Best Self-Directed IRA Custodians: 2025 Top Picks

If you’re looking to invest in more than just stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) could be a smart move. It lets you add alternative assets like real estate, gold, silver, and private equity to your retirement plan.

But choosing the right SDIRA custodian is important. The right provider can help you keep fees low, offer strong customer support, and make it easier to manage your investments.

We reviewed 10 top self-directed IRA custodians, focusing on:

• Investment flexibility
• Annual and setup fees
• Reputation and security
• Quality of customer support

Our Top Pick: Rocket Dollar

Rocket Dollar ranked as the best overall for its simple pricing and wide range of investment options. It’s a great choice if you want flexibility and control.

However, Rocket Dollar may not be ideal for beginners. It has higher startup costs and requires you to be comfortable managing a more hands-on account.

Keep reading to explore the best SDIRA providers and find the one that fits your financial goals.

Top Self-Directed IRA Companies of 2025

1. Rocket Dollar – Editors Choice
2. Alto – Best for Crypto
3. Equity Trust Company – Best for Precious Metals
4. uDirect IRA – Best for Real Estate
5. The Entrust Group – Best for Private Equity
6. Broad Financial – Best for Checkbook IRAs
7. STRATA Trust Company – Best for Crowdfunding
8. Madison Trust Company – Best for Startups
9. Pacific Premier Trust – Best for Financial Professionals
10. New Direction Trust Company – Best for Private Lending

1. Rocket Dollar – Editors’ Choice

Editors’ opinion

Rocket Dollar is a flexible self-directed IRA company with a transparent fee structure that gives investors access to a wide range of alternative assets. It scores 7.25/10.

Best suited for

Rocket Dollar is ideal for experienced investors who want the most flexibility over managing assets in their portfolio. You can “bring your own deal” while also investing in real estate, private equity, crypto, and other alternative assets. While the monthly fees might seem high to new investors, the fee structure can translate into account administration savings for advanced investors.

BBB Rating

Rocket Dollar has an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2024. It does not currently have any customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $10
• Account Setup Fee: $360-$600
• Monthly Fee: $30
• Transaction Fee: $10-$35
• Wire Transfer Fee: $10-$35
• Account Closing Fee: $50
• Other fees:
  • In-kind transfer: $175

Pros & Cons

Rocket Dollar gives you the most flexibility over managing assets in your portfolio. You can bring your own deal or source assets from any of Rocket Dollar’s investing partners.

The monthly subscription fee is a unique pricing model that most SDIRA custodians don’t offer. It provides transparency that could reduce your overall costs.

Combined with a user-friendly interface, Rocket Dollar makes investing in alternative assets easy.

Company Highlights

• Access to a wide range of assets like crypto with the option to bring own deal
• Checkbook control increases flexibility over managing your account
• Transparent fee structure instead of asset- or account value-based fees
• Extensive investor knowledge hub with webinars and downloadable guides

Why we like Rocket Dollar

• Optimal investment flexibility: you can access a wider variety of assets compared to other SDIRA custodians, including bringing your own deal
• Checkbook control: you can take complete control over your SDIRA or Solo 401(k), allowing you to manage your portfolio on your terms.
• Transparent fee structure: you know exactly how much it’ll cost to manage your account and you won’t be surprised with hidden or expensive account administration fees.

2. Alto – Best for Crypto

Editors’ opinion

Alto’s CryptoIRA is an affordable option for investors who want to use tax-advantaged retirement accounts to invest in crypto. It scored an 8/10.

Best for Suited For

Alto CryptoIRA is best for investors who want to invest some of their retirement savings in crypto but don’t want to manage their own digital wallet. Alto’s CryptoIRA integrates with Coinbase, providing a seamless trading experience.

BBB Rating

Alto has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau but is not accredited. It has a 2.33-star rating from three customers.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $10
• Account Setup Fee: $0
• Monthly Fee: $0
• Transaction Fee: 1% on all crypto trades
• Wire Transfer Fee: $25-$50
• Account Closing Fee: $50
• Other fees:
  • Roth conversion: $50
  • In-kind transfer: $100

Pros & Cons

Alto IRA is a good choice for investors who want to add crypto to their portfolio. The platform offers tax-advantaged investing in over 200 cryptocurrencies through Coinbase and charges competitive trading fees.

