Before purchasing funds, you must open an account with an online broker or a fund company.

: Options like a Traditional or Roth IRA are ideal for long-term retirement savings due to their tax benefits.

: Check if your employer-sponsored 401(k) already offers index fund options. 2. Select a Brokerage Platform

: These offer more flexibility for short- to medium-term goals as they do not have the same withdrawal restrictions as retirement accounts.

Most major brokers in 2026 offer commission-free trading for index funds and ETFs.

Buying stock index funds in 2026 is a streamlined process focused on low costs and automated growth. The primary goal is to gain broad market exposure by purchasing a single asset that holds hundreds or thousands of individual stocks. 1. Choose an Investment Account