If you’ve been putting off choosing a Roth IRA platform because every option looks the same, the field has changed: the best online investing platforms for your Roth IRA in 2026 are Ark7, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Ally Invest, E*TRADE, Interactive Brokers, Merrill Edge, M1 Finance, Betterment, and Vanguard, with Ark7 ranked first for giving Roth IRA investors direct, fractional ownership of income-producing rental real estate starting at $20 a share.
- Ark7 – fractional ownership of rental homes inside a self-directed IRA
- Charles Schwab – full-service brokerage with $0 online trades and no account minimum
- Fidelity – brokerage and retirement platform with no-fee retail Roth IRAs
- Ally Invest – self-directed trading, robo portfolios, and personal advice tiers
- E*TRADE – zero-commission stock, ETF, and mutual fund trading with a robo option
- Interactive Brokers – multi-asset brokerage offering IBKR Lite and Pro pricing plans
- Merrill Edge – self-directed and professionally guided investment account options
- M1 Finance – automated investing hub with auto-invest rebalancing and cash accounts
- Betterment – automated ETF portfolio management across Digital and Premium tiers
- Vanguard – cash management account paired with money market fund investing
| Platform | Asset Class / Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Account Closure / Transfer Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, mutual funds, Roth IRA | Not published | Not published |
| Fidelity | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, mutual funds, Roth IRA, HSA, 529 | $0 (retail Roth IRA); $1 minimum investment | $50 account closeout fee (may apply) |
| Ally Invest | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, Roth IRA (Self-Directed) | $0 (Self-Directed Roth IRA) | $50 outgoing IRA transfer + $25 closure fee |
| E*TRADE | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds (5,000+ no-fee), Roth IRA | $0 (self-directed); $500 (Core Portfolios robo) | Not published |
| Interactive Brokers | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, gold, bonds, mutual funds, prediction markets | $0 (no account maintenance minimum stated) | $0 wire withdrawal (once/month; $10 thereafter); $0 check withdrawal (once/month) |
| Merrill Edge | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, Roth IRA (Self-Directed & Guided) | $0 (Self-Directed); $1,000 (Guided Investing); $20,000 (Guided Investing with Advisor) | $49.95 full IRA account termination fee |
| M1 Finance | Automated stock/ETF portfolios, Roth IRA | $500 (IRA) | Not published |
| Betterment | Automated ETF portfolios (Digital & Premium tiers) | $0 (Digital); $100,000 (Premium) | Not published |
| Vanguard | Money market funds + bank sweep (Cash Plus Account); long-term investments | $3,000 minimum per money market fund | Not published |
The sections below walk through what each platform actually offers so you can match the account to your goals.
Choosing where to open a Roth IRA used to mean picking a discount brokerage and buying a handful of index funds. That still works for plenty of savers, but the field of Roth IRA platforms has widened considerably. With that much money moving through Roth accounts, the differences between platforms (fees, minimums, what you can actually buy) matter more than ever. This review compares the best Roth IRA platforms for 2026 across traditional brokerages, robo-advisors, and Ark7, a fractional real estate platform that lets Roth IRA investors hold shares of rental property rather than only stocks and funds.
Key Takeaways
- Roth ownership is still a minority behavior. In mid-2024, 44% of U.S. households owned an IRA, but only 26% owned a Roth IRA specifically.
- The 2026 contribution limit is $7,500. The IRS caps total contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs combined at $7,500, or $8,600 for those 50 and older.
- Most brokerages have dropped account minimums and trading commissions, but advisory fees, closeout fees, and fund-specific costs still vary widely by provider.
- Roth IRAs are not limited to stocks and ETFs. Some platforms, including Ark7, allow Roth-eligible accounts to hold fractional shares of income-producing rental property rather than only securities.
What Is a Roth IRA and Why Does It Matter in 2026?
Roth accounts differ from traditional IRAs in one key way: you pay income tax on contributions now instead of on withdrawals later, which can be an advantage if you expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement. For 2026, the IRS caps combined traditional and Roth IRA contributions at $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older, with the limit reduced to your taxable compensation if that amount is lower. Separately, the IRS has clarified that Saver’s Match contributions do not count toward that annual limit for the 2027 program year, which matters for lower- and middle-income savers who will be eligible for the federal matching program beginning with 2027 contributions. Among households that already own a Roth IRA, 65% report having a strategy for managing income and assets in retirement, a reminder that the account type works best as part of a broader plan rather than a standalone decision.
Key Factors to Compare Roth IRA Platforms
Not every Roth IRA platform competes on the same dimensions. Before comparing specific providers, it helps to know what actually separates them in practice.
- Account minimums: Many self-directed brokerages now require $0 to open a Roth IRA, while robo-advisors and alternative platforms often set a minimum per fund, portfolio, or share.
