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Schwab IRA vs Alto IRA

Updated on May 30, 2024

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Charles Schwab offers a self-directed IRA with an easy-to-use, low-cost trading account from the broker that pioneered low-commission trades.

Alto IRA offers a self-directed IRA with more than than 200 coins and other alternative investments including venture capital, fine art, regenerative agriculture, private equity, and more.

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
Charles Schwab
Self-Directed IRA
AltoIRA
Self-Directed IRA
Fees
Charles Schwab
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
AltoIRA
Crypto IRA: 1% Trade Fee for all transactions; No Custody or Account Fees
Alto IRA: Total invested capital $0.01 - $29,999.99: $37.50 per quarter; $30,000+: $100 per quarter
What they invest in
Charles Schwab
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
AltoIRA
Private equity, venture capital, real estate, fine art, regenerative agriculture, rare spirits, over 200 different cryptocurrency coins
Limitations
Charles Schwab
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency.
AltoIRA
Standard restrictions on alternative investments apply; in addition, you cannot currently invest in publicly traded assets like stocks and bonds.
Human advisor available?
Charles Schwab
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks, mutual funds & markets (e.g. Morningstar, Credit Suisse, Argus).
AltoIRA
Good: access to research on private investments through Alto partners like AngelList and Forge.
Account minimums
Charles Schwab
$0
AltoIRA
$0
Ease of use
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
AltoIRA
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Rollover

Fund a Charles Schwab IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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Fund a AltoIRA IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA