Requester: James Lee (james@zabaca.com) Research Date: 2026-01-29 Original Question: Is there a minimum age requirement for opening an IRA?

TL;DR

There is no minimum age requirement for opening either a Traditional or Roth IRA. However, you must have earned income to contribute, and minors typically need a custodian to manage the account.

Detailed Answer

No Age Minimum

There is no minimum age limit for establishing or contributing to either a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. In fact, minors of any age—including children and even infants—can open an IRA account if they meet the earned income requirement. Financial institutions accommodate this through custodial IRA accounts.

The Real Requirement: Earned Income

The critical requirement is not age, but earned income. To contribute to any IRA in a given tax year, you must have earned income from employment or self-employment. This earned income includes:

  • Wages from formal employment (part-time or full-time jobs)
  • Self-employment income (freelancing, consulting, etc.)
  • Income from activities like babysitting, pet-sitting, lawn mowing, or other services
  • Modeling or entertainment income

The income does not include:

  • Allowances or gifts from family members
  • Investment income or dividends
  • Inheritance

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA

Both Traditional and Roth IRAs have the same age requirements: no minimum. However, they differ in other ways:

  • Traditional IRA: Anyone with earned income can contribute (2026 limit: $7,500)
  • Roth IRA: Anyone with earned income can contribute (2026 limit: $7,500)
  • Age 50+ Catch-up: Both accounts allow an additional $1,100 in catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older (2026)

Minors and Custodial Accounts

When a minor opens an IRA, it must be a custodial account managed by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult. The custodian:

  • Controls the account until the minor reaches the age of majority (typically 18 or 21, depending on the state and financial institution)
  • Makes investment decisions
  • Handles distributions according to IRS rules

2026 Contribution Limits

For the 2026 tax year:

  • Standard contribution limit for both Traditional and Roth IRAs: $7,500
  • Additional catch-up contribution for age 50+: $1,100
  • Maximum contribution: 100% of earned income (whichever is less)

Key Points

  • There is no minimum age to open an IRA (Traditional or Roth)
  • You must have earned income to contribute
  • Minors require a custodial account managed by an adult
  • 2026 contribution limit is $7,500 (or 100% of earned income, whichever is less)
  • Both Traditional and Roth IRAs have identical age and earned income requirements

Sources