Self-Directed IRAs let you invest in real estate, crypto, precious metals, and other alternative assets while keeping the tax advantages of a traditional or Roth IRA. We break down the top providers — Equity Trust (best overall), IRA Financial (best audit protection), uDirect (best for real estate), Rocket Dollar (best for large portfolios), and Goldco (best for precious metals) — with fees, minimums, and what each does best.
a self-directed ira (sdira) puts you in the driver's seat. instead of being limited to stocks and bonds, you can hold real estate, cryptocurrency, precious metals, private equity, and other alternative assets — all within the same tax-advantaged structure as a traditional or roth ira.1
the catch? not all sdira providers are created equal. some charge hidden fees. some restrict what you can invest in. some leave you exposed to irs compliance headaches. here's who we recommend and why.
| provider | best for | setup fee | annual fee | account minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| equity trust | overall | $0 | $225–$450 | $0 |
| ira financial | audit protection | $0 | $360 (flat) | $0 |
| udirect ira | real estate | $0 | $325 | $0 |
| goldco | precious metals | $0 | $180 | $25,000 |
| rocket dollar | large portfolios | $0 | $120–$240 | $500 |
equity trust has been around for decades and handles more alternative asset types than almost anyone else.1 they offer checkbook control, llc structures, and support for real estate, private placements, crypto, and precious metals. their fee structure is transparent: a flat annual fee with no asset-based surcharges, which makes them a strong choice for most investors.
why it wins: breadth of investment options combined with decades of custodial experience. if you're not sure which alternative assets you want to invest in, equity trust gives you the most room to explore.
ira financial stands out for its built-in compliance and irs audit support.1 self-directed iras come with strict prohibited transaction rules — accidentally using your ira-owned property as a vacation home, for example, can trigger a full distribution penalty. ira financial includes audit protection and compliance guidance as part of their service.
why it wins: the irs takes prohibited transactions seriously. if you're investing in complex assets like real estate or private companies, having a provider that actively helps you stay compliant is worth the flat annual fee.
udirect ira specializes in real estate investments within self-directed iras.1 they handle the paperwork for property purchases, rental income management, and 1031 exchanges. their fee structure is straightforward with no hidden transaction costs for real estate deals.
why it wins: real estate has the most complex compliance requirements of any sdira asset class. udirect's specialization means fewer headaches when buying, managing, or selling property inside your ira.
goldco focuses exclusively on precious metals iras — gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.1 they handle the entire rollover process and storage through irs-approved depositories. their minimum is higher ($25,000) but they offer dedicated account representatives and buyback guarantees.
why it wins: if you want physical gold or silver in your retirement account, goldco's specialization means you get better support than a generalist sdira provider can offer. they handle the irs-mandated storage and reporting requirements.
rocket dollar charges a flat monthly fee with no asset-based surcharges, making it the most cost-effective option for larger portfolios.1 they support checkbook control and llc structures, and their platform is built for investors who want to actively manage multiple alternative investments.
why it wins: most sdira providers charge a percentage of assets or tiered fees that grow as your portfolio grows. rocket dollar's flat fee means your costs don't go up when your account does.
before you open an sdira, ask yourself three questions:
a self-directed ira is a powerful tool, but the provider you choose matters. equity trust is the best starting point for most people. if you know what you're investing in — real estate, metals, or large portfolios — one of the specialists above will likely serve you better.
disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. if you open an account through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. we only recommend providers we've researched and believe are genuinely good options.
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