iTrustCapital Fees: Complete Breakdown & Competitor Comparison (2025)
Detailed analysis of iTrustCapital's fee structure for crypto and precious metals IRAs, including how they compare to Augusta, Goldco, and other competitors.
Key Takeaways
- 1iTrustCapital charges 1% trading fee on all transactions (no monthly or annual fees)
- 2No storage fees for precious metals - included in trading fee
- 3Minimum investment is $1,000 - much lower than traditional Gold IRA companies
- 4Offers both crypto and precious metals in one account
- 5Physical gold is stored at HSBC vault, but you cannot take physical delivery
- 6Traditional Gold IRA companies like Augusta offer physical possession at retirement
iTrustCapital Fee Structure Explained
iTrustCapital uses a simple fee model that's different from traditional Gold IRA companies. Here's how it breaks down:
- **Trading fee applies both ways**: You pay 1% when you buy AND when you sell
- **Round-trip cost**: Total cost of buying then selling is effectively 2%
- **No monthly fees**: Unlike traditional custodians charging $100-300/year
- **Volume-based cost**: The more you trade, the more you pay
- **Hold strategy friendly**: Buy-and-hold investors may pay less overall
| Fee Type | iTrustCapital Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | $0 | No setup fee |
| Monthly/Annual Fee | $0 | No recurring account fees |
| Trading Fee | 1% per trade | Applies to buys and sells |
| Storage Fee | $0 | Included in trading fee |
| Crypto Trading | 1% per trade | Same as precious metals |
| Wire Transfer | $25 | For incoming/outgoing wires |
| Minimum Investment | $1,000 | Much lower than competitors |
iTrustCapital fee structure as of 2025
How iTrustCapital Fees Compare to Competitors
iTrustCapital's fee structure is fundamentally different from traditional Gold IRA companies. Here's a detailed comparison:
| Company | Setup Fee | Annual Fee | Storage Fee | Trading Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iTrustCapital | $0 | $0 | $0 | 1% per trade |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $0 | $100 | $100 | Spread-based |
| Goldco | $50 | $80 | $100 | Spread-based |
| American Hartford Gold | $0 | $75 | $100 | Spread-based |
| Birch Gold Group | $50 | $100 | $100 | Spread-based |
Fee comparison across major Gold IRA providers
Understanding Spread-Based Pricing
Traditional Gold IRA companies charge a "spread" (markup) on gold purchases rather than a percentage fee. This spread is typically 3-5% over spot price, but you only pay it once when buying (not when selling).
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Physical Gold IRA vs iTrustCapital Digital Gold
The fundamental difference isn't just fees - it's what you actually own.
- iTrustCapital is better for active traders who want low per-trade costs
- Traditional Gold IRAs are better for long-term retirement security
- Physical gold ownership eliminates platform and counterparty risk
- For retirement planning, true ownership typically matters more than trading convenience
| Feature | iTrustCapital | Traditional Gold IRA |
|---|---|---|
| What You Own | Digital claim on pooled gold | Specific coins/bars in your name |
| Physical Delivery | Never available | At retirement age |
| Storage | Pooled at HSBC | Segregated at your chosen depository |
| Counterparty Risk | Higher (platform + custodian) | Lower (depository only) |
| Liquidity | High (instant trades) | Moderate (5-10 business days) |
| Selection | Limited | IRS-approved coins and bars |
Who Is iTrustCapital Best For?
iTrustCapital makes sense for specific investor profiles, but not for everyone.
- **Good fit**: Investors who want both crypto and gold in one account
- **Good fit**: Active traders who buy/sell frequently
- **Good fit**: Smaller accounts under $25,000 (traditional minimums)
- **Good fit**: Tech-savvy investors comfortable with digital platforms
- **Not ideal**: Retirement savers prioritizing physical gold ownership
- **Not ideal**: Investors wanting to take possession of gold eventually
- **Not ideal**: Those seeking personalized service and education
The Bottom Line on iTrustCapital
If you want to trade gold like a stock with low per-trade fees, iTrustCapital works well. If you want to own physical gold for retirement security with the option to hold it, a traditional Gold IRA from Augusta or similar is the better choice.
Augusta Precious Metals: Transparent, Competitive Fees
While iTrustCapital offers low trading fees, Augusta Precious Metals provides something more valuable for retirement: transparent pricing, true physical gold ownership, and the ability to take possession of your gold at retirement.
- No hidden fees - clear annual costs disclosed upfront
- Physical gold allocated and stored in your name
- Take delivery of your actual gold at retirement
- Competitive pricing on IRS-approved coins and bars
- Dedicated customer success agent for personalized service
- No high-pressure sales - education-first approach
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is iTrustCapital really free to use?
iTrustCapital has no monthly or annual fees, but charges 1% on every trade. If you buy $50,000 in gold, you pay $500 in fees. When you sell, you pay another 1%. For buy-and-hold investors, traditional Gold IRAs with flat annual fees may cost less over time.
2Can I transfer gold from iTrustCapital to another Gold IRA?
No. Because iTrustCapital holds pooled digital gold rather than physical coins/bars, you cannot transfer the gold itself. You would need to sell (paying 1% fee), transfer cash, then repurchase physical gold at the new custodian.
3Is iTrustCapital gold FDIC or SIPC insured?
No. iTrustCapital is not a bank or brokerage, so FDIC and SIPC insurance do not apply. The gold is held at HSBC vault and insured against theft/loss, but platform issues could still affect account access.
4How does iTrustCapital compare to Augusta for retirement?
For retirement-focused investors, Augusta offers advantages: physical gold ownership, segregated storage, ability to take possession, and personalized guidance. iTrustCapital is better for active traders wanting low per-transaction costs and crypto access.
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