How much does a Betterment solo 401(k) cost?

Betterment now offers solo 401(k) accounts. In addition to the investment advisory fees associated with your personal account, Solo 401(k) accounts will also have an annual platform fee of $100 (which is waived for 2026).

Can I open both traditional and Roth solo 401(k)s?

Yes, you can contribute to both the traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) components of a single solo 401(k) plan in the same year, as long as your combined elective deferrals do not exceed the annual employee contribution limit for that year. This strategy, which requires the Solo 401(k) plan to permit both types of contributions, allows for tax diversification.

Does Betterment's solo 401(k) support after-tax contributions?

Yes. After-tax contributions let you save beyond the employee and employer deferral limits, up to your solo 401(k)'s overall annual limit. You can then convert them to Roth, a two-step process known as a mega backdoor Roth.

If you want to add your spouse to your solo 401(k), we will add them after you set up your account. If you’re adding a spouse after the account has already been created, or if you need to remove a spouse from the account, please reach out to our Support team for assistance.

Do I need an LLC or S Corp to qualify?

No, you do not need an LLC or an S Corp to qualify for a solo 401(k); you can open one as a sole proprietor, partnership, single-member LLC, or a corporation as long as you are self-employed and your business has no employees other than yourself and your spouse. The key requirement is that the business is structured to generate active business income from self-employment.

Can I roll over other accounts into my solo 401(k)?

If you’re looking to consolidate retirement plans into your solo 401(k), you can start that process by clicking the “Transfer or Rollover” button in your account, selecting “Rollover to Betterment,” then select your solo 401(k) as the account you’d like to roll funds into. Once you answer a few questions about the account that you’re moving, you’ll get instructions or any paperwork necessary to take the next step. If you’re planning on transferring more than $20,000, our Licensed Concierge team may be able to help!

Self-employed?
Meet your solo 401(k)

If you’re a freelancer, sole proprietor, or side-income earner,
save more for the future with the retirement account built just for you.

Get started

Contribute up to $72,000
Save up to $72,000 (not including catch up) in 2026 as both employer and employee. You can even contribute alongside a traditional employer 401(k).
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Get $1,500 in tax credits
You can qualify for a $500 tax credit per year for 3 years, for a total of $1,500 for including auto-enrollment.
Choose how you want to contribute
Save for retirement the way you want with traditional, Roth, or after-tax contributions, all with their own tax advantages.
Double your household savings
Add an eligible spouse at no extra cost and you may boost your contributions even more.

100% digital setup.

Open your account online in minutes, no paperwork involved. You can even roll over an existing retirement account.

Seamless experience.

No forms. No mailing checks. Manage and fund your account completely online. We’ll track your contributions automatically to simplify tax time.

Automate growing your retirement.

We invest your solo 401(k) in a globally diversified portfolio, handling all the trading, rebalancing, and dividend reinvesting for you.

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New
Grow more of your retirement
savings tax-free

Take advantage of your solo 401(k)’s higher limit by making after-tax
contributions. It’s called a mega backdoor Roth and we guide you through the
whole process in the app, helping you grow that savings tax-free.