Planning for retirement may feel overwhelming, but choosing the right Individual Retirement Account (IRA) broker can make a big difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow an existing nest egg, finding a broker that aligns with your goals, budget, and investment style is key. The best IRA brokers offer more than just a place to park your savings—they provide powerful tools, helpful guidance, and low fees that maximize your returns.
In this guide, we break down the top IRA brokers for 2025 that offer exceptional value. These brokers stand out for their low costs, investment choices, customer service, and user-friendly platforms.
Why You Need a Good IRA Broker
An IRA broker acts like a bridge between your retirement goals and the financial markets. When you open an IRA with a provider, you’re choosing where your money will live and grow long-term. A strong broker gives you:
- Low fees that don’t eat into your returns
- Diverse investment options like stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and more
- Educational resources to help guide your decisions
- User-friendly platforms, especially important for beginners
- Responsive customer service when you need help
Let’s dive into the top picks that offer all this and more.
1. Fidelity: Excellent Overall IRA Broker
Fidelity has long been a favorite for both beginners and seasoned investors. What’s great about Fidelity?
- No account minimums — start investing with any amount
- Zero-commission trades for stocks and ETFs
- A wide range of investment options
- Robust educational tools and retirement planning resources
It’s ideal for anyone looking to balance affordability with top-tier quality. You get a clean interface, great research tools, and peace of mind knowing your IRA is backed by a trusted name.
2. Charles Schwab: Best for Beginner Investors
Just getting started? Charles Schwab is a top-notch choice offering simplicity and support.
- No minimum deposit to open an IRA
- Extensive network of physical branches for in-person support
- Free access to educational resources and planning tools
- Commission-free stock and ETF trades
Schwab’s platform is intuitive and full of useful features. Plus, if you prefer having a real person help guide you, Schwab’s customer service doesn’t disappoint.
3. M1 Finance: Best for Hands-Off Investors
If you’d rather set your investment plan and let it run itself, M1 Finance is your match. It uses a unique system of “Pies” that lets investors automate their portfolio with a visual, easy-to-manage layout.
- Automated investing with the option to customize your strategies
- Zero trading fees
- Great for long-term retirement investors with a “set it and forget it” mindset
- No account management fees
M1 is perfect if you want freedom without the daily stress of watching the market.
4. Fidelity Go: Best Robo-Advisor for IRAs
Want a professional touch without the high fees? Fidelity Go is a robo-advisor run by Fidelity that offers smart, automated portfolio management for your IRA.
- No fees for accounts under $25,000
- Straightforward account setup and portfolio selection
- Automatically managed funds based on your goals
With Fidelity Go, you still get the strengths of Fidelity’s trusted name but with a more guided approach—great for those not ready to DIY their portfolios.
5. E*TRADE by Morgan Stanley: Best for Mutual Funds
E*TRADE is a solid pick if you’re looking to diversify through mutual funds. It offers access to a wide range of no-load, no-transaction-fee mutual funds.
- Over 4,400 mutual funds without transaction fees
- A powerful investing dashboard
- Top-rated mobile app for managing your IRA on the go
- Helpful educational content
Advanced users will also appreciate E*TRADE’s analytical tools, while beginners can lean on support to get started.
6. Merrill Edge: Best for Existing Bank of America Customers
Already bank with Bank of America? Merrill Edge offers a seamless way to manage your bank accounts and retirement savings in one place.
- Preferred Rewards program that offers discounts and perks
- Great integration with Bank of America accounts
- User-friendly investment tools
- Strong customer service and in-branch support
It’s especially appealing to investors who want everything in one spot—making retirement planning less stressful.
Choosing the Right IRA Broker for You
Not sure how to decide? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Am I new to investing, or do I know my way around?
- Do I want to control every trade, or do I prefer automation?
- Is access to mutual funds or customer support important to me?
- Do I already bank with a major institution?
The answer to these questions can help point you to the platform that best supports your goals. It’s also worth checking out our overview of different types of retirement accounts for a fuller understanding of how to plan long-term.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for retirement is one of the smartest financial steps you can take—and choosing the right IRA broker is a huge part of that journey. Whether you want full control or a hands-off approach, there’s a platform here that suits your style.
By investing through any of these brokers, you’re giving your future self a big advantage. Most importantly, every account on this list offers value, convenience, and long-term support that can help you stay on track for retirement success.
Want to dive deeper into the details? Check out the full article on Investopedia’s Best IRA Brokers of 2024 for more insights.
Your future self will thank you.