While Alto provides an easy-to-use experience, you won’t control a wallet directly and you won’t be able to stake any crypto you’re invested in.

Company Highlights

• Coinbase integration gives you access to 200+ cryptocurrencies
• Affordable low-cost option for new crypto investors
• Easy-to-use investment platform
• Option to add crypt to tax-advantaged accounts

Why we like Alto

• Affordable crypto investing option: No setup fees and 1% trading fee is straightforward and can be cost-effective.
• Seamless integration with Coinbase: Coinbase is one of the leading crypto exchanges with a solid reputation.
• Access to other assets: While the CryptoIRA specializes in crypto, investors who work with Alto will have access to other investment opportunities including private equity and real estate.

3. Equity Trust Company – Best for Precious Metals

Editors’ opinion

Equity Trust Company specializes in precious metals and is one of the oldest and most reliable self-directed IRA custodians out there. It scored 7.5/10.

Best for Suited For

Equity Trust is best for knowledgeable investors who want to diversify their retirement savings with precious metals. It’s ideal for those who already have experience investing in gold IRAs and want a well-established custodian to work with.

BBB Rating

Equity Trust has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2024. It has a 2.94-star rating from 101 customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $500
• Account Setup Fee: $50-$75
• Annual Maintenance Fee: Starts at $350 based on asset value
• Storage Fees: $100 for non-segregated storage; $150 for segregated storage
• Transaction Fee: $10 per precious metal asset; 1% of digital currency sale
• Wire Transfer Fee: $30
• Account Closing Fee: $250
• Other fees:
  • Precious metal handling fee: $10
  • In-kind transfer: $50

Pros & Cons

Equity Trust Company has been in business for more than five decades and is one of the most respected self-directed IRA custodians on the market.

The company specializes in precious metals, offering investors a high level of security for investors who want to allocate their portfolio in gold and silver.

Equity Trust has a percentage-based fee structure which can make account maintenance more expensive for larger accounts.

Company Highlights

• One of the most well-respected administrators of gold IRAs
• Adheres to strict IRS guidelines and compliance standards
• Manages $45 billion in assets
• User-friendly portal to manage precious metal investments

Why we like Equity Trust Company

• Strong reputation: Equity Trust has over 50 years of experience as a SDIRA custodian
• Specializes in precious metals: Works with a number of gold IRA providers to administer precious metal investments
• Established security protocols: adheres to IRS regulations and partners with depositories that provide top-of-the-line security

4. uDirect IRA – Best for Real Estate

Editors’ opinion

uDirect IRA Services offers affordable setup fees and emphasizes investor education, making it a top SDIRA provider for investors looking to invest in real estate. It has a score of 7.6/10.

Best for Suited For

uDirect IRA is ideal for investors who want to hold long-term investments, like real estate, rather than engaging in frequent trades within their portfolio.

BBB Rating

uDirect IRA has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2009. It does not have any customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Account Balance: $325
• Account Setup Fee: $50
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $275
• Storage Fees: $8-$18 per month for precious metals
• Transaction Fee: $10; 0.5-1% for crypto; $50 for precious metals
• Wire Transfer Fee: $15
• Account Closing Fee: $175
• Other fees:
  • Roth conversion: $75-$125
  • In-kind distribution fee for precious metals: $75

Pros & Cons

uDirect IRA is a good option for real estate investors who plan to hold assets for a long time and want checkbook control for greater flexibility.

While uDirect IRA offers a transparent fee structure, fees can add up for investors who want to make frequent trades. 

The company offers a library of educational resources for investors who are new to managing investments through SDIRAs.

