Compare SDIRA Custodians
Side-by-side fee comparison of the top IRS-approved self-directed IRA custodians for 2026. Fee data sourced from publicly available custodian schedules — always verify directly before opening.
2026 Fee Comparison
Fees change frequently. Use this table as a starting point, then verify the current schedule directly with each custodian before making a decision.
| Feature | Equity Trust Est. 1974 · Westlake, Ohio | Directed IRA Est. 2012 · Phoenix, Arizona | IRA Financial Est. 2010 · Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Entrust Group Est. 1981 · Oakland, California | Advanta IRA Est. 1980 · Lake Mary, Florida |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRS-Approved Custodian | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Account Setup Fee | $0 online account opening | $50 one-time account setup fee | $0 for standard SDIRA; $999 for checkbook IRA LLC formation (includes legal formation, operating agreement, EIN, LLC bank account setup) | $50 one-time account establishment fee | $50 one-time account setup fee |
| Annual Fee | $225/year – $375/year | $295/year | $400/year flat fee for standard SDIRA | From $199/year | $199–$450/year depending on account value and asset types held |
| Incoming Rollover Fee | $0 — no fee for incoming direct rollovers | $0 — no fee for incoming direct rollovers | $0 — no fee for incoming direct rollovers | $0 | $0 |
| Assets Under Custody | $45+ billion (2026 estimate) | Not publicly disclosed — boutique/mid-tier custodian | — | $4+ billion (2026 estimate) | — |
| Founded | 1974 | 2012 | 2010 | 1981 | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Westlake, Ohio | Phoenix, Arizona | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Oakland, California | Lake Mary, Florida |
| Rollover Guides | View Equity Trust Guide → | View Directed IRA Guide → | View IRA Financial Guide → | View Entrust Group Guide → | View Advanta IRA Guide → |
⚠ Fee data reflects publicly available 2026 information. Custodian fees change — always verify directly before opening an account.
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Equity Trust Company
$45+ billion (2026 estimate)
Equity Trust Company is the largest self-directed IRA custodian in the United States by assets under custody, holding over $45 billion for more than 250,000 accounts. It supports the broadest range of alternative assets of any major custodian — real estate, precious metals, cryptocurrency, private equity, private lending, and more. Direct rollover processing typically takes 7–10 business days.
Directed IRA
Not publicly disclosed — boutique/mid-tier custodian
Directed IRA (formerly Directed Trust Company) is a flat-fee SDIRA custodian based in Phoenix, Arizona, founded by attorney Mat Sorensen — author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook. It is known for transparent flat-fee pricing, strong real estate SDIRA expertise, and a tech-forward online portal. Annual fee: $295/year flat regardless of account value.
IRA Financial Trust
IRA Financial Trust is a South Dakota-chartered trust company specializing in checkbook IRAs, Solo 401(k) plans, and cryptocurrency IRAs. Founded by former tax attorney Adam Bergman, it is one of the leading custodians for investors who want direct checkbook control over their SDIRA investments without custodian approval for each transaction. Annual fee: flat $400/year.
The Entrust Group
$4+ billion (2026 estimate)
The Entrust Group is one of the oldest self-directed IRA custodians in the United States, founded in 1981 in Oakland, California. It serves over 50,000 accounts with a broad alternative asset platform. Entrust uses a regional office model with locations in California, Texas, and Florida — providing in-person support options uncommon among SDIRA custodians.
Advanta IRA
Advanta IRA is a Florida-based self-directed IRA custodian founded in 1980 (as Florida Self-Directed IRA LLC, later incorporated as Advanta IRA). It specializes in real estate and private lending SDIRAs and is particularly well-known in Southeast U.S. markets. Annual fee is flat and asset-based hybrid — verify current schedule. Strong in-person support from Florida offices.
Editorial Disclaimer: RolloverGuidance.com is an independent educational publication. Custodian data is sourced from publicly available fee schedules and regulatory filings. We are not affiliated with any custodian. Content does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Verify all fees directly with the custodian before opening an account.
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