americans that invest in stocks, 45% trade and invest through a taxable brokerage account. Only 25% invest through an IRA and take advantage of these valuable tax benefits, while 21% have no IRA at all.
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Beginner investor
Do most or all of your trading on your mobile device
One disadvantage of rolling over funds from a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan to an IRA is the loss of creditor protection. Depending on state laws, assets held in employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s may have greater protection from creditors in the event of bankruptcy or legal judgments compared to assets held in rollover IRAs. This loss of creditor protection could potentially expose your retirement savings to greater risk in certain situations.
Where should I open a rollover IRA?
Open a rollover IRA with a provider that charges the fewest fees and offers the investment options, tools and resources you want according to your investing style. Consider whether you want to manage your investments yourself or if you want an advisor or robo-advisor to manage your investments for you.
Is a rollover IRA a good idea?
A rollover IRA can be beneficial for consolidating retirement accounts, accessing a broader range of investment options and potentially reducing fees. However, consider the tax implications and loss of employer benefits and creditor protection before making a decision.
Paid non-client promotion. Finder does not invest money with providers on this page. If a brand is a referral partner, we're paid when you click or tap through to, open an account with or provide your contact information to the provider. Partnerships are not a recommendation for you to invest with any one company. Learn more about how we make money.
Finder is not an advisor or brokerage service. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation to invest with any one company, trade specific stocks or fund specific investments. All editorial opinions are our own.
Matt Miczulski is an investments editor at Finder. With over 450 bylines, Matt dissects and reviews brokers and investing platforms to expose perks and pain points, explores investment products and concepts and covers market news, making investing more accessible and helping readers to make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Finder in 2021, Matt covered everything from finance news and banking to debt and travel for FinanceBuzz. His expertise and analysis on investing and other financial topics has been featured on CBS, MSN, Best Company and Consolidated Credit, among others. Matt holds a BA in history from William Paterson University. See full bio
Matt's expertise
Matt has written 206 Finder guides across topics including:
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finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
