Updated 2026-04-21

ETFs in Your 401(k): Access, Costs & Growing Availability

How ETFs are entering 401(k) plans, why they have been rare, cost advantages over mutual funds, and how to access ETFs through brokerage windows.

Key Takeaways

2026 Quick Reference

$24,500
2026 Deferral Limit
$72,000
Total 415(c) Limit
59½
Penalty-Free Age
73
RMD Start Age

Related Guides

Pavlo Pyskunov

Pavlo Pyskunov

Managing Director & Investment Fund Director

Pavlo Pyskunov analyzes employer-sponsored retirement plans using IRS publications and DOL Form 5500 filings, helping workers maximize their 401(k) savings through data-driven guidance.

Last updated: 2026-04-21

Related Articles

401(k) Brokerage Window: Buy Stocks in Your 401(k)

How self-directed brokerage accounts work inside your 401(k). Buy individual stocks, ETFs, and low-cost index funds. ...

 How to Invest Your 401(k): Best Investment Options for 2026

How to invest your 401(k): target-date funds, index funds, ETFs, and expense ratios. Pick the right investments for y...

 401(k) Expense Ratios: What's a Good Fee & How to Find Yours

What a good 401(k) expense ratio looks like, how to find hidden fees, 2026 benchmarks, and the long-term cost impact ...

 401(k) vs Mutual Fund: Understanding the Difference

A 401(k) is an account, not an investment. How mutual funds, index funds, and share classes work inside your retireme...

 Index Funds vs Target-Date Funds: Which Is Better for 401(k)?

Head-to-head comparison of index funds and target-date funds in your 401(k). Fee impact calculator, three-fund portfo...