- Annual and advisory fees: Self-directed accounts are typically free to maintain, but managed portfolios charge a percentage of assets, usually between 0.25% and 0.85% annually.
- Investment menu: Standard brokerages offer stocks, ETFs, options, and mutual funds. A smaller group of platforms, including Ark7, extend Roth-eligible investing to other asset types such as rental real estate.
- Trading costs: Commission-free trading on U.S. stocks and ETFs is now standard, but options, futures, and broker-assisted trades often still carry per-contract or per-trade fees.
- Account closure and transfer fees: These range from $0 at some providers to nearly $50 at others if you move your Roth IRA to a new custodian.
- Automated features: Some platforms offer auto-invest and dynamic rebalancing that queue trades based on targets you set, reducing manual upkeep.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Roth IRA Platforms for 2026
The platforms below are organized from the most differentiated option for Roth IRA investors seeking real estate exposure to the traditional brokerages and robo-advisors that make up the rest of the category.
1. Ark7
Ark7 is a real estate investment platform that lets investors buy shares of rental homes rather than shares of a company or fund. Properties are typically held long-term, and investors have the flexibility to sell their shares after a minimum holding period or continue holding for appreciation.
For retirement savers specifically, Ark7 supports a self-directed IRA option that covers both Traditional and Roth accounts. There is no Ark7 fee to open this account. That structure lets a Roth IRA hold fractional ownership in rental property alongside, or instead of, traditional securities.
What sets Ark7 apart
- Real estate as a Roth-eligible asset class: fractional ownership of rental homes is not something traditional brokerage IRAs offer.
- Monthly passive income: rental distributions are paid directly to the investor’s account rather than accruing only as unrealized appreciation.
- Operational transparency: complete legal and financial disclosure is accessible 24/7 and searchable, with no hidden fees.
- App Store rating: Ark7 holds a 4.7 rating on the Apple App Store.
- AI-plus-local-expertise sourcing: property sourcing, leasing, and management are automated using a hybrid of artificial intelligence and local market expertise.
Ideal for
- Roth IRA holders who want exposure to rental income without buying and managing a physical property.
- Investors who already hold stocks and ETFs elsewhere and want to diversify into a different asset class.
- Long-distance or hands-off investors who want professionally managed real estate rather than a landlord role.
- Savers who prefer a lower per-unit entry point than many managed portfolios require.
Getting started
Opening an account starts with reviewing current property listings and choosing shares that match your income or appreciation goals. Browse Properties to see which rental homes are currently available for investment inside a Roth-eligible account.
2. Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab is an online investing and trading platform offering brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services, including self-directed investing, active trading through thinkorswim, automated investing, and full-service wealth management. Trades can be placed online, through an automated phone system, or with broker assistance.
Key Features
- Online trading in stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and mutual funds
- thinkorswim desktop, web, and mobile trading platforms
- No account or trade minimums
- 24/7 client service access
Pricing
Schwab charges $0 online commission per executed trade for listed stocks and ETFs, $0 base commission plus $0.65 per contract for options, $0 for Schwab Mutual Fund OneSource trades, and $2.25 per contract for futures, with no account minimums, per Schwab’s own pricing page.
3. Fidelity
Fidelity is an investment and financial services provider offering brokerage, Roth IRA, HSA, 529, and wealth management accounts. Customers can manage their own investments or work with a Fidelity advisor, with access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and crypto.
Key Features
- No account fees or minimums to open a retail Roth IRA
- Fractional share investing starting at $1
- $0 commissions on U.S. equity and ETF trades, $0.65 per contract on options
- Fidelity Go automated investing with no advisory fee under $25,000
Pricing
Per Fidelity’s own pricing page, Fidelity’s retail Roth IRA has no opening fees or minimums, though a $50 account closeout fee may apply. Fidelity Go charges no advisory fee for balances under $25,000 and 0.35% annually at $25,000 and above. According to CNBC, Fidelity Go lacks a socially responsible or ESG portfolio option, and some Fidelity mutual funds require specific investment thresholds.
4. Ally Invest
Ally Invest offers three account types: Self-Directed Trading, Robo Portfolios, and Personal Advice. Self-Directed Trading includes access to TipRanks’ expert stock data alongside standard trading tools.
Key Features
- Self-Directed Trading, Robo Portfolios, and Personal Advice account tiers
- Access to TipRanks’ analyst data within Self-Directed accounts
- $0 commission on eligible stocks and ETFs
Pricing
Ally allows investors to open a Roth IRA without a minimum balance requirement and charges no trading commissions on U.S.-listed stocks, mutual funds, or thousands of ETFs.
5. E*TRADE
E*TRADE is a brokerage offering commission-free online trading in stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, alongside a robo-advisor option called Core Portfolios for investors who prefer a managed account.
