Money.com

Key Takeaways

One-third of Americans with significant unsecured debt pulled money out of their retirement accounts for debt payments, per a 2026 Freedom Debt Relief survey.
The move costs you in two ways: Early withdrawal fees and missed investment gains that can decrease the size of your nest egg when you retire.
Advisors say withdrawing from a retirement account should be a last resort. Instead, try cutting spending, reducing your contributions (but still save enough to get the employer match) or refinancing your debts.

When you’re carrying significant debt, paying it down can monopolize your financial plan. But that doesn’t mean it should automatically come at the expense of other financial goals, like securing a comfortable retirement.
Yet that’s the reality for many Americans. One-third of respondents to a recent survey from Freedom Debt Relief and Money.com say they have pulled money from a retirement account to pay down debt in the last year. That’s roughly the same amount of people who have used a budget app to try to reduce their debt, and more than the 25% who have enrolled in a debt management plan offered by a credit counseling agency. In fact, withdrawing from retirement accounts like 401(k)s and individual retirement plans (IRAs) was among the most common debt reduction strategies named by the 1,800 survey respondents, who all had at least $10,000 in unsecured debt.
Paying off debt can provide some instant gratification. And for some, withdrawing from your retirement fund may truly be the best financial option. But the survey suggests that many people may be putting their long-term financial security at risk before considering other options.
The key is “finding the right balance between successful borrowing and prudent investing,” says David Demming Sr., a financial advisor and president of Demming Financial Services. “You need to find a happy medium.”

The risk of withdrawing from retirement savings to pay off debt
Marisa Bradbury, a financial advisor and managing director at Sigma Investment Counselors, says she would caution anyone about pulling money out of a retirement account to pay off debt.
“You may be getting rid of the debt today, but you’re giving up years of potential growth on that money,” Bradbury says.
That’s because the money you stash in your retirement savings accounts today is being invested into assets like stocks and bonds that are expected to grow significantly. And while you may think you can limit the harm by strategically timing your withdrawals, that’s exceptionally hard to do. Missing just 10 of the S&P 500 index’s best days between 2006 and 2025 would have cut the returns on a $10,000 investment by more than half, according to a report from J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s. Someone who kept their money fully invested would watch their balance grow to $80,619 at the end of those two decades, while someone who missed the market’s 10 best days would only have a $35,866 balance.
You’ll also face income taxes and a 10% penalty when you withdraw money before age 59 ½ from retirement accounts, depending on the type of account. Between the immediate costs in taxes and fees, plus the long-term costs in missing out on compounding growth on your investments, retirement account withdrawals end up being a very expensive way to pay off debt.
“The biggest concern is paying off the debt with retirement money and then ending up right back in debt because the underlying spending issue never changed,” Bradbury says.
What to do instead of withdrawing from retirement accounts
If you’re considering withdrawing from a 401(k) or IRA, Bradbury recommends first doing an honest assessment of whether you can cut your spending any more than you already have. This is where a budgeting app may come in handy, but you can also review your most recent bank statements to see where your money goes each month. Cutting or downgrading at least one subscription service, committing to only dining out once or twice or per month and negotiating with service providers can help.
Another option is to reduce your 401(k) contributions temporarily and redirect that money to debt bills. But make sure you’re not missing out on free money if your company offers a matching contribution, Demming says. Even if someone has $10,000 in unsecured debt, he would recommend they contribute enough to get the full employer match in their 401(k), then focus on paying down the credit card debt.
You can also try to refinance the debt at a lower rate, Bradbury says. One way to do this is with a zero-interest balance transfer credit card, which allows you to put all your money toward paying down principle. Just be sure to see how long the credit card comes with no interest; it’s typically less than 18 months.
Another option is consolidating your debt with a personal loan, which can combine multiple debts into a single monthly payment with a clear repayment timeline. If you qualify for more favorable terms, consolidation may also help reduce borrowing costs or make monthly payments more manageable. Be sure to carefully review the interest rate, APR, repayment term and any applicable fees when comparing options.
If you’re considering pulling from your 401(k) because you’re struggling to make your minimum payments — or you’ve already fallen behind — you may want to consider credit counseling or debt settlement. With the first, a counselor will help you make a budget and payment plan that typically includes a reduced interest rate. With debt settlement, you’ll work with a company that can negotiate with creditors to resolve eligible debts for less than the full amount owed. With either option, it’s important to fully understand the terms of your agreement, how long the process will take and any potential downsides.
There are some situations in which withdrawing money from retirement savings can make sense, like if someone is in a true financial emergency with no viable alternatives, Bradbury says.
“Sometimes it’s the least bad option, but I’d recommend exhausting the other choices first,” she adds.
And if you do end up deciding that a retirement account withdrawal is your “least bad option,” you can limit the harm by simultaneously creating an action plan to try to catch back up on your long-term savings. For instance, once you pay off your debt, you can commit to increasing your retirement account contributions.

Average mortgage rates today

Mortgage Type
Label
Rate
APR

30-Year Fixed
Most Popular
7.38%
7.42%

30-Year FHA
Lower Credit
6.91%
8.1%

30-Year VA
Military
6.97%
7.14%

30-Year Jumbo
High Balance
7.58%
7.61%

15-Year Fixed
Shorter Term
6.71%
6.78%

7/6 ARM
Shorter Term
6.88%
6.97%

HELOC
Home Equity
8.09%
8.09%

Home Equity Loan
Home Equity
8.16%
8.17%

Updated on 10/07/2026

Rate data provided by RateUpdate.com. Displayed by Mortgage Research Center, LLC, NMLS# 1907, Equal Housing Opportunity, Payments do not include taxes or insurance premiums. Actual payments will be greater with taxes and insurance included. Rate and Product details

Mortgage rates ticked lower, with the 30-year fixed-rate loan averaging 7.42%. Rates have averaged above 7% for several weeks and are likely to remain there for now.
Key mortgage rate averages:

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.42% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgage averaged 8.1% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate VA mortgage averaged 7.14% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage averaged 7.61% APR
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.78% APR
The 7/6 adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 6.97% APR
The rate on a HELOC averaged 8.05% APR
The rate on a home equity loan averaged 8.17% APR

Mortgage rate trends
Mortgage rates appear to be stabilizing in the mid-7% range, their highest level since 2023. While elevated rates increase affordability challenges for some buyers, lower volatility can give financially ready buyers time to find and lock in a favorable rate.
Prospective buyers hoping rates will decrease later this year may be disappointed. In emailed comments, Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow Home Loans, writes that rates are likely to move only a little lower. Zillow’s revised rate forecast now expects the 30-year rate to average 7.1% by year’s end.
Which loan is best for you?
When shopping for a mortgage, you may be offered several loan options to meet different needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common loan types you’ll find, and who they work best for.
30-year conventional mortgage: Conventional loans work best for borrowers who have a credit score above 620, have saved enough to make a down payment of at least 3% and are looking for flexibility in the type of property being purchased.
30-year Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage: FHA loans are good for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores or those with a high debt-to-income ratio.
30-year U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan: Specifically designed for active-duty and retired service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and surviving spouses. Offers 0% down loan options, competitive rates and accepts less-than-perfect credit scores.
30-year jumbo loan: Good for homebuyers purchasing property that is priced above the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limit. In 2026, that limit is $832,750 in most of the U.S. but increases to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.
15-year fixed-rate loan: Borrowers who prefer a shorter loan term and can afford to make higher monthly payments will pay less overall interest with a 15-year mortgage and pay off the loan faster.
7/6 adjustable rate loan: Good for a buyer who wants to lock in a favorable interest rate for a set period of time and either plans on selling the home before the interest rate starts, is willing to make a higher monthly payment once the rate becomes variable or is open to refinancing the loan.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A good option for a homeowner who wants to access the equity they’ve accumulated in their home and have an open line of credit to use as needed.
Home equity loan: Another option for a homeowner who wants to access their home equity and have the financial capacity to take on a second mortgage.

How mortgage rates affect affordability
Your mortgage rate can make a big difference in how much home you can afford and how large your monthly payments are. That’s true whether buying your primary residence, an investment property or refinancing an existing loan.
Here’s an example. If you bought a $250,000 home and made a 20% down payment of $50,000, your starting loan balance would be $200,000. On a $200,000 home loan with a fixed rate for 30 years, here’s what you would pay:

At a 3% interest rate = $843 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 4% interest rate = $955 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 6% interest rate = $1,199 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At an 8% interest rate = $1,468 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)

Using a mortgage calculator lets you see how a lower rate or other changes could affect what you pay. A home affordability calculator can also estimate the maximum loan amount you may qualify for based on your income, debt-to-income ratio, mortgage interest rate and other variables. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can also provide a range of rates lenders offer in each state.

Current mortgage rates FAQs
What is a 30-year mortgage rate right now?
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 7.42% as of October 7, according to Money’s rate data. Other rate surveys show 30-year rates averaging above 7.5%.
Can you get a 4% mortgage rate?
No, not under current market conditions. A 30-year fixed-rate loan is averaging 7.42% as of October 7. Rates are likely to stay at this level or even increase.
Will we ever see a 3% mortgage rate again?
Mortgage rates are unlikely to fall below 3% in the near term unless a severe economic downturn occurs. However, rates averaged in the mid-3% range before the pandemic, so a return to that range at some point in the future is not out of the question.
How much is a $300,000 mortgage at 7%?
The monthly payment on a 30-year, $300,000 conventional mortgage at 7% is $1,995.91, excluding taxes, insurance and HOA fees. Your actual payment will vary depending on your credit score, down payment, lender and location, among other factors.

Key Takeaways

Stress relief and regaining control are the top debt-payoff motivations, with each cited by 48% of respondents in a 2026 Freedom Debt Relief survey.
Financial motivators were commonly cited by survey respondents, but they ranked second to more emotional ones.
To help regain a sense of control, planners recommend funding a $1,000 to $2,500 starter emergency fund before you aggressively attack debt.

