Partnership Disclosure
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!

Schwab IRA vs Vanguard IRA

Schwab is a great option if you want an easy-to-use, low-cost trading account from the broker that pioneered low-commission trades.

Consider Vanguard if you want an IRA comprised mainly of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Vanguard and others.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab

Self-Directed

Best if you want
An easy-to-use, low-cost trading account from the broker that pioneered low-commission trades.
Fees
0%
What they invest in
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options, Futures, Bonds
Limitations
Schwab does not offer direct investments in cryptocurrency, though this won't be a limitation for most investors.
Human advisor available?
Yes, the Schwab's Premium Intelligent Portfolios offering; requires $25,000 minimum balance and costs $30 a month in addition to a $300 one time planning fee
Account Minimums
$0
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar filledStar filledStar half
4.5 stars
Customer Support
Great mix of call centers, online help and over 340 branches.
Vanguard

Vanguard

Self-Directed

Best if you want
An IRA comprised mainly of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from Vanguard and others.
Fees
0%
What they invest in
Stocks & ETFs, Mutual Funds, Options
Limitations
Vanguard's platform is limited if you want to trade things other than ETFs and some Vanguard funds have high minimums.
Human advisor available?
Account Minimums
$0
Ease of Use
Star filledStar filledStar half
2.5 stars
Customer Support
Call centers and online.
Ready to take control of your assets?
Capitalize helps you consolidate your old 401(k)s by rolling them into an IRA of your choosing. Use an existing IRA if you have one, or we’ll help you open one if you don’t.
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