iTrustCapital provides a platform for buying and selling crypto, gold, and silver within tax-advantaged IRAs.
This iTrustCapital review explains how the company's self-directed IRAs work, including fees, account minimums, security provisions, and how it compares to competitors.
iTrustCapital provides a straightforward, affordable platform for adding cryptocurrencies and precious metals to IRAs. Its competitive 1% transaction fee on crypto with no account fees, solid security protections, and support for major coins makes it stand out among self-directed crypto IRA providers. For basic tax-advantaged buy-and-hold crypto and metals exposure, iTrustCapital is a solid choice. Active investors may prefer competitors with more coins.
Pros:
- Low 1% crypto trading fee.
- No account setup or monthly fees.
- Can transfer existing crypto held within an IRA “in-kind”.
Cons:
- $30 minimum for additional contributions.
- $1,000 minimum to open an account.
iTrustCapital at a Glance
| Trading fees: | 1% fee for buying and selling crypto. |
| Monthly fees: | No monthly account or maintenance fees. |
| IRA types: | Roth, traditional and SEP. |
| Minimum investment: | $1,000 to open and $500 for additional contributions. |
| Cryptocurrencies: | 75+ available. |
| Market Access: | 24/7 crypto trading platform. |
| Security: | Provided through custodial storage. |
| Promotions: | New accounts can earn up to $300 with the $100 iTrustCapital bonus and $200 crypto transfer promo (code SWITCH). |
How an iTrustCapital Crypto IRA Works
The IRS has few restrictions on what types of assets can be held within an IRA, with exceptions like art and life insurance.
While most mainstream brokerages limit IRA investment options to stocks, bonds, funds and cash, investors can open a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest in a much wider array of assets.
By using an SDIRA structure and an IRS-approved custodian like iTrustCapital does, investors can hold these alternative assets in a tax-advantaged account despite the limitations of traditional IRA providers.
After creating your account with iTrustCapital (and selecting the type of IRA you'd like to open), you're able to fund your account in a few ways:
- Direct IRA transfer. Transfer assets from an existing IRA into your new iTrustCapital IRA.
- 401(k) or employer plan rollover. If you have 401(k) funds from a previous employer you haven't consolidated into an IRA yet, you can transfer those funds to an iTrustCapital IRA.
- New cash contributions. Deposit new funds via bank wire or check. Keep in mind that you must stay within the annual IRA contribution limits.
- “In-Kind” IRA transfer. Transfer crypto from an existing crypto IRA to iTrustCapital “in-kind”, meaning you don't have to liquidate your holdings to USD.
You need a minimum of $1,000 of funds transferred or cash deposited to open an account.
While you can make an in-kind transfer of cryptocurrency from one IRA provider to another without selling, you cannot transfer cryptocurrencies held in a regular taxable account or a private wallet into an IRA without selling them first.
Because IRAs only allow cash transfers, selling cryptocurrency outside an IRA could trigger taxable gains.
Once your assets are transferred to iTrustCapital, they'll be available in your account within one to two weeks.
Buying & Selling Cryptocurrencies on iTrustCapital
iTrustCapital allows clients to buy and sell dozens of crypto assets (75+) 24/7, anytime, anywhere.
The selection includes popular coins like:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Solana (SOL)
- XRP (XRP)
- Sui (SUI)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Chainlink (LINK)
- Hedera (HBAR)
You can place buy or sell orders 24/7.
With its expanded selection of over 75 cryptocurrencies—very similar to what you'd find on Bitcoin IRA—iTrustCapital now serves a broader range of investors. The platform is still ideal for passive investors focused on blue-chip assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, yet it now also offers the opportunity to explore smaller or mid-cap crypto assets.
Its straightforward 1% transaction fee makes recurring investments cost-effective, allowing you to use a dollar-cost averaging strategy without high fees. The $30 minimum for additional contributions is now much more manageable, as it was previously $500, even for those investing small amounts on a regular basis.
ITrustCapital Gold and Silver IRAs
iTrustCapital offers access to investment-grade gold and silver through VaultChain, a system that uses blockchain technology to track ownership.
The metals are stored at the Royal Canadian Mint, and transactions are executed through Kitco Metals, a well-known precious metals dealer.
Gold and silver can be bought and sold 24/7 on the iTrustCapital platform. While the blockchain provides added transparency, users should note that they do not take physical possession of the metals.
The fees for buying and selling gold and silver are:
- Gold: $75 over the current spot price per ounce.
- Silver: $3.25 over the current spot price per ounce.
Analysis: Compared to specialty precious metals IRAs, such as industry leader Augusta Precious Metals, iTrustCapital provides much lower account minimums but fewer metal options. Augusta requires a $50,000 minimum purchase for gold or silver, whereas iTrustCapital only has a $1,000 minimum to open an account. However, Augusta offers platinum and palladium in addition to gold and silver.
So while iTrustCapital has much lower minimums, Augusta caters more to dedicated precious metals investors who can shift at least $50,000 of existing retirement assets into precious metals and want more options to invest in.
Staking Cryptocurrency to Earn Rewards
iTrustCapital now allows staking of Solana (SOL) within your IRA account, enabling you to earn rewards while holding crypto in a tax-advantaged account.
Staking is the process of locking up your crypto to help validate transactions on proof-of-stake blockchains. In return, you receive rewards—typically paid in the same asset. It's a way to generate passive income on your crypto holdings.
Here's how staking works with iTrustCapital:
- Buy Solana (SOL): Once your iTrustCapital account is funded, you can purchase Solana directly through the platform.
- Stake your SOL: You can stake your SOL with just a few clicks. Your staked amount is held securely in your account.
