The Verdict
iTrustCapital is our top pick for crypto IRAs. Their 1% trading fee (with no monthly charges) beats most competitors, and 24/7 trading gives you control. The $1,000 minimum makes it accessible for most investors.
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iTrustCapital at a Glance
Founded
2018
Minimum Investment
$1,000
Trading Fee
1% per trade
Monthly Fee
$0
Assets
30+ cryptocurrencies + Gold & Silver
BBB Rating
A
What is iTrustCapital?
Let's be upfront: Crypto in a retirement account isn't for everyone. It's more volatile than gold, and if you're looking for steady protection for your nest egg, there are safer options. But if you believe cryptocurrency has long-term value and want to hold it tax-advantaged, iTrustCapital is worth knowing about.
iTrustCapital lets you invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies (plus gold and silver) through a retirement account. Founded in 2018 in California, they've become one of the largest crypto IRA providers around.
The difference from buying crypto on Coinbase? Tax advantages. Your gains grow tax-deferred (Traditional IRA) or tax-free (Roth IRA). For folks who plan to hold crypto for 10+ years, that can add up to real savings.
Pros & Cons
The Good
- Low 1% trading fee with no monthly account fees
- 24/7 trading access—buy and sell anytime
- 30+ cryptocurrencies plus physical gold & silver
- Low $1,000 minimum to get started
- User-friendly platform with mobile app
The Bad
- No direct customer support phone line
- Limited educational resources compared to competitors
- Crypto held by custodian, not your own wallet
- Can't transfer existing crypto into account
iTrustCapital Fees Explained
iTrustCapital's fee structure is one of their biggest competitive advantages. Here's exactly what you'll pay:
| Fee Type | iTrustCapital | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | $0 | $50-$100 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $20-$50 |
| Trading Fee | 1% per trade | 1.5%-3% |
| Gold/Silver Fee | 1% over spot + $50/yr storage | Varies widely |
The bottom line on fees: iTrustCapital is one of the most affordable crypto IRA options available. The 1% trading fee only applies when you buy or sell—there are no ongoing monthly charges eating into your returns. For comparison, Bitcoin IRA charges up to 2% and has additional custodial fees.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
iTrustCapital currently supports over 30 cryptocurrencies, including all the major players:
- Bitcoin (BTC) — The original cryptocurrency
- Ethereum (ETH) — Smart contract platform
- Solana (SOL) — High-speed blockchain
- Cardano (ADA) — Proof-of-stake network
- Polkadot (DOT) — Interoperability protocol
- Chainlink (LINK) — Oracle network
- Avalanche (AVAX) — DeFi platform
- Polygon (MATIC) — Ethereum scaling
- Plus 20+ more altcoins
They also offer physical gold and silver for investors who want precious metals exposure alongside crypto. This makes iTrustCapital unique—most crypto IRAs only do crypto, and most gold IRAs only do metals.
How iTrustCapital Works
Getting started with iTrustCapital is straightforward:
- Open an account — Choose Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA
- Fund your account — Via rollover from existing 401(k)/IRA or new contribution
- Start trading — Buy crypto or precious metals 24/7 through their platform
- Hold tax-advantaged — Your gains grow tax-deferred or tax-free
Rollovers typically take 1-3 weeks to complete. Once funded, you have full control to trade whenever you want—even nights and weekends when traditional markets are closed.
Important: Tax Implications
While crypto IRAs offer tax advantages, there are specific rules. Early withdrawals (before 59½) may trigger penalties. Consult a tax professional before rolling over funds. iTrustCapital provides tax forms but not tax advice.
iTrustCapital vs Competitors
| Feature | iTrustCapital | Alto IRA | Bitcoin IRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fee | 1% | 1% | 2%+ |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 | $20+ |
| Minimum | $1,000 | $0 | $3,000 |
| 24/7 Trading | |||
| Gold/Silver | |||
| # of Cryptos | 30+ | 200+ | 60+ |
Our take: iTrustCapital offers the best balance of low fees, ease of use, and asset selection. Alto IRA has more crypto options but no precious metals. Bitcoin IRA has more features but significantly higher fees.
Who Should Use iTrustCapital?
iTrustCapital is ideal for:
- Long-term crypto believers who want to hold Bitcoin or Ethereum for years, not days
- Self-directed investors comfortable making their own trading decisions
- Tax-conscious investors looking to shelter crypto gains from capital gains tax
- Diversifiers who want both crypto and precious metals in one account
Who Should NOT Use iTrustCapital?
- Day traders — The 1% fee adds up with frequent trading
- Those who want phone support — Support is primarily email/chat
- People with existing crypto — You can't transfer crypto in, only cash
- Those wanting obscure altcoins — Only 30+ coins available (Alto has 200+)
Customer Reviews & Reputation
iTrustCapital has built a solid reputation since launching in 2018:
- BBB Rating: A
- Trustpilot: 4.5/5 (1,000+ reviews)
- Google Reviews: 4.6/5
Common praise includes the intuitive platform, fast account setup, and competitive fees. Complaints typically mention customer support response times and the inability to transfer existing crypto holdings.
Final Verdict - For Tech-Savvy Folks
iTrustCapital is the best option we've found for crypto IRAs. Low 1% trading fees, no monthly charges, and you can trade anytime—even weekends. They also offer gold and silver if you want to balance the crypto volatility with something more stable.
Important caveat for our audience: If you're skeptical of cryptocurrency and just want to protect your retirement with something you can understand, stick with physical gold. But if your grandkids have convinced you Bitcoin is the future and you want tax-advantaged exposure, iTrustCapital makes it straightforward.
Marcus, a retired IT technician from California, made the case: "I've watched Bitcoin for 10 years. I didn't want to pay capital gains every time I sold. With iTrustCapital, I can hold it in my IRA and let it grow tax-free."
Rating: 4.7/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTrustCapital legit?
Yes, iTrustCapital is a legitimate company founded in 2018. They partner with Fortress Trust as their qualified custodian and have an A rating with the BBB. However, like all crypto investments, your assets are not FDIC insured.
What is the iTrustCapital minimum investment?
iTrustCapital has a $1,000 minimum to open an account. This is lower than many competitors like Bitcoin IRA ($3,000) or traditional gold IRA companies ($25,000+).
Can I transfer my existing crypto to iTrustCapital?
No, iTrustCapital does not allow in-kind crypto transfers. You can only fund your account with cash (via rollover or contribution). You'd need to sell crypto elsewhere, transfer cash, and repurchase through iTrustCapital.
How does iTrustCapital make money?
iTrustCapital makes money through their 1% trading fee applied to each buy and sell transaction. They don't charge monthly fees, setup fees, or custodial fees on the crypto side.
Is my crypto insured at iTrustCapital?
Crypto assets are held through Fortress Trust with institutional-grade security, but they are not FDIC or SIPC insured. This is standard for all crypto IRA providers.
Can I hold both crypto and gold in my iTrustCapital IRA?
Yes, iTrustCapital allows you to hold cryptocurrencies and physical gold/silver in the same IRA. This is a unique feature that most crypto-only or gold-only IRAs don't offer.
Ready to Get Started?
Open your iTrustCapital crypto IRA and start investing tax-advantaged today.
Open iTrustCapital Account$1,000 minimum • 1% trading fee • No monthly fees