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Schwab IRA vs TD Ameritrade 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.

TD Ameritrade offers a self-directed IRA as a well-balanced account as one of the larger providers of retirement accounts.

Find & move your old 401(k)s into your new IRA
Provider
Charles Schwab
Self-Directed IRA
TD Ameritrade
Self-Directed IRA
Fees
Charles Schwab
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
TD Ameritrade
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
What they invest in
Charles Schwab
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
TD Ameritrade
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
Limitations
Charles Schwab
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency.
TD Ameritrade
TD's branches are concentrated in the Northeast if you like in-person service.
Human advisor available?
Charles Schwab
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks, mutual funds & markets (e.g. Morningstar, Credit Suisse, Argus).
TD Ameritrade
Account minimums
Charles Schwab
$0
TD Ameritrade
$0
Ease of use
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
TD Ameritrade
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar half
3.5 stars
Rollover

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

Get Started

Fund a TD Ameritrade IRA with a 401(k) rollover

Get Started
COMPARE

Compare Charles Schwab IRA to another IRA product

COMPARE

Compare TD Ameritrade Self Directed IRA to another IRA product

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