For investors seeking greater control over their retirement portfolios with alternative assets—such as real estate, private equity, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies, selecting the right Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) provider is essential. While The Entrust Group has built a strong reputation over decades, IRA Financial offers a modern, flexible approach that gives investors more autonomy and transparency. This comparison examines fees, product options, technology, and reputation to help investors make an informed decision.
Pricing & Fees: Transparent, Flat, and Investor-Friendly
Understanding the fee structure is critical for retirement investors, as costs can accumulate over time and impact overall returns. Both IRA Financial and The Entrust Group have clear pricing, but their approaches differ.
 |  | |
Setup Fee | $0 | $50 |
Annual Fee | $495 | $299 |
Asset Value Fee | $0 | $225 |
Investment Fee | $0 | $380 |
Roth Conversion Fee | $0 | $0 |
1 Year Total Cost | $495 | $954 |
5 Year Total Cost | $2,475 | $3,050 |
Based on 4 investments and a $200K balance
IRA Financial:
- Self-Directed IRAs start at just $495 per year, with additional plan options available beginning at $100 annually.
- No setup fee for custodian-controlled plans, and only a one-time establishment fee for Checkbook IRA structures.
- No asset-based or transaction fees—just one clear, predictable price with no hidden charges.
- The IRAfi Crypto platform offers low-cost trading for buying, selling, and managing crypto directly within the IRA Financial app.
- Most alternative assets incur no additional costs, making it easier to plan and manage your portfolio.
The Entrust Group:
- Low $50 account setup fees vary depending on account type
- Annual recordkeeping fee billed quarterly
- Additional fees for certain alternative investments, such as real estate or private placements
- Fees can be higher for complex transactions or niche asset types
Summary
While Entrust provides a long-standing, transparent fee structure, IRA Financial’s flat, predictable fees often make long-term planning simpler and more cost-efficient, especially for investors using multiple alternative asset types.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Lower and more predictable fees make retirement planning easier.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Lower and more predictable fees make retirement planning easier.
Investment Flexibility & Product Options
The range of investment options can significantly affect portfolio diversification and growth potential. As does the type of account structured available to the investor.
| | |
Self-Directed IRA | ||
Solo 401(k) | ||
Checkbook Control | ||
ROBS Structure | ||
Crypto Platform |
IRA Financial:
- Full investment freedom: real estate, private equity, precious metals, notes, startups, and crypto
- Direct crypto investing through IRA Financial’s integrated platform
- Checkbook IRA and Solo 401(k) options for maximum control
- Supports SEP, SIMPLE, Roth, and Traditional IRAs, plus ROBS for business funding
- Flexible options enabling more aggressive retirement planning
The Entrust Group:
- Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s, including traditional and Roth accounts
- Focused on real estate, private equity, and select alternative assets
- Some investments may require third-party partnerships or approval processes
Summary
Entrust offers solid alternative asset options, but IRA Financial provides more flexibility, independence, and ease of execution for investors seeking broader investment autonomy.
Winner: IRA Financial.
More comprehensive and accessible investment options.
Winner: IRA Financial.
More comprehensive and accessible investment options.
Technology: Built for the Modern Investor
An intuitive, integrated platform can save time and reduce errors, especially for investors handling multiple alternative assets.
IRA Financial:
- Streamlined online account management combined with professional guidance
- Simplified documentation and tracking for all alternative assets
- 100% digital document storage, compliance, and e-signing
- Integrated educational resources and responsive client support
- Streamlined tools for crypto, transfers, and checkbook control in one place
The Entrust Group:
- Functional online portal for account management
- Documentation process is more traditional and may involve additional paperwork
- Support is available but less integrated with technology
Summary
Entrust has a reliable system for managing Self-Directed IRAs, but IRA Financial’s technology-driven approach reduces administrative hurdles and gives investors faster, more efficient control.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Modern platform enhances efficiency and investor confidence.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Modern platform enhances efficiency and investor confidence.
Reputation & Customer Reviews: Trusted by Thousands
Longevity and reliability are key considerations for custodians of retirement accounts.
| | |
Trustpilot | 4.8 / 5 | 1.8 / 5 |
4.8 / 5 | N/A | |
Other Platforms | 4.8 / 5 | 2.2/ 5 |
IRA Financial:
- Over 24,000 clients nationwide, managing $4+ billion in assets
- Backed by 3,000+ 5-star reviews across Google, Trustpilot, and other platforms.
- Founded by tax attorney Adam Bergman, who provides ongoing education through weekly videos and blog content.
- Strong track record for responsive, knowledgeable support and guidance
The Entrust Group:
- One of the oldest Self-Directed IRA custodians in the U.S.
- Established reputation in the alternative asset space
- Clients praise experience and reliability, though processes may feel more traditional
Summary
Entrust has a well-earned reputation built over decades, making it a trusted option for conservative investors. IRA Financial, however, combines reliability with modern flexibility, technology, and personalized support.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Trusted and forward-thinking approach balances experience with innovation.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Trusted and forward-thinking approach balances experience with innovation.
The Bottom Line: Why IRA Financial Is the Smarter Choice
Both The Entrust Group and IRA Financial offer secure paths for investing in alternative assets through self-directed retirement accounts. While Entrust is a respected, experienced custodian, IRA Financial consistently delivers greater flexibility, modern technology, transparent pricing, and checkbook control, giving investors more control over their retirement strategies.
Why choose IRA Financial:
- Transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
- Broad investment options with checkbook control
- Streamlined, tech-driven platform and documentation
- Responsive support with a track record of 24,000+ clients and billions in assets
Why choose The Entrust Group:
- Long-standing reputation and decades of industry experience
- Trusted for real estate and traditional alternative assets
- Established processes for conservative, paper-based investors
Final Verdict:
While The Entrust Group remains a strong choice for conservative investors who prioritize legacy custodianship, IRA Financial offers a more complete solution for today’s retirement investor. With lower administrative hurdles, broader investment flexibility, and modern account management, IRA Financial is the smarter choice for maximizing control, efficiency, and long-term retirement growth.
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