Debt can be financially stressful, thanks to compounding interest pushing the finish line further away and payments shrinking your monthly cash flow. But carrying that burden doesn’t only affect a borrower’s wallet.
A recent survey from Freedom Debt Relief and Money.com found that the top motivations for paying off debt aren’t actually financial: 48% of respondents said their desire to stop feeling stressed or anxious about money contributed to their motivation to reduce their debt, and another 48% said they wanted to regain control of their finances. That’s compared to 45% who were motivated by rebuilding their credit score and 44% who wanted to save on interest and fees. The survey asked 1,800 Americans with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt about their finances.
“Paying down debt is both a financial decision and an emotional one,” says Mike Casey, a financial planner and founder of American Executive Advisors. “For many people, eliminating a balance creates a powerful sense of control and reduces financial anxiety,”

What motivates people to pay off debt
There are emotional motivators beyond combatting stress and regaining a sense of control. Thirty percent of the survey respondents indicated that improving their physical or mental health was an incentive for paying down debt, and 12% said they want to reduce conflict with a spouse or partner.
The more debt borrowers have, the more likely they are to cite emotional reasons for wanting to pay it off. The same is true for borrowers juggling multiple debt accounts: About a third of respondents who only have one or two accounts cited reducing stress and anxiety as a motivator, compared to more than 60% of borrowers with six or more accounts.
Borrowers want to change their debt situation for financial reasons, too. Thirty-nine percent of survey respondents said they wanted to eliminate debt to increase their day-to-day spending flexibility. At the same time, 21% said it was to qualify for a major purchase, like a home or car, and 15% said it was to prepare for a major life change, such as getting married or having a child.
Balancing debt payoff with other financial priorities
Carrying expensive debt can trickle into every aspect of your financial life, so it’s little surprise that it can cause distress. But focusing on your debt at the expense of other basic financial needs could do more harm than good.
“Putting every available dollar toward debt can leave you vulnerable to the next unexpected expense,” Casey says.
Instead, a balanced plan of attack — where you reduce your balances and build a strong financial base — can help you combat some of that debt-induced financial anxiety.
Here’s how you can do both at once.
1. Create a financial base
Casey recommends building a financial floor before aggressively attacking debt.
“Start with a starter emergency fund, often $1,000 to $2,500 so a car repair, medical bill or other surprise doesn’t immediately go onto a credit card,” he says. “Then work toward three to six months of essential expenses as your cash reserves improve.”
Financial advisors typically recommend keeping this cash somewhere you can easily access it but where it will also slowly grow over time, such as a high-yield savings account.
2. Prioritize high-interest debt
The higher the interest on your debt, the harder it can be to pay it off — and the more stressful it is to carry it. Credit cards often come with annual percentage rates (APRs) above 20% meaning that if you let your balance linger, it will quickly grow.
You should prioritize paying down credit card debt over additional investing beyond an employer match in a retirement savings account such as a 401(k), says Marisa Bradbury, a financial advisor and managing director at Sigma Investment Counselors. “Lower interest rate debt like student loans or a mortgage may not need to be eliminated before beginning long-term savings.”
While you’ll want to focus on the high-interest debt first, it’s best to make the minimum payments on all your accounts to keep interest from accruing.
Of course, this strategy assumes that you have enough money in your budget each month to pay at least a little bit more than the minimum on your debt. If that’s not the case, you’ll have to look for ways to trim spending or increase your income so you have the cash to accelerate debt repayment.
If you have a strong credit score, you can also look into consolidating your debts. This can help in a couple different ways: You can consolidate into a lower-rate loan and use the savings on interest to pay down more principal or you can consolidate with the goal of reducing your monthly bill and use the freed up money to build the financial base discussed above. (Alternatively, if you’re struggling to afford even the minimum payments and you can’t qualify for a consolidation loan with better terms, you may need to consider more aggressive options, such as negotiating with creditors to settle your debts.)
3. Automate repayments and savings
Next, Casey recommends creating a system that addresses the psychological aspect of debt repayment in addition to the math of what goes in and out of your bank account each month. Automating can help, since it takes away the need to remember to move your money. You can automate savings and debt payments to align with your paydays, then direct additional cash toward the highest-priority goal.
“This turns financial progress into a habit rather than a series of emotional decisions,” Casey says. “The goal isn’t to become debt-free at any cost. Financial freedom means reducing debt while simultaneously building the liquidity and assets that keep you from needing to borrow again”
4. Set goals and celebrate wins
When you have $10,000 or more in credit card debt, getting started can feel daunting because a debt-free life feels so far away.
“Having smaller, more achievable goals rather than ‘paying off all my debt’ can help ease some anxiety and give you some momentum to keep going,” Bradbury says. Start with the goal of paying off one credit card in full or reducing your total debt by $1,000, for instance.
Once you hit that goal, celebrate. It’s best not to start charging the credit card again, but hosting a movie night at home with friends or trying out a coffee shop you’ve been eyeing to commemorate your accomplishment can fuel the motivation to take on your next goal.

Average mortgage rates today

Mortgage Type
Label
Rate
APR

30-Year Fixed
Most Popular
7.38%
7.43%

30-Year FHA
Lower Credit
6.9%
8.09%

30-Year VA
Military
6.99%
7.16%

30-Year Jumbo
High Balance
7.59%
7.61%

15-Year Fixed
Shorter Term
6.72%
6.8%

7/6 ARM
Shorter Term
6.88%
6.96%

HELOC
Home Equity
8.09%
8.09%

Home Equity Loan
Home Equity
8.16%
8.17%

Updated on 10/06/2026

Rate data provided by RateUpdate.com. Displayed by Mortgage Research Center, LLC, NMLS# 1907, Equal Housing Opportunity, Payments do not include taxes or insurance premiums. Actual payments will be greater with taxes and insurance included. Rate and Product details

Mortgage rates are virtually unchanged, with the 30-year fixed-rate loan averaging 7.43%, down by just 0.01 percentage points. Higher rates are driving down mortgage applications and slowing the housing market.
Key mortgage rate averages:

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.43% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgage averaged 8.09% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate VA mortgage averaged 7.16% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage averaged 7.61% APR
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.8% APR
The 7/6 adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 6.96% APR
The rate on a HELOC averaged 8.05% APR
The rate on a home equity loan averaged 8.17% APR

Mortgage rate trends
Concerns over rising consumer prices and government debt levels, mixed with strong economic data, are keeping yields higher and affecting interest rates across a range of credit products.
According to Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow Home Loans, higher rates are affecting the housing market by increasing borrowing costs, which in turn sidelines some buyers priced out of the market. Rates breaching the 7% mark also create a psychological barrier that could spook some buyers before they even check if they can afford to buy. This combination puts more pressure on homeowners hoping to sell this fall.
“Incrementally worse affordability, combined with that psychological hurdle, means sellers may need to be deliberate with strategy,” Ng notes in emailed comments. “Pricing correctly from the start and being flexible in negotiations could mean the difference between selling this season or holding out for spring.
Which loan is best for you?
When shopping for a mortgage, you may be offered several loan options to meet different needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common loan types you’ll find, and who they work best for.
30-year conventional mortgage: Conventional loans work best for borrowers who have a credit score above 620, have saved enough to make a down payment of at least 3% and are looking for flexibility in the type of property being purchased.
30-year Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage: FHA loans are good for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores or those with a high debt-to-income ratio.
30-year U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan: Specifically designed for active-duty and retired service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and surviving spouses. Offers 0% down loan options, competitive rates and accepts less-than-perfect credit scores.
30-year jumbo loan: Good for homebuyers purchasing property that is priced above the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limit. In 2026, that limit is $832,750 in most of the U.S. but increases to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.
15-year fixed-rate loan: Borrowers who prefer a shorter loan term and can afford to make higher monthly payments will pay less overall interest with a 15-year mortgage and pay off the loan faster.
7/6 adjustable rate loan: Good for a buyer who wants to lock in a favorable interest rate for a set period of time and either plans on selling the home before the interest rate starts, is willing to make a higher monthly payment once the rate becomes variable or is open to refinancing the loan.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A good option for a homeowner who wants to access the equity they’ve accumulated in their home and have an open line of credit to use as needed.
Home equity loan: Another option for a homeowner who wants to access their home equity and have the financial capacity to take on a second mortgage.

How mortgage rates affect affordability
Your mortgage rate can make a big difference in how much home you can afford and how large your monthly payments are. That’s true whether buying your primary residence, an investment property or refinancing an existing loan.
Here’s an example. If you bought a $250,000 home and made a 20% down payment of $50,000, your starting loan balance would be $200,000. On a $200,000 home loan with a fixed rate for 30 years, here’s what you would pay:

At a 3% interest rate = $843 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 4% interest rate = $955 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 6% interest rate = $1,199 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At an 8% interest rate = $1,468 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)

Using a mortgage calculator lets you see how a lower rate or other changes could affect what you pay. A home affordability calculator can also estimate the maximum loan amount you may qualify for based on your income, debt-to-income ratio, mortgage interest rate and other variables. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can also provide a range of rates lenders offer in each state.

Current mortgage rates FAQs
What is a 30-year mortgage rate right now?
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 7.43% as of October 6, according to Money’s rate data. Other rate surveys show 30-year rates averaging above 7.5%.
Can you get a 4% mortgage rate?
No, not under current market conditions. A 30-year fixed-rate loan is averaging 7.43% as of October 6. Rates are likely to stay at this level or even increase.
Will we ever see a 3% mortgage rate again?
Mortgage rates are unlikely to fall below 3% in the near term unless a severe economic downturn occurs. However, rates averaged in the mid-3% range before the pandemic, so a return to that range at some point in the future is not out of the question.
How much is a $300,000 mortgage at 7%?
The monthly payment on a 30-year, $300,000 conventional mortgage at 7% is $1,995.91, excluding taxes, insurance and HOA fees. Your actual payment will vary depending on your credit score, down payment, lender and location, among other factors.

The Trump administration is sending $90 “premium rebate” checks to millions of older adults who are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Designed to provide financial relief to Americans facing soaring healthcare costs, the payments are already proving controversial. Taken with other recent initiatives, they’re raising questions about whether President Donald Trump is using government dollars to try to influence the upcoming midterm elections.

