Looking for the best IRA accounts with the lowest fees? Smart move. High fees can quietly eat into your retirement savings year after year. Whether you’re opening a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA, choosing a low-cost provider means more of your money stays invested and working for you. Below, you’ll find the top 10 IRA accounts with the lowest fees, focusing on zero account minimums, commission-free trading, and low expense ratios.
1. Fidelity Investments
Fidelity consistently ranks among the best low-fee IRA providers thanks to its $0 account minimum, $0 stock and ETF trades, and access to zero-expense-ratio index funds. There are no annual IRA fees, and their proprietary mutual funds are among the cheapest in the industry. Investors also get robust research tools and retirement planning calculators at no extra cost. Whether you’re a beginner or a hands-on investor building a diversified portfolio, Fidelity makes it easy to minimize fees while maximizing long-term growth inside a Traditional or Roth IRA.
2. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab offers commission-free online stock and ETF trades with no annual IRA maintenance fees. There’s no minimum to open an IRA, and Schwab’s lineup of low-cost index funds keeps expense ratios competitive. Investors benefit from strong customer support, branch access, and powerful research tools. Schwab’s Intelligent Portfolios robo-advisor also provides automated investing with no advisory fee (though underlying fund expenses apply). If you want a blend of low costs, solid service, and investment flexibility, Schwab remains a top IRA provider year after year.
3. Vanguard
Vanguard is known for pioneering low-cost index investing, and its IRA accounts reflect that philosophy. There are no commissions on Vanguard ETFs and no annual IRA fee if you opt for electronic statements. Expense ratios on Vanguard index funds are among the lowest in the industry. While the platform may feel more traditional compared to newer apps, long-term investors appreciate the straightforward approach and cost efficiency. If your goal is simple, buy-and-hold investing with minimal fees, Vanguard remains a gold standard for retirement savers.
4. E*TRADE
ETRADE offers $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs, along with no annual IRA account fees. Investors gain access to a broad range of mutual funds, many with no transaction fees. The platform provides advanced trading tools, making it ideal for active investors who still want low costs inside a retirement account. Managed portfolio options are also available at competitive advisory rates. With its balance of low fees and powerful features, ETRADE is a strong option for investors who want flexibility within their IRA.
5. TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade provides commission-free online stock and ETF trades and charges no annual IRA fees. Its thinkorswim platform is especially attractive for experienced investors seeking in-depth analysis tools without extra account costs. Investors also benefit from strong educational resources and customer support. Although now integrated with Schwab, TD Ameritrade accounts still reflect the company’s long-standing commitment to competitive pricing and investor education. For those who want low fees combined with sophisticated tools, TD Ameritrade remains a compelling IRA choice.
6. Ally Invest
Ally Invest stands out for its simple pricing: $0 commissions on stocks and ETFs and no annual IRA fees. There’s no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for new investors starting small. Managed portfolios are available with low advisory fees, and Ally Bank customers benefit from seamless integration between banking and investing. While research tools may not be as advanced as some competitors, the straightforward fee structure and user-friendly platform make Ally Invest a cost-effective IRA provider.
7. Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge offers commission-free stock and ETF trades and no annual IRA fees. Integrated with Bank of America, it provides added benefits for existing banking customers through reward programs. Investors can choose self-directed IRAs or guided investing options at competitive advisory costs. The platform delivers solid research tools and access to a broad selection of investments. If you already bank with Bank of America or value integrated financial services, Merrill Edge delivers low fees and convenience within your retirement account.
8. SoFi Invest
SoFi Invest provides commission-free trading and no IRA management fees for self-directed accounts. There’s no minimum to start, and fractional shares allow investors to build diversified portfolios with small amounts. Automated investing options are also available with no advisory fee, though fund expenses still apply. SoFi’s platform is sleek and beginner-friendly, offering educational resources to guide new retirement savers. For investors seeking a modern, low-cost IRA account with easy mobile access, SoFi Invest is a strong contender.
9. Betterment
Betterment specializes in automated investing, making it ideal for hands-off IRA investors. While it charges a low annual advisory fee (typically around 0.25%), there are no trading commissions, and portfolio rebalancing is automatic. Expense ratios on underlying ETFs remain competitive. Tax-efficient strategies and goal-based planning tools add value beyond basic investing. If you prefer automation and professional portfolio management while keeping overall costs relatively low, Betterment is one of the best robo-advisor IRA options available.
10. Wealthfront
Wealthfront offers automated IRA management with a low annual advisory fee and no trading commissions. Investors receive diversified portfolios built from low-cost ETFs, along with automatic rebalancing and tax optimization strategies. There’s a minimum investment requirement, but the platform remains competitively priced compared to traditional financial advisors. Wealthfront’s intuitive digital experience and long-term investment focus make it appealing for investors who want a fully managed, low-fee retirement account without ongoing hands-on management.
Choosing the Lowest-Fee IRA Account
When comparing the best IRA accounts with the lowest fees, focus on three key factors: annual account fees, trading commissions, and fund expense ratios. Even small differences in fees can significantly impact your retirement savings over decades. The providers above offer competitive pricing, strong investment options, and flexible account types. Before opening an IRA, consider your investing style: self-directed or automated, and choose the platform that aligns with your long-term retirement goals while keeping costs as low as possible.