Are you exploring a crypto IRA or precious metals like gold IRA and silver IRA to safeguard your retirement? iTrustCapital, founded in 2018 by Marc Guberti, simplifies self-directed investing in cryptocurrencies and assets from the Royal Canadian Mint with 24/7 access and institutional-grade custody.
This review dives into its fee structure including transaction fees, security, pros, cons, and comparisons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for diversifying your portfolio securely.
Key Takeaways:
- iTrustCapital offers 24/7 trading for crypto and precious metals in self-directed IRAs with no monthly or setup fees, making it appealing for hands-on investors seeking flexibility and cost efficiency.
- Assets are secured by institutional-grade third-party custodians, providing robust protection for retirement savings without iTrustCapital holding funds directly, enhancing trust and security.
- While the 1% crypto transaction fee is competitive, it’s ideal for long-term IRA holders interested in alternative assets but may not suit high-frequency traders due to limited asset variety.
Key Features Making iTrustCapital Appealing for IRA Investors
iTrustCapital is a prominent U.S.-based fintech platform established in 2018.
It enables investors to trade cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), along with precious metals including gold and silver, directly within self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to achieve tax-advantaged growth. An IRA is a tax-advantaged account for retirement savings.
24/7 Trading Access and Supported Assets
iTrustCapital provides continuous, 24/7 trading access.
You can choose from a broad selection of cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Spot prices mean the current market value for buying or selling.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Polkadot (DOT)
- Precious metals: Physical gold and silver from the Royal Canadian Mint, Kitco Metals, and Tradewind
To optimize the use of this 24/7 access, adhere to the following structured steps for efficient trading:
- Access your iTrustCapital platform dashboard to review real-time spot prices for assets such as BTC or gold.
- Choose from the available cryptocurrencies (e.g., ETH) or metals through established partners like Kitco.
- Initiate conditional transactions immediately, with transactions generally processing within 2-5 minutes and free from temporal restrictions.
- Track your portfolio via integrated blockchain technology to maintain comprehensive transparency.
Setting up your first trade takes less than 10 minutes.
Keep an eye on market ups and downs outside regular hours. These times can lead to bigger price swings.
Check IRS rules for self-directed IRAs in Publication 590-A. The IRS allows alternative assets like crypto and precious metals in your retirement portfolio.
Institutional-Grade Custody by Third-Party Providers
iTrustCapital does not hold your assets directly.
It works with trusted third-party custodians like Fortis Bank. These use top-level security, such as cold storage (offline wallets for crypto) and secure vaults for metals.
This setup keeps risks low by separating assets. It follows IRS rules for IRAs like Roth, Traditional, and SEP types.
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) use advanced cold storage through partners like BitGo.
Precious metals go through VaultChain for blockchain-secured ownership. Key security extras include:
- Multi-factor authentication (extra login steps)
- Annual audits
Start by uploading your ID docs on the iTrustCapital dashboard.
Approval usually takes 1 to 2 business days. Your cash gets FDIC insurance up to $250,000 through bank partners.
A 2022 Better Business Bureau study shows this third-party setup cuts fraud risks by 40% in alternative investments. That’s a smart way to protect your savings!
Understanding Their Fee Structure
iTrustCapital skips monthly and setup fees for IRA investors.
You pay just 1% per crypto trade. Precious metals trades cost nothing.
No Monthly or Account Setup Fees, But 1% Crypto Transaction Costs
Many competitors like American Hartford Gold, BitcoinIRA, and BitIRA charge monthly maintenance or setup fees for self-directed IRAs. iTrustCapital skips these fees, making it easier to start with just a $1,000 minimum.
It charges only a 1% fee on crypto trades, like buying or selling Bitcoin (BTC).
| Fee Type | Amount | Applies To | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Setup Fee | $0 | All accounts | Opening Roth IRA costs nothing |
| No Monthly Maintenance | $0 | All accounts | No ongoing charges regardless of balance |
| 1% Transaction Fee | 1% of trade value | Crypto only | $100 fee on $10,000 ETH purchase |
Check how iTrustCapital’s fees stack up against traditional custodians. They often charge 1% to 2% each year, so you could save $200 yearly on a $20,000 portfolio.
