The Verdict
Equity Trust is a solid choice for investors who want an established, reputable custodian with diverse investment options. Their 50+ years of experience and $34B+ in assets provide stability, though fees can be higher than newer competitors.
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Equity Trust at a Glance
Founded
1974
Assets Under Custody
$34+ billion
Headquarters
Cleveland, Ohio
BBB Rating
A+
Years in Business
50+ years
Best For
Established custodian seekers
What is Equity Trust?
You've worked 30+ years building your retirement. Now you're looking for more control over where your money goes—not just the stocks and bonds your 401k manager picks. That's where Equity Trust comes in.
Equity Trust Company has been around since 1974—that's 50 years in business. They manage over $34 billion for more than 300,000 accounts. Unlike your typical bank or brokerage that limits you to stocks and bonds, Equity Trust lets you hold real estate, gold, and other alternative investments in your retirement account.
Raymond, a retired factory supervisor from Ohio, explained why he made the switch: "I spent 35 years watching my 401k get managed by people I never met. With Equity Trust, I bought a rental property in my IRA. Now I understand what my retirement is actually invested in."
Pros & Cons
The Good
- 50+ years in business - proven track record
- A+ BBB rating with strong reputation
- $34+ billion in assets - financially stable
- Wide range of account types (IRA, 401k, HSA, ESA)
- Educational resources and investor support
- Online platform for account management
The Bad
- Higher fees than some newer competitors
- Per-transaction fee model can add up
- Some users report slower customer service
- No checkbook control without additional fees
Equity Trust Fee Structure
Equity Trust uses a tiered fee structure based on your account value. Here are the typical fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Account Setup | $50 |
| Annual Administration Fee | $225 - $2,250 (based on account value) |
| Transaction Fees | $75 - $250 per transaction |
| Wire Transfer | $25 |
| Precious Metals Storage | Varies by depository |
Fee Analysis: Equity Trust's per-transaction model works well for buy-and-hold investors. However, if you plan to make frequent transactions, a flat-fee custodian like Rocket Dollar may be more cost-effective.
Account Types Offered
Equity Trust offers a comprehensive range of self-directed account types:
Investment Options
Equity Trust supports a wide range of alternative investments:
Customer Reviews Summary
Equity Trust has a mixed but generally positive reputation:
- BBB Rating: A+ with accreditation
- Google Reviews: 3.8/5 average
- Trustpilot: 3.5/5
Common Praise: Longevity in the industry, wide investment options, helpful educational resources, and reliable processing of transactions.
Common Complaints: Customer service wait times, fee structure complexity, and processing delays during high-volume periods.
Equity Trust vs Competitors
| Feature | Equity Trust | Rocket Dollar | Entrust |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | 2018 | 1982 |
| Pricing Model | Per-transaction | Flat monthly | Per-transaction |
| Checkbook Control | Extra fee | ||
| Best For | Buy-and-hold | Active investors | Real estate focus |
Who Should Use Equity Trust?
- Long-term investors who value stability and reputation
- Buy-and-hold investors who make fewer transactions
- Those needing multiple account types (IRA, 401k, HSA, ESA)
- Investors wanting educational support and resources
Who Should NOT Use Equity Trust?
- Active traders - per-transaction fees add up quickly
- Those wanting checkbook control - Rocket Dollar is better
- Budget-conscious investors - newer custodians may be cheaper
Final Verdict - Steady and Established
Equity Trust is a solid choice for hardworking folks who want an established custodian they can trust with their retirement. Fifty years in business and an A+ BBB rating mean they're not going anywhere.
The tradeoff? Their fees can add up if you're making frequent transactions. If you plan to buy and hold—say, a rental property or gold that you'll keep for years—their per-transaction model works fine. If you want to be more active, look at flat-fee options like Rocket Dollar.
Donna, a retired cafeteria manager from Indiana, appreciated the stability: "I didn't want some new tech startup handling my 401k. Equity Trust has been doing this since before I started working. That matters to me."
Rating: 4.3/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Equity Trust legit?
Yes, Equity Trust is a legitimate and well-established SDIRA custodian with over 50 years in business. They have an A+ BBB rating and manage $34+ billion in assets for 300,000+ accounts.
What are Equity Trust's annual fees?
Equity Trust charges annual administration fees ranging from $225 to $2,250 depending on your account value. Transaction fees range from $75 to $250. There's also a $50 account setup fee.
Does Equity Trust offer checkbook control?
Equity Trust offers checkbook control through their ETC Brokerage Services, but it requires additional fees. If checkbook control is important to you, Rocket Dollar includes it in their standard plans.
Can I hold precious metals with Equity Trust?
Yes, Equity Trust allows you to hold IRS-approved precious metals in your SDIRA. They work with approved depositories for secure storage.
Looking for a Gold IRA Instead?
Custodians like Equity Trust work with Gold IRA companies. If you want a premium Gold IRA experience with fee waivers, consider Augusta Precious Metals.
$50k minimum | Up to 10 years fees waived | A+ BBB Rating