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Trump announced the plan to immediately start sending checks to more than 20 million seniors to “help pay for their Medicare Part B premiums” on Friday. In a fact sheet, the White House said the federal government would issue the one-time payments from the Medicare Improvement Fund and disburse most of the money via direct deposit from the Social Security Administration.
It will mail paper checks to recipients without direct deposit information on file.
The timing is conspicuous. The White House said the payments should land in recipients’ bank accounts and mailboxes in early October. Critics are pointing out that’s about a month before the Nov. 3 midterm elections — and older adults consistently turn out to vote at the highest rates of any age group.
Why Trump keeps announcing direct payments
The $90 Medicare rebates are the administration’s third announcement about direct payments to Americans in less than a month.
On Sept. 9, Trump promised to send $5,000 checks to “every adult” if Republicans hold on to control of both chambers of Congress. Democrats are favored to win the House, but even if the GOP sweeps, fiscal hawks within the Republican Party would likely resist over the roughly $1 trillion estimated price tag.
Over the weekend, Trump continued to dangle those proposed checks in front of voters. In a Truth Social video posted Saturday, he said, “Republicans can do it, and Democrats can’t, because we’re taking in massive amounts of money through tariffs and record-setting economic success.”
Separately, nearly 1 million Affordable Care Act customers in 30 states are beginning to receive $500 Obamacare refund checks which Trump announced on Sept. 10. As with the $90 Medicare payments, the Trump administration has not sought congressional approval for this relief.
Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are pushing back against the administration’s direct payments, arguing they amount to bribery for votes. Other leaders have also expressed concern about eligibility for the payments; they say the money is not going to those who need it most.
In the case of the $500 checks, most ACA enrollees receiving subsidies will get nothing, meaning the relief is primarily for individuals with incomes over about $63,000. Similarly, Medicare enrollees whose Part B premiums are paid for by Medicaid — or who pay a reduced amount due to their income — won’t get the $90 payment.
Where is the money for Trump’s payments coming from?
The Medicare fund being tapped “has been given $2 billion by Congress for the purposes of making improvements to the Medicare fee-for-service program, but has never before been utilized,” the White House announcement said. It was established in 2008, and Congress has passed dozens of laws adjusting its funding since then.
The White House called Trump’s newly announced premium rebates a “historic action,” adding that no previous administration has issued direct payments to enrollees using dollars from the Medicare Improvement Fund.
While the checks Trump has announced in recent weeks may be unprecedented, the playbook isn’t new. The Biden administration faced similar outcry for promising student loan forgiveness ahead of the 2024 general election. It’s impossible to imagine that the architects of both administrations’ policies did not consider voter demographics.
The White House’s latest announcement did not explicitly mention rising Medicare costs, stating only that Trump “is returning healthcare dollars back into the hands of the American people to benefit them and their individual healthcare needs.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper pressed Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., over the plan Monday, asking whether a $90 payment is really enough to address the healthcare affordability crisis. (The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month, more than double the amount of the one-time rebate.)
Scott acknowledged that the answer is “no” but said “everything helps.”
Unsure whether you fit the eligibility criteria for the $90 payments? The White House said Medicare Part B enrollees can call 1-800-633-4227. To check on the status of a payment, beneficiaries can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

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If you filed for an extension with the IRS back in April, your deadline to file your 2025 federal tax return is Thursday, Oct. 15. Tax Day 2026 — the deadline for filing your 2025 taxes — was April 15. If you needed more time to complete your tax return, you would have had to file a request to the IRS for an automatic six-month extension.
Remember: Any federal taxes you owed were still due April 15. An extension only gives you more time to file your return, not pay your taxes, meaning you could face penalties and interest if you didn’t pay enough on time.

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The agency says taxpayers can file Form 4868 online, through a tax preparer or via mail. Alternatively, you can file for an extension via the IRS’s online payment portal or the agency’s IRS Free File tool. Although only people with incomes of $89,000 or lower are eligible to use Free File to file their taxes, taxpayers of any income level can use the program to request an automatic extension at no cost.
If you still haven’t filed your 2025 taxes, here’s all the important info you need to know before the deadline on Oct. 15.
Can I still file for free?
Yes, you can still file your taxes for free in October if you were eligible to do so in April. People with adjusted gross incomes of $89,000 or less qualify for IRS Free File, a public-private program the IRS runs with name-brand tax-prep companies.
If your income is over the limit, Free File Fillable Forms are available on the IRS website. Although there’s no cost and no income thresholds, it’s helpful to have some DIY experience with taxes, since the forms don’t come with the kind of guidance you would get from tax prep software.
Is it better to wait until October to file taxes?
The most important thing to know about an extension is that it only buys you more time to file your taxes — not more time to pay what you owe. If you owe the IRS money rather than being owed a refund, that payment was due April 15. (And remember, the IRS charges penalties for late tax filing as well as late payment.)
If you’re an independent contractor and were waiting to receive 1099s from parties with which you do business, getting an extension can be preferable to filing an amended return after that late paperwork arrives.
What if the estimated amount I paid in April is wrong?
Getting an extension on your taxes only gives you an extra six months to file your return. It doesn’t give you additional time to pay. This can make an extension a little complicated if you’re in a position where you expect to owe the IRS but haven’t done your taxes yet.
Try to to calculate estimate your tax bill as accurately as you can and err on the side of caution when you submit your payment by April 15. Best-case scenario, you’ll get any overpayment back as a refund.
If you didn’t pay enough in April, you’ll face a penalty for late payment on the portion you didn’t pay, which is 0.5% of your underpayment per month or partial month, up to 25%, plus interest on the unpaid balance. Both penalties and interest begin accruing right after April 15.
Generally, you can avoid the penalty if you’ve already paid at least 90% of your current-year tax liability. Keep in mind that even if you don’t have to pay a penalty, you’ll still owe interest on your unpaid taxes. The IRS assesses a variable interest rate of the federal short-term rate plus 3%. Currently, that rate is 7%.
What if I want to mail my return?
The IRS strongly suggests that people file their taxes online (as over 98% of taxpayers do), and the agency warns that paper returns take longer to process — which means a longer wait for your refund.
If you do want to mail your tax return, remember that the U.S. Postal Service changed its longstanding postmark policy in December. This means that mail might not be postmarked on the same day you drop it off; the postmark now indicates when the piece of mail was processed, not necessarily when you mailed it. To play it safe, don’t wait until the last minute; or, better yet, file your return electronically.
When will I get my refund?
If you’re owed a refund, you’ll have to file your return before the IRS can issue it. The agency says most electronically-filed tax returns are processed within 21 days.
If your income is below the filing threshold — $15,750 for an individual taxpayer younger than 65 at the end of 2025 — you’re not required to file a tax return. Tax pros say it’s a good idea to do so anyway, though, because you could be losing out on refundable tax credits due to you.
How can I track my refund?
If you file your taxes electronically, you should be able to get a refund update 24 hours after you submit your return via the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool. Other ways you can check the status of your refund include logging in to your IRS account via web or mobile app, or calling 800-829-1954.
If you mailed your tax return, be patient; it can take four weeks for your information to show up in the tracking tool.
Can I get more time?
If you filed for a six-month extension and your taxes are due Oct. 15, the IRS will not let you file for a second extension. You can’t get a second extended deadline. (Note that the IRS may extend filing deadlines for taxpayers in FEMA-designated areas after a natural disaster. This is an automatic extension; you don’t need to request it. When the IRS announces disaster-related extensions, it will also announce the new deadline.)

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The company behind ChatGPT has already taken its first official step toward going public — and if you’ve ever used the chatbot to write an email, plan a trip or settle a debate, this initial public offering (IPO) will affect you one way or another.
But investors hoping to buy shares of OpenAI will probably have to wait a while.
CEO Sam Altman said in September that the company is delaying its IPO while it addresses growing concerns about the safety of increasingly capable AI models. At OpenAI’s DevDay conference, Altman explained that the firm needs “to be able to make confident safety claims” before moving forward with a listing, according to reporting from The Verge.
That’s a notable shift from earlier this year, when the company confidentially filed its S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reports back then suggested the IPO could make its debut as early as September. A 2027 debut now seems to be the closest possibility based on Altman’s comments.
Regardless of when exactly the OpenAI IPO lands, here’s what you should know before reaching for your brokerage app.

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How OpenAI’s IPO could affect ChatGPT
OpenAI faces a costly problem: Building and maintaining artificial intelligence models requires enormous computing infrastructure. The company has made significant data-center spending commitments that will require substantially more revenue to support.
Going public would give OpenAI access to a much larger pool of capital because it would open the company to public stock markets instead of relying mainly on private investors, venture capital firms or internal cash flow. But it also means the company would have to answer to shareholders, which has implications beyond Wall Street.
When consumer tech companies go public, the pressure to grow revenue and hit quarterly targets can reshape the products people rely on. Netflix, for example, raised subscription prices repeatedly and cracked down on password sharing starting in 2022, while Reddit expanded monetization efforts around its API and advertising business ahead of its IPO in March 2024.
ChatGPT currently offers a free tier alongside its paid plans, but as a public company, OpenAI will face scrutiny over whether it’s doing enough to monetize its over 1.2 billion weekly active users — of which only around 50 million are paid subscribers. That could result in changes to what’s free and what’s paywalled.
What is OpenAI worth?
OpenAI said in March that it closed a $122 billion funding round where it was valued at $852 billion, making it one of the most anticipated IPOs in years. For context, that’s larger than the market cap of most Fortune 500 companies.
Its potential valuation has climbed considerably since then. The company is now discussing another private funding round of at least $30 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.4 trillion. The talks are still preliminary, but Bloomberg reported the new funding could serve as bridge financing while OpenAI delays its IPO.
These numbers matter for investors because they set expectations. Retail investors buying OpenAI stock once it goes public will likely be paying a premium on top of an already enormous valuation, and the company has yet to prove it can generate profits at a scale that justifies that valuation.
Is OpenAI profitable?
OpenAI revenue has grown sharply since it first announced its IPO. The company’s annual recurring revenue is nearing $70 billion, according to Axios; that’s up more than 70% since the beginning of the third quarter.
But rapid growth in revenue doesn’t mean OpenAI is profitable. Its net losses reportedly climbed to $42 billion in 2025, and the company doesn’t expect to reach profitability until around 2030.
OpenAI also faces growing competition from Anthropic, the makers of Claude, which generated $11.5 billion in revenue in the second quarter of 2026 and also filed confidential IPO paperwork. More recent reporting suggests that pace has since climbed above $100 billion annually.

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What investors should consider before an OpenAI IPO
Whether OpenAI is worth investing in will largely depend on your risk tolerance. High-profile tech IPOs have a mixed track record: Uber, Lyft and Rivian, for example, all debuted with enormous valuations and delivered rocky early returns for investors who bought in at launch.
OpenAI also has an unusual corporate history. It launched as a nonprofit research lab, converted to a for-profit structure to raise capital and only recently completed the structural changes legally necessary to pursue a public offering.
A lawsuit filed by co-founder Elon Musk challenging that conversion went to trial this year. A jury sided with OpenAI on technical grounds and the judge dismissed Musk’s claims, clearing what had been the biggest legal obstacle to going public. (Musk separately launched a major IPO of his own for SpaceX.)
The S-1, once public, will be the most important document for investors to read before making any decision. Until then, the company’s targeted valuation is mostly just a number — not a verdict on what OpenAI is actually worth to shareholders.
How to invest in OpenAI before its IPO
Retail investors can’t directly buy the company’s stock yet because it’s still private. But there are several ways to invest in OpenAI indirectly.
Microsoft is the clearest example. The software giant has invested heavily in OpenAI and built its technology into products like Azure, Bing and Copilot. Nvidia has also benefited from rising demand because companies like OpenAI rely on its chips to train and run AI models at scale.
Investors can also gain exposure through ETFs that hold large positions in AI-focused companies, including major tech firms tied to the growth of generative AI infrastructure.
Some private-market platforms occasionally offer access to pre-IPO OpenAI shares, though those opportunities are generally limited to accredited investors (people or institutions that meet certain income or wealth requirements set by financial regulators) and often come with high minimum investments and added risk.

