Personal Choice Retirement Account

With a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account® (PCRA), you can invest in a retirement plan with the freedom of a brokerage account.

 

Already have a PCRA? Log in >

What is a PCRA?

A Schwab PCRA is a self-directed brokerage account (SDBA) that resides within your employer-sponsored retirement plan. In addition to the choices typically offered by retirement plans, PCRA lets you invest in a much wider range of investments.

Investing for your retirement is more flexible than ever, with no one-size-fits-all approach. Unlock new possibilities in your retirement plan with a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account, or PCRA—a modern approach to investing for your future.

In addition to your retirement plan's core investment options, a PCRA lets you customize your retirement investing to match your goals.

No matter how you like to trade or invest, our cutting-edge platforms, industry-leading education, and specialized support are ready to assist you.
With schwab.com and the Schwab mobile app, you can manage your portfolio, explore investments, and stay current with market trends. Anywhere, anytime.

Dive into our powerful thinkorswim® platforms for deep insights you can use to refine your PCRA and other investment strategies in real time.
Stay on top of your financial know-how with Schwab's educational resources. You'll get access to personalized learning and interactive courses for every type of investor.

You'll also get world-class support from one of the industry's most trusted names. Need help getting started? We're here to answer any questions, from platform basics to advanced trading support, through Schwab Trading, Powered by Ameritrade. Already working with an advisor? Your plan may even allow them to manage your PCRA.

At Schwab, we're here to help you take control of your financial future.
Video Transcript

Invest with PCRA

Investing for your retirement is more flexible than ever, with no one-size-fits-all approach. Unlock new possibilities in your retirement plan with a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account, or PCRA—a modern approach to investing for your future.

In addition to your retirement plan's core investment options, a PCRA lets you customize your retirement investing to match your goals.

No matter how you like to trade or invest, our cutting-edge platforms, industry-leading education, and specialized support are ready to assist you.
With schwab.com and the Schwab mobile app, you can manage your portfolio, explore investments, and stay current with market trends. Anywhere, anytime.

Dive into our powerful thinkorswim® platforms for deep insights you can use to refine your PCRA and other investment strategies in real time.
Stay on top of your financial know-how with Schwab's educational resources. You'll get access to personalized learning and interactive courses for every type of investor.

You'll also get world-class support from one of the industry's most trusted names. Need help getting started? We're here to answer any questions, from platform basics to advanced trading support, through Schwab Trading, Powered by Ameritrade. Already working with an advisor? Your plan may even allow them to manage your PCRA.

At Schwab, we're here to help you take control of your financial future.

Why PCRA?

More investment choices.

In addition to your retirement plan’s core investment options, you can select from thousands of investments available through Schwab.

Powerful trading platforms.

Get access to award-winning platforms, tailored education, and specialized support with Schwab Trading powered by Ameritrade™.

Flexibility to invest your way.

Place trade orders on your own or with help from Schwab.

Dedicated support.

You can call 1-888-393-PCRA (7272) to speak to a dedicated PCRA Call Center representative.

PCRA woman at computer

Who would benefit from a PCRA?

A PCRA is appropriate for knowledgeable, experienced investors who:

  • Are seeking a wider range of investments
  • Can dedicate more time to managing their investments
  • Are comfortable making more of their own investing decisions

Schwab is restricted from providing advice on PCRAs; however, your retirement plan may allow you to appoint an independent advisor. 

Report: See how other participants invest using PCRA

How does it work?

  • Your retirement plan provider must offer PCRA as part of your retirement plan in order for you to open an account.
  • Your employer will determine if your retirement plan's investment selection for PCRA includes only mutual funds or most available investments.
  • You decide how much money to transfer from your retirement plan into your PCRA.
  • You can invest your PCRA assets in any type of investment allowed by your retirement plan.
Video: How to research, monitor and trade with PCRA

Fees and requirements

  • Take the next step.

    If your provider offers a PCRA as part of your retirement plan, you can open your PCRA online.
    Contact your employer's benefits department to request PCRA enrollment materials.
    Call 888-393-7272 or

    See all Schwab accounts.

    Request a prospectus by calling 888-393-7272.