Do not choose a rollover IRA by bonus alone.
A rollover offer can be useful, but fees, investment menu, cash drag, customer support, holding periods, transfer-out costs, and whether the platform fits your behavior matter more over the long run.
Path 1 · Choose a platform
Start with long-term fit
Compare fees, support, investing tools, cash treatment, and transfer-out costs.
Compare platforms →Path 2 · Want an incentive?
Compare live rollover offers
See current match or cash-credit offers and the holding rules behind them.
Compare current offers →Path 3 · Need a system?
Use the 401(k) Rollover Workbook
Organize calls, paperwork, confirmation numbers, deadlines, and tax-season records.
See the $19 workbook →New: 2026 Match Comparison
Comparing Robinhood, Webull, or SoFi mainly because of the rollover bonus? See the current 1% match rules, subscription costs, five-year conditions, and transaction-type differences in one place.
Compare IRA rollover bonuses →On This Page
How We Choose
We compare each platform on six things: account fees, outgoing transfer fees, investment menu, support, current match or bonus terms, and the practical work required to move an old 401(k). We use provider and regulator sources, date material checks, and separate sponsored links from editorial rankings. We do not claim personal account experience or personal receipt of a promotion unless we actually have it. Last checked: November 3, 2026.
IRA Rollover Platform Comparison
| Platform | Best for | Account fee / baseline | Outgoing transfer | Match or bonus | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | All-around investors who want support, branches, tools, and broad fund access | $0 IRA account service fee | $0 transfer-of-assets fee; $0 IRA closeout fee | No rollover match is used as a reason for our ranking here | Fidelity ZERO funds are Fidelity-only; rollover cash can sit uninvested until you place trades |
| Vanguard | Index-first investors | $25 annual brokerage account service fee, waivable under current conditions | Up to $100 for full account closure/transfer out, subject to waivers | No rollover bonus is used as a reason for our ranking here | Check fee-waiver eligibility and the cost of a future full transfer |
| Schwab | Investors who want support, branches, research, and banking | $0 IRA opening/maintenance; $0 account minimum | $50 full transfer out; $0 partial | No rollover bonus is used as a reason for our ranking here | More tools and choices than a minimalist app-first setup |
| E*TRADE | DIY investors who want a mainstream broker plus a cash credit | $0 annual IRA maintenance fee | $75 full outgoing IRA transfer | RETIRE26: $300 at $20K–$99,999; $600 at $100K–$199,999; up to $10K only at $5M+; open by Feb. 28, 2027 | Qualifying assets must generally remain for 12 months after the 60-day funding period |
| Robinhood | App-first self-directed investors who accept match rules | No annual account maintenance fee for the IRA | $100 full or partial ACATS out | 1% on eligible IRA transfers and old 401(k) rollovers with no stated dollar cap; 3% on eligible contributions with Gold | Five-year match rule; Gold contribution match has an additional subscription requirement |
| SoFi | Digital-first users who already use SoFi | Commission-free stock/ETF trading; other Invest fees can apply | $100 full or partial ACATS out | 1% on eligible 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) rollovers initiated through Capitalize; ACAT rollovers excluded | Five-year holding period; current rollover terms reviewed here do not state a minimum rollover amount |
| Webull | Active self-directed investors | $0 online stock/ETF commissions in self-directed IRAs; Premium is $40/year for the current rollover-match offer | $75 full or partial outgoing ACATS | 1% qualifying transfer/rollover match, max $2,500, through Dec. 31, 2026 under the current Premium terms | Premium and multi-year balance rules apply; Webull promotion eligibility excludes referral partners/influencers themselves |
| Ally Invest | Existing Ally Bank customers | No annual IRA fee | $50 IRA transfer + $25 closure on a full outgoing IRA = $75 total | No Ally referral reward is presented here because the current referral program excludes IRA/Ally Invest accounts | No branches |
| iTrustCapital | Crypto or precious-metals exposure inside an IRA | $1,000 initial contribution minimum; 1% digital-asset transaction fee; other asset pricing differs | Review current transfer/liquidation terms for the assets you hold | No rollover bonus is used as a reason for placement here | Crypto volatility, trading costs, custody, and concentrated retirement risk |
| IRA Financial | Broader alternative assets in a self-directed IRA | Standard Self-Directed IRA currently $495/year with $0 setup; other structures cost differently | Depends on account structure and transaction; review the current fee schedule before opening | No rollover bonus is used as a reason for placement here | Prohibited-transaction rules, illiquidity, valuation work, fees, and fraud risk |
Offer and fee terms change. Webull's current Premium transfer/rollover offer ends December 31, 2026. E*TRADE's current RETIRE26 retirement offer page says new eligible retirement accounts must be opened by February 28, 2027. Recheck the provider page before moving money.