- Earn rewards automatically: Rewards accrue over time and are automatically added to your staked position. You'll be able to access them when you choose to unstake.
Currently, only Solana (SOL) is available for staking, and rewards are paid out in SOL. While the platform doesn't list specific yield percentages (as they can fluctuate based on network conditions), earnings begin as soon as you stake and accrue continuously.
Bitcoin IRA is another popular self-directed IRA platform, known for offering the most staking options among crypto IRAs. However, it also comes with higher fees. For a detailed breakdown of fees, features, and investor fit, see our full comparison of iTrustCapital vs. Bitcoin IRA.
iTrustCapital Fees and Account Minimums
One of the biggest advantages of iTrustCapital is its straightforward, competitive pricing structure.
There are no common fees like:
- Account setup costs.
- Monthly account maintenance charges.
- Fees for storing physical gold/silver bars.
The only fee on crypto assets is a 1% transaction cost whenever you buy or sell cryptocurrencies in your IRA.
There are no commissions or premiums when buying and selling physical gold/silver beyond the built-in processing fees.
Analysis: The 1% crypto transaction fee is reasonable but can hinder those who frequently trade larger amounts.
Their free structure is very similar to competitor Alto IRA, which charges no annual fee but a 1% transaction fee when buying or selling cryptocurrencies.
Choice IRA,offers two account structures. One includes self-custody with monthly fees, and the other provides cold storage with a 1% annual account fee but no trading fees. Read our Choice IRA review to learn more.
How iTrustCapital Compares to Other Crypto IRA Providers
Founded in 2018, iTrustCapital was among the first dedicated crypto IRA investing platforms. But the space has grown more competitive as crypto IRAs gain popularity.
iTrustCapital vs. Bitcoin IRA
Compared to Bitcoin IRA, iTrustCapital is significantly more cost-effective.
Bitcoin IRA charges a 1.99% setup fee, a 2% trading fee, and ongoing maintenance fees starting at $20 per month.
iTrustCapital has no setup or monthly fees, and a flat 1% fee per trade.
For long-term investors planning to hold major assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, these savings can add up quickly—especially in the first year. Unless you're specifically looking for features like Ethereum staking or SIMPLE IRA support, iTrustCapital's simpler, lower-cost structure is the better fit for most retirement-focused crypto investors.
For a detailed breakdown of fees, features, and investor fit, see our full comparison of iTrustCapital vs. Bitcoin IRA.
ITrustCapital vs. Alto IRA
Compared to iTrustCapital, Alto IRA offers a lower minimum investment and lower minimums for additional contributions.
Alto only requires a $10 minimum to open an account and start trading, versus iTrustCapital's $1,000 minimum.
This makes it more accessible for smaller investors. Alto also has no minimum for subsequent contributions, providing more flexibility.
The 1% crypto transaction fee matches iTrustCapital's.
A key advantage is Alto IRA supports investing in any cryptocurrency available on Coinbase (which is over 200 coins), compared to iTrustCapital's 75+.
See our Alto IRA review to learn more.
Or, read our full breakdown of iTrustCapital vs. Alto IRA.
iTrustCapital vs. Other Alternatives
For very experienced and high-net worth crypto traders, Rocket Dollar is likely the best alternative IRA. Though RocketDollar has a higher account setup and monthly fees, it gives you full control over your crypto assets. You can even use decentralized exchanges, unique in the IRA space. See our our Rocket Dollar review for more info.
Choice IRA has a 1% annual account fee for cold storage and a 1% transaction fee. One unique aspect is the ability to invest in stocks, ETFs and other assets through Integration with Interactive Brokers. So Choice IRA offers a strong combination for buy-and-hold crypto investors who won't make frequent contributions but want to consolidate other investment accounts. Read our Choice IRA review for a full analysis.
Security: Is iTrustCapital Safe for Retirement Accounts?
iTrustCapital works with qualified custodians including Fortis Bank to hold client assets in individual retirement accounts for each client's benefit. The company recently launched iTrust Custodial Services, a subsidiary that acts as agent and administrator for their custodian partners.
The custodial partners use secure cold storage technologies for digital assets, undergo regular audits, and maintain commercial crime insurance coverage.=
Physical gold and silver bars are stored at the Royal Canadian Mint's vaults. The metals are not mixed with company operating funds.
iTrustCapital and their custodial partners maintain business continuity plans if a wind-down were ever needed. Client assets would remain under their control and need to be transferred to a new custodian, as they are always segregated from company funds.
Like most self-directed IRA providers, iTrustCapital is not an SEC regulated entity, but works with state-chartered trust companies and banks overseen by regulators.
Who is iTrustCapital Best For?
First things first: crypto IRAs should only be considered if you're on track for your retirement goals with traditional assets, such as index funds.
Crypto is extremely risky, and you shouldn't be betting your retirement on the asset itself.
Once you've secured your retirement basics, iTrustCapital ranks as a top crypto IRA platform worth considering.
Personally, I moved my crypto from Choice, which used to be free but now charges a 1% annual maintenance fee, to iTrustCapital. I wanted a platform where I could set it and forget it without worrying about monthly charges.
The in-kind transfer process was very straightforward. To give credit where it's due, moving funds from Choice wasn't difficult either, and they had proper security protocols in place.
That said, iTrustCapital provided consistent communication throughout. The entire process took 13 days, with only a 24 to 48-hour window where the funds were not invested. Fortunately, the market didn't move much during that time.
What stood out to me were the 1% transaction fee and the absence of monthly maintenance charges, which are major advantages. The crypto IRA space is known for surprisingly high fees from some providers, so doing your homework really matters. iTrustCapital's transparent and low-cost structure makes it a strong choice compared to much of the competition.
Visit iTrustCapital.com
