Custodial Account vs 529 Plan: Which Is Better?

Custodial accounts and 529 plans are two popular options for saving money for a child’s future, each with unique features that make them suitable for different needs. A custodial account offers flexibility, allowing investments to be used for anything that benefits the minor, while a 529 plan is specifically designed to help pay for educational expenses and provides tax advantages for qualified withdrawals. Choosing between a custodial account vs. 529 plan largely depends on your financial goals, the intended use of the funds and how much control you want over the account as the child reaches adulthood.

A financial advisor can offer valuable advice to help your family plan for educational expenses.

What Is a Custodial Account?

A custodial account is a type of financial account set up by an adult to hold assets on behalf of a minor. These accounts are often used by parents or guardians to save and invest for a child until they reach the “age of majority,” which varies by state but is typically 18 or 21.

Two common types of custodial accounts are UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) accounts, both allowing a range of assets such as cash, stocks, bonds, and even real estate.

The adult managing the custodial account acts as the custodian, making investment decisions until the child takes control of the account upon reaching the designated age. Funds in a custodial account can be used for various purposes, like buying a car, covering educational costs or any other expense that benefits the child.

Unlike specialized education accounts, custodial accounts come with fewer restrictions on how the money is spent, which can be an advantage for families seeking flexibility in how they use these assets. Additionally, there may be some tax benefits, as part of the income earned by the account is often taxed at the child’s lower rate, making it a practical choice for building wealth for a minor.

What Is a 529 Plan?

A 529 plan is a savings plan that provides tax advantages to help families set aside funds for future education expenses. These plans, which get their name from Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, are typically sponsored by state governments, state agencies, or educational institutions.

529 plans typically come in two varieties: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans.

Prepaid tuition plans allow you to pay in advance for tuition at specific colleges, typically locking in current rates. Education savings plans, on the other hand, allow you to invest contributions in various portfolios to grow funds for a range of education-related expenses.

A 529 plan offers valuable tax advantages. Your contributions grow tax-deferred, and when you withdraw funds for qualified education expenses like tuition, books, or room and board, you avoid federal taxes on those withdrawals. Many states also offer additional tax deductions or credits for contributions.

Unlike other types of savings accounts, 529 plans have high contribution limits, making them suitable for long-term education planning. Funds in a 529 plan can be used for a variety of education expenses, including K-12 tuition and apprenticeships, giving families a flexible way to plan for a child’s education at different stages.

Custodial Account vs. 529 Plan: Taxes

If you’re looking for tax advantages, you probably want to consider a 529 plan. Using funds from a custodial account on education does not come with tax benefits. However, the IRS considers the minor the owner. That comes with a perk.

In 2024, children under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students) who file keep the first $1,300 of yearly unearned income tax-free. After that, the next $1,300 gets taxed at the child’s tax rate. (Those thresholds will rise to $1,350 in 2025.) Any unearned income above the $2,600 limit is taxed at the parents’ rates.

In contrast, 529 plans come with tax benefits on their withdrawals. Similar to a Roth IRA, the account’s investments grow tax-fee. In addition, you can take out funds without facing taxes as long as you use the money for qualified expenses. Like this, undergraduates and graduates can offset all qualified education costs. Although, expenses at the K – 12 level have an annual tax-free withdrawal limit of $10,000. After that, they (and non-qualifying expenses) face income tax and a 10% penalty.

Custodial Account vs. 529 Plan: Contributions

Technically, parents won’t face an annual limit when they contribute to a 529 plan or a custodial account. However, these contributions are subject to gift tax limits.

In 2025, the annual gift tax exclusion will be $19,000 per person, up from $18,000 in 2024. This means a person can give others up to $19,000 per person. However, gifts that exceed the annual exclusion do not automatically trigger the federal gift tax. Instead, the excess is applied to a person’s lifetime exemption limit ($13.99 million in 2025, up from $13.61 million in 2024). Only when the lifetime exemption is exhausted will gift taxes be owed.

It’s also possible for parents to front-load contributions to a 529 plan and circumvent the annual the gift tax exclusion. Essentially, the IRS allows you to make up to five years’ worth of contributions in one tax year. So, instead of contributing $19,000 per year to a 529 plan for five years, you can contribute up to $95,000 all at once. Known as superfunding, this can allow your contributions to grow more rapidly. Just keep in mind that you won’t be able to make any additional contributions during the five-year period.

Adults should also pay attention to the state limits set on their plan, beforehand.

Comparatively, custodial accounts don’t face any contribution limitations outside the lifetime gift tax exclusion.

Custodial Account vs. 529 Plan: Ownership

The funds in a 529 plan never transfer ownership from a parent to a beneficiary. This is actually a benefit to the account holder. It provides extra flexibility for them if the child chooses a different path or only uses some of the money. For example, a couple’s first-born child may go to college. However, the child doesn’t use all the funds in the 529 account. In that case, the parents can use the rest of the money for a younger sibling’s education. You can change beneficiaries without any negative income tax consequences as long as the next beneficiary is still family.

In contrast, you don’t have the same flexibility with an UGMA or UTMA account. They’re considered irrevocable gifts where the adult invests on behalf of the minor. So, they’re simply supervising for the child who will take ownership once they hit adulthood. As a result, you can’t change the beneficiary. Because these funds are part of the minor’s estate, they may also impact financial aid eligibility more than a 529 plan does.

But, once the UGMA or UTMA account is in the child’s hands, they have more control over spending than they would with a 529 plan. Therefore, the custodial accounts represent more flexibility for the child since they can use the funds to benefit them in other ways.

Custodial Account vs. 529 Plan: Which One Is Right for You?

In the end, custodial accounts and 529 plans each have their pros and cons. It’s up to each family to decide the right option for them. Factors such as current financial situation, goals for the child and more can all affect how parents make their decision. It also depends on the compromises they’re willing to accept. For example, guardians may want to take advantage of the 529 plan’s tax benefits.

However, 529 plans come with more limitations on use. You can’t repurpose the funds there for something else. You can only transfer them to another relative if your child doesn’t go to college. Otherwise, you face heavy financial penalties.

In contrast, custodial accounts lack tax advantages but allow more flexibility. The child isn’t restricted in their use. They can put the money towards things outside of school that are still important.

Bottom Line

Custodial accounts and 529 plans are great tools for families to get ahead on saving for college. A custodial option like an UTMA or UGMA account provides some more flexibility when it comes to spending funds. However, it lacks some of the tax advantages. In contrast, 529 plans allow you to take advantage of tax-free withdrawals but lead to strict penalties if you don’t use the money for a qualified expense or beneficiary.

Tips on Savings

Consider working with a financial advisor as you seek the best way to prepare for college. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Savings accounts are a great tool for education expenses. But if you want to get the most of your investment and build wealth, you need one with a higher yield. You can compare your interest rate on a high yield savings account with college savings vehicles like a 529 plan or custodial account to find the right option for you. The greater the interest, the more money you can earn in the long run.
Don’t stop shopping for the right saving option before you find the right one. Other choices out there, like CDs and money markets, may help you toward your financial goals. Regardless of which avenue you choose, remember to check in with a savings calculator. That way, you can monitor your progress and plan for your future.