When it comes to investing in alternative assets with your retirement funds, both IRA Financial and Directed IRA give investors more control and flexibility than traditional institutions. However, each takes a different approach to self-directed investing: one prioritizing technology and in-house expertise, the other offering a more traditional custodian service.

Here’s how they compare across key areas like pricing, investment options, technology, and reputation.

Pricing & Fees: Transparent, Flat, and Investor-Friendly

When it comes to retirement investing, predictable costs and transparent pricing are essential. High or unclear fees can eat into investment returns over time, particularly for those investing in alternative assets like real estate or private equity.

Setup Fee

$0

$50

Annual Fee

$495

$595

Asset Value Fee

$0

$0

Investment Fee

$0

$200

Roth Conversion Fee

$0

$100

1 Year Total Cost

$495

$945

5 Year Total Cost

$2,475

$3,325

Based on 4 investments and a $200K balance

IRA Financial:

  • Flat annual pricing: Self-Directed IRAs start at just $495 per year, with additional plan options available beginning at $100 annually.
  • Simple setup: No setup fee for custodian-controlled plans, and only a one-time establishment fee for Checkbook IRA or similar structures.
  • Transparent costs: No asset-based or transaction fees—just one clear, predictable price with no hidden charges.
  • Built-in crypto access: The IRAfi Crypto platform offers low-cost trading for buying, selling, and managing crypto directly within the IRA Financial app.

Directed IRA:

  • Annual fees vary: Directed IRA charges $295–495 per year depending on account type.
  • Setup costs: Typically a $50–$100 setup fee; $595 for a Solo 401(k)
  • Asset-based charges: Annual pricing can increase based on account value or asset count.
  • Transaction-based fees: Directed IRA often applies fees for asset purchases, sales, or wire transfers.
  • Limited crypto functionality: Crypto accounts are available at $295 annually, but through a separate structure managed with a partner exchange.

Summary

Both providers keep fees transparent, but IRA Financial’s flat annual structure provides more predictability, especially for investors who hold multiple assets or higher account balances. Directed IRA’s model may appear cheaper initially but can add up with asset or transaction-based fees.

Winner: Tie.
More predictable, all-in pricing that benefits active investors.

Winner: Tie.
More predictable, all-in pricing that benefits active investors.

Investment Flexibility & Product Options

Having the freedom to invest in what you know is the cornerstone of self-directed retirement. Both providers offer strong options, but IRA Financial gives clients more control through its checkbook model.

Self-Directed IRA

Solo 401(k)

Checkbook Control

ROBS Structure

Crypto Platform

IRA Financial:

  • Invest in real estate, private businesses, precious metals, crypto, notes, crowdfunding, and more.
  • Direct crypto investing through IRA Financial’s integrated platform
  • Full checkbook control for both IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans.
  • Supports SEP, SIMPLE, Roth, and Traditional IRAs, plus ROBS for business funding

Directed IRA:

  • Offers traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs, and Solo 401(k) plans
  • Allows investments in real estate, private placements, metals, notes, and crypto.
  • All investments require custodian review and approval, adding an extra step.
  • Focused primarily on custodian-directed transactions rather than investor-managed LLCs.
Summary

Directed IRA gives investors access to a variety of asset classes but retains more control through the custodian model. IRA Financial’s checkbook control structure gives investors the autonomy to act quickly, manage their own investments, and save time on custodian processing delays.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Broader flexibility and faster execution through checkbook control.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Broader flexibility and faster execution through checkbook control.

Technology: Built for the Modern Investor

Ease of use matters, especially for investors managing alternative assets. Both companies have invested in digital solutions, but IRA Financial’s all-in-one mobile platform stands out.

IRA Financial:

  • All-in-one app to open accounts, fund, invest, and manage your retirement plan.
  • Integrated dashboard for all investment types, including crypto and real estate
  • Secure document upload and digital signing eliminate paper forms.
  • Ongoing education and support directly in the platform.
  • Streamlined tools for crypto, transfers, and checkbook control in one place

Directed IRA:

  • Offers online applications and digital document management.
  • Partnership with Directed Trust Company provides secure online storage for investment documents.
  • No integrated crypto trading—must use third-party services.
  • Limited mobile functionality compared to IRA Financial’s app experience.

Summary

Directed IRA’s technology is reliable for document management and traditional custodian use, but IRA Financial’s platform gives investors a streamlined, mobile-first experience that handles everything from setup to crypto trading.

Winner: IRA Financial.
A more modern, integrated digital experience.

Winner: IRA Financial.
A more modern, integrated digital experience.

Reputation & Customer Reviews: Trusted by Thousands

Reputation reflects client experience, responsiveness, and expertise—all critical for managing self-directed assets.

Trustpilot

4.8 / 5

3.2 / 5

Google

4.8 / 5

4.9 / 5

Other Platforms

4.8 / 5

3.4/ 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.
  • 14+ years of industry leadership under a team of financial professionals.
  • Founded by tax attorney Adam Bergman, who provides ongoing education through weekly videos and blog content.
  • Rated A+ by the BBB and consistently praised for innovation and service.

Directed IRA:

  • Backed by Directed Trust Company, a well-established custodian.
  • Founded by attorney Mat Sorensen, a respected voice in the SDIRA space.
  • Positive reviews highlight knowledgeable staff and trustworthiness.
  • Some users note slower response times during high-volume periods.
Summary

Both IRA Financial and Directed IRA have strong reputations backed by years of experience and positive client feedback. IRA Financial combines scale and modern technology with responsive service, while Directed IRA offers trusted, compliance-focused guidance from a long-standing legal and custodial foundation.

Winner: Tie.
Both firms are highly reputable and trusted by investors.

Winner: Tie.
Both firms are highly reputable and trusted by investors.

The Bottom Line: Why IRA Financial Is the Smarter Choice

Both IRA Financial and Directed IRA have earned solid reputations in the self-directed retirement space, offering investors the freedom to move beyond Wall Street. Directed IRA is backed by a respected legal and trust team, giving investors confidence in compliance and oversight. However, IRA Financial stands out as the more comprehensive, technology-driven, and service-oriented provider, combining deep expertise with responsive, personalized support.

When you choose IRA Financial, you’re not just getting a platform; you’re partnering with a team of trusted professionals who’ve helped tens of thousands of investors build and protect wealth through alternative assets.

Why Choose IRA Financial:

  • Flat, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Checkbook control for faster and simpler investing.
  • Mobile app with integrated crypto trading and real estate support.
  • Backed by in-house tax and ERISA professionals.
  • Proven track record and industry-leading reputation for service and trust.

Why Choose Directed IRA:

  • Founded and led by a trusted attorney with deep SDIRA expertise.
  • Offers custodian-managed oversight for compliance-focused investors.
  • Established credibility in real estate and private placements.

Final Verdict:
Both firms serve their clients well, but IRA Financial delivers the stronger overall value—combining transparent pricing, greater flexibility, cutting-edge technology, and a reputation built on education and trust. For investors who want more control and a partner that’s committed to long-term success, IRA Financial is the smarter choice.

Take Action:
Choose what’s best for your future:
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation with a Retirement Specialist
👉 Open an Account