Robinhood Adds Retirement to the App
For years, Robinhood only offered taxable brokerage accounts. That changed in 2023 when the company rolled out Robinhood Retirement, giving users access to both Traditional and Roth IRAs.
The big draw is a contribution match that other major brokers do not offer. Robinhood pays a 1% match on IRA contributions, with the match rising to 3% for Robinhood Gold members.
This guide walks through how a Robinhood IRA works, how Traditional and Roth accounts compare, what you can invest in, and how to decide if it belongs in your retirement plan.
Traditional vs Roth IRA
Traditional and Roth IRAs are both retirement accounts, but they handle taxes in opposite ways. A Traditional IRA usually gives you a tax deduction now, then you pay income tax on withdrawals in retirement.
A Roth IRA does not give you a deduction up front, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free, including any growth. Many younger savers expect to be in a higher tax bracket later, which is why a Roth IRA can be attractive when you are early in your career.
Robinhood offers both, so you can pick the one that fits your tax situation now and your expectations for the future.
How the Robinhood IRA Match Works
The contribution match is the headline feature. For every $1 you contribute to a Robinhood IRA, Robinhood adds $0.01 from its own funds. Gold members get $0.03 per $1 contributed.
If you max out a Roth IRA at $7,000, that works out to a $70 match for free users and a $210 match for Gold members in 2026. Over many years, those matches can add up to thousands of dollars.
The match has a holding requirement, often 5 years. If you take the money out or move the account too soon, Robinhood may reclaim the match, so it pays to read the current terms before opening.
2026 Contribution Limits
For 2026, the IRS allows up to $7,000 across all of your IRAs if you are under age 50. If you are 50 or older, the limit rises to $8,000 thanks to the catch-up. Full details on phase-outs are in the Roth IRA contribution rules.
These limits apply to combined contributions, not each account. So if you split $4,000 into a Traditional IRA and $3,000 into a Roth IRA, you have hit the $7,000 limit.
Income limits can affect Roth contributions and Traditional deductions, depending on whether you or your spouse have a workplace plan.
What You Can Invest In
A Robinhood IRA gives you access to thousands of stocks, ETFs, and options. That covers most popular long-term investments, including broad market index ETFs and dividend-paying stocks.
It does not offer mutual funds, CDs, or bonds, so investors who want those products may need a different broker. If you mostly invest in index ETFs and a few stocks, the lineup may feel complete.
Robinhood also offers a recommended portfolio feature for hands-off investors. It builds a diversified ETF mix based on your goals, time horizon, and risk preference.
Transfer Bonuses and Rollovers
Robinhood sometimes offers a bonus on transfers in from another broker, often as a small percentage of the transferred amount with its own holding period.
You can also roll over an old 401(k) into a Robinhood IRA. A pretax 401(k) usually rolls into a Traditional IRA, while a Roth 401(k) usually rolls into a Roth IRA.
Direct rollovers are typically tax-free, while a Roth conversion from pretax dollars is taxable in the year of conversion.
Robinhood Gold and the IRA
Robinhood Gold is a paid subscription with a higher cash sweep rate, lower margin rates, and a bigger IRA match. Gold members get the 3% match instead of 1%.
The higher match can pay for the subscription several times over if you max out an IRA. For smaller contributors, the math may be closer, so it helps to run the numbers, similar to how a brokerage versus retirement account decision depends on your situation.
Gold also includes Morningstar research and Level II quotes.
How to Choose Roth or Traditional
A Roth IRA often fits younger savers in lower tax brackets who expect to earn more later. Paying taxes now and skipping them in retirement may save more in the long run.
A Traditional IRA may fit higher earners who want the upfront deduction today, or who expect to be in a lower bracket in retirement. The deduction can lower your current tax bill, depending on workplace plan coverage and income.
Many savers split contributions between both account types over time to diversify their tax outcomes in retirement.
Opening a Robinhood IRA
If you do not have a Robinhood account yet, you can open one with Robinhood and start the IRA from the Retirement section once you sign in. Account opening usually takes a few minutes, and there is no minimum to fund the IRA.
Robinhood
Robinhood
Robinhood is a trading platform that brings stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, crypto, and retirement accounts together in one app.
Standout feature
One platform for stocks, ETFs, options, futures, prediction markets, and crypto
Fees
$0 commission on stocks, ETFs, and options.
Pros
Zero-commission trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
Cons
Best perks (high APY, lower margin rates) require Gold subscription ($5/month)
Who a Robinhood IRA Fits
A Robinhood IRA may fit investors who already use the app and want the contribution match. It can also fit people who prefer ETFs and individual stocks.
It may be less of a fit if you want mutual funds, branch service, or specialty accounts like SEP or SIMPLE IRAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Robinhood offer both Traditional and Roth IRAs?
Yes. Robinhood Retirement supports both Traditional and Roth IRAs for eligible U.S. customers. There are no account minimums or monthly fees, and you can open the account in the Robinhood app.
How does the Robinhood IRA contribution match work?
Robinhood matches 1% of every dollar you contribute, or 3% if you are a Gold member. The match is funded by Robinhood and does not count toward your annual IRS contribution limit, though it usually must stay in the account for a holding period.
Can I have a Robinhood IRA and a 401(k) at work?
Yes, you can have both. Your 401(k) limit is separate from your IRA limit, though Traditional IRA deduction rules may change if you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan.
How do I move an old 401(k) into Robinhood?
You typically contact your former plan administrator and request a direct rollover into a Robinhood IRA. Robinhood's Retirement section in the app walks you through the steps, and it helps to confirm whether your funds are pretax or Roth before you start.
