Trump Accounts Now Have Auto-Enrollment—But Parents Still Need to Act

In 2025, the Trump Administration announced the launch of Trump Accounts, aka 530A accounts, tax-deferred investment accounts for children under the age of 18. The accounts first became available to the general public in July 2026. And as of October 2026, the Treasury began auto-enrolling eligible kids, which means the accounts exist, but to get the seed money and use it in the future, you’ll still need to claim it. That’s especially important because babies born between 2025 and 2028 may qualify for $1,000 in seed funding from the federal government, and parents must claim their child’s Trump Account in order to receive the funding.

Here’s what you need to know and how to claim the accounts.

How do I claim my child’s Trump Account?

While every eligible child under the age of 18 now has a Trump Account, parents will need to claim the account in order to manage it.

You can claim your account by downloading the Trump Account app, which is available for both iOS and Android phones. Parents will need to verify their identity and relationship to the child, by sharing both their Social Security number and their child’s. They’ll also need to accept the account terms.

How do Trump Accounts work?

Trump Accounts work a lot like an individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k). Family and friends can contribute up to $5,000 per year to a child’s 530A account. Employers can contribute up to $2,500 (but not beyond the $5,000 total). The money is invested in low-cost index funds, and it will grow tax-deferred.

Beyond the $1,000 seed money for children born between 2025 and 2028, some philanthropists and states are contributing to the accounts. Michael and Susan Dell made a record-breaking $6.25 billion donation to Trump Accounts, which provides $250 seed funding for up to 25 million children under age 10. Ray Dalio pledged $75 million for eligible children in Connecticut. 

Funds in a 530A can’t be accessed without tax penalties until the child turns 18. Even then, there are limits on how the money can be spent: It can be used to pay for college or make a down payment on a first house.

Once the child turns 18, they can roll the account over into a traditional IRA or choose to do a Roth conversion. They can also continue to contribute to the IRA, and their investments grow until they reach retirement age (59 and a half). 

What should I do with my child’s Trump Account?

Once you claim your child’s Trump Account, it’s up to you whether you want to invest money into it. You don’t need to invest more money in the accounts to receive the federal seed money or any philanthropic donations.

Families will want to consider their other financial goals when deciding how much to contribute to their children’s 530A accounts. 

Financial experts recommend prioritizing your emergency fund and any outstanding high-interest debts first and foremost. It’s also important for parents to consider their own retirement goals. And while money in a 530A account can be used to pay for college, a 529 investment account might offer better tax benefits for families who want to help pay for their children’s educational expenses. (Read more about the differences between a 530A and 529 here.)

If you connect your 530A Account to your Babylist Early Investor profile, you can add it to your Babylist Wishlist and easily share the account with friends and family during birthdays and holidays.