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Key Takeaways

Seven Corners, Travel Insured International, HTH Travel Insurance, IMG Travel Insurance, World Trips, Faye and John Hancock rank among the best travel insurance companies for seniors.
Travel insurance can help you recover your money if your flight is delayed or canceled, if you lose your baggage, or if you get sick or injured during your trip.
Many travel insurance plans have a generous upper age limit — up to 99 years of age. However, certain benefits (adventure sports coverage, for instance) may have lower age caps.
A policy typically costs 4% to 12% of what you paid for the entire trip, according to multiple insurers and online marketplaces. Our research found costs ranging from $150 to $630 for two travelers aged 65 and 70.
Some travel insurance companies offer group coverage for those traveling with five or more people. This can help seniors taking family trips or traveling with other seniors.
Methodology: Our team vetted 20 companies based on 15+ data points. We read the fine print and compared coverage options and prices to determine which insurers best serve the needs of older travelers.

Our top picks for the best travel insurance companies for seniors

Seven Corners – Best for Group Travel Insurance
Travel Insured International – Best for Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
HTH Worldwide – Best for Medical Coverage
IMG Travel Insurance – Best for High Dental Coverage
Faye – Best for 100% Digital Travel Insurance
John Hancock – Best for Trip Delay Coverage
WorldTrips – Best for Upgrades & Add-ons

Pros

Easy enrollment for groups of 10 or more
24/7 multilingual travel support
Optional sports and golf equipment rental up to $5,000
Annual, multi-trip protection available

Cons

Pre-existing conditions waiver only available with Trip Protection and Trip Protection USA (if you purchase the medical bundle)
Medical benefit maximum of $10,000 for people 80 and older

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A+ (Superior)

TrustPilot score
4.5

BBB rating
A+

Why we chose it: We picked Seven Corners as the best option for group travel insurance for seniors because it offers both trip protection and medical-only insurance plans for groups of 10 or more. With these plans, there is a primary insured person, and the other traveling companions are covered under the same policy.
Travelers can choose between comprehensive trip protection plans or just medical coverage, with the option to customize coverage for one or more travelers based on their needs. Both options include trip cancellation, bag delay and medical coverage.
Seven Corners offers primary medical coverage, which means that the insurer pays out first if you get sick or injured during the trip, as opposed to secondary coverage. The latter requires that you file a claim with your regular health insurer first.
Optional benefits include coverage for car and sports equipment rental, event tickets, “cancellation for any reason” and “interruption for any reason,” which cover up to 75% of non-refundable trip costs. There’s also coverage for expats and “nomads,” so if you plan to travel abroad for a while, it could be a good option.
The company has strong Trustpilot reviews but has a low Better Business Bureau rating (1.75 out of 5) and 30 complaints filed against it in the last three years. Its Trustpilot rating has increased slightly in recent months.

Pros

Single-trip and annual travel insurance plans
$500 pet kennel coverage maximum
Optional interruption for any reason coverage of up to 75% of trip costs
Free cancellation within 14 days of booking

Cons

Annual plan not available for residents of Missouri, Montana, New York or Washington
Natural disaster evacuation coverage only available with the premium plan
16% of Trustpilot reviews are only 1 to 2 stars

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A+ (Superior)

TrustPilot score
4.1

BBB rating
A+

Why we chose it: Travel Insured International is our pick for the best multi-trip travel insurance option for seniors because it offers frequent travelers an annual plan that includes trip protection and medical coverage that is valid on multiple trips.
If you plan on making several trips in the coming year, Travel Insured International’s annual multi-trip plan offers trip protection and medical coverage for all of them. That saves you the hassle of having to purchase insurance for each trip. Plans start at $94 per year for adults and $64 per year for children.
The company offers $100,000 for accident and sickness expenses per trip and $100,000 for medical evacuations. The plan also allocates $2,500 per trip for bag loss or theft and has a trip delay benefit of $5,000 per trip ($200 per day) for delays of 12 hours or longer. There’s also a missed connection reimbursement of up to $500 per trip.
The cost of the base annual multi-trip plan is $94 a year for adults and $64 per year for children and increases with any upgrades you add.
While Travel Insured does have a 4.1 out 5 score on Trustpilot, 16% of its reviews are only 1 or 2 stars. It currently has 3.8 out of 5 stars based on Better Business Bureau reviews. This has improved slightly in recent months.

Pros

Worldwide access to health services via the mPassport app
24/7 global medical assistance
Trip interruption coverage of up to 200% of tour cost
Covers up to age 95
Direct payment available if you use HTH’s network of medical providers

Cons

Some plans require travelers to have an existing primary health plan
Cancel for any reason not available to New York or Washington residents
Few customer ratings and reviews available

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A

TrustPilot score
3.2

BBB
N/A

Why we chose it: We picked HTH Worldwide as the best medical coverage travel insurance for seniors because it includes full coverage for doctor visits, diagnostics labs and X-rays. It also offers direct payment (from HTH to the medical provider) if you use someone within HTH’s approved network. That means there’s not waiting around for reimbursement checks to come in.
HTH Travel Insurance offers two travel medical insurance plans — one for travelers with a primary health insurance plan and one for travelers who don’t have health insurance. Both plans allow customers to choose between four medical benefit options ($50,000, $100,000, $500,000 or $1,000,000) and four deductible options ($0, $100, $250 or $500). There are also single-trip, multi-trip and long-term coverage options.
Besides travel medical coverage, HTH Travel Insurance offers three trip protection plans — TripProtector Economy, TripProtector Classic and TripProtector Preferred. All three plans include trip cancellation, trip delay and trip interruption coverage. The trip interruption coverage covers up to 200% of trip costs, the highest percentage out of all the companies on our list. A highlight of HTH’s travel coverage is that it can include preexisting conditions, as long as you pay your premium within a certain period after booking. There’s also group coverage for those traveling with five or more people.
It’s important to note that while HTH’s Trustpilot score looks fairly low (just 3.2 out of 5 stars), it’s based on just two reviews. There have been no complaints or reviews filed with the Better Business Bureau as of Sept. 24, 2026.

Pros

Dental coverage limit of up to $1,000
Plans for airline and cruise travel
Up to $500,000 in primary medical coverage available
Several plans cover preexisting conditions

Up to age 99 covered

Cons

Budget plan offers secondary medical coverage
“Cancel for any reason” add-on is only available on one plan
Limited add-on options

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A (Excellent)

TrustPilot score
4.6

BBB rating
B

Why we chose it: IMG Travel Insurance (International Medical Group) offers comprehensive travel insurance and excellent health care benefits, which is important for seniors. In particular, its two higher-tier iTravelInsured plans stand out for offering $1,000 in dental coverage with every plan. This dental limit is somewhat of a rarity, as most of the plans we surveyed cap dental coverage at $750.
IMG Travel Insurance sells plans for both airline and cruise travel, as well as plans tailored to adventure sports enthusiasts and budget-conscious travelers who just need the essentials.
All of its travel insurance plans cover up to $1,000 for dental injuries abroad (like infections or broken teeth) as well as take-home prescriptions and supplies.
All of IMG’s insurance plans offer round-the-clock non-insurance services, including but not limited to: emergency cash transfers, medical referrals, help with lost travel documents, emergency translation services and embassy or consulate referrals. There are also dedicated medical plans that offer up to $8 million in coverage.
IMG also has one of the highest Trustpilot ratings out of all travel insurance companies we analyzed: 4.6 out of 5 stars on almost 25,000 reviews. It has had 186 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau in the last three years.

Pros

Fully digital claims process
Mobile app provides information on flight delays and gate changes, plus baggage claim updates and telehealth services
Add-ons for pet care, cruising and adventure sports
Reimbursements go straight to a digital wallet for easy access

Cons

Some benefits aren’t available in every state
Doesn’t sell policies through popular insurance marketplaces
Very tech-driven, so may not be the right fit for every senior

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A+

TrustPilot
4.8

BBB rating
A+

Why we chose it: Faye travel insurance offers a travel insurance product that’s highly customizable for tech-savvy seniors. The claims and reimbursement process is fully digital, and is supported by a user-friendly webpage and a mobile app to manage your policy on the go. It also comes very highly rated.
Older travelers comfortable with technology can purchase and manage their policy and file claims through the mobile app, with the option to chat with a live representative 24/7. The app can also connect you to telehealth services, find pharmacies, call your local embassy, check the weather and convert currency. There’s a 24/7 concierge available, too.
Another standout feature is Faye Wallet, a digital wallet within the Faye app that connects to your Google Pay or Apple Pay accounts for faster reimbursement.
You can further customize this travel plan with add-ons that cover veterinary or kennel costs, rental car damage and theft, adventure and extreme sports (regardless of age) and accidental damages to your rental residence.
Faye has the highest Trustpilot rating of all insurers on our list. It boasts a 4.8 out of 5 on nearly 5,000 reviews, and 94% of those reviews are either 4 or 5 stars. The company also has a 4.18 with the Better Business Bureau, and only 34 BBB complaints in the last three years. Domestic coverage costs as little as $4.36 per day, and international coverage starts at $5.76 per day.

Pros

Travel delays are eligible for coverage after just three hours
Preexisting conditions waiver on all plans
“Cancel for any reason” add-on available on all plans

Cons

Baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay
No mobile app support
No concierge services for non-emergency travel needs
Few customer ratings and reviews available

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A+

TrustPilot score
2.3

BBB rating
A+

Why we chose it: We selected John Hancock Travel as the best travel insurance for trip delays for seniors because of its short delay times. Policyholders can file a trip delay claim if their travels are delayed for as little as three to six hours (most insurers require that you wait 12 hours or more).
John Hancock Travel offers short delays — with fee variations — across the board, even with its least expensive plan. The plans differ in how much you can be reimbursed.
The Gold plan can reimburse you up to $1,000 ($200 per day) if your travels are delayed for three hours or more. The Silver plan, on the other hand, can reimburse up to $750 ($150 per day) with the same time requirements. Lastly, the Bronze plan offers the lowest coverage limit ($500) and has a slightly longer minimum delay requirement of six hours.
Finally, policyholders can upgrade any of John Hancock’s travel insurance plans with add-ons for “Cancel for any reason,” rental car collision and in-flight accidental death & dismemberment.
John Hancock doesn’t detail its plan options or coverages very clearly on its website, so you’ll need to apply for a quote to see your options. Also, while its Trustpilot score looks like, it’s based on only six reviews. The majority of its complaints and low ratings with the Better Business Bureau pertain to other financial products the company offers.

