Rocket Dollar vs Carry Solo 401k (2026)
A comprehensive comparison to help you choose between Rocket Dollar Solo 401k and Carry Solo 401k
Rocket Dollar
Rocket Dollar provides a polished digital experience and excellent support for real estate investors, but comes at a premium price.
Visit Rocket DollarCarry
Carry delivers a polished, modern Solo 401k experience with automated Mega Backdoor Roth and the lowest entry cost, backed by strong venture funding.
Visit CarryWhen comparing Rocket Dollar vs Carry for your solo 401k, you're looking at two providers that both target the modern, tech-savvy investor who wants more control over their retirement assets. Both offer non-prototype plans with checkbook control, and both have built sleek digital platforms that feel distinctly different from traditional retirement account providers. However, the similarities largely end there.
Rocket Dollar has positioned itself as a pioneer in alternative asset investing, particularly for those interested in real estate and cryptocurrency. Their integration with Gemini allows investors to hold crypto directly within their 401k—a feature that appeals to those who want digital assets as part of their retirement strategy. The platform's dashboard is modern and functional, designed for investors who plan to actively manage alternative investments.
Carry, meanwhile, has taken a different approach by focusing on automation and user experience. Their mobile app is widely considered the best in the solo 401k space, making account management genuinely convenient. Where Carry really shines is in features like automated Mega Backdoor Roth conversions and seamless Gusto payroll integration—tools that save time and reduce the administrative burden that often comes with self-directed retirement accounts. The platform feels premium despite costing significantly less than most competitors.
Our Rating
Carry has a higher rating based on our comprehensive review.
Pricing Comparison
| Fee Type | Rocket Dollar | Carry |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $360-600 | $0 |
| Annual Fee | $360-480 | $299-499 |
| Monthly Fee | $30-40 | $29-49 |
| First Year Total | $720-1,080 | $299-499 |
Long-Term Cost Analysis
See how costs add up over time
| Time Period | Rocket Dollar | Carry | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $1,080 | $399 | +$681 |
| 3 Years | $2,040 | $1,197 | +$843 |
| 5 Years | $3,000 | $1,995 | +$1,005 |
| 10 Years | $5,400 | $3,990 | +$1,410 |
Green highlighting indicates the lower-cost option for each period.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Rocket Dollar | Carry |
|---|---|---|
Roth Contributions After-tax contributions with tax-free growth | ||
Participant Loans Borrow up to $50,000 from your plan | ||
After-Tax (Mega Backdoor) Contribute beyond standard limits | ||
Alternative Investments Real estate, crypto, private equity | ||
Checkbook Control Direct investment management |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Modern, user-friendly online dashboard
- Trust checking account with unlimited transactions
- Strong expertise in real estate investments
- Concierge onboarding support
- Multi-account discounts for families/businesses
Cons
- Higher total costs than competitors
- Monthly fee structure adds up over time
- Domestic investments only (no international)
Pros
- Lowest first-year cost ($299 Core tier)
- No setup fee
- Modern, tech-forward platform with mobile app
- Automated Mega Backdoor Roth conversions
- Integrated banking through Grasshopper Bank
- Participant loans up to $50,000
- Y Combinator backed with strong funding
Cons
- Newer company (founded 2022)
- Alternative investments require Pro tier
- Crypto only available in IRAs, not Solo 401k
User Sentiment
Rocket Dollar
Mixed rating. While the interface is modern, there is a persistent thread of negative reviews regarding Silver tier support responsiveness. Users often feel forced to upgrade to Gold to get timely answers. Dependence on email support rather than open phone lines or webinars is a friction point.
Carry
Receives a strong rating (4/5). It is the most "modern" experience available. User experience is consistently rated as superior. The only hesitation stems from relative youth compared to established players like MySolo401k, leading to some caution regarding long-term stability.
Our Verdict
Looking at these two providers objectively, Carry holds meaningful advantages for most solo 401k investors. The cost difference is substantial: Carry's first-year total of $299-$399 compared to Rocket Dollar's $1,080 represents savings of $680-$780 annually. Over a decade of plan administration, that difference compounds into thousands of dollars—money that could otherwise be growing in your retirement account.
Beyond pricing, Carry's 4.5-star rating versus Rocket Dollar's 4.0 reflects genuine differences in user satisfaction. Carry's automated features reduce manual work, their mobile app makes management effortless, and the Gusto integration streamlines contributions for those using that payroll service. For the majority of self-employed professionals seeking a modern solo 401k experience, Carry delivers more value at a lower price point.
That said, Rocket Dollar isn't without merit. Their Gemini cryptocurrency integration is genuinely unique, and their real estate investing expertise gives them credibility with investors focused heavily on alternative assets. The question becomes whether those specific capabilities justify paying nearly three times more annually.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose Rocket Dollar if:
Choose Rocket Dollar if cryptocurrency is central to your retirement strategy and you specifically want Gemini integration within your 401k. It's also worth considering if you're heavily focused on real estate investments and value their established expertise in that area. The premium pricing makes sense only if these specific alternative asset capabilities align directly with your investment approach.
Choose Carry if:
Choose Carry if you want the best combination of features, user experience, and value in the solo 401k space. It's ideal for tech-savvy investors who appreciate automation, use Gusto for payroll, or want Mega Backdoor Roth capabilities without manual complexity. The superior mobile app and significantly lower cost make Carry the stronger choice for most self-employed professionals.