What Actually Happens During a Rollover
Most comparison articles stop at "open an account and request a rollover." In practice, the platform you choose is often the easy part. The old 401(k) plan is where rollovers can become slow or confusing, so it helps to know what the process usually looks like before you start.
Here is a common sequence for a direct rollover from an old employer plan into an IRA:
- You open the receiving IRA first. You usually need the account number and the receiving custodian's rollover deposit instructions before you contact your old plan.
- You contact the old 401(k) recordkeeper. Some plans still require phone calls, forms, signatures, spousal consent, notarization, or mailed paperwork. The plan you are leaving often controls the timeline.
- The plan often sells your investments to cash. Many 401(k) funds use share classes that are specific to the employer plan, so they cannot move in kind to an IRA.
- A paper check is still common. For a direct rollover, the check is payable to the receiving custodian, usually with “FBO” and your name. Because you are not the payee, the distribution can remain a direct rollover. Use the receiving custodian's exact payee and mailing instructions.
- You deposit or forward the check to the new custodian. Some platforms allow mobile upload. Others require mailing. The full process commonly takes weeks, not days.
The mistake that triggers withholding
If an eligible employer-plan distribution is paid to you personally, the plan generally must withhold 20% of the taxable amount. To roll over the full taxable amount, you generally need to replace the withheld 20% from other money and finish the rollover within 60 days. A direct rollover avoids that mandatory withholding and does not start the 60-day clock.
See direct vs. indirect rollovers, rollover withholding, and the 60-day rule. Moving pre-tax money to a Roth IRA is a taxable conversion; see the IRA rollover tax guide.
This is why the "best platform" is only one part of the decision. Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, E*TRADE, Robinhood, SoFi, Webull, Ally, iTrustCapital, and IRA Financial may differ on interface, support, assets, and fees, but the slow part of a 401(k) rollover is often the plan you are leaving.
Safe IRA Rollover product
Want more than a one-page checklist?
The 12-page 401(k) Rollover Workbook includes phone scripts, paperwork trackers, confirmation logs, deadline worksheets, and tax-season organization pages.
Rollover Match Offers and Fine Print
Match and bonus offers can be real money, but the conditions matter more than the headline percentage. Terms change often, so verify the provider's current offer page before initiating a rollover or transfer.
| Provider | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | 1% on eligible IRA transfers and old 401(k) rollovers; no stated match-dollar cap; 5-year holding rule for matched funds. | Strong simple match, but Robinhood currently accepts old 401(k) rollovers in cash and the earn-out rule matters. |
| SoFi | 1% on eligible 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) rollovers initiated through Capitalize; the current terms are ongoing and do not state a minimum rollover amount. | ACAT rollovers are excluded and qualifying rollover funds must remain for five years. |
| Webull | Webull Premium advertises 1% on qualifying IRA transfers/rollovers through Dec. 31, 2026, up to $2,500; Premium currently costs $40/year. | The current terms require Premium and multi-year balance conditions, and promotion eligibility excludes referral partners/influencers themselves. |
| E*TRADE | RETIRE26 currently pays $300 for $20,000–$99,999, $600 for $100,000–$199,999, and scales to $10,000 only at $5,000,000+; open by Feb. 28, 2027 and fund within 60 days. | Qualifying assets generally must remain for 12 months after the 60-day funding period. Compare the tier at your rollover size, not the $10,000 headline. |
| Fidelity / Schwab / Vanguard | Service, tools, fund lineup, support, account fees, and transfer process. | These firms usually compete more on platform depth than headline IRA match promotions. |
| iTrustCapital / IRA Financial | Alternative-asset access, custody, trading costs, supported assets, and rollover instructions. | These are more specialized than a basic brokerage IRA and require extra due diligence. |
A match pays once, while many fees recur. A 1% match on $50,000 is $500 one time. An extra 0.35% in yearly costs would be $175 every year on the same $50,000 balance. Use the promotion as a tiebreaker after you compare the long-term platform, investment menu, and exit cost.
Fidelity
Best default for people who want a mainstream, full-service IRA platform without chasing a short-term promo.
Best for
Most rollover IRA investors who want support, tools, branch access, and broad fund options.
Fee / offer note
$0 IRA account service fee, $0 transfer-of-assets fee, and $0 IRA closeout fee under Fidelity's current published schedule; investment-level expenses can still apply.
