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Investment Structure

Trump Account Fees & Expense Ratios

Expense ratios capped at 0.1%. Official lineup fees for SPYM, IVV, VTI, SPTM, and ITOT — and why low costs matter over 18 years.

TrumpAccounts.guide Editorial Team 5 min read
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Key Takeaways

  • Expense ratios are capped at 0.1% by law.
  • Launch default SPYM is already a low-cost S&P 500 ETF.
  • Official lineup fees are all well below the cap — see table below.
  • Over 18 years, tiny fee gaps still matter because fees compound.
  • You do not need to hunt for cheaper ETFs at open — money starts in SPYM.

What is an expense ratio?

An expense ratio is the annual fund fee, taken automatically from returns. Examples on $10,000:

  • 0.02% ≈ $2/year
  • 0.03% ≈ $3/year
  • 0.10% ≈ $10/year (legal maximum)

ℹ️ The 0.1% cap is law

Under IRC Section 530A, Trump Account funds must stay at or below 0.1%. Higher-fee products are simply not eligible.

Official lineup fees

Source: Treasury sb0551. Approximate published fees:

ETF Status Approx. fee Fee on $10K Fee on $50K Fee on $100K
SPYM Default 0.02% $2/yr $10/yr $20/yr
IVV Later 0.03% $3/yr $15/yr $30/yr
VTI Later 0.03% $3/yr $15/yr $30/yr
SPTM Later 0.03% $3/yr $15/yr $30/yr
ITOT Later 0.03% $3/yr $15/yr $30/yr

Fees are approximate and can change. Verify the prospectus. Last verified: 2026-07-14.

✅ Parent priority

Open the account and contribute. Fee optimization among IVV/VTI/SPTM/ITOT only matters after Treasury enables investment elections. Full menu: investment lineup.

Why low fees matter over 18 years

A few basis points look tiny each year. Over 18 years of compounding, higher fees leave less money invested. That is why the law capped fees — and why Treasury picked low-cost index ETFs.

Compare options: Best S&P 500 ETFs for Trump Accounts. Project growth: Trump Account calculator.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an expense ratio?
An expense ratio is the annual fee a fund charges, expressed as a percentage of your investment. It is deducted automatically from returns. A 0.03% expense ratio on $10,000 means about $3 per year.
Are there any other fees for a Trump Account?
The fund expense ratio is the main ongoing cost. Check the Trump Accounts app / custodian for any account or transaction fees. There is no separate IRS fee to open a Trump Account.
Does the 0.1% expense ratio cap apply to all funds?
Yes for Trump Accounts. Under IRC §530A, funds above 0.1% are not eligible.
What does SPYM cost?
The launch default SPYM is a low-cost S&P 500 ETF (about 0.02%). Verify the current prospectus — fees can change.

Related Articles

Trump Account Investment Options: SPYM Default + 4 ETFs

Trump Account investment options in 2026: SPYM is the launch default. IVV, VTI, SPTM, and ITOT come later. You do not need to pick a fund to open.

Trump Account Index Fund Requirements

Funds must track the S&P 500 or a broad U.S. equity index. Expense ratios capped at 0.1%. Official Treasury lineup: SPYM, IVV, VTI, SPTM, ITOT.

Best S&P 500 ETFs for Trump Accounts

Compare Treasury’s official lineup: SPYM (default), IVV, VTI, SPTM, and ITOT. Expense ratios, indexes, and what parents can choose when.

How Is a Trump Account Invested?

At launch, Trump Accounts default to SPYM (S&P 500). Treasury later adds IVV, VTI, SPTM, and ITOT. Index funds only; expense ratios capped at 0.1%.

Trump Account Rules: Contributions, Investments & Withdrawals (2026)

Complete Trump Account rules: $5,000/yr limit, S&P 500 index funds only, 0.1% expense cap, no withdrawals before 18. The definitive rules reference.

Disclaimer: This is educational content, not tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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