Pros

Travel delay coverage after just five hours

Choice of 75% or 50% “cancel for any reason” coverage

Cons

Not all add-ons are available in every state

​​

HIGHLIGHTS

A.M. Best rating
A++ (Superior)

TrustPilot score
4.6

BBB rating
A+

Why we chose it: WorldTrips stands out for its supplemental coverage options, which should appeal to seniors. Policyholders can upgrade the basic travel insurance plan with several add-ons and add new covered events to boost their coverage.
Upgrades to any WorldTrips travel insurance include those for adventure sports, rental cars, pet care, destination weddings, “cancel for any reason” and “interrupt for any reason.”
Older travelers may want to consider the Elevate plan due to its high medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation coverage. This option includes up to $250,000 in primary accident, sickness, and medical expense coverage; $750 in dental coverage; and $1 million in medical evacuation and repatriation. The Explore and Escape plans both offer primary medical coverage up to $250,000 and $1,000,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation, respectively.
WorldTrips has strong customer reviews, with 4.6 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot. Nearly 90% of its over 2,000 reviews are either 4 or 5 stars. Its ratings have increased in recent months, and there have been only 27 complaints filed with the BBB against WorldTrips in the last three years.

Other travel insurance companies we considered
The following companies didn’t make it to our top picks, but they are still worth considering if the coverage and benefits suit your traveling needs. Read our full reviews to learn more:
Tin Leg
Tin Leg travel insurance offers nine travel insurance plans, including policies designed for seniors, cruise travelers and adventure sports enthusiasts. The coverage benefits are on par with the top insurers on the market, including coverage for travel delays, cancellations, lost luggage and medical emergencies, as well as extra rental car insurance and coverage if your trip is cancelled or cut short for any reason. The company also boasts a 4.5 rating on Trustpilot.
Why it didn’t make the cut: Unfortunately, Tin Leg’s minimum wait time to file a claim for baggage delay is 24 hours on the majority of its plans. By contrast, most other companies in our top picks accept lost baggage claims after 12 hours. Considering this is one of the most common travel inconveniences, the shorter the claim filing time, the better.
Travelex
Travelex Insurance Services offers three insurance plans: Essential, Advantage and Ultimate. These include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption and loss of personal items. Policyholders can further enhance their protection by purchasing nine add-ons, which include car rental coverage, adventure sports, increased medical expenses, additional baggage, cancel for business reasons, rental property coverage and emergency evacuation. The company also boasts strong reviews, with a 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Why it didn’t make the cut: Preexisting condition coverage is important for many senior travelers, but it’s only available as an add-on for the Ultimate plan, the company’s most expensive option. Other insurers allow you to add a preexisting condition waiver to most plan options.
Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway offers three travel insurance options, including ExactCare Value, its most affordable plan. This plan includes the basics: trip cancellation, trip interruption, delay and baggage loss or theft.
Why it didn’t make the cut: While Berkshire Hathaway offers competitive travel insurance plans, we found that other insurers on our top picks offered similar benefits and more add-ons such as adventure sports coverage and riders for “cancel for any reason” and “trip interruption for any reason”.
What you need to know about travel insurance for seniors
Travel insurance for seniors is the same as travel insurance for any other age group, but there are some considerations for individuals aged 65 and above, mainly regarding medical benefits:

A minimum of $50,000 in medical coverage is recommended if you’re traveling abroad

Preexisting condition coverage is very desirable

Older travelers should also note that there’s a time limit for getting a preexisting conditions waiver. Insurance providers often require individuals to select the waiver (and purchase their policy) within 14 to 21 days of making their initial trip payment.
Some plans only cover travels up to a certain age, though we found plans that go up to age 99.
How much does travel insurance cost for seniors?
Travel insurance costs can vary widely. According to Generali Global, travel insurance costs between 4% to 12% of the total trip cost.
We surveyed 20 travel insurance companies and found that premiums ranged from $150 to $630 for two travelers who are aged 65 and 70, respectively, on a two-week trip to Spain. The combined trip cost was $4,225.
Costs vary based on the plan you choose and what it covers. The plans with the highest coverage limits for medical expenses, personal property and trip protection had the highest price tag.
How to get travel insurance as a senior
Read on for a breakdown of the steps to get travel insurance.
1. Assess your travel insurance coverage needs
When planning your trip, consider both your health conditions or specific needs and the activities you intend to engage in. Additionally, take stock of any credit card travel benefits and evaluate the coverage you’ll need depending on the destination.
For instance, international travelers should seek a plan with primary medical coverage, since domestic health insurance does not apply when traveling abroad. Conversely, domestic travelers who already have medical insurance may want the most coverage for prepaid trip costs, such as airfare, hotel and excursions.
2. Request and compare travel insurance quotes
Request quotes from several companies and review the plan documents, paying close attention to the policy’s fine print. In particular, look into each provider’s benefits for medical expenses, bag delay or loss, trip cancellation or interruption, and medical evacuation.
You can expedite this process by using a marketplace website like Squaremouth or TravelInsurance.com.
3. Declare any preexisting conditions during the application process
Next, disclose any preexisting condition to the provider to ensure coverage for flare-ups or emergencies related to it. Stable conditions like asthma are typically not considered preexisting.
For travel insurance providers, a preexisting condition is an injury or illness that prompted medical diagnosis or treatment during the policy’s lookback period — which is usually 60 to 90 days prior to the policy’s effective date, but sometimes up to six months.
4. Carefully read policy details, conditions and exclusions
Read the plan documents closely to ensure the policy aligns with your needs. As companies have strict definitions of coverage, you’ll want to make sure that you understand exactly what’s covered and how to properly use benefits when needed. Learning about the policy will also help you make a well-informed decision.
Latest news in travel insurance
The average total trip cost is increasing, according to travel insurer Squaremouth. The typical trip cost nearly $7,399 between Sept. 28, 2025 and Sept. 28, 2026 — a nearly 5% increase in just one year. As these costs increase, travel insurance may be more worth it to some travelers.
Travelers are most concerned with having emergency medical care and medical evacuation services when they’re traveling, according to the Squaremouth report. Primary medical care and having pre-existing condition coverage are also among the biggest concerns.
Flight delays and cancellations have become common in recent weeks. Over 793 U.S. flights were delayed and 35 were canceled on Sept. 24 alone as the industry grappled with technical issues that arose days before. Earlier in the week, over 400 flights were canceled and hundreds more delayed across the East Coast.
Methodology
We gathered sample quotes from 20 travel insurance companies, reviewed the benefits and selected the best travel insurance plans based on the following factors:

Medical expenses coverage: Our top picks offer at least one plan option that covers $100,000+ for medical bills and $500,000+ for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains.

Travel-delay coverage: Delays are common in air travel, and waiting hours to file a claim is highly inconvenient. We prioritized insurers with short delay time requirements and excluded those requiring delays of at least 12 hours before accepting a claim.

Baggage-delay coverage: Luggage delay is another common problem during air travel. We included providers allowing claims within 12 hours, excluding those requiring travelers to wait up to 24 hours. This coverage is crucial as it helps mitigate the inconvenience of having to repurchase or go without essential travel items.

Baggage loss or theft: Our top picks offer at least one plan option or upgrade that covers baggage loss or theft for up to $1,000 or higher.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption: Our top picks cover 100% of prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses in case you need to cancel your trip as well as 100% to 175% of these expenses if your trip is cut short.

Add-ons: We took special note of add-ons such as “Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR coverage), adventure sports and car rental collision coverage as well as upgrades to existing coverage levels.

Non-insurance services: We favored insurers that offer additional assistance services for inconveniences and emergencies that can take place during a trip, including multilingual translation and concierge services.

Travel Insurance for Seniors FAQs
Does Medicare cover me when I travel overseas?
Medicare typically doesn’t cover medical treatment outside the U.S., except in particular situations. It may cover inpatient hospital, doctor and ambulance services abroad if immediate medical care is needed and the nearest hospital equipped to offer adequate treatment is a foreign facility.
Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Travel insurance covers pre-existing medical issues, if you meet the requirements. You’ll need to purchase the policy within 14 to 21 days (the actual number varies by insurer) after you make the first trip deposit — this typically refers to flight reservations. A handful of companies require you to purchase coverage even sooner — up to 24 hours after the initial trip purchase.
Travel insurance will exclude preexisting conditions if you don’t purchase the policy within the stipulated time frame. This means that any medical conditions present anywhere from 60 to 180 days before the policy’s activation are excluded.
Is there an age limit for travel insurance?
While travel insurance doesn’t have an age limit, some providers might impose restrictions or limits on medical coverage and other benefits based on the traveler’s age. Money found insurers that offer coverage for senior travelers up to age 99.
What is the best travel insurance for seniors?
That depends on your exact needs, budget and medical conditions. But we found that Seven Corners, Travel Insured, HTH, IMG, Faye, John Hancock and WorldTrips had some of the best travel insurance options for seniors on the market.
Who has the cheapest travel insurance for seniors?
That depends on what type of coverage you’re looking for. For annual trip coverage, Travel Insured International plans start at just $94. Always get quotes from several companies to get the best deal. Top travel insurers to consider include Seven Corners, WorldTrips, HTH Travel Insurance and Faye.

