Best custodial accounts of May 2022
Custodial accounts, also known as UGMA/UTMA accounts, are brokerage accounts that allow parents or guardians to invest on behalf of their children or dependents. Ownership of these accounts transfers to the minors once they reach legal age (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state). Many brokerages also offer other custodial options like 529 plans, IRAs, and trusts.
UGMA accounts (formerly known as Uniform Gift to Minors Act accounts) can hold cash, stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and other investments. Alternatively, UTMA accounts — also known as Uniform Transfers to Minors Act accounts — allow for alternative assets like real estate, fine art, intellectual property, and precious metals.
These accounts also offer multiple tax perks. Keep reading to see which custodial account is best for you.
Best for all types of investors: Charles Schwab
Account Minimum
$0 ($5,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios; $25,000 Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium)
Fees
0% ($0 Schwab Intelligent Portfolios; $30/month Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium)
Investment Types
Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, mutual funds, money market funds, bonds, and annuities
- No minimums; commission-free trading on stocks, ETFs, and options
- Thousands of no-load mutual funds and 50+ Schwab-managed funds; fractional shares (Stock slices) available
- Automated and advisor-managed accounts available
- Multiple trading platforms; stock screeners and other trading tools
- $5,000 minimum for automated Schwab Intelligent Portfolios is on the higher end
- Schwab’s no-load funds have a $100 minimum; some competitors offer lower minimums
- App store rating: 4.8 iOS/3.8 Android
- Consider it if: You want a wide range of account types, with easy-to-use apps and web interfaces
Why Charles Schwab made our list:
Known as the Schwab One Custodial Account, this account offers investors several perks. These include a $0 minimum opening deposit, $0 account setup and maintenance fees, and commission-free stocks and ETFs. In addition, you can invest in mutual funds and other securities and utilize investment research and other tools.
With Schwab Stock Slices, you can invest in fractional shares as long as you meet the $5 minimum requirement. And as with all custodial accounts, won’t have to worry about any contribution limits. Parents and guardians might also consider Schwab’s custodial IRAs (you can open these as a traditional or Roth IRA), 529 college savings plans, and education savings account (ESA).
Another advantage of Schwab’s custodial account is that it isn’t just for self-directed investors. You can automate your investments by setting up the account through the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios or Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium robo-advisors. Just note that you’ll need a minimum of $5,000 for the former and at least $25,000 for the latter.
Once the account beneficiary reaches legal age, they’ll retain complete ownership of the account’s earnings and can then utilize additional Schwab products if so desired.
What to look out for: If you decide to take the automated investing route for your custodial account, you’ll need at least $5,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and $25,000 for Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium.
Visit Charles Schwab’s website »
Best for Bank of America clients: Merrill Edge
Account Minimum
$0 ($1,000 Guided Investing; $20,000 Guided Investing with Advisor)
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Read More: Best custodial accounts of 2022: Manage investments for children and minors