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We might be compensated by one of our IRA partners for an account you open through our platform. This helps us keep the rollover service free, but it never impacts the fees you’ll pay on your new account. We only win if you do, and our job is to help you simplify your retirement accounts. We also help people who already have an IRA account even though we might receive no compensation in these situations—because it’s just the right thing to do!

Fidelity IRA vs Schwab IRA

Updated on May 27, 2024

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Fidelity offers a self-directed IRA at the largest provider of retirement accounts in the US with helpful customer support.

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

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
Fidelity
Self-Directed IRA
Charles Schwab
Self-Directed IRA
Fees
Fidelity
0%
Charles Schwab
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
What they invest in
Fidelity
A wide selection of commission-free ETFs from Fidelity, iShares and other industry leaders.
Charles Schwab
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
Limitations
Fidelity
Fidelity's fees on money market mutual funds (where you can put extra cash in your account) are a little higher than some peers.
Charles Schwab
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency.
Human advisor available?
Fidelity
Not at this time.
Charles Schwab
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks, mutual funds & markets (e.g. Morningstar, Credit Suisse, Argus).
Account minimums
Fidelity
$0
Charles Schwab
$0
Ease of use
Fidelity
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filled
4 stars
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Rollover

Fund a Fidelity IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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

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Compare Fidelity Self-Directed IRA to another IRA product

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Compare Charles Schwab IRA to another IRA product

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