Summary of Money’s 7 Best Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors of October 2026

Seven Corners – Best for Group Travel Insurance
Travel Insured International – Best for Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
HTH Travel Insurance – Best for Medical Coverage
IMG Travel Insurance – Best for High Dental Coverage
Faye – Best for 100% Digital Travel Insurance
John Hancock – Best for Trip Delay Coverage
WorldTrips – Best for Upgrades & Add-ons

Average mortgage rates today

Mortgage Type
Label
Rate
APR

30-Year Fixed
Most Popular
7.29%
7.33%

30-Year FHA
Lower Credit
6.82%
8.01%

30-Year VA
Military
6.91%
7.08%

30-Year Jumbo
High Balance
7.54%
7.57%

15-Year Fixed
Shorter Term
6.61%
6.69%

7/6 ARM
Shorter Term
6.72%
6.8%

HELOC
Home Equity
8.05%
8.05%

Home Equity Loan
Home Equity
8.16%
8.17%

Updated on 10/04/2026

Rate data provided by RateUpdate.com. Displayed by Mortgage Research Center, LLC, NMLS# 1907, Equal Housing Opportunity, Payments do not include taxes or insurance premiums. Actual payments will be greater with taxes and insurance included. Rate and Product details

Mortgage rates moved lower over the weekend. The average rate of a 30-year fixed-rate loan decreased to 7.33%, down 0.10 percentage points. Despite the decrease, rates remain elevated and are pushing some buyers out of the market.
Key mortgage rate averages:

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.33% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgage averaged 8.01% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate VA mortgage averaged 7.08% APR
The 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage averaged 7.57% APR
The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69% APR
The 7/6 adjustable-rate mortgage averaged 6.8% APR
The rate on a HELOC averaged 8.05% APR
The rate on a home equity loan averaged 8.17% APR

Mortgage rate trends
Concerns over rising consumer prices and government debt levels, mixed with strong economic data, are keeping yields higher and affecting interest rates across a range of credit products.
According to Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow Home Loans, higher rates are affecting the housing market by increasing borrowing costs, which in turn sidelines some buyers priced out of the market. Rates breaching the 7% mark also create a psychological barrier that could spook some buyers before they even check if they can afford to buy. This combination puts more pressure on homeowners hoping to sell this fall.
“Incrementally worse affordability, combined with that psychological hurdle, means sellers may need to be deliberate with strategy,” Ng notes in emailed comments. “Pricing correctly from the start and being flexible in negotiations could mean the difference between selling this season or holding out for spring.
Which loan is best for you?
When shopping for a mortgage, you may be offered several loan options to meet different needs. Here’s a rundown of the most common loan types you’ll find, and who they work best for.
30-year conventional mortgage: Conventional loans work best for borrowers who have a credit score above 620, have saved enough to make a down payment of at least 3% and are looking for flexibility in the type of property being purchased.
30-year Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage: FHA loans are good for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores or those with a high debt-to-income ratio.
30-year U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan: Specifically designed for active-duty and retired service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and surviving spouses. Offers 0% down loan options, competitive rates and accepts less-than-perfect credit scores.
30-year jumbo loan: Good for homebuyers purchasing property that is priced above the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming loan limit. In 2026, that limit is $832,750 in most of the U.S. but increases to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.
15-year fixed-rate loan: Borrowers who prefer a shorter loan term and can afford to make higher monthly payments will pay less overall interest with a 15-year mortgage and pay off the loan faster.
7/6 adjustable rate loan: Good for a buyer who wants to lock in a favorable interest rate for a set period of time and either plans on selling the home before the interest rate starts, is willing to make a higher monthly payment once the rate becomes variable or is open to refinancing the loan.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A good option for a homeowner who wants to access the equity they’ve accumulated in their home and have an open line of credit to use as needed.
Home equity loan: Another option for a homeowner who wants to access their home equity and have the financial capacity to take on a second mortgage.

How mortgage rates affect affordability
Your mortgage rate can make a big difference in how much home you can afford and the size of your monthly payments. That’s true whether buying your primary residence, an investment property or refinancing an existing loan.
Here’s an example. If you bought a $250,000 home and made a 20% down payment of $50,000, your starting loan balance would be $200,000. On a $200,000 home loan with a fixed rate for 30 years, here’s what you would pay:

At a 3% interest rate = $843 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 4% interest rate = $955 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At a 6% interest rate = $1,199 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)
At an 8% interest rate = $1,468 in monthly payments (not including taxes, insurance, or HOA fees)

Using a mortgage calculator lets you see how a lower rate or other changes could affect what you pay. A home affordability calculator can also estimate the maximum loan amount you may qualify for based on your income, debt-to-income ratio, mortgage interest rate and other variables. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can also provide a range of rates lenders offer in each state.

Current mortgage rates FAQs
What is a 30-year mortgage rate right now?
The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 7.33% as of October 4, according to Money’s rate data. Other rate surveys show 30-year rates averaging close to 7.5%.
Can you get a 4% mortgage rate?
No, not under current market conditions. A 30-year fixed-rate loan is averaging 7.33% as of October 4. Rates are likely to stay at this level or even increase.
Will we ever see a 3% mortgage rate again?
Mortgage rates are unlikely to fall below 3% in the near term unless a severe economic downturn occurs. However, rates averaged in the mid-3% range before the pandemic, so a return to that range at some point in the future is not out of the question.
How much is a $300,000 mortgage at 7%?
The monthly payment on a 30-year, $300,000 conventional mortgage at 7% is $1,995.91, excluding taxes, insurance and HOA fees. Your actual payment will vary depending on your credit score, down payment, lender and location, among other factors.

Key Takeaways

Charles Schwab is the best overall Roth individual retirement account (IRA) provider, offering no minimum investment amount, no annual fees and access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, CDs, options, IPOs and annuities.
Betterment has the best robo-advisor option, while Vanguard is best for passive investors. Robinhood is worth considering if you’d like matching contributions, while SoFi is a good choice if you prioritize great customer service.
The best Roth IRAs allow you to save after-tax dollars for retirement without paying exorbitant fees, while offering numerous investment vehicles, both managed and DIY options, and educational resources.
Methodology: We reviewed around 20 of the most popular Roth IRA providers, evaluating them on fees, investment options, educational resources, customer satisfaction and contribution matches. Scores were weighted for each category

Why Trust Us?

Our experienced editors and writers independently review Roth IRAs from a variety of financial institutions, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial accuracy. Read our full methodology to learn more.

The review of dozens of companies that provide Roth IRAs.

The use of numerous data points to establish benchmarks for each category, including but not limited to fees, account minimums, investment product offerings and accessibility.

Hundreds of hours of cumulative research to determine the top companies operating in the Roth IRA space.

Our top picks for best Roth IRAs

Charles Schwab: Best Overall
Vanguard: Best for Passive Investors
Betterment: Best for Robo-Advisors
Robinhood: Best for Matching Contribution
SoFi: Best for Customer Satisfaction
Fidelity Investments: Best for Fractional Shares
E*TRADE: Best for Educational Resources
Merrill Edge: Best for Sign-up Bonus
Ally Invest: Best for an Online Bank

*All data is subject to change. Information provided here is accurate as of Sept. 24, 2026.
The best Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs) allow you to save after-tax dollars for retirement without paying exorbitant fees. The Roth IRA providers we’ve selected stand out from their competitors because of their low ongoing costs and broad selections of investment options, as well as the ease with which you can open an account.
Below are Money’s picks for the best Roth IRAs for October 2026. If you are interested in learning more about strategies that can help you meet your retirement goals, you can subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Retire With Money, by clicking here.

Best Roth IRA reviews

Pros

No minimum balance requirement to open an account

Robo-advisor option

Fractional shares from as little as $1

Physical branches nationwide

Cons

$5,000 minimum deposit for opening an automated investment account

Below-average investor satisfaction rating, according to JD Power

Why we chose it: Charles Schwab‘s comprehensive selection of investment products and accounts, including personalized financial guidance, makes it a top brokerage firm for opening a Roth IRA, while also having no fees and offering fractional share of every stock in the S&P 500 as well as a robo-advisor option. It’s also rated No. 2 on JD Power’s 2026 US Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study.
Charles Schwab is a leading brokerage firm that makes it easy to open a Roth IRA online, as there are no minimum account deposits required and customers don’t have to pay any monthly service fees or annual account maintenance fees. Roth IRA investment choices include stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), CDs and mutual funds, as well as fractional shares of any company in the S&P 500 for as little as $1 (Schwab calls these “Stock Slices,” and they can be traded in real-time throughout the day).
It also offers multiple portfolio management options including robo-advisors, automated retirement income solutions and access to certified financial consultants. As a customer, you also get access to retirement planning tools, resources and in-person help at around 400 Charles Schwab locations nationwide.
Schwab’s robo-advisor options — called Schwab Intelligent Portfolios — offer automated investing with 24/7 live support and no advisory fees or commissions, although it requires a minimum investment of $5,000. Intelligent Portfolios are built out based on a short questionnaire, which helps establish your risk tolerance, goals and investing timeline.

Pros

Large selections of low-cost mutual funds, ETFs and other investment options
Robo-advisor and ESG investing options
Above-average investor satisfaction, according to JD Power
No sales loads or commissions

Cons

$1,000 minimum investment for Vanguard Target Retirement Funds

Annual advisory fee of 0.20% for its all-index investment options, or 0.25% for an active/index mix

Why we chose it: Having created and launched the first passive index fund in 1975, Vanguard is an excellent Roth IRA option with more than 100 proprietary Vanguard-issued ETFs alongside thousands of third-party ETFs and mutual funds, a simple robo-advisor and a history of zero to low fees. It’s also rated No. 3 on JD Power’s 2026 US Retirement Plan Digital Experience Study and above-average in the 2026 Investor Satisfaction Study.
Any Vanguard Target Retirement Fund or Vanguard STAR Fund requires a $1,000 initial investment. Vanguard Digital Advisor requires at least $100 to enroll, but at 0.07% per year, the expense ratio on Vanguard funds is among the lowest in the industry. To give you an idea, for every $1,000 you’d pay about 70 cents. This is a relatively low fee to pay compared to other robo-advisors, like Betterment and Acorns, which charge fixed monthly fees. Ultimately, this means you’re not going to have high fees eating into your profits.
Vanguard’s mutual funds also have no sales loads, sales commissions or account service fees if you choose to receive your account documents electronically. Plus, the company doesn’t charge commissions on stocks and ETFs trades.
Vanguard Digital Advisor is a low-cost robo-advisor solution that offers access to ETFs-only portfolios which you can set up based on your risk assessment and current savings. Its algorithm manages and adjusts the investment mix as needed in order to help you reach your goals. With Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, you can get personalized financial advice from human advisors. However, to enroll in this service you need at least $50,000 in eligible assets. Advisory fees for Personal Advisor Services range from 0.30 to 0.31%.

Pros

Intuitive set-up and asset allocation

No minimum deposit required to start

Uninvested cash earns interest
Nearly 70% of customers have their advisory fees covered through tax-loss harvesting savings

Cons

$5 monthly fee for account balances below $24,000
Annual fee of 0.25% for account balances between $24,000 and $1 million or if you set up $200 or more in recurring monthly deposits

Why we chose it: We chose Betterment as the best robo-advisor for beginners because it offers tax-harvesting features and shows users how much they need to save to meet their financial goals.
Opening a Roth IRA through Betterment is a great way for beginners to start a retirement plan on their own without a minimum deposit. The platform also stands out because its algorithm helps set up clear goals and track them easily. If one of your goals is to save $800,000 for retirement, Betterment can tell you the projected amount you need to deposit each month to meet that goal by your target retirement date. There’s also rollover support, and Betterment’s “Core” portfolio delivers annual returns of 10%, on average.
You’ll also get automatic rebalancing to optimize the growth potential of your retirement savings. Betterment’s algorithm will also automatically execute tax-saving strategies — including tax loss harvesting — to help you reduce tax exposure by offsetting losses and gains. The company just started offering custom portfolios, too.
Betterment also offers guidance and support from certified financial planners to users who enroll in a Premium account, as well as a high-yield bank account for cash reserves (currently 3.50% APY). However, the premium account has a minimum balance requirement of $100,000 plus an additional fee of 0.65% on up to $1 million. Another drawback is its fee structure. For accounts below $24,000, there is a $5 monthly fee. For accounts between $24,000 and $1 million (or for those with at least $200 in recurring monthly deposits), there is a 0.1% to 0.25% annual fee, depending on how much you have invested.