Company Highlights

• Specializes in offering SDIRAs for real estate investors
• Extensive educational library with investor guides
• Low-cost account setup and maintenance
• Checkbook control for investors who want more flexibility

Why we like uDirect IRA

• Good for real estate investors: Top SDIRA for investors who want to add rental properties and commercial real estate to their portfolios.
• Transparent fee structure: you know how much it’ll cost to make trades within your portfolio.
• Investor education: emphasis on education to help investors get the most out of their SDIRAs

5. The Entrust Group – Best for Private Equity

Editors’ opinion

The Entrust Group is an established SDIRA custodian providing investors with 40 years of experience and responsible for managing more than $4 billion in assets. It scored a 7.8/10.

Best for Suited For

The Entrust Group is ideal for investors who value educational resources and support navigating the complexities of alternative investments.

BBB Rating

The Entrust Group has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2012. It has a 4.08-star rating from 13 customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $50
• Account Setup Fee: $50
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $199-$299 plus 0.15% of the total asset value
• over $50,00
• Storage Fees: N/A
• Transaction Fee: $95-$250
• Wire Transfer Fee: $30
• Account Closing Fee: $250 
• Other fees:
  • Roth conversion: N/A

Pros & Cons

The Entrust Group stands out for its expertise and educational resources. While its fee structure is transparent, some investors may find certain fees, such as the account termination fee, to be on the higher side.

Overall, The Entrust Group is a good choice for investors seeking a reputable SDIRA custodian with a strong focus on investor education.

Company Highlights

• Manages over $5 billion in assets serving more than 24,000 investors
• Offers a wide range of alternative investment options
• Provides extensive educational materials for investors
• User-friendly online portal to streamline managing your account

Why we like The Entrust Group

• Established reputation: over 40 years of experience and $5 billion in assets under custody
• Diverse investment options: investors can diversify their portfolios with a wide range of alternative assets, including private equity, real estate, and precious metals
• Extensive educational resources: the company offers webinars, investor guides, and learning tools to help investors make the best decisions for their portfolios

6. Broad Financial – Best for Checkbook IRAs

Editors’ opinion

Broad Financial is one of the top providers of checkbook control IRAs, offering investors total flexibility over their retirement savings. It scored 8.1/10.

Best for Suited For

Broad Financial is best suited for experienced investors who want checkbook control to take full control over their SDIRA. It’s ideal for investors who want to invest in alternative assets without custodian restrictions.

BBB Rating

Broad Financial has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2021. It has a 5-star rating from eight customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $0
• Account Setup Fee: $100 for standard SDIRA; $1,295 for checkbook control IRA LLC; $1,195 for checkbook control IRA Trust; $995 for Solo 401(k)s
• Quarterly Custodian Fee: $110
• Storage Fees: N/A
• Transaction Fee: $0
• Wire Transfer Fee: $0
• Account Closing Fee: $0
• Other fees: N/A
  • Roth conversion: 
  • Registered agent fee: $125
  • Annual solo 401(k) compliance fee: $149

Pros & Cons

Broad Financial is a good choice for investors who want full control over their SDIRA through checkbook control. This allows you to purchase and manage assets directly without needing custodian approval. 

While the setup costs are high, the long-term flexibility makes it a good option for those investing in real estate, crypto, or private equity.

Company Highlights

• Top checkbook control SDIRA provider
• No asset-based transaction or administrative fees
• Diverse investment options
• Low-cost crypto investing

Why we like Broad Financial

• Checkbook control: allows you to invest in assets directly, giving you more control over the allocation of your portfolio
• Strong reputation: great customer service record and good user experience
• No transaction fees: you can trade often without incurring fees, reducing your overhead costs

7. STRATA Trust Company – Best for Crowdfunding

Editors’ opinion

STRATA Trust Company is a good option for investors who want to diversify their retirement portfolios by investing in startups and crowdfunded projects. It scored 7.7/10.

Best for Suited For

STRATA Trust is ideal for investors who want access to private equity and crowdfunding opportunities, along with other alternative assets like real estate.

