How to open a Trump Account

The process is still rolling out. Below is the current guidance as of Oct 10, 2026 — we'll update it as final rules land.

Confirm eligibility

Any child under 18 with a Social Security number can have an account. For the $1,000 federal seed, the child must be a U.S. citizen born Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2028. Check in 60 seconds →
Account is established with a trustee

New accounts are held by participating trustees — Robinhood is the initial trustee for new accounts under current guidance, with BNY Mellon serving as the Treasury's financial agent. (More institutions, e.g. Schwab/Fidelity/Vanguard for rollovers, are expected later — unconfirmed.)
Elect the $1,000 pilot deposit (Form 4547)

A parent or guardian makes the election for the federal seed deposit via IRS Form 4547. Watch for official activation communications — and read the scam warning below first.
Fund it

Family and friends can contribute up to $5,000/year combined; employers up to $2,500/year per employee's child. Money goes into low-cost index funds and compounds until the child turns 18.

Timeline

Jul 4, 2025 — Legislation creating Trump Accounts (IRC §530A) signed into law.
Dec 2025 — Michael & Susan Dell pledge $250 per child for ~25 million children (private philanthropy).
Jul 4, 2026 — Program effective date; accounts can be established.
Oct 1, 2026 — Automatic enrollment of eligible newborns begins (per current guidance).
Oct 15, 2026 — IRS public hearing on the proposed rules. upcoming
After 2027 — $5,000 annual cap scheduled for inflation adjustment.

Dates reflect current Treasury/IRS guidance and press reporting; the rules are not final.

Enrollment and activation happen only through official government channels. No legitimate program will ask for your bank password or charge an "activation fee."
There is no 24-hour deadline — urgent "claim now or lose it" messages are a red flag.
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