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IRA vs. 401(k)
The main difference between 401(k)s and IRAs is that 401(k)s are offered through employers, whereas IRAs are opened by individuals through a broker or a bank. IRAs typically offer more investment options, but 401(k)s allow higher annual contributions.
Choosing an IRA vs. a 401(k)
Both 401(k)s and IRAs — including Roth IRAs — have valuable tax benefits, and you can often contribute to both types of accounts.
The contribution limit for 401(k)s is $23,000 in 2024 ($30,500 for those age 50 or older). The limit for IRAs is $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if age 50 or older).
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If the IRA vs. 401(k) comparison is weighing on you, here’s a quick way to decide where to contribute first:
If your employer offers a 401(k) with a company match: Consider putting enough money in your 401(k) to get the maximum match. That match may offer a 100% return on your money, depending on the 401(k). For example, some employers promise a 100% match up to 3% of salary. That means, if your salary is $50,000, your employer will put in $1,500, as long as you also contribute at least $1,500. Once you get the match, then consider maxing out an IRA for the year. Once you've done that, consider returning to the 401(k) and resuming contributions there.
If your employer doesn’t offer a company match: Consider skipping the 401(k) at first and start with an IRA or Roth IRA. You'll get access to a large selection of investments when you open your IRA at a broker, and you'll avoid the administrative fees that some 401(k)s charge. After contributing up to the IRA limit, think about funding your 401(k) for the pre-tax benefit it offers. Here's how and where to open an IRA. (Wondering which IRA is best for you? Here's how to choose between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA.)
Jump ahead for more tips on choosing between an IRA and a 401(k).
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Key features of IRAs vs 401(k)s
401(k) | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
Contribution limit | $23,000 in 2024 ($30,500 for those age 50 or older). | The combined contribution limit for all of your traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if age 50 or older). | |
Employer match | Many employers offer a match, typically around 3%. | None. | None. |
Tax treatment | Contributions lower taxable income in the year they are made. Distributions in retirement are taxed as ordinary income, unless a Roth 401(k). | If deductible, contributions reduce taxable income in the year they are made. Distributions in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. | No immediate tax benefit. Qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. |
Eligibility | Eligibility is not limited by income. | Deduction phased out at higher incomes if you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement account. | Ability to contribute is phased out at higher incomes. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time. |
Investment availability | Funds in a 401(k) may be less expensive than identical funds purchased outside of 401(k). No control over plan and investment costs. Limited investment selection. | Large investment selection. | Large investment selection. |
Required minimum distributions | Required minimum distributions beginning at age 73 as of 2023, and will increase to 75 in 2033. | Required minimum distributions beginning at age 73 as of 2023, and will increase to 75 in 2033. | No required minimum distributions in retirement. |
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401(k) | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
Tax treatment of contributions |
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Investment options | A pre-selected list of investments, mainly mutual funds. Some plans have a brokerage option with access to investments outside of the plan. | Any investment available through your account provider (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.). | |
Taxes on withdrawals in retirement (after age 59 ½) | Distributions are taxed as ordinary income. If Roth 401(k), distributions are tax-free. | Distributions are taxed as ordinary income. | Distributions are tax-free as long as the account has been open for at least five years. |
Early withdrawal rules (before age 59 ½) | Unless you meet an exception, early withdrawals of contributions and earnings are taxed and subject to a 10% penalty. See more on 401(k) early withdrawal rules. | Unless you meet an exception, early withdrawals of contributions and earnings are taxed and subject to a 10% penalty. See more on traditional IRA withdrawal rules. |
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» Want to turn a 401(k) into an IRA? See the best IRA providers for a 401(k) rollover.
IRA vs. 401(k): A road map
Hats off to you if you have the means to max out both a 401(k) and a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. If not, this IRA vs. 401(k) road map will help you prioritize your dollars.
Your first step depends on whether your employer matches your contributions to your workplace savings account.
If your employer offers a 401(k) match
1. Consider contributing enough to earn the full match. Check your employee benefits handbook. If you see that your employer matches any portion of the money you contribute to the company 401(k) plan, do not bypass this opportunity to collect your free money.
A company matching program is one of the biggest benefits of a 401(k). It means that your employer contributes money to your account based on the amount of money you save, up to a limit. A common arrangement is for an employer to match a portion of the amount you save up to the first 6% of your earnings.
Even if a 401(k) has limited investment choices or higher-than-average fees, carve out enough money from your paycheck to get the full company match, as it’s effectively a guaranteed return on those dollars. Also note that employer contributions don’t count toward the 401(k) annual contribution limit.
2. Next, consider contributing as much as you’re able to an IRA. Depending on which type of IRA you choose — Roth or traditional — you can get your tax break now, or down the road when you start withdrawing funds for retirement.
A traditional IRA is ideal for those who favor an immediate tax break. Contributions may be deductible — that means your taxable income for the year will be reduced by the amount of your contribution. But, if you're also covered by a 401(k), your deduction may be reduced or eliminated based on income. If you (or your spouse) has a workplace retirement plan, check out the IRA limits.
A Roth IRA is a good choice if you’re not eligible to deduct traditional IRA contributions, or if you don't mind giving up the IRA's immediate tax deduction in exchange for tax-free growth on your investments and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRA eligibility is not affected by participation in a 401(k), but there are income limits. You can see the latest Roth rules on our IRA limits page.
» Stuck between the two? See our Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA comparison
3. After maxing out a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, consider revisiting your 401(k). Even after you’ve gotten the employer match — and even if your investment choices are limited, which is one of the main drawbacks of workplace retirement plans — a 401(k) can still be beneficial because of the tax deduction.
The money you contribute to a 401(k) will lower your taxable income for the year dollar for dollar. And don’t forget about the added benefit of tax-deferred growth on investment gains.
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If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) match
1. Consider contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA first. Not all companies match their employees' retirement account contributions. When that’s the case, choosing an IRA — and contributing up to the max — is generally a better first option.
One of the biggest benefits of an IRA is that it offers access to a virtually unlimited number and type of investments, giving you much more control over your investment options: You can bargain-shop for low-cost index mutual funds and ETFs instead of being restricted to the offerings in a workplace retirement account, and you can avoid paying the administrative fees that many 401(k) plans charge.
2. After maxing out IRA benefits, think about contributing to your 401(k). Here again, the tax deferral benefit of a company-sponsored plan is a good reason to direct dollars into a 401(k) if you have money left over after you’ve funded a traditional or Roth IRA.
Remember that if your income passes certain thresholds and you or your spouse put money into a workplace plan, your ability to deduct traditional IRA contributions may be reduced or eliminated. If you aren’t eligible for a traditional IRA deduction, you may still be eligible for a Roth IRA. Also, even if you’re not eligible to deduct your traditional IRA contribution, you can make nondeductible contributions and still benefit from tax-deferred investment growth. And it's possible to convert an IRA to a Roth IRA by using a so-called backdoor Roth IRA.
» Ready to open an IRA? Check out our round-up of top IRA accounts
