This is not investment advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product.
The best broker for your IRA depends on whether you want the lowest costs, the best research, or the highest match bonus. All major brokers offer traditional, Roth, and rollover IRAs with no account fees.
Top brokers for IRA accounts
| Broker | Expense Ratios | IRA Match | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 0.00% (Zero funds) | No | Lowest cost, research |
| Vanguard | 0.03% (VTI/VOO) | No | Low-cost leader |
| Charles Schwab | 0.03% (SWTSX) | No | Research, banking |
| Robinhood | N/A (buy ETFs) | 1% match | Small accounts, app-first |
| Webull | N/A (buy ETFs) | 3.5% match | Bonus maximisation |
Fidelity — best overall for IRAs
Fidelity's combination of zero-expense-ratio index funds (FZROX at 0.00%), strong retirement planning tools, and excellent customer service makes it the best IRA broker for most investors. No account fees, no minimums, and the ability to buy fractional shares of ETFs from $1.
Vanguard — best for low costs
Vanguard's client-owned structure and industry-low expense ratios (VTI at 0.03%) make it the best choice if cost is your only criterion. The platform is less polished than Fidelity, but the long-term savings from low fees compound significantly over decades.
Webull — best for the IRA match bonus
Webull offers a 3.5% match on IRA contributions, the highest in the industry. Robinhood offers 1%. These matches are essentially free money added to your retirement account. The catch: Webull's platform is designed for active traders, not retirement planning, and the research tools are limited.
What to look for in an IRA broker
- No account fees. An annual IRA fee of $25-$50 erodes returns. All major brokers have eliminated these.
- Commission-free ETFs. Every major broker offers this now.
- Low-cost index funds. Look for total market funds with expense ratios under 0.05%.
- IRA match bonuses. Webull (3.5%) and Robinhood (1%) offer free money just for contributing.
- Retirement planning tools. Fidelity and Schwab offer retirement calculators and planning guidance.
Common questions
Can I have multiple IRAs at different brokers? Yes, but the combined contribution limit applies ($7,000 in 2026).
Should I choose a Traditional or Roth IRA? See the IRA and retirement accounts guide for a full comparison.
Is an IRA match worth switching brokers for? Webull's 3.5% match on a $7,000 contribution is $245 of free money per year. If you plan to buy and hold ETFs, this is a compelling reason to switch.
Where to start
Open an IRA at Fidelity for the best combination of low costs and retirement tools. If you want a match bonus, open one at Webull. See the retirement investing guide for strategy.