Pros

3% IRA contribution match for Robinhood Gold members and a 1% contribution match for regular members
Roth IRA match applies to IRA contributions, transfers and 401(k) or IRA rollovers
Fractional shares for most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs begin at just $1
Robo-advisor option

Cons

Robinhood Gold membership costs $5 per month
In order to keep match, funds must remain in the Robinhood IRA for at least five years, and early withdrawals could result in penalties
No mutual funds, fixed-income products or crypto in its IRAs

Why we chose it: Robinhood stands out for offering a best-in-class 3% IRA contribution match for Robinhood Gold members ($5 per month) and a 1% contribution match for regular members.
That match applies to IRA contributions, transfers and 401(k) or IRA rollovers. However, in order to keep the full match, the funds must remain in the Robinhood IRA for at least five years, and early withdrawals could result in penalties.
The Roth IRA provides access to fractional shares for most U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs beginning at just $1. On the down side, Robinhood does not offer mutual funds, fixed-income products or crypto in its IRAs. Its robo-advisor option — Robinhood Strategies — launched in 2025 and charges an annual advisory fee of 0.25% with a $50 minimum investment. It also has futures, crypto and prediction market trading, as well as a custodial account if you want to start investing for your children.

Pros

No accounts minimum or account fees

Offers automated Roth IRAs and a 1% match on qualifying transfers on contributions
Comes with a complimentary 30-minute planning session
No. 1 for customer satisfaction, according to JD Power
Robo-advisor option

Cons

Lacks advanced research tools
Some ETF fees

$50 minimum for automated IRA

Why we chose it: With a score of 724 out of 1,000 SoFi received the highest mark on JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Survey for DIY customer satisfaction.
Users can choose between a self-directed Roth IRA and an automated robo-advisor IRA. The platform also offers thousands of U.S. stocks and ETFs starting at $5, and SoFi offers comprehensive educational resources for novice investors and active retirement savers. While SoFi doesn’t charge setup, maintenance or annual fees, there is a $100 outgoing transfer fee. It also doesn’t require a minimum balance or charge commissions, and customers get a complimentary 30-minute planning session with a SoFi financial planner.
Although SoFi has robo-advisor capabilities and great customer support, it falls short due to its $100 full outgoing transfer fee, and for not offering tax-loss harvesting or stop-loss orders with their accounts. Its 1% match on certain transfers, rollovers and contributions is a notable benefit, though, as is its very high customer satisfaction ratings, according to JD Power’s latest survey. The bank also offers IPO investing, fractional shares and more.

Pros

No minimum amount required to open an account, and no annual account fees

Provides discretionary investment management, robo-advising and self-directed options

Above-averaged investor satisfaction, according to JD Power
Helpful resources and tools, including an IRA contribution calculator

Cons

Charges a 0.35% advisory fee for Fidelity Go Roth IRA accounts if balance is over $25,000

Why we chose it: Fidelity Investments is Money’s choice for best Roth IRA for fractional shares because it offers approximately 7,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs for as little as $1. It was also rated above-average in both JD Power’s Investor Satisfaction study and its Retirement Plan Digital Experience study.
Fidelity’s Roth IRA can be either a self-directed or managed Roth IRA. Both types of accounts have no annual fees, no required minimum balances and offer a wide selection of investment options. You also have access to planning tools, research and 24/7 support from Fidelity’s representatives. Although there are no account or advisory fees, some investments may incur underlying fees which you should check before making a selection.
As with the self-directed IRA, the Fidelity Go managed Roth IRA gives you access to digital planning tools, tax loss harvesting and 24/7 customer service, plus unlimited one-on-one calls with a dedicated Fidelity advisor once your account reaches $25,000. The Go Roth IRA doesn’t charge advisor fees for account balances under $25,000 (there is a 0.35% annual advisory fee for accounts over $25,000). Fidelity includes tools like a retirement income calculator, an IRA contribution calculator and educational resources to help prepare you for retirement.

Pros

$0 commissions for online stock, ETF, and options trades, and access to over 5,000 mutual funds with no transaction fees

Access to live market data and analysis using E*TRADE’s online platform

Generous cash bonus opportunities, including $50-$10,000 promo cash credits

Cons

$500 minimum for automated investing

No fractional shares
Below-average investor satisfaction, according to JD Power

Why we chose it: E*TRADE made our list of best Roth IRAs for its extensive educational resources, which can help retirement savers learn new strategies, adapt to shifting market environments and grow their skills.
The E*TRADE Knowledge Center provides a vast library that is organized into 11 categories and provides resources to investors on topics ranging from retirement planning strategies and capital gains taxes to fixed income vehicles and options trading.
E*TRADE offers $0 commission trades for most investment choices, including U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. It also provides access to over 5,000 mutual funds, stocks and ETFs with no transaction fees. It also provides access to over 5,000 mutual funds, stocks and ETFs with no transaction fees. It also provides access to over 5,000 mutual funds with no transaction fees. However, options start at 65 cents per contract (or 50 cents per contract for customers who execute at least 30 stock, ETF or options trades per quarter), while bonds are $1 per bond and futures are $1.50 per contract.
There are no minimum account balances required for E*TRADE’s Roth IRA, and its online trading platform makes it easy to access live market data and analysis. In addition to self-directed accounts, E*TRADE offers automated managed portfolios, known as Core Portfolios. These require a $500 account minimum to enroll, and charge an annual flat fee of 0.30%. Unlike other auto-investing solutions, E*TRADE gives you access to a team of experts and tax-sensitive portfolios.You also get the option of choosing socially responsible investments and personalizing your portfolio based on your financial situation, goals and risk tolerance. There’s also a cash bonus opportunity ranging from $50 to $10,000, depending on how much you deposit, and if you’re looking to earn more on your cash reserves, the company’s CDs have particularly high rates right now (some are nearly 4.5%).

Pros

Up to $600 cash bonus for opening a Roth IRA account

Easy sync with Bank of America accounts, which can help you qualify for Bank of America rewards perks
A wide range of stocks, options, bonds, ETFs and well-known mutual funds

Cons

Fractional shares not available

Somewhat limited selection of investment vehicles

Below-average investor satisfaction, according to JD Power

Why we chose it: Merrill Edge stands out from other brokers because it offers new account holders a competitive cash bonus of up to $600. If you’re an existing Bank of America customer, Merrill Edge is a particularly strong choice.
Merrill Edge offers low fees and a generous sign-up bonus. However, there are some restrictions to this offer: You have to make a qualifying deposit of at least $20,000 to your new account within 45 days of opening it, and you must keep the deposited amount intact for 90 days. The cash bonus is determined based on the amount you deposit and ranges from $100 up to $600. A deposit of $200,000 or more is needed to receive the maximum cash reward. You also must use the code “600ME” when opening your account.
Though there are no account fees for online stock and ETF trades, options trades carry a per-contract fee of 65 cents.
If you’re a Bank of America customer, you’ll have a seamless experience linking your Merrill Edge brokerage account to your Bank of America account and will be able to keep track of its performance on the same dashboard. You’ll also benefit from instant transfers when moving money between accounts, a process that can take a few days if you use other banks. Additionally, if you keep $30,000 or more in your Merrill brokerage account, you may qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Reward program and get rate discounts on some loan products or a rate boost on your credit card rewards or savings account.

Pros

Strong educational resources

Top-notch trading dashboard with real time data

Tax benefits are easy to track on Ally’s online dashboard

Above-average investor satisfaction, according to JD Power
Robo-advisor option

Cons

Fees for mutual funds trades

$100 minimum deposit for Robo Portfolios and a 0.30% to 0.85% advisory fee

$100,000 minimum to participate in Personal Advice
No brick-and-mortar locations

Why we chose it: Ally‘s easy-to-manage investment tools makes it one of the best apps to open a Roth IRA.
With Ally, investors can open a Roth IRA without a minimum balance requirement and fund the account easily by linking to any other bank or credit union. In addition, the company charges no trading commissions on U.S.-listed individual stocks, mutual funds or thousands of ETFs.
Like many platforms, Ally charges a contract fee for options trading (50 cents per trade). There are also some fees related to transfers and account closure. For instance, you’ll be charged a $50 fee for full or partial outgoing transfers from your IRA and an additional $25 closure fee if you withdraw all your funds.
Since it’s connected to an online-only bank, it’s unsurprising that Ally Invest excels with its online tools and educational content. In addition, it offers an easy-to-use interface, a wide selection of securities and access to other financial products, like checking and savings accounts. There’s also a “Smart Score” feature, which rates stock options from 1 to 10, helping you make more informed investment decisions.
Ally’s Robo Portfolios can also be a great option if you’re looking for a hands-off investing experience, and there are both “market-focused” and “cash-enahnced” options. Like most brokers, Ally’s portfolios are built from a mix of ETFs. However, Ally’s Robo Portfolios have a $100 minimum deposit requirement, and may also have a 0.30% annual advisory fee charged monthly. Additionally, there is a $100,000 minimum to participate in Ally’s Personal Advice program and a 75% to 0.85% advisory fee. The bank’s robo portfolios earn you 3% on any cash reserves in your account.

