Trump Accounts Launch in July 2026, Giving Every American Child a Path to Investing

The federal government launched "Trump Accounts" in July 2026, a new tax-advantaged investment program for U.S. citizens under the age of 18.

The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aims to make every American child a shareholder and provide practical experience with investing, compound growth, and long-term financial planning. Major fund managers including BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard are offering investment options through the accounts.

The Financial Literacy and Education Commission, chaired by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has been coordinating outreach and implementation. A public FLEC meeting is scheduled for July 27, 2026, to discuss the program's rollout and integration with existing financial education efforts.

The accounts are designed to sit alongside existing savings vehicles like 529 college savings plans and custodial brokerage accounts. Financial advisors note that parents should understand the tax rules and contribution limits before opening an account, as the program has specific eligibility requirements tied to citizenship and age.

The launch comes as financial literacy advocates push for broader access to investment education. A study published by the Employee Benefit Research Institute in July 2026 found that workers who participate in employer-provided financial education programs score significantly higher on financial literacy tests than those who do not, regardless of income, education, gender, or race. Despite those benefits, only about 9% of workers participate in such programs.