Self-Directed IRA Custodian Comparison: Complete Guide (2025)
Compare all major SDIRA custodians including Equity Trust, Kingdom Trust, Entrust, NuView, PENSCO/Pacific Premier, and Millennium Trust side-by-side.
Key Takeaways
- 1Equity Trust is the largest SDIRA custodian with the most resources but higher fees
- 2Kingdom Trust offers competitive fees and strong cryptocurrency support
- 3Entrust provides good customer service with middle-of-the-road pricing
- 4NuView specializes in real estate IRAs with personalized service
- 5Millennium Trust focuses on employer-sponsored plans and automatic rollovers
Major SDIRA Custodians Overview
The self-directed IRA custodian market has several major players. Each has different strengths, fee structures, and specialties.
- Equity Trust is the largest independent SDIRA custodian
- Millennium Trust is the largest overall but focuses on employer plans
- Pacific Premier Trust includes former PENSCO accounts
- All custodians are regulated and audited by federal/state authorities
| Custodian | Founded | Assets Under Custody | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust Company | 1974 | $34+ billion | Cleveland, OH |
| Kingdom Trust | 2010 | $15+ billion | Murray, KY |
| The Entrust Group | 1982 | $4+ billion | Oakland, CA |
| NuView Trust | 2003 | $2+ billion | Orlando, FL |
| Pacific Premier Trust | 1989 | $16+ billion | San Francisco, CA |
| Millennium Trust | 2000 | $54+ billion | Oak Brook, IL |
Data approximate as of 2025
Complete Fee Comparison
Fees are one of the most important factors when choosing a custodian. Here's how they compare:
| Custodian | Setup Fee | Annual Fee | Transaction Fee | Wire Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust | $50 | $225-$400 | $95-$150 | $25 |
| Kingdom Trust | $0 | $125-$300 | $50-$125 | $25 |
| Entrust | $50 | $199-$399 | $95-$250 | $25 |
| NuView Trust | $50 | $295-$395 | $75-$150 | $25 |
| Pacific Premier | $50-$100 | $275-$395 | $95-$250 | $25 |
| Millennium Trust | Varies | $125-$200 | $75-$150 | $25 |
Fees vary by account type and asset complexity
Total Cost Calculation
Don't just compare annual fees. Calculate your expected total annual cost including transaction fees based on your planned investment activity.
Minimum Investment Requirements
Account minimums vary significantly between custodians. Here's what each requires to open an account:
- Most custodians have eliminated or reduced minimums
- No minimum doesn't mean no fees - annual fees still apply
- Higher minimums sometimes correlate with better service
- Specific investments within the IRA may have their own minimums
| Custodian | Minimum to Open | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust | $500 | Low barrier to entry |
| Kingdom Trust | $0 | No minimum required |
| Entrust | $0 | No minimum required |
| NuView Trust | $0 | No minimum required |
| Pacific Premier Trust | $1,500 | Moderate minimum |
| Millennium Trust | Varies | Depends on account type |
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Custodian Specialties & Strengths
While all SDIRA custodians can hold alternative assets, each has developed expertise in certain areas:
- Kingdom Trust pioneered cryptocurrency IRA custody
- Equity Trust has the most comprehensive educational resources
- NuView offers more personalized service for real estate investors
- Millennium Trust is the leader in automatic 401k rollovers
- Pacific Premier (formerly PENSCO) has decades of alternative asset experience
| Custodian | Primary Specialty | Also Strong In |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust | Real Estate | All alternatives, education |
| Kingdom Trust | Cryptocurrency | Precious metals, digital assets |
| Entrust | General SDIRA | Customer service, education |
| NuView Trust | Real Estate | Personalized service |
| Pacific Premier | Alternative Assets | Private equity |
| Millennium Trust | Automatic Rollovers | Employer-sponsored plans |
Match Custodian to Investment
If you plan to invest primarily in one asset class, choose a custodian with expertise in that area. Their specialized knowledge can help avoid mistakes and expedite transactions.
Customer Service Comparison
Customer service quality matters, especially for complex alternative investments. Here's how custodians compare:
- Smaller custodians often provide more personalized service
- Larger custodians have more resources but may feel impersonal
- Phone hold times vary significantly by custodian and time of day
- Online portals range from excellent to outdated depending on custodian
| Custodian | BBB Rating | Google Reviews | Service Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust | A+ | 4.0 stars | Professional, corporate |
| Kingdom Trust | A+ | 4.2 stars | Responsive, tech-focused |
| Entrust | A+ | 3.8 stars | Helpful, educational |
| NuView Trust | A+ | 4.5 stars | Personalized, attentive |
| Pacific Premier | A+ | 3.5 stars | Mixed post-merger |
| Millennium Trust | A+ | 3.2 stars | High volume, less personal |
Ratings approximate as of 2025
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- Augusta works with vetted, established custodians
- No need to compare custodian fees or services yourself
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Frequently Asked Questions
1Which SDIRA custodian has the lowest fees?
Kingdom Trust generally has the lowest fees among major custodians, with no setup fee and annual fees starting at $125. However, total cost depends on your transaction volume. For frequent traders, per-transaction fees matter more than annual fees.
2Can I switch SDIRA custodians?
Yes, you can transfer your self-directed IRA to a different custodian at any time. The process is called a trustee-to-trustee transfer. There may be termination fees from your current custodian, and the process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
3Which custodian is best for real estate?
Equity Trust and NuView Trust are both excellent for real estate IRAs. Equity Trust has more resources and scale, while NuView offers more personalized service. If you want dedicated attention, NuView may be better. For comprehensive resources, Equity Trust.
4Which custodian is best for cryptocurrency?
Kingdom Trust is the leader in cryptocurrency IRA custody. They pioneered the space and have the most experience with digital assets. They also partner with major crypto exchanges for seamless investing.
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