BBB Rating

STRATA Trust Company is not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau. It has a 1.25-star rating from four customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Investment: $0
• Account Setup Fee: $50
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $125-$350 
• Storage Fees: $100 non-segregated;  $175 segregated
• Transaction Fee: $40-$150
• Wire Transfer Fee: $35
• Account Closing Fee: $250
• Other fees:
  • Roth conversion: $50
  • In-kind distribution: $75
  • Precious metals handling fee: $35

Pros & Cons

STRATA Trust Company is an established SDIRA provider that offers access to crowdfunding opportunities as well as other alternative investments.

While it has a transparent pricing structure, it charges high administrative fees. The company’s straightforward investing process can make it appealing for investors looking to invest in novel projects.

Company Highlights

• Wide range of investment options
• Transparent fee structure
• Strong reputation of compliance and security
• Investor-friendly account management tools

Why we like STRATA Trust Company

• Best for crowdfunding: one of a few SDIRA providers that specialize in private equity and crowdfunding
• Transparent pricing structure: you can clearly calculate the costs associated with each asset in your portfolio
• Diverse investment options: you can invest in precious metals or real estate alongside crowdfunding opportunities

8. Madison Trust Company – Best for Startups

Editors’ opinion

Madison Trust Company is an SDIRA custodian that has a good customer service reputation and is known for offering investment opportunities in startups. It scored 8/10.

Best for Suited For

Madison Trust Company is ideal for investors who are willing to pay a premium for personalized customer service and are looking for investment opportunities in startups.

BBB Rating

Madison Trust Company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2015. It has a 4.92-star rating from 105 customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Cash Balance: $500
• Account Setup Fee: $50
• Quarterly Custodial Fee: $110 for the first asset, $30 per additional asset
• Storage Fees: Starts at $150
• Transaction Fee: $50
• Storage Fees: $100
• Wire Transfer Fee: $25
• Account Closing Fee: $150
• Other fees:
  • Roth conversion fee: $100
  • Precious metals handling fee: N/A

Pros & Cons

Madison Trust Company is a respected SDIRA custodian with a strong focus on customer service. It gives investors the opportunity to diversify their portfolios into startups, small businesses, and private placements. 

While its fees are high, the company’s customer service record might make it worth it for investors who want a personalized experience.

Company Highlights

• Top-rated customer service reputation
• Good options for investing in startups
• Transparent flat-rate pricing
• Adheres to strict compliance standards

Why we like Madison Trust Company

• Access to startups: good option for investors who want high returns by investing in startups
• Exceptional customer support: certified IRA professionals provide hands-on assistance
• Transparent pricing: you know exactly what managing your portfolio will cost without hidden fees

9. Pacific Premier Trust – Best for Financial Professionals

Editors’ opinion

Pacific Premier Trust is an established SDIRA custodian designed for experienced investors and financial professionals managing complex portfolios. It scored 5.9/10.

Best for Suited For

Pacific Premier Trust is best for experienced investors and financial professionals who are comfortable managing their own portfolios, understand complex fee structures, and are knowledgeable of the risk associated with some alternative investments.

BBB Rating

Pacific Premier Trust has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau and is not accredited. It has a 1-star rating from 17 customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Cash Balance: $1,000 for all accounts, $5,000 for real estate investments
• Account Setup Fee: $50
• Annual Maintenance Fee: Minimum of $750 based on account value ranging from 0.10% to 0.30%
• Storage Fees: N/A
• Transaction Fee: $175
• Wire Transfer Fee: $35
• Account Closing Fee: $225 + asset registration
• Other fees:
  • Asset registration: $75 per asset
  • Precious metals handling fee: N/A

Pros & Cons

Pacific Premier Trust offers a wide range of alternative investment options, making it a good choice for advanced investors and financial professionals managing high-net-worth portfolios. 

Its tiered pricing structure, poor customer service reviews, and lackluster educational library may not make it a good option for new investors.