Watch out
Fidelity ZERO funds are available only at Fidelity and may be less portable than broadly traded ETFs. Rollover cash can also remain uninvested until you place trades. The large menu can overwhelm some beginners.
Vanguard
Best fit when the investor already knows they want Vanguard-style long-term indexing.
Best for
Low-cost index investors who want a simple long-term fund ecosystem.
Fee / offer note
Vanguard account service fees may apply unless waived; investment expenses still matter.
Watch out
Less modern app feel and less branch-style support than Fidelity or Schwab.
Schwab
Best for people who want a serious legacy brokerage and more human support.
Best for
Investors who want customer support, branch access, banking integration, and powerful tools.
Fee / offer note
$0 to open and no minimum deposit for Schwab rollover IRAs, with other product fees possible.
Watch out
Less bonus-focused and less minimal than app-first platforms.
E*TRADE
Best for mainstream DIY investors who want Morgan Stanley-backed brokerage access, optional Capitalize rollover help, and a current tiered retirement cash-credit promotion.
Best for
Broad mainstream investing with a current promotional incentive.
Fee / offer note
$0 annual IRA maintenance fee. Under the current RETIRE26 retirement offer, $20,000–$99,999 earns $300 and $100,000–$199,999 earns $600; the $10,000 headline requires $5,000,000+.
Watch out
$75 full outgoing IRA transfer fee. Qualifying promo assets generally must remain for 12 months after the 60-day funding period, and promotion terms can change.
Robinhood
Best for confident app-first investors who value match mechanics more than full-service support.
Best for
Mobile-first, self-directed investors who understand IRA match rules and 5-year terms.
Fee / offer note
1% on eligible IRA transfers and old 401(k) rollovers with no stated dollar cap. Gold ($5/month) raises eligible annual contribution matches to 3%, not the rollover match.
Watch out
The match has a five-year rule, and outgoing full or partial ACATS currently cost $100.
SoFi
Best for people already comfortable with SoFi’s ecosystem and willing to stay long term.
Best for
Digital-first users who want an all-in-one financial app and a rollover-match ecosystem.
Fee / offer note
Current rollover terms offer 1% on eligible 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) rollovers initiated through Capitalize. ACAT rollovers are excluded, funds must remain for five years, and the current terms reviewed November 3, 2026 do not state a minimum rollover amount.
Watch out
Five-year match rules plus a current $100 outgoing ACAT fee. SoFi also has fewer branch-style resources than legacy brokerages.
Webull
Best as an active-investor IRA platform, not as a universal retirement default.
Best for
Active self-directed investors who want mobile charting and trading tools inside an IRA.
Fee / offer note
Webull has described transfer-fee reimbursement offers for eligible transfers. Verify the current IRA offer amount, minimum, and terms before moving assets.
Watch out
Outgoing full or partial ACATS currently cost $75. Promotion eligibility and removal-fee rules are detailed enough that you should read the current terms before moving assets.
Ally Invest
Best when convenience and Ally Bank integration matter more than advanced research tools.
Best for
Existing Ally Bank users who want a simple digital investing dashboard.
Fee / offer note
Ally lists no annual IRA fee and $0 commission on eligible U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs.
Watch out
No branches. Current Ally pricing shows a $50 IRA transfer fee plus a $25 closure fee on a full outgoing IRA transfer, for $75 total.
iTrustCapital
iTrustCapital may fit investors who specifically want crypto, Bitcoin, gold, or silver exposure inside a retirement account. It is a specialized alternative-asset IRA platform, not a universal replacement for a mainstream brokerage IRA. Crypto assets are volatile, and an IRA wrapper does not protect you from losses. Read the SEC/Investor.gov crypto-asset investor alert before committing retirement money to crypto.
Best for
Investors who already understand crypto volatility and want crypto or precious metals exposure inside an IRA.
Fee / structure note
Current help materials show a $1,000 minimum initial contribution, no maximum for IRA transfers or qualified-plan rollovers, and a 1% fee on digital-asset purchases and sales. Precious-metals pricing differs.
Watch out
Crypto assets can be volatile and risky. The IRA wrapper does not remove asset-level risk.
Sponsored link. Verify current fees, assets, custody, funding minimums, and rollover instructions before opening or funding an account.
IRA Financial
IRA Financial may fit investors who specifically want a self-directed IRA structure for alternative assets such as real estate, private placements, crypto, precious metals, or other IRS-permitted investments. It is not the simplest option for a basic rollover investor who only wants low-cost index funds or target-date funds.