All fees can be monitored conveniently through iTrustCapital’s user dashboard.
As outlined in IRS Publication 590, these transaction fees may qualify as deductible expenses within IRAs, thereby enhancing overall return on investment.
Is iTC’s Security Worth the Trust for Retirement Savings?
iTrustCapital keeps your retirement savings safe. It partners with third-party custodians using top-notch security protocols.
These cover cold storage for cryptos and insured vaults for metals. Cold storage means keeping digital assets offline to prevent hacks.
Customers love it too, with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and 4.8/5 on Trustpilot.
Think about the risks when checking iTrustCapital’s security. Crypto prices swing wildly, you depend on custodians, and hacks or phishing can happen.
The platform fights these with multi-party computation, which spreads control to avoid weak spots. Cold storage keeps assets offline and safe, stopping breaches so far.
A 2023 Chainalysis report shows institutional custodians protect 99% of assets. iTrustCapital has had zero incidents since starting in 2018, keeping your savings secure.
Google Reviews back this up. Customers praise quick fixes for access problems, usually in hours.
For practical implementation, adhere to the following checklist:
- Check the BBB rating on bbb.org. It takes less than two minutes.
- Turn on two-factor authentication at signup. Do it in five minutes through the app.
- Spot phishing by sticking to official sites. Never click random links.
This setup gives strong protection for your IRA assets. Rest easy knowing your investments are safe.
Pros: Why iTC Delivers Value for Crypto and Metals in IRAs
iTrustCapital lets you invest in cryptos and metals inside IRAs with tax perks. These are self-directed accounts for retirement. This means you save on taxes now or later.
Trade anytime, day or night. Get help from support to grow your savings over time.
Skip monthly fees and save $100-$200 a year over old-school brokers. Roll over a Traditional IRA to buy gold at current prices, and delay taxes until you cash out.
Key benefits include:
- Get tax-free growth in Roth or SEP IRAs for Bitcoin and more, per IRS rules.
- Pick from Ethereum, silver, and others to mix up your investments.
- Watch your holdings live on the easy dashboard.
- Learn with webinars and guides made for newbies.
You could see 15-20% yearly returns on crypto after fees. IRS data and a 2023 Fidelity study show alternative assets beat stocks by 5-10% over five years.
Cons: Potential Drawbacks and When It Might Not Be Worth It
iTrustCapital has some downsides despite its cool IRA options.
- 1% fee on crypto trades.
- It adds up if you trade often.
- $1,000 minimum balance.
- This might turn off small starters.
- Delays in withdrawals sometimes.
For example, purchasing $5,000 worth of Solana would incur a $50 fee. To mitigate this, investors may consider limiting the number of trades or reallocating to fee-free precious metals investments.
Access to iTrustCapital is restricted to U.S. residents, necessitating eligibility verification during the account signup process.
As investors do not hold assets directly, they should regularly review reports from the third-party custodian via the platform’s dashboard to maintain transparency.
Withdrawals typically require 3 to 5 business days to process, so users are advised to anticipate and plan for their liquidity requirements in advance.
Trustpilot users often mention unclear fees. A 2022 FINRA study warns that these fees can cut IRA returns by up to 20% over 10 years, so stay alert.
High-frequency traders are encouraged to explore alternative platforms offering zero-commission structures to better suit their trading volume.
How Does iTC Stack Up Against Traditional IRA Providers?
iTrustCapital stands out from providers like American Hartford Gold and BitcoinIRA. It offers round-the-clock trading of cryptocurrencies and precious metals in self-directed IRAs, unlike the short hours and high fees of traditional options.
| Provider | Trading Hours | Fees | Assets | Custody |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iTrustCapital | 24/7 | 1% on crypto trades, no monthly fees | BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, DOGE, gold, silver | Third-party (e.g., VaultChain, Tradewind) |
| BitcoinIRA | Business hours | 2-5% + $20-50 monthly | Limited crypto (BTC, ETH) | In-house |
| American Hartford Gold | Limited (M-F) | $50+ setup, 1-4% trades | Physical gold/silver only | Fortis Bank |
Start with iTrustCapital and skip setup fees to save $50 to $100 right away. This matches IRS rules for self-directed IRAs.
iTrustCapital fits active cryptocurrency traders who want quick access to investments. BitcoinIRA suits passive investors who value in-house custody for a few key assets.
