Both IRA Financial and uDirect IRA help investors take control of their retirement savings through self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans. Each provider offers access to a wide range of alternative investments, from real estate to private placements. While uDirect IRA focuses on personalized support and education, IRA Financial combines that expertise with advanced technology, checkbook control, and transparent pricing.

Here’s how they compare across the areas that matter most: pricing, investment options, technology, and reputation.

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

Cost is often the first consideration for investors choosing a self-directed IRA provider. Both companies maintain straightforward pricing, but IRA Financial’s flat-fee model offers greater predictability—especially for investors managing multiple assets.

Setup Fee

$0

$50

Annual Fee

$495

$275

Asset Value Fee

$0

$0

Investment Fee

$0

$0

Roth Conversion Fee

$0

$75

1 Year Total Cost

$495

$325*

5 Year Total Cost

$2,475

$1,425*

Based on 4 investments and a $200K balance
(*additional fee for certain investments)

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.

uDirect IRA:

  • Annual fees typically range from $275 to $350, depending on account type and complexity.
  • Setup fee of around $50–$75 for new accounts.
  • Asset-based charges may apply depending on holdings.
  • Transaction fees for investments, wires, and other activities.
  • No integrated crypto platform—requires a separate custodian or exchange partner.

Summary

uDirect IRA’s entry-level pricing may appear slightly lower, but the inclusion of transaction and asset-based fees can increase long-term costs. IRA Financial’s flat-rate structure gives investors more transparency and control, especially for those holding multiple assets or trading crypto.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Predictable, transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Predictable, transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Investment Flexibility & Product Options

Both IRA Financial and uDirect IRA offer broad access to alternative investments, but the degree of investor control differs. IRA Financial provides direct checkbook control, while uDirect IRA follows a more traditional custodian-managed model.

Self-Directed IRA

Solo 401(k)

Checkbook Control

ROBS Structure

Crypto Platform

IRA Financial:

  • Invest in real estate, private equity, notes, precious metals, crypto, and more.
  • Direct crypto investing through IRA Financial’s integrated platform
  • Full checkbook control means no custodian pre-approval needed for investments.
  • Supports SEP & SIMPLE IRA. HSAs, Coverdells, traditional & Roth accounts, plus ROBS for business funding.
  • If you are self-employed, IRA Financial offers a Solo 401(k) plan with both traditional and Roth options.

uDirect IRA:

  • Offers Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs.
  • Permits investments in real estate, notes, private placements, and metals.
  • All transactions require custodian review and approval.
  • Provides educational resources to guide investors through IRS rules and procedures.
Summary

Both providers open the door to the same types of investments, but IRA Financial’s checkbook model gives investors hands-on control and faster decision-making. uDirect IRA’s structure is well-suited for those who prefer a more guided, compliance-monitored experience.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Greater autonomy and flexibility for active investors.

Winner: IRA Financial.
Greater autonomy and flexibility for active investors.

Technology: Built for the Modern Investor

A streamlined, mobile-first experience helps investors stay connected to their retirement accounts. Here’s how IRA Financial and uDirect IRA compare in terms of technology and ease of use.

IRA Financial:

  • Mobile app to open accounts, fund, invest, and manage your retirement plan.
  • Integrated dashboard for all investment types, including crypto and real estate
  • Digital document uploads and e-signing streamline onboarding.
  • Real-time access to account information and support resources.
  • Streamlined tools for crypto, transfers, and checkbook control in one place

uDirect IRA:

  • Offers online account setup and secure document management.
  • Relies on email and web portal communication for most transactions.
  • No dedicated mobile app or in-app investment tools.
  • Technology serves more as a support extension than a self-service platform.

Summary

uDirect IRA’s digital systems are reliable and secure, but geared toward administrative support rather than investor-driven management. IRA Financial’s modern app-based experience stands out for investors who value convenience and real-time access to their accounts.

Winner: IRA Financial.
A more modern, integrated platform built for today’s investors.

Winner: IRA Financial.
A more modern, integrated platform built for today’s investors.

Reputation & Customer Reviews: Trusted by Thousands

Reputation plays a vital role when selecting a Self-Directed IRA provider. Both IRA Financial and uDirect IRA have earned respect for professionalism and investor education.

Trustpilot

4.8 / 5

N/A

Google

4.8 / 5

4.5 / 5

Other Platforms

4.8 / 5

3.9/ 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.

uDirect IRA:

  • Founded in 2009 and trusted by thousands of clients nationwide.
  • Strong focus on investor education and compliance.
  • Positive reviews for responsive staff and knowledgeable guidance.
  • Occasional reports of processing delays during peak times.
Summary

Both firms maintain strong reputations and loyal customer bases. uDirect IRA’s hands-on guidance appeals to new investors, while IRA Financial’s depth of expertise and scale make it a trusted name in the industry.

Winner: Tie.
Both providers are respected and deliver quality service.

Winner: Tie.
Both providers are respected and deliver quality service.

The Bottom Line: Why IRA Financial Is the Smarter Choice

Both