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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!

Ally Invest IRA vs Schwab IRA

Updated on May 29, 2024

Learn about our Editorial Process

Ally offers a self-directed IRA with an easy-to-use trading interface at a digital-first institution — with low fees for stocks, ETFs, and even options trading.

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
Ally
Self-Directed IRA
Charles Schwab
Self-Directed IRA
Fees
Ally
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Charles Schwab
$0 online trades for stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
What they invest in
Ally
Stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, options, bonds, margin investing
Charles Schwab
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
Limitations
Ally
Less third-party research than some competitors; doesn't support fractional shares or cryptocurrency trading at this time
Charles Schwab
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency.
Human advisor available?
Ally
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks (e.g. Morningstar, CFRA).
Charles Schwab
Good: market data and some third-party research on stocks, mutual funds & markets (e.g. Morningstar, Credit Suisse, Argus).
Account minimums
Ally
$0
Charles Schwab
$0
Ease of use
Ally
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filled
4 stars
Charles Schwab
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Rollover

Fund a Ally IRA with a 401(k) rollover

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

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