10 Best Self-Directed IRA Custodians of 2025

Choosing the right SDIRA custodian is important for investors who want to add alternative assets to their portfolio.

We reviewed 10 of the top SDIRA providers looking at investment flexibility, fees, customer support, and reputation.

Rocket Dollar came out as the best overall choice for its variety of investment options, flexibility, and simple fee structure.

Is it stressful looking for a financial partner to work with? Choosing an SDIRA provider can help you lower costs and give you more control over your assets.

We reviewed the best self-directed ira custodians, looking at fees, flexibility, security, and customer experience to help you find the right one.  

I’ve spent years working in and writing about the finance industry. This guide dives deep, covering everything you need to know about choosing a SDIRA provider.

Rocket Dollar stood out as the best overall SDIRA provider for its flexible investment options, and simple price structure. While Rocket Dollar is a great SDIRA custodian, it isn’t for everyone.

The startup costs and flexibility may be too much for new investors to handle. 

Keep reading to compare the best self-directed ira custodians and find the right one that can help you achieve 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 chose 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 Investors Guide

A SDIRA is an investment account that gives you more control over assets in your portfolio and offers flexibility through alternative assets.

SDIRAs offer similar tax advantages as traditional or Roth IRAs, but require you to work with an IRS-compliant custodian and shoulder the responsibility of doing due diligence with your investments.

If you’re thinking about opening up a SDIRA, here’s how you can do so:

1. Choose a Custodian: select a reputable SDIRA provider that allows your desired investments and charges reasonable fees.
2. Open your account: follow your SDIRA custodian’s process for opening an account, including verifying your identity.
3. Fund your account: make a direct contribution, transfer funds from a different custodian or do a rollover from an existing retirement savings account .
4. Select your investments: authorize your custodian to add assets to your account but make sure you complete the proper due diligence and adhere to all compliance rules before you do so.
5. Manage and monitor your portfolio: regularly track and manage your investments while working with your SDIRA custodian to ensure all tax obligations and reporting requirements are met.

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.

Benefits of SDIRA Investing

Although there are certainly risks you’ll want to be mindful of before adding alternative investments to a SDIRA, there are benefits to these types of accounts that can help you maximize value in your portfolio.

SDIRAs allow you to diversify your portfolio without relying on the stock market. This includes physical assets like real estate and precious metals, as well as startups and private lending.

Alternative assets not only allow you to mitigate risk, they also give you the chance of investing in higher-yield investments.

Similar to traditional IRAs, SDIRAs give you access to tax advantages. Investments made in a traditional SDIRA are tax-deferred which means you won’t pay taxes until you begin making withdrawals.

If you open up a Roth SDIRA your qualified withdrawals will be made tax-free.

Most importantly, SDIRAs give you more control than other types of retirement savings accounts.

Unlike a 401(k), which is typically sponsored by an employer and gives you a list of funds you can invest in, SDIRAs allow you to invest in whatever you want.

As long as your investments comply with IRS regulations you can allocate your retirement savings at your discretion.

How to Evaluate SDIRA Providers

No two SDIRA custodians are the same. Some charge lower fees but have limitations on what you can invest in while others offer checkbook control and the ability to bring your own deal to your portfolio.

Before you begin SDIRA investing, evaluate potential SDIRA providers based on these criteria:

1. Investment flexibility. Look for custodians that offer the assets you want to invest in. If you’re interested in crypto don’t open an SDIRA with a custodian that doesn’t support crypto investments.
2. Fee transparency. Some providers charge a flat fee to manage your account while others charge fees based on your account’s value. Understand the fee structure and any transaction fees you may encounter before opening an account.
3. Customer support. Depending on the complexity of your investment, you may need to file paperwork or complete other administrative tasks to add it to your account. Read through customer review to make sure the custodian you’re looking to partner with can provide the support you expect and need.
4. Security and compliance. SDIRA custodians manage your account but they aren’t necessarily responsible for holding your assets, especially precious metals. Evaluate their security protocols and who they partner with to make sure your assets are safe and adhere to all IRS rules.
5. Account management platform. Part of the appeal of opening an SDIRA is the ability to manage your assets directly. If an SDIRA provider doesn’t offer a client portal or if the portal they offer is clunky, it will be difficult for you to monitor your portfolio and make trades.

An SDIRA gives you access to investment opportunities you won’t find by trading stocks on the stock market. This can be an important tool when it comes to building wealth.

That being said, SDIRAs come with more responsibilities. You’ll want to find a custodian that supports your financial goals and provides everything you need for a competitive rate.

Conclusion: How to Pick the Best Self-Directed IRA Company Highlight

Choosing the right SDIRA provider is just as important as choosing which investment opportunities you want to add to your account.

Each provider offers access to different assets, provides different levels of customer support, and charges a range of fees that may or may not help you achieve your financial goals.

Based on these criteria, Rocket Dollar is one of the best providers on the market. It provides access to the greatest variety of investments, including bringing your own deal.

Its subscription-based fee structure can be advantageous for new investors who don’t want to deal with administrative fees. The company offers a user-friendly digital platform, making it easy for all investors to manage their investments.

Before selecting a SDIRA provider, it’s important to do your own research. Identify your financial goals and select SDIRA providers that help you achieve your goals.

Evaluate their fees and the support they provide to make sure you’re getting the best return on your investment.

FAQs