The Verdict
Alto IRA is excellent for crypto enthusiasts who want access to 200+ coins. The $0 minimum and Coinbase integration make it accessible, though the interface is less polished than iTrustCapital.
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Alto IRA at a Glance
Founded
2018
Minimum Investment
$0
Trading Fee
1% (via Coinbase)
Assets
200+ cryptocurrencies via Coinbase
BBB Rating
A+
Best For
Crypto enthusiasts wanting maximum coin selection
What is Alto IRA?
Alto IRA is a self-directed IRA platform that offers two distinct products: Alto IRA for alternative investments (startups, real estate, art) and Alto CryptoIRA for cryptocurrency investing through a Coinbase integration.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Alto has carved out a niche by offering the widest cryptocurrency selection in the crypto IRA space—over 200 coins through their Coinbase partnership.
Pros & Cons
The Good
- $0 minimum to open an account
- 200+ cryptocurrencies via Coinbase integration
- Alternative investments beyond crypto (startups, real estate)
- No monthly account fees
- A+ BBB rating with good customer reviews
The Bad
- No precious metals option (unlike iTrustCapital)
- Trades execute through Coinbase (not direct)
- Platform can feel clunky compared to competitors
- Limited educational resources
Alto IRA Fee Structure
Alto's fee structure is straightforward for the CryptoIRA:
| Fee Type | Alto CryptoIRA |
|---|---|
| Account Setup | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 |
| Trading Fee | 1% + Coinbase spread |
| Minimum Investment | $0 |
Note: While Alto charges a 1% fee, trades also include Coinbase's spread (typically 0.5-1%). This means total trading costs are roughly 1.5-2% per transaction—slightly higher than iTrustCapital's flat 1%.
Two Products: Alto IRA vs Alto CryptoIRA
Alto actually offers two separate products:
- Alto CryptoIRA: Focused on cryptocurrency through Coinbase. 200+ coins available. This is what most people want.
- Alto IRA: For alternative investments like private startups, real estate funds, art, and more. $10/month fee applies.
You can have both, but they're separate accounts. Most users interested in crypto will want the CryptoIRA specifically.
Alto IRA vs iTrustCapital
| Feature | Alto IRA | iTrustCapital |
|---|---|---|
| # of Cryptos | 200+ | 30+ |
| Trading Fee | 1% + spread | 1% flat |
| Minimum | $0 | $1,000 |
| Gold/Silver | ||
| Alt Investments | ||
| Platform UX | Good | Excellent |
Our take: Choose Alto if you want access to obscure altcoins or alternative investments. Choose iTrustCapital if you want a simpler experience with lower total fees and the option to add gold/silver.
Who Should Use Alto IRA?
- Crypto enthusiasts who want access to 200+ coins, not just Bitcoin and Ethereum
- Beginners with small amounts who appreciate the $0 minimum
- Alternative investment seekers who want startups, real estate, or art alongside crypto
- Coinbase users who are familiar with the Coinbase interface
Who Should NOT Use Alto IRA?
- Those wanting precious metals — Alto doesn't offer gold or silver
- Fee-sensitive traders — The combined fees are higher than iTrustCapital
- Users wanting a polished UX — iTrustCapital's platform is more refined
Customer Reviews
Alto IRA has solid reviews across major platforms:
- BBB Rating: A+
- Trustpilot: 4.3/5
- App Store: 4.5/5
Common praise includes the wide crypto selection and easy account setup. Complaints typically mention occasional delays in customer support and the Coinbase integration feeling indirect.
Final Verdict
Alto IRA is a strong choice for crypto investors who want maximum coin selection. The $0 minimum makes it accessible, and the A+ BBB rating shows they're legitimate. However, if you only care about major cryptos (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and want lower fees, iTrustCapital is the better choice.
Rating: 4.5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alto IRA legit?
Yes, Alto IRA is a legitimate company with an A+ BBB rating. They're based in Nashville, Tennessee and have been operating since 2018. Crypto is held through their Coinbase partnership with institutional-grade custody.
What's the difference between Alto IRA and Alto CryptoIRA?
Alto IRA is for alternative investments like startups and real estate ($10/month fee). Alto CryptoIRA is specifically for cryptocurrency through Coinbase (no monthly fee). They're separate products.
What cryptocurrencies does Alto IRA support?
Alto CryptoIRA supports over 200 cryptocurrencies through their Coinbase integration, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many altcoins that other crypto IRAs don't offer.
How does Alto IRA compare to iTrustCapital?
Alto offers more crypto options (200+ vs 30+) and has a $0 minimum (vs $1,000). However, iTrustCapital has lower total fees, offers gold/silver, and has a more polished platform.
Ready to Get Started?
Open your Alto CryptoIRA with $0 minimum and access 200+ cryptocurrencies.
Open Alto IRA Account$0 minimum • 200+ cryptos • No monthly fees