Rocket Dollar: Accessible Alternative Retirement Investments
Review
Updated
If you're on a Galaxy Fold, consider unfolding your phone or viewing it in full screen to best optimize your experience.
Rocket Dollar might be for you if: You want to put your retirement savings into alternative investments. If you're looking for a tax-advantaged way to invest in more than stocks and ETFs, consider a self-directed retirement account (SDRA). Rocket Dollar's accounts unlock opportunities including precious metals, crowdfunding, cryptocurrency, and real estate rental income. Find out if this self-directed platform is right for you in our full Rocket Dollar review.
Rocket Dollar
Rocket Dollar is all about alternative retirement investments. Users can access every self-directed investment the IRS allows. However, it won't suit everyone. Not only is there an upfront fee of $360 (or $600 for Gold), but this is not a passive investment. Self-directed takes work and you'll need to understand the IRS requirements. Even so, if you're ready to take the reins, Rocket Dollar may be worth the added cost and work.
$350-$600 setup fee, $15-$30/mo
$0
We recommend comparing brokerage options to ensure the account you're selecting is the best fit for you. To make your search easier, here's a short list of our best trading platforms of 2025.
| Broker | Best For | Commissions | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Managing your finances under one roof | $0 for stocks,¹ $0 for options contracts⁴ |
Learn More for SoFi Active Investing
On SoFi Active Investing's Secure Website. |
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Low mutual fund fees. | $0 per trade |
Learn More for J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing
On J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing's Secure Website. |
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Low fees on stocks, ETFs, crypto, and options | $0 for stocks, ETFs, and options |
Learn More for Robinhood
On Robinhood's Secure Website. |
Rocket Dollar simplifies the complexity of self-managed retirement accounts. It handles back-office documentation and connects users with preferred investment partners. The broker offers self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k) accounts. Customers can put their retirement money into anything from cryptocurrency to farmland. Investors should perform due diligence before deciding whether self-directed investing is right for them.
"I'm not tempted to switch, but Rocket Dollar might make an appealing addition to my portfolio. Rocket Dollar doesn't offer stocks and ETFs, which form the core of my portfolio. But my broker doesn't offer alternative investments, which are Rocket Dollar's whole thing. The monthly fees are too high to casually dabble, but if I decide to seriously consider non-stock investments, I'll keep Rocket Dollar in mind."
- Cole Tretheway, Motley Fool Money writer with financial expertise in brokerages
Rocket Dollar customers have the entire universe of IRS-approved investments at their fingertips. However, it does not offer traditional investments such as stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs. If that's what you're looking for, check out our selection of best stock brokers.
The company also allows users to register their own deals on the platform. If you already have a deal you want to bring to the table, Rocket Dollar can accommodate that, too. Its team will work with you to turn an unlisted deal into an investable opportunity.
Many popular stock brokers are in a race to the bottom when it comes to fees. Rocket Dollar won't charge commissions or transaction fees, but there's a hefty upfront set-up fee as well as a monthly cost. This is lower than other SDRA providers, but could still give investors sticker shock.
It has two membership tiers:
| Tier | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up fee | $360 | $600 |
| Monthly fee | $20 | $30 |
| Accounts | Direct Custody IRA |
Direct Custody IRA Checkbook IRA Solo 401(k) |
| Key features |
Investment tracker dashboard Free IRA cash transfers Some tax reporting |
Priority support 4 free annual wire transfers Additional tax reporting Checkbook and debit card |
There are a couple of other fees to be aware of:
| Reason | Cost |
|---|---|
| ACH transfer | Free (up to $75K limit) |
| Incoming wire transfer | Free |
| Outgoing wire transfer | $35 for Direct Custody, $10 for IRA LLCs, IRA Trusts, and Solo 401(k)s |
| Closing fee | $50 |
Rocket Dollar does not offer margin trading. While Rocket Dollar's self-directed 401(k) accounts allow for loans, users cannot borrow with margin as they can with other brokers.
Because Rocket Dollar does not offer traditional investments, you won't find traditional research reports on the platform. However, there are a variety of resources available, including guides, webinars, and e-books.
This is important because you'll need to take an active role in managing your SDRA. Read its detailed guide to self-directed retirement plans to understand how SDRAs work and which account will make most sense for you.
You'll also find courses and a wealth of resources on different types of alternative investments. These assets aren't the same as traditional investments -- they carry different levels of risk and will require different strategies. Rocket Dollar's educational resources will help you understand the ins and outs of each one.
Rocket Dollar's trading platform is incredibly simple to use -- so much so that the team says you can open an account in under five minutes. Once open, users can view their balance, investments, and funding history. The broker's IRA as a Service (IRaaS) platform is available on desktop only.
Don't expect the features of an online brokerage. This is not a platform where you can trade securities, view charts, and track live prices. Many of the alternative investments available to users are not traded on exchanges. As such, the normal tools you'd look for in a brokerage account don't apply.
Rocket Dollar doesn't have an app per se. However, its partnership with Digital Trust allows IRA LLC & Solo 401(k) clients to use a mobile banking app and access mobile check deposits. If you want to manage your investments on the go, check out these top free stock trading apps.
Rocket Dollar does not have customer reviews on Trustpilot or BBB, so it is hard to get a good sense of people's experiences. A couple of comments on Reddit reflect mixed opinions. One Reddit user complained of errors and typos in formal documents. Another said they were happy with the service.
Rocket Dollar customers can contact support by phone or email. Rocket Dollar says it will respond to inquiries within 24 hours on business days.
Rocket Dollar carries out an annual SOC2 Type II audit. This is in line with industry norms. It's an external security check that covers data integrity, privacy, and more. Customers can use 2-factor authentication when logging into their accounts. Instead of using a password, users will receive an SMS containing a login code.
Rocket Dollar is not FDIC insured, as it is not a bank. However, it partners with FDIC-insured banks for cash deposits. It does not mention SIPC insurance. However, the website does promise that if the company went out of business, customers would be able to move their IRA or Solo 401(k) to another provider.
Rocket Dollar was founded in 2018 by Henry Yoshida, Thomas Young, and Richard Dude. Their mission is to make it safe and easy for people to explore different retirement investment options. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas and has customers and partners throughout the U.S.
At Motley Fool Money, brokerages are rated on a scale of one to five stars. We primarily focus on fees, available assets, and user experience; however, we also take into account features like research, education, tax-loss harvesting, and customer service. Our highest-rated brokerages generally include low fees, a diverse range of assets and account types, and useful platform features.
See our full methodology here: Ratings Methodology
I've been a retail investor for about five years, after spending most of my career contributing to a managed retirement account. The majority of my portfolio is in relatively safe ETFs, with a smaller percentage in individual securities. I invest for the long term and look for low fees, ease of use, and decent research and educational tools.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
Robinhood disclosure
All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.
Securities are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cryptocurrency services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Cryptocurrency held through Robinhood Crypto is not FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information see the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more.
Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.
Robinhood Gold is an account offering premium services available for a $5 monthly fee. Not all investors will be eligible to trade on Margin. Margin investing involves the risk of greater investment losses. Additional interest charges may apply depending on the amount of margin used. Bigger Instant Deposits are only available if your Instant Deposits status is in good standing.
Investing is risky. Bonus offers subject to terms and conditions, visit robinhood.com/hoodweek for more information. Margin is not suitable for all investors. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Gold LLC and is a subscription offering services for a fee. Brokerage services offered through Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), a registered broker dealer.
J.P Morgan Disclosure
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Disclosure:
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
Value Prop Disclosures
Promotion Disclosures
