IRA vs. 401(k): What's the difference?

Plan

401(k)s

Traditional IRAs

Roth IRAs

Definition

An employer-sponsored retirement plan. You contribute a percentage of income, and your employer often matches a portion of it. Contributions are then invested.

An individual retirement account that you set up with a financial institution. Contributions are then invested.

Contribution details

Funded with after-tax dollars. Some IRA providers allow for direct deductions from your paycheck.

Contribution limit

$19,500 per year (you can add an extra $6,500 if you’re 50 or older).

$6,000 per year ($7,000 if you’re 50 or older).

Employer match details

Varies by employer, with average match of 4.7%.¹

None.

Investments selection

The investment portfolio is generally chosen by your employer, but you may have the option to change from the default fund.

You can choose what goes into your portfolio.

Plan

401(k)s

Traditional IRAs

Roth IRAs

Tax penalties for early withdrawal

10% additional tax if withdrawn before age 59 ½, but certain exceptions may apply to your situation.

If you are younger than 59 ½, you can avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty for certain qualifying exceptions, such as first-time homebuyer, college and medical expenses.

If you are younger than 59 ½, you can withdraw up to $10,000 penalty-free to pay for qualified first-time home-buyer expenses, provided at least five tax years have passed since your initial contribution. Other exceptions may apply to your situation.

Required withdrawals

After you reach age 72, you are required to withdraw a certain amount each year, calculated based on your age and the value of your accounts.

No withdrawals required.

Tax implications

Pre-tax contributions and taxed withdrawals.

Tax-deductible contributions (funded with after-tax dollars) and taxed withdrawals.*

Non-deductible contributions (funded with after-tax dollars) and tax-free withdrawals.

Which plan is best for my needs?

401(k)s

Consider this option if your employer offers a company match. If your employer does not offer a company match, you may get more out of your contributions with an IRA.

Traditional IRAs

If your priority is to lower your taxable income, a traditional IRA can help with that. If you contribute up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you’re 50 or older) in deductible contributions, your taxable income may be lowered by that amount.*

Roth IRAs

If flexibility is a priority, a Roth IRA might be best for you. With tax-free withdrawals in retirement, no required withdrawals and the ability to withdraw your contributions at any time, Roth IRAs make cashing out easy.