Welcome USAA members.
What is an Individual Retirement Account?
Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are personal retirement savings accounts that offer tax benefits and a range of investment options. Many investors use IRAs as their common source of saving for retirement.
Even those with access to employer-sponsored plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), still tap into IRA tax advantages to boost their savings and add flexibility to their portfolio.
Types of IRAs
Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Rollover IRAs are the three most commonly chosen individual retirement options. Variations of common IRA types include Inherited IRAs and Custodial IRAs. Each IRA has its own characteristics to evaluate when setting your retirement savings goals.
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Traditional IRA
- Contributions may be tax deductible. See Traditional IRA limits.
- Withdrawals of pre-tax contributions and earnings are taxed as current income during retirement.
- No income limitations.
- Learn more about Traditional IRAs.
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Roth IRA
- Contributions are not tax deductible. See Roth IRA contribution limits.
- Withdrawals are generally tax-free and penalty free after five years and after age 59½.
- Income eligibility limitations.
- Learn more about Roth IRAs.
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Rollover IRA
- This process may result in more choices and lower fees than a 401(k).*
- Evaluate your options to decide if rolling over to a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA is right for you.
- Funds can continue to grow tax advantaged.
- Learn how to roll over to an IRA.
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Inherited (Beneficiary) IRA
- For those who inherit a Traditional or Roth IRA.
- Tax-deductible contributions or IRA conversions aren't allowed.
- Annual distributions or liquidation of the account within a certain period is required.
- Learn more about Inherited IRAs.
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Custodial (Minor) IRA
- For children under age 18 who are actively receiving earned income.
- Can be a Traditional or Roth IRA.
- Funds could be used to pay for future needs, such as college or retirement.
- Learn more about Custodial IRAs.
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Small Business Solutions
- Choose from options for different sized businesses.
- SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs are available options.
- Features range from high contribution limits to plan customization.
Unsure which IRA fits your needs?
Answer a few simple questions and our Help You Decide tool will tell you which IRA may be best for your needs.
Schwab provides tools, education, and assistance to help you feel comfortable and confident in retirement.
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Retirement tools and resourcesSchwab offers planning calculators and more to help you manage your future.
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Insights and educationStay informed with the latest market commentary, insights, and investing ideas from Schwab experts.
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Satisfaction guaranteeAt Schwab, our commitment to your satisfaction is backed by a guarantee. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied, we'll refund your fee or commission and work with you to make things right.¹
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Fees and commissionsRegardless of your account balance or how often you trade, you can open an account with a $0 minimum deposit plus get $0 online listed equity trade commissions.2
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1. Schwab Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, at your request, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. ("Schwab"), Charles Schwab Bank, SSB ("Schwab Bank"), or another Schwab affiliate, as applicable, will refund any eligible fee related to your concern. Refund requests must be received within 90 days of the date the fee was charged. Two kinds of "Fees" are eligible for this guarantee: (1) "Program Fees" for the Schwab Wealth Advisory ("SWA"), Schwab Managed Portfolios™ ("SMP"), Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium® ("SIP Premium"), and Managed Account Connection® ("Connection") investment advisory services sponsored by Schwab (together, the "Participating Services"); and (2) commissions and fees listed in the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Individual Investors or the Charles Schwab Bank Pricing Guide.
For more information about Program Fees, please see the disclosure brochure for the Participating Service, made available at enrollment or any time at your request. The Connection service includes only accounts managed by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., an affiliate of Schwab. The guarantee does not cover Program Fees for accounts managed by investment advisors who are not affiliated with Schwab or managed by Schwab-affiliated advisors outside of the SWA, SMP, SIP Premium, and Connection services. The guarantee is only available to current clients. Refunds will only be applied to the account charged and will be credited within approximately four weeks of a valid request. No other charges or expenses and no market losses will be refunded. Other restrictions may apply. Schwab reserves the right to change or terminate the guarantee at any time.
2. Standard online $0 commission does not apply to over-the-counter (OTC) equities, transaction-fee mutual funds, futures, fixed-income investments, or trades placed directly on a foreign exchange or in the Canadian market. Options trades will be subject to the standard $0.65 per-contract fee. Service charges apply for trades placed through a broker ($25) or by automated phone ($5). Exchange process, ADR, and Stock Borrow fees still apply. See the Charles Schwab Pricing Guide for Individual Investors for full fee and commission schedules.
This tax 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. Depending on the type of account you have, there are different rules for withdrawals, penalties, and distributions. Please understand these before opening your account.
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Common questions
For a Traditional IRA, you can contribute up to $6,500 for the tax year 2023 and $7,000 for the tax year 2024, or up to 100% of earned income, whichever is less. Individuals aged 50 and over can also make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution from earned income for tax years 2023 and 2024. Roth IRAs have the same contribution limits but also have income eligibility requirements.
Not all of your IRA contributions may be eligible for a current-year tax deduction. See Traditional IRA contribution limits and Roth IRA contribution limits.
You can withdraw the excess contribution amount, but you will be charged a 6% penalty each year that money remains in your account. When you withdraw your funds, you'll need to file IRS Form 5329.
Note: Corrective distributions of excess contributions and earning are exempt from the 10% early distribution excise tax if the distribution is made before your federal income tax deadline (generally April 15th). To determine the best solution for you situation, contact your tax advisor.
You can remove the extra funds after the tax filing deadline (including extensions), but you will be charged a 6% penalty.
Note: The IRS has yet to provide a definitive answer on whether earnings from these funds must also be removed after the tax filing deadline. Check with a tax advisor to determine the best solution for your individual situation.
You can't take a loan from your IRA. However, you may be eligible to make an indirect rollover from your IRA (Traditional or Roth) once in a 12-month period without penalty if you replace the funds within 60 days.
If you don't pay back the distribution within 60 days, you may be subject to taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. For Roth IRAs, you can take a distribution of contributions without penalty, but any earnings may be subject to taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Before you reach age 59½, you are subject to a 10% penalty, in addition to federal and state taxes, on Traditional IRA distributions and earnings withdrawals from Roth IRAs. Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalty. If IRS requirements are met, distributions from Traditional IRAs and Roth earnings are penalty-free under certain circumstances.
Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine whether you are qualified for certain tax benefits, such as how much of your IRA contribution is deductible. Your MAGI is calculated by taking your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and adding certain items, such as foreign income or higher education tuition. The resulting number will dictate your IRA contribution deductibility.
With a Schwab IRA, you can choose from a wide range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, CDs, ETFs, and mutual funds. Build your own portfolio, or contact a Schwab investment professional to help you determine your investment plan.
CDs are available through Schwab CD OneSource®.3 To see a selection of today’s rates, visit our Certificates of Deposits (CDs) page.