Other IRA companies we considered
In addition to the companies on our top list, we also evaluated the companies below. However, they didn’t make it to our final selection because they feature higher management fees, account minimums or more limited investment choices than the ones we picked.
Wellstrade
Wellstrade — the self-directed investing option from Wells Fargo Advisors — doesn’t charge fees for its standard Roth IRA and offers fractional shares — known as “Stock Fractions” — starting at $10. However, it scored the lowest on JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Survey for overall DIY customer satisfaction. The platform lacks comprehensive educational resources and its robo-advisor option carries a $500 minimum deposit and 0.35% annual advisory fee (unless you open your account with at least $50,000).
Wealthfront
Wealthfront’s best features are its low 0.25% advisory fee and its robo-advisor capabilities. However, we ended up choosing Betterment for the position of best robo-advisor, due to Wealthfront’s $500 opening deposit and account minimum requirements. This restriction might not be a dealbreaker for some, but it can become an obstacle if you are financially strained. It also scored very low on JD Power’s Satisfaction Study.
Public
Public’s fractional shares begin at just $1. The platform doesn’t charge Roth IRA fees, boasts a wide variety of investment products, and matches 1% on all IRA contributions, transfers and 401(k) rollovers However, it was not part of JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Survey, has no robo-advisor option and falls short on retirement-focused educational resources.
Edward Jones
Edward Jones only offers fractional shares through dividend reinvestment plans (fractional shares cannot be purchased directly). The financial services firm charges $75 annually for Roth IRAs and doesn’t offer a robo-advisor option., though it did come in No. 1 on JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Investor Satisfaction Survey for advised account customer satisfaction.
M1 Finance
M1 Finance offers strong automated investment services, including flexible customization that adjusts to your investing needs. However, we decided not to pick it as one of our Roth IRA options due to its restrictions. The account has a $500 opening minimum, and you are charged a $3 monthly fee if your account is less than $10,000 and $100 if you terminate your IRA. As with many of the other companies in this section, it was not a part of JD Power’s satisfaction survey.
Fundrise
Fundrise provides a means of adding real estate exposure to your retirement account. However, we didn’t pick the company because its investment minimums are among the highest and it charges a $125 annual fee for investing via an IRA. The fee can be waived for one year if you invest at least $3,000 and waived permanently if you achieve and maintain a $25,000 account value. A basic plan requires $1,000 whereas its premium account level requires $100,000. Its basic plan only requires a $10 initial investment; however, you’ll need at least $1,000 to access IRA investing. Additionally, since the company focuses solely on real estate, there are some extra fees that can apply, including development and liquidation fees. It was not a part of JD Power’s survey, either.
Roth IRA guide
Before you open a Roth IRA, it’s important to find out how it works, its income and contribution limits, withdrawal rules and the main differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.
What is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account where you can contribute after-tax money. While this means you do have to pay taxes on what you invest now, it also means your contributions will grow tax-free until you’re ready to withdraw them, typically after age 59 ½ or once the account has been opened for at least five years.
When deciding whether to open a Roth IRA, consider the following:

Management fees and expense ratios are often the biggest determinants of your investment returns, since they chip away at your earnings yearly.

The best Roth IRA providers typically have a robust online presence, and they should make it easy to open your account online.

The income requirements to contribute to a Roth IRA.

Both Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs provide tax advantages. However, when you get to enjoy those advantages will be different. Be sure to compare both options before deciding which is best for you.
What is a backdoor Roth IRA and a mega backdoor Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA conversion, or a backdoor conversion, is a strategy that consists of converting your pre-tax traditional IRA or an employer retirement account into a Roth IRA. Because traditional IRAs don’t have income limits, you can make your desired contributions up to the contribution limit and later move your money to a Roth IRA through a Roth conversion. However, this strategy has its risk and tax consequences, so consult with a tax professional or financial advisor before taking that route.
A mega backdoor Roth is another strategy that lets you roll over any after-tax dollars you’ve contributed to a 401(k) into a Roth IRA. Although traditional 401(k)s are tax-deferred accounts that you fund with pre-tax money, some accounts allow after-tax contributions up to a specified limit. The goal of a mega backdoor is to save after-tax money within your retirement plan up to the contribution limit to then move that portion to a Roth IRA, preferably before it starts accruing earnings.
As with a backdoor Roth IRA, a mega backdoor Roth can also have tax consequences, so you should consult with your tax advisor before using this strategy. In addition, take into account that not all 401(k) plans offer in-service distributions to a Roth IRA, meaning you should check if this option is permissible under your employer-sponsored plan.
How does a Roth IRA work?
Just like traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA is an individual retirement account you can set up to grow your finances over the years. However, Roth IRAs differ in that you pay taxes on the money you invest before it goes into your account — not when you withdraw it. This means that the money in your account is tax-free, so you can withdraw it whenever without additional penalties or fees.
Who can contribute to Roth IRA?
Not everyone can contribute to a Roth IRA — at least not the full amount. You have to meet specific income requirements to be able to contribute to a Roth IRA. (See below for details). You’ll also face maximum contribution limits that vary based on your age, tax filing status and income. Below we explain what are the income and contribution limits for tax year 2026.
Roth IRA income and contribution limits
IRA contribution limits can change annually based on inflation. For tax year 2026, married couples filing with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $242,000 can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA. For couples with incomes between $242,000 and $252,000, the contribution maximum is lower, while no contributions are allowed at incomes of $252,000 or above.
Single filers, heads of household or married couples filing separately (who don’t live together) with a MAGI below $153,000 can contribute the maximum to a Roth IRA in 2026. For incomes between $153,000 and $168,000, contribution limits are lowered, while no contributions are allowed at incomes above $168,000.
Roth IRA contribution limits are somewhat higher for 2026, compared to previous years, and people who earn a taxable income are allowed to contribute up to $7,500 across their IRAs. For taxpayers ages 50 and older, an additional $1,100 can be contributed for a total of $8,600 per year. The updated limits for 2027 will likely be announced in October or November of this year.
When can you withdraw from a Roth IRA?
Although, you can technically withdraw your Roth IRA contributions whenever you want and for any reason without penalties, Roth IRAs have a five-year waiting period in place to limit your withdrawal of tax-subsidized earnings.
Roth IRAs don’t adhere to the required minimum distributions (RMDs) rule either. This rule typically applies to traditional IRAs and requires account owners to start distributing their money at age 73. With a Roth IRA, however, you may decide to never take the distributions and leave it to your beneficiaries. You may also continue to make contributions after the age of 70.5.
No matter your age, Roth IRAs have a five-year waiting period before you can distribute any earnings without taxes and/or penalties. Earnings are also subject to taxes and penalties if you withdraw them before the age of 59.5.
How is a Roth IRA taxed?
Unlike a traditional IRA, any contributions you make to a Roth IRA is nondeductible on your tax return. This is so because you pay tax before your money goes into the account. Qualified distributions, including earnings on your contributions, are also tax-free. However, withdrawals before the five-year waiting period may be subject to fees from your IRA provider.
Roth IRA withdrawal rules
Roth IRAs have a five-year waiting period set to limit your withdrawal of Roth IRA tax-subsidized earnings. Although you can withdraw contributions to your account tax-free and at any time, you can’t do the same with your account’s earnings.
If you withdraw from your earnings before age 59.5, and before five years have passed after your account being opened, those funds will be taxed and you may owe a penalty. Additionally, even if you’re 59.5, the five-year rule still applies: you must wait five years after opening your Roth IRA if you want to withdraw your earnings tax-free.
How to open a Roth IRA?
Almost anyone can open a Roth IRA, as long as you meet the income limits required to contribute. Below are four steps you need to take to open a Roth IRA:

Check if you’re eligible: The first step is to find out whether your income is eligible to open and maintain a Roth IRA. The amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA can change each year, based on inflation and other factors.
Choose a bank or brokerage firm: Research online for potential Roth IRA providers. There are a few dozen options to choose from, so take the time to compare account requirements, fees, minimum balances and investment options. You can check our top picks to get a head start.
Fill out the paperwork: As with opening similar accounts, you may need to fill out some forms and provide personal information and documentation — such as your Social Security number and your bank account information. You’ll also need the info of your beneficiaries.
Choose how to invest the money: You can either design your own portfolio, choose one designed by the investment company, or hire a certified financial planner (CFP) to help you pick the best strategy for your financial goals. Many robo-advisors also offer Roth IRAs.

What’s a Roth IRA conversion?
A Roth IRA conversion is when you roll money from a pre-tax retirement account — a traditional IRA or 401(k) from a past job, for example — into a Roth IRA. You’ll have to pay income taxes on the amount you roll over, but after that, the funds in your Roth IRA can grow (and be withdrawn) tax-free.

Roth IRA FAQs
How does a Roth IRA work?
A Roth IRA is a type of retirement account that lets you contribute after-tax money. This allows you to withdraw the funds in retirement without owing taxes on them — a nice perk for retirees on limited incomes.
Which platform is best for Roth IRAs?
Our analysis found that Charles Schwab offers the best all-around options for Roth IRAs. Vanguard, Betterment, Robinhood, SoFi, Fidelity, E*TRADE, Merrill Edge and Ally all have good options, too. The best Roth IRA depends on your unique needs and financial goals.
Is there a downside to a Roth IRA?
Yes, Roth IRAs do have downsides. The big one is that they offer no tax deductions, as they are funded with after-tax dollars. There are also strict income requirements and contribution limits, and you may charged a penalty if you withdraw the money before you reach 59.5.

How we chose the best Roth IRAs
There are numerous companies that offer financial planning via Roth IRAs, but they’re not all the same. The providers that made our list came out ahead of the pack based on important factors including: low minimum deposit requirements, low fees, access to low-cost investment options — including fractional shares — and account management options. We also considered educational resources, robo-advisor options, customer satisfaction and contribution matches.
Low minimum deposit requirements
We only chose Roth IRAs with reasonable minimum account opening requirements (or none at all) for this list. This factor is crucial, since many consumers may not have the $1,000 or more to get started and need to invest small sums of money at first. Accounts with reasonable minimum deposit requirements lower the entry barrier and make it considerably easier for new investors to get into the game.
Low fees
We also looked for Roth IRA providers that offered no account management fees, had a good variety of no-load mutual funds and low expense ratios. These fees can directly chip away at your investment returns without providing you with any real benefit, so you’re better off not paying them for a self-directed account.
Access to low-cost investment options
All of the Roth IRAs that made our list let you choose from a broad range of investment options, many of which can be traded without any fees. We gave preference to financial institutions that offered their own selection of no-fee investment options, whether that includes ETFs, index funds or mutual funds.
Account management options
Finally, we gave preference to Roth IRAs with helpful online account management options, including setting up a rollover into another account if you choose. This includes not only investing tools and resources, but also access to a mobile app that lets you manage and oversee your personal finance accounts on the go. A few of the Roth IRA providers on our list also offer local branches where consumers can get in-person help, and we consider that a major plus.
Summary of Money’s best Roth IRAs for 2026

Charles Schwab: Best Overall
Vanguard: Best for Passive Investors
Betterment: Best for Robo-Advisors
Robinhood: Best for Matching Contribution
SoFi: Best for Customer Satisfaction
Fidelity Investments: Best for Fractional Shares
E*TRADE: Best for Educational Resources
Merrill Edge: Best for Sing-up Fees
Ally Invest: Best for an Online Bank