Key Features
- $0 commissions on online stock, ETF, and mutual fund trades
- Access to thousands of no-transaction-fee mutual funds
- Core Portfolios robo-advisor for hands-off investing
Pricing
Per ETRADE’s own pricing page, ETRADE charges no commission on self-directed online trades. Its Core Portfolios robo-advisor carries a $500 account minimum and a 0.30% annual advisory fee.
6. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a brokerage offering two account pricing plans, IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro, with access to stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, mutual funds, and prediction markets across multiple trading platforms.
Key Features
- IBKR Lite: commission-free trading on U.S. exchange-listed stocks and ETFs
- IBKR Pro: fixed or tiered pricing with advanced trading tools
- Access via Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, and IBKR APIs
- Trading across more than 170 markets in 40 countries
Pricing
Interactive Brokers’ Roth IRA offering may have limited premium wealth services compared with other brokers, despite offering fractional shares.
7. Merrill Edge
Merrill Edge offers two account types: Self-Directed, where the investor manages their own portfolio, and Guided Investing, where Merrill investment professionals build and manage the portfolio.
Key Features
- Unlimited $0 online stock, ETF, and option trades (Self-Directed)
- Guided Investing with professional portfolio management
- Optional access to a dedicated advisor
- BofA Global Research access for Self-Directed clients
Pricing
Per Merrill Edge’s own pricing page, Merrill Edge Self-Directed requires a $0 minimum and charges $0 for online stock and ETF trades, with a $0.65 per-contract fee on options. Guided Investing requires a $1,000 minimum and charges 0.45% annually, while Guided Investing with Advisor requires $20,000 and charges 0.85% annually. Merrill Edge charges a $49.95 full account termination fee for closing an IRA and transferring funds elsewhere.
8. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a money management platform offering automated investing, high-yield cash accounts, and borrowing. Its Auto-Invest feature queues trades based on targets the investor sets, buying underweight holdings first.
Key Features
- Automated investing with dynamic rebalancing
- Customizable portfolios (“Pies”) for self-directed allocation
- High-yield cash accounts
- M1 Margin Loans for accounts with at least $2,000 invested
Pricing
M1 Finance requires a $500 minimum to open an IRA and charges a $36 annual fee for IRA balances under $10,000.
9. Betterment
Betterment is an automated investing platform that builds ETF-based portfolios based on an investor’s risk tolerance and goals, offered through Digital and Premium service tiers.
Key Features
- Automated ETF portfolio construction
- Digital plan with no minimum balance requirement
- Premium plan with unlimited access to Certified Financial Planners
Pricing
Betterment’s Digital plan has a $0 minimum account balance and a 0.25% annual fee for balances over $24,000 or accounts with at least $200 per month in recurring deposits; otherwise a $5 monthly fee applies. The Premium plan requires an eligible investing balance above $100,000 and a 0.40% annual fee, which includes unlimited guidance from a team of Certified Financial Planners.
10. Vanguard
Vanguard’s Cash Plus Account functions as a savings account alternative, letting investors keep short-term cash and long-term investments within the same provider. Deposits move through a bank sweep program to one or more program banks, or can be diversified into Vanguard money market funds.
Key Features
- Bank sweep program with FDIC-eligible coverage
- Access to five Vanguard money market funds
- Next-day bank transfers and mobile check deposit
- Compatibility with PayPal and Venmo for transfers
Pricing
Per Vanguard’s own site, Vanguard applies a $3,000 minimum investment for each money market fund, with no issued checks or ATM cards tied to the Cash Plus Account.
Roth IRA Platform Comparison Table: Fees, Minimums, and Investment Options
The table below condenses how each platform’s core account structure compares on asset access, entry cost, and account-closure terms.
