Best Self-Directed IRA Custodian by Use Case (2025)
Ranked list of the best SDIRA custodians for real estate, cryptocurrency, precious metals, private equity, and general alternative investing.
Key Takeaways
- 1Best for Real Estate: Equity Trust (resources) or NuView Trust (personalized service)
- 2Best for Cryptocurrency: Kingdom Trust leads with specialized crypto custody
- 3Best for Precious Metals: Augusta Precious Metals for Gold IRAs specifically
- 4Best for Low Fees: Kingdom Trust offers competitive pricing
- 5Best for Beginners: Entrust provides excellent education and support
Best SDIRA Custodian for Real Estate
Real estate is the most popular alternative investment in self-directed IRAs. Here are the best custodians for property investors:
- Equity Trust has processed more real estate IRA transactions than any competitor
- NuView offers dedicated real estate specialists and faster closing support
- Both handle residential, commercial, raw land, and development deals
- Transaction fees for real estate range from $150-$250 at most custodians
| Rank | Custodian | Why They Excel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equity Trust | Most experience, comprehensive resources | Large portfolios, diverse properties |
| 2 | NuView Trust | Personalized service, fast transactions | Active investors, FL market |
| 3 | Pacific Premier Trust | Decades of experience, large scale | Complex transactions |
| 4 | Entrust | Good education, reliable service | First-time real estate IRA investors |
Real Estate IRA Tip
For your first real estate IRA investment, prioritize a custodian with strong educational resources and responsive customer service. The fee difference is minimal compared to a mistake from inexperience.
Best SDIRA Custodian for Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency IRAs require specialized custody and security measures. Here are the leaders:
- Kingdom Trust partnered with major exchanges for seamless trading
- Cold storage is standard for security at all crypto custodians
- Transaction fees for crypto typically $50-$100 per trade
- Some custodians charge percentage-based fees on crypto holdings
| Rank | Custodian | Why They Excel | Supported Cryptos |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingdom Trust | Pioneer in crypto IRA custody | Bitcoin, Ethereum, 50+ altcoins |
| 2 | Equity Trust | Large, established, secure | Bitcoin, Ethereum, major coins |
| 3 | Pacific Premier | Institutional-grade custody | Bitcoin, Ethereum, select others |
Crypto IRA Warning
Cryptocurrency in IRAs is still evolving. Ensure your custodian has proper cold storage, insurance, and a track record. Never use a crypto IRA company without verifying their custodian partnership.
Best Custodian for Precious Metals IRAs
For Gold and Silver IRAs, specialized precious metals IRA companies typically offer better service than general SDIRA custodians:
- Gold IRA companies (Augusta, Goldco) work with custodians on your behalf
- General SDIRA custodians require you to find your own metals dealer
- Specialized Gold IRA companies typically offer better pricing and service for metals
- Storage fees are similar whether using Gold IRA company or direct custodian
| Option | Type | Why Consider | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | Gold IRA Company | Full-service, handles custodian | Most investors |
| Kingdom Trust | SDIRA Custodian | Low fees, accepts multiple dealers | DIY investors |
| Equity Trust | SDIRA Custodian | Large, established | Diversified alternatives |
| Entrust | SDIRA Custodian | Good service, education | Beginners |
Precious Metals Recommendation
For precious metals specifically, working with a specialized Gold IRA company like Augusta is simpler than going directly to an SDIRA custodian. They handle custodian selection, paperwork, and metal sourcing.
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Best SDIRA Custodian for Private Equity
Private equity, startups, and private company investments require custodians experienced with complex documentation:
- Private equity requires custodian experience with complex documents
- Transaction fees for PE deals typically $100-$200
- Valuations and capital calls require responsive custodian support
- Pacific Premier (formerly PENSCO) has decades of PE custody experience
| Rank | Custodian | Why They Excel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pacific Premier Trust | Deep PE experience | Sophisticated investors |
| 2 | Equity Trust | Scale, resources | All sizes of PE deals |
| 3 | Entrust | Good service, fair fees | Mid-size investments |
| 4 | Kingdom Trust | Flexible, modern | Tech startups, angel investing |
Best SDIRA Custodian for Low Fees
If minimizing costs is your priority, here are the most affordable SDIRA custodians:
- Kingdom Trust offers the best value for most investors
- No-minimum custodians save money for smaller accounts
- Transaction fees matter more for active investors
- Consider total annual cost, not just annual fee
| Rank | Custodian | Annual Fee | Transaction Fee | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingdom Trust | $125-$300 | $50-$125 | Lowest overall |
| 2 | Millennium Trust | $125-$200 | $75-$150 | Good for rollovers |
| 3 | Entrust | $199-$399 | $95-$250 | Mid-range |
| 4 | NuView Trust | $295-$395 | $75-$150 | Fair for service level |
Fee vs Service Trade-off
The cheapest custodian isn't always the best value. Poor service, slow transactions, or mistakes can cost more than the fee savings. Balance cost with quality.
For Gold IRAs: Augusta Precious Metals Is the Clear Winner
When it comes specifically to Gold IRAs, Augusta Precious Metals offers the best overall experience by handling custodian selection and setup for you.
- Augusta partners with established, trusted custodians
- No need to research or compare custodians yourself
- Transparent all-in pricing with no hidden fees
- Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana is a customer and spokesperson
- Lifetime customer support from dedicated specialists
- Free one-on-one educational web conference before you invest
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the best self-directed IRA custodian overall?
There's no single "best" custodian - it depends on your investment focus. For real estate, Equity Trust or NuView. For crypto, Kingdom Trust. For precious metals, work with Augusta Precious Metals. For low fees, Kingdom Trust. Match the custodian to your primary investment type.
2Is a self-directed IRA custodian the same as a Gold IRA company?
No. SDIRA custodians (Equity Trust, Kingdom Trust, etc.) hold your IRA and provide administrative services for any alternative asset. Gold IRA companies (Augusta, Goldco) specifically help you buy precious metals and work with custodians on your behalf. For gold specifically, the Gold IRA company approach is usually simpler.
3Can I use multiple SDIRA custodians?
Yes, you can have self-directed IRAs with multiple custodians. Some investors use different custodians for different asset types based on each custodian's specialty. However, managing multiple accounts adds complexity.
4How do I choose the right SDIRA custodian?
Start by identifying your primary investment type (real estate, crypto, metals, etc.). Then compare custodians with expertise in that area. Consider fees (both annual and per-transaction), minimum requirements, customer service reviews, and technology/online portal quality.
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