Company Highlights

• Good support for high-net-worth individuals
• Wide variety of alternative assets
• Operates under Pacific Premier Bank
• Over $18 billion in assets under custody

Why we like Pacific Premier Trust

• Best for financial professionals: ideal for advisors and experienced investors managing diverse portfolios
• Diversity of investment options: Allows investments in private equity, real estate, and hedge funds.
• Established reputation: Pacific Premier Trust has been in business for more than 30 years and is backed by Pacific Premier Bank

10. New Direction Trust Company – Best for Private Lending

Editors’ opinion

New Direction Trust Company offers private lending investment options in its SDIRA and an extensive educational library for investors. It scored 7.1/10.

Best for Suited For

New Direction Trust Company is best for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with private lending and real estate. It’s ideal for those who prioritize flexibility and a digital-first investing experience but can also manage their own portfolios and navigate a complex fee structure.

BBB Rating

New Direction Trust Company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2004. It has a 4.83-star rating from 122 customer reviews.

Fees & Minimums

• Minimum Cash Balance: N/A
• Account Setup Fee: $30
• Annual Maintenance Fee: $135-$390 depending on asset
• Storage Fees: N/A
• Transaction Fee: $130-$285 depending on asset
• Wire Transfer Fee: $35
• Account Closing Fee: N/A
• Other fees:
  • In-kind distribution: $150
  • Roth conversion: $95

Pros & Cons

New Direction Trust Company is a good choice for investors who want to diversify their portfolios with private lending opportunities. It provides a user-friendly online platform and extensive educational resources. 

The company charges high per-asset fees and is part of a class action lawsuit from precious metal investors.

Company Highlights

• Ideal for private lending and real estate investments
• Good online platform to manage your portfolio
• Extensive educational resources
• Flat per-asset fee structure

Why we like New Direction Trust Company

• Good private lending options: strong support for promissory notes and other lending-based investments.
• Extensive investor educational library: provides a comprehensive library of educational content including webinars.
• User-friendly digital platform: online portal makes managing SDIRA investments seamless.

Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) Guide for Retirement Investors

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is a special type of retirement account that gives you more control and flexibility. Unlike regular IRAs, SDIRAs let you invest in a much wider range of assets—not just stocks and bonds.

You can use a SDIRA to invest in things like:

• Real estate
• Gold and silver
• Cryptocurrency
• Private companies
• Tax liens and more

But with more choices comes more responsibility.

Key things to know

• SDIRAs offer the same tax benefits as a traditional IRA or Roth IRA.
• You must work with an IRS-approved custodian who handles paperwork and account rules.
• You make the investment decisions, not the custodian.
• You’re responsible for following the rules and avoiding penalties.

How to Open a Self-Directed IRA (Step-by-Step)

Here are the simple steps that you need to take if you want to establish a self-directed IRA account:

1. Choose a custodian – Pick a trusted SDIRA provider that supports the investments you want and charges fair fees.
2. Open the account – Complete the application and verify your identity. Your custodian will walk you through this process.
3. Fund the account – You can add money by: Making a direct contribution, transferring funds from another IRA, or rolling over a 401(k) or similar retirement account.
4. Pick your investments – Decide what to invest in. You’ll direct the custodian to purchase these assets for your account. Do your homework to make sure the investments meet IRS rules.
5. Monitor your account – Keep an eye on your investments. Review your account statements often and make sure your reporting and taxes are up to date.

SDIRA Investing Risks

While SDIRAs give you more flexibility over your portfolio, they come with unique risks. You’ll want to take these risks into account before opening an account.

• Lack of liquidity: assets held in SDIRAs – like real estate – can be difficult to liquidate and turn into cash.
• Prohibited transactions: some investments are prohibited including buying property you (or a relative) plan to live in, lending money to a disqualified person, or investing in collectibles.
• Custodian fees: SDIRAs come with annual fees that vary by custodian as well as separate fees to store physical assets or process the purchase or sale of assets in your portfolio.
• Complexity: some alternative investments – like private equity – are complex and unless you’re experienced, you might not know all of the compliance requirements, regulations, or risks associated with your investment.
• Audit protection: Not all SDIRA providers offer audit protection or guaranteed IRS audit protection, which means you may not have dedicated support or peace of mind if you face an IRS audit. Some providers highlight guaranteed IRS audit protection as a key benefit, so consider this when choosing a custodian.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued warnings about the risks of fraud, lack of transparency, and potential valuation issues in self-directed IRAs.