| Platform | Asset Class / Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Account Closure / Transfer Fees | Platform / Access Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, mutual funds, Roth IRA | Not published | Not published | Online; automated phone; broker assistance; thinkorswim platform |
| Fidelity | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, mutual funds, Roth IRA, HSA, 529 | $0 (retail Roth IRA); $1 minimum investment | $50 account closeout fee (may apply) | Online; mobile; self-directed or advisor-managed |
| Ally Invest | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, Roth IRA (Self-Directed) | $0 (Self-Directed Roth IRA) | $50 outgoing IRA transfer + $25 closure fee | Online (ally.com); Self-Directed, Robo Portfolios, Personal Advice |
| E*TRADE | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds (5,000+ no-fee), Roth IRA | $0 (self-directed); $500 (Core Portfolios robo) | Not published | Not published |
| Interactive Brokers | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, gold, bonds, mutual funds, prediction markets | $0 (no account maintenance minimum stated) | $0 wire withdrawal (once/month; $10 thereafter); $0 check withdrawal (once/month) | TWS; IBKR Desktop; IBKR Mobile; Client Portal; IBKR APIs; 170+ markets, 40 countries |
| Merrill Edge | Stocks, ETFs, options, mutual funds, Roth IRA (Self-Directed & Guided) | $0 (Self-Directed); $1,000 (Guided Investing); $20,000 (Guided Investing with Advisor) | $49.95 full IRA account termination fee | Online; Self-Directed or Guided Investing with professionals |
| M1 Finance | Automated stock/ETF portfolios, Roth IRA | $500 (IRA) | Not published | Apple App Store; Google Play store |
| Betterment | Automated ETF portfolios (Digital & Premium tiers) | $0 (Digital); $100,000 (Premium) | Not published | Not published |
| Vanguard | Money market funds + bank sweep (Cash Plus Account); long-term investments | $3,000 minimum per money market fund | Not published | Online; app; program banks; 5 Vanguard money market funds; PayPal; Venmo integrations |
How Do You Open a Roth IRA Account Step by Step?
Opening a Roth IRA generally takes four steps: confirm your eligibility, choose a platform, fund the account, and select investments. Most providers complete the application process online in under fifteen minutes.
- Check income eligibility. Roth IRA contributions phase out at higher income levels, so confirm your modified adjusted gross income against current IRS limits before applying.
- Choose a platform that matches your investment goals. A brokerage works for stocks and ETFs; a platform like Ark7 works if you specifically want real estate exposure inside a Roth-eligible account.
- Complete the application. You will typically provide identification, a Social Security number, and beneficiary information.
- Fund the account. Most platforms accept a direct transfer, a rollover from another retirement account, or an ACH deposit from a linked bank account.
- Select your investments. Depending on the platform, this could mean buying index funds, enrolling in an automated portfolio, or purchasing fractional shares of a specific property.
Backdoor Roth IRAs, Conversions, and Custodial Accounts for High Earners and Minors
High earners whose income exceeds the Roth contribution limits often use a two-step “backdoor” process: contribute to a traditional IRA, then convert that balance to a Roth IRA. Because conversions are a distinct transaction from annual contributions, this strategy does not count against the standard contribution cap, though it does have tax implications that depend on your other IRA balances.
Custodial Roth IRAs work differently and are built for minors with earned income, such as teenagers with part-time jobs. A parent or guardian typically opens and manages the account until the child reaches the age of majority, at which point control transfers to them. Most major brokerages support custodial IRA structures using the same contribution limits that apply to adult accounts, since the limit is based on earned income rather than age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, total contributions to all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined cannot exceed $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older, unless your taxable compensation for the year is lower than that amount.
Are Roth IRAs free to open?
Many brokerages, including Fidelity and Ally Invest, charge no fee and require no minimum balance to open a retail Roth IRA. Ark7’s self-directed IRA option also has no Ark7 fee to open, though its custodian fee is not published.
Can I open a Roth IRA with no minimum deposit?
Yes. Several of the platforms covered here, including Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Ally Invest, allow you to open a self-directed Roth IRA with a $0 minimum balance. Managed and automated portfolios, as well as alternative platforms, often set their own minimums instead.
Which Roth IRA has the lowest fees?
Fee structures vary by account type rather than by a single winner. Self-directed brokerage Roth IRAs at providers like Schwab and Fidelity generally charge $0 in ongoing fees, while managed or robo-advised portfolios charge an annual percentage, and alternative asset platforms may apply a separate custodian fee. Ark7, for example, charges no Ark7 fee to open its IRA option, though its custodian fee is not published.
Can I buy fractional shares in a Roth IRA?
Yes. Fractional investing inside a Roth IRA is available through several platforms in different forms, from Fidelity’s $1 minimum stock purchases to Ark7’s fractional ownership of rental homes starting at $20 per share.
Can I hold cryptocurrency or gold in a Roth IRA?
Some platforms support alternative holdings within a Roth IRA. Fidelity offers access to crypto alongside stocks and ETFs, and Interactive Brokers offers access to U.S. Spot Gold in addition to traditional securities.
What fees should I look for when choosing a Roth IRA platform?
Compare account minimums, annual or advisory fees, per-trade commissions, and account closure or transfer fees before opening an account, since these vary significantly between self-directed brokerages, robo-advisors, and alternative platforms like Ark7.
Real estate has historically played a limited role in most people’s Roth IRAs simply because few platforms made it accessible. Ark7 changes that equation by letting investors buy fractional shares of rental property starting at $20, with monthly distributions paid directly to their account and full operational transparency available at any time. Create Your Free Account to explore how a self-directed Roth IRA with Ark7 compares to holding only stocks and funds.
Real estate investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