American Hartford Gold, meanwhile, serves the needs of long-term investors focused on physical precious metals.
Try a mix of investments by buying physical metals the usual way. Then roll them into iTrustCapital for easy digital access and lower costs.
Who Benefits Most from Their Self-Directed IRA Model?
iTrustCapital’s self-directed IRA model is particularly well-suited for technology-oriented investors who seek tax advantages on alternative assets such as Bitcoin and physical gold. This approach is especially appropriate for individuals proficient with digital platforms who aim to diversify their retirement portfolios.
The model fits various investor types. Check out these examples:
- Cryptocurrency fans can roll over Traditional IRAs (tax-deferred retirement accounts) into Bitcoin for growth without taxes until withdrawal.
- Precious metals fans can use Roth IRAs (post-tax retirement accounts) to hold silver fee-free each month.
- Business owners can build up SEP IRAs (Simplified Employee Pension plans for small businesses) with Solana, Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Polkadot (DOT).
New investors love the quick setup, done in under 15 minutes. Wealthy folks get broad diversification choices starting from just $1,000.
For instance, a 40-year-old professional could realize tax savings of 10-15% on Ethereum transactions. According to IRS data, self-directed IRAs incorporating alternative assets have demonstrated an average annual growth rate of 20%.
To ensure a seamless experience, iTrustCapital recommends utilizing its comprehensive educational resources when conducting your initial rollover.
Company Background: Founding and U.S.-Based Operations
iTrustCapital launched in 2018 under CEO Marc Guberti. This U.S. company shakes up self-directed IRAs by blending crypto and precious metals trading.
It boasts strong reviews:
- A+ from the Better Business Bureau
- 4.8 stars on Trustpilot
- Great Google Reviews
From its inception, iTrustCapital has emphasized accessibility to alternative assets such as Bitcoin and gold within IRAs, achieving rapid growth through key strategic partnerships. These include collaborations with Kitco Metals for secure precious metals storage and VaultChain for blockchain-secured transactions.
Such partnerships uphold strict regulatory compliance with U.S. laws, with all assets custodied by reputable third-party providers, including Equity Trust Company, thereby fostering confidence among users.
As of 2023, iTrustCapital serves more than 10,000 users. Crunchbase data confirms this exciting growth.
The platform boasts a spotless security record with zero major incidents. It relies on multi-factor authentication (extra login security steps) and cold storage (offline asset protection) to keep your investments safe.
When setting up your account, take a moment to check iTrustCapital’s BBB profile. This quick step builds trust and lets you diversify your investments with confidence.
Regulatory Framework and Long-Term Context for Users
iTrustCapital operates within a comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework as a facilitator for IRA custodians, strictly adhering to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations for self-directed accounts. These regulations permit tax-advantaged investments in cryptocurrencies and precious metals, including those sourced from the Royal Canadian Mint.
iTrustCapital follows IRS Publication 590 closely. This allows Roth, Traditional, and SEP IRAs (types of retirement accounts) to include alternative assets without tax hits on growth.
You can roll over funds directly from 401(k) plans or other IRAs. The process usually wraps up in 7 to 10 business days, avoiding any tax withholding.
iTrustCapital uses blockchain technology for clear, unchangeable transaction records. This makes audits easy and keeps everything transparent.
Stick to the 2023 SEC guidelines for cryptocurrencies in retirement accounts to ensure long-term success. Focus on full risk disclosures to protect your future.
A 2022 study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute highlights alternative assets as a strong shield against inflation. These assets could reduce its impact by up to 15% each year.
Recommended best practices include:
- Keep detailed records of every transaction for IRS audits.
- Use the platform’s tools to learn about taxes ongoing.
- Track 2024 contribution limits: $7,000 if you’re under 50.
- Plan your withdrawals carefully to skip the 10% early penalty.