The (SEC) also notes that custodians do not verify the legitimacy or valuation of investments, so investors should exercise caution.

Benefits of an SDIRA

An SDIRA gives you more freedom and flexibility with your retirement savings. While there are some risks to consider, the potential benefits make SDIRAs a smart option for many retirees.

More investment choices

With an SDIRA, you’re not limited to the stock market. You can invest in:

• Physical assets like real estate and precious metals (like gold or silver)
• Private businesses and startups
• Digital assets like Bitcoin
• Traditional options like mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs

This flexibility helps you build a more diverse portfolio.

Greater diversification

Diversifying your investments helps lower risk. SDIRAs let you spread your money across different asset types—so you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.

Higher potential returns

Alternative assets—like real estate or private companies—can offer higher returns than traditional stocks or bonds. If you’re a confident investor, this opens the door to greater growth.

Tax benefits

Just like other IRAs, SDIRAs come with tax perks:

• Traditional SDIRA: You don’t pay taxes until you withdraw the money.
• Roth SDIRA: Qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free.

Flexible account options

You can open an SDIRA as a:

• Traditional IRA
• Roth IRA
• SEP IRA (for self-employed)
• SIMPLE IRA (for small business owners)

This means you can tailor the account to your personal or business needs.

You’re in control

Unlike a 401(k), where your employer chooses the investment options, an SDIRA puts you in charge.
As long as your investments follow IRS rules, you get to decide where your retirement money goes.

How to Choose the Right SDIRA Provider

Not all SDIRA companies are the same. Some charge fewer fees but limit your investment options, while others offer more control and flexibility.

Before opening an SDIRA, here’s what to look for in a provider:

Investment Options

Make sure the company supports the types of investments you want. For example, if you’re interested in cryptocurrency, don’t choose a provider that doesn’t allow it.

Clear and fair fees

Some SDIRA companies charge a flat yearly fee. Others base their fees on your account’s value.

Always ask about:

• Setup fees
• Annual fees
• Transaction charges

Compare costs with other companies to make sure you’re getting good value.

Reliable customer support

Managing a self-directed IRA can involve paperwork and IRS rules. Choose a provider with a helpful support team that can guide you through the process.

Check customer reviews to see how others rate their service.

Security and compliance

Your SDIRA provider might not store your investments directly—especially for physical assets like gold. Make sure they use secure partners for asset storage and follow all IRS regulations.

Some even offer audit protection, which can bring added peace of mind.

Easy-to-use account tools

A good SDIRA company should have an online portal where you can track your investments. If the platform is hard to use or missing features, managing your IRA can become a hassle.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right self-directed IRA (SDIRA) company is just as important as choosing what you invest in.

You’ll also want to decide which account type—like a traditional IRA or Roth IRA—fits your financial goals and retirement strategy. Every SDIRA provider is different.

They vary in:

• What types of investments they allow
• How helpful their customer service is
• What fees they charge

Rocket Dollar stands out as a top choice. It offers a wide range of investment options and even lets you bring your own deals.

Its flat-fee subscription model is great for investors who want to avoid surprise administrative costs.
Plus, the online dashboard is simple and easy to use.

Before choosing a provider:

• Know your financial goals
• Compare your options
• Look at fees, investment flexibility, and customer support

With the right SDIRA provider, you can take more control of your retirement savings and build a portfolio that works for you.

FAQs

CEP DC’s Best Self-directed IRA Companies: 2025 Top Picks

1. Rocket Dollar – Editors Choice
2. Alto – Best for Crypto
3. Equity Trust Company – Best for Precious Metals
4. uDirect IRA – Best for Real Estate
5. The Entrust Group – Best for Private Equity
6. Broad Financial – Best for Checkbook IRAs
7. STRATA Trust Company – Best for Crowdfunding
8. Madison Trust Company – Best for Startups
9. Pacific Premier Trust – Best for Financial Professionals
10. New Direction Trust Company – Best for Private Lending