Roth IRA

Here's a tax-smart way to help your retirement savings grow. When you open a Roth IRA, your contributions and any earnings grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals can be taken tax-free. At Schwab, you'll get personal investment guidance and great tools and resources—all with no account service fees.¹

What are the fees and commissions?

Service fees: $0¹
Minimum required to open an account: $1,000²
Commissions: $8.95 per online equity trade;³ $0 per Schwab ETF online trade in your Schwab account⁴

What do I get when I open a Roth IRA?

Every Schwab account comes with investment help and guidance. With this account, you'll get:

Qualified withdrawals can be made tax-free
No mandatory withdrawals (unlike a Traditional IRA)
Retirement planning tools and resources in our IRA Center
24/7 service and support

See client reviews.

Ready to get started?

Apply Now

Need help? Call
866-855-5636.

Account fees and commissions

There is no fee to open or maintain an account at Schwab.

Minimum opening deposit: $1,000 (waived with automatic $100 monthly deposits)²
Monthly service charge: $0
Online equity trades: Just $8.95,³ regardless of your account balance, how often you trade, or how many shares you trade

Want more pricing details?

Review all our account fees and minimums.

Quick answers to related questions

Here are responses to some of the most common questions we hear. If you have a specific question, please call us at 866-855-5636.

How do I open this account?

It's quick and easy to apply online when you have the required information listed on the Online Application Checklist. You can also download an applicationand mail it back to us, or call us at 866-855-5636 anytime for assistance.

When can I access my account?

We'll send you your account number as soon as your application is completed and approved. You can use your account number to log in and manage your account.

What are the tax benefits of a Roth IRA?

With this account, your contributions aren't tax-deductible—but your earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals can be made tax-free after five years (provided you are age 59½ or in the case of death, disability, or to pay up to $10,000 towards the purchase of a first home). While there are no current-year tax benefits, you can contribute to a Roth IRA whatever your age, and you won't need to take mandatory withdrawals—commonly known as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)—after you turn 70½.

What are the benefits of a Schwab Roth IRA?

At Schwab, you get:

Investment help and guidance
Retirement planning tools and resources in our IRA Center
24/7 service and support

What kinds of investment choices do I have?

Choose from stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, CDs, and more. Schwab also offers professional portfolio management solutions that can make investing even easier. As a Schwab client, you can have a complimentary consultation with a Schwab investment professional who can help you decide which investments are right for you. Just give us a call at 866-855-5635. We're here and happy to help.

How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA each year?

You can contribute up to $5,500 for tax year 2013 ($6,500 if you are at least age 50) or up to 100% of earned income, whichever is less. Income limits apply.

Roth or Traditional IRA—what's the difference?

A key consideration is whether it makes more financial sense to take advantage of immediate tax benefits or enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement. With a Traditional IRA, you may get immediate tax benefits, but you'll have to pay ordinary income tax on your contributions and earnings when you take money out in retirement. With a Roth IRA, there are no immediate tax benefits, but contributions and earnings grow tax-free. All withdrawals can be taken out tax-free and penalty-free providing you're 59½ or older and you have met the minimum account holding period (currently five years).

View our Roth vs. Traditional IRA comparison chart.

Applying for a Schwab Roth IRA is easy.

It helps to have the following information on hand before you get started:

Your Social Security number
Your driver's license number
Your employer's name and address (if applicable)
Statement information for assets or cash you may want to transfer
Beneficiary information, including Social Security number and contact information

Take the next step.

Apply Now or call 866-855-5636.

Download a Roth IRA application.
Request a Roth IRA application by mail.
See our Roth vs. Traditional IRA comparison chart.
Find more help at our IRA Center.
See all Schwab accounts.

We're here to help.
OPEN
We’ll help you choose the right account. Call 877-627-7734 or visit a local branch.
FUND
Your New Client Concierge will help you take care of the paperwork, transfer assets, and more.
INVEST
Get a complimentary 1-on-1 consultation to select the right investments based on your goals.

1. There are no fees to open or maintain your account. Other fees may apply; please see pricing details.

2. The $1,000 minimum required to open an account is waived if you set up an automatic monthly transfer of $100 through direct deposit or Schwab MoneyLink.

3. Restrictions apply: The $8.95 commission does not apply to foreign stock transactions, large block trading transactions requiring special handling, or restricted stock transactions. All broker-assisted and automated phone trades are subject to service charges. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for details. Employee equity compensation transactions are subject to separate commission schedules.

4. Restrictions apply: Online trades of Schwab ETFs™ are commission-free at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC), while trades of third-party ETFs are subject to commissions. Broker-assisted and automated phone trades are subject to service charges. A minimum $1,000 deposit is required to open most Schwab brokerage accounts. Waivers may apply. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for details. All ETFs are subject to management fees and expenses.

Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by calling 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Schwab ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO). SIDCO is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation or any of its affiliates.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends that you consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.

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