Best for
Alternative-asset investors who understand self-directed IRA custody and want more flexibility than a standard brokerage IRA.
Fee / structure note
IRA Financial's standard Self-Directed IRA currently lists a $495 annual fee with $0 setup; other structures and transactions can cost differently.
Watch out
Self-directed IRAs can involve prohibited-transaction rules, valuation issues, illiquidity, and more investor responsibility. Custodians generally do not evaluate or guarantee the investment itself, and fraud targets these accounts. See the SEC/Investor.gov self-directed IRA fraud alert and our Gold IRA scam guide.
Sponsored link. Self-directed IRAs involve additional rules, fees, and risks. Compare custodians and review IRS rules before opening an account.
How to Choose the Right Rollover Platform
- Fidelity if you want phone and branch support and a broad fund menu.
- Vanguard if you want a simple, index-first setup.
- Schwab if you want branches, research, and banking in one place.
- E*TRADE if a mainstream brokerage plus its current tiered cash credit fits you after you read the hold terms.
- Robinhood if you want an app-first account and accept the five-year match rule.
- SoFi if you already use SoFi and will leave qualifying rollover money in place for the holding period.
- Webull if you trade actively and will keep Premium and the balance in place for the required terms.
- Ally if you already bank with Ally and value one digital ecosystem.
- iTrustCapital only if you want crypto or precious-metals exposure and accept the possibility of substantial loss.
- IRA Financial only if you want a self-directed IRA for alternative assets and accept the added rules, fees, due diligence, and fraud risk.
Common Mistakes Before Moving an Old 401(k)
- Choosing a platform for its bonus without reading the holding period, subscription cost, transfer-out fee, and match-removal rules.
- Leaving rollover cash uninvested after it lands.
- Accepting a check made out to you when a direct rollover is available.
- Missing the transfer-out fee at the firm you may leave later. Robinhood and SoFi currently charge $100 for outgoing ACATS; several others charge $50–$75.
- Sending pre-tax money to a Roth IRA without realizing that the move is a taxable conversion.
- Putting retirement money into crypto before deciding how much loss you can tolerate.
See common rollover mistakes for the tax and process problems behind these errors.
Hold employer stock in your old 401(k)? Pause before rolling over
If your old 401(k) holds appreciated shares of your former employer's stock, a special rule called net unrealized appreciation, or NUA, can sometimes make the tax treatment different from a normal rollover. Rolling employer stock into an IRA can give up the NUA path. This is one of the rollover decisions that deserves tax-professional review before you sell or move shares.
Before choosing a platform, use the rollover checklist.
Before you choose a platform, confirm the account type, the payee wording for a direct rollover, fees at the old plan and new provider, any holding periods, and how you will invest the cash after it arrives.
Get the Free Rollover Checklist
Opens our email signup page. We only ask for basic contact information and never ask for passwords, bank logins, Social Security numbers, or crypto wallet information.
Get the Free Rollover Checklist →Frequently Asked Questions
Sources and Editorial Notes
- Fidelity: current commissions, transfer-of-assets and IRA closeout fees
- Vanguard: current account service and full transfer-out fees
- Schwab: current IRA opening and maintenance fees
- Schwab: current full and partial transfer-out fees
- E*TRADE: rollover IRA
- E*TRADE: current RETIRE26 retirement promotion, tiers, Feb. 28, 2027 deadline and 12-month hold
- E*TRADE: current pricing and $75 full outgoing transfer fee
- Robinhood: IRA match FAQ
- Robinhood: current $100 outgoing ACATS fee
- SoFi: current rollover match terms
- SoFi: current $100 outgoing ACATS fee
- Webull: current $75 outgoing transfer fee
- SoFi: Capitalize 1% Match IRA Rollover
- Webull: transfer fee reimbursement
- Ally Invest: current IRA annual, transfer and closure fees
- IRS Topic 413: rollovers, 60-day rule, and 20% withholding
- IRS: IRA contribution limits
- IRS Publication 575: pension and annuity income, including employer securities discussion
- FINRA: 401(k) rollover considerations
- IRS: rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions
- iTrustCapital: crypto IRA platform overview
- iTrustCapital: current digital-asset transaction fee
- iTrustCapital Help: IRA contribution minimums
- IRA Financial: Self-Directed IRA
- Investor.gov: crypto asset risk alert
- Investor.gov: Self-directed IRAs and fraud risk
- Some external provider links on this page may be affiliate or partner links. This does not change our educational comparison standards.
- This comparison is educational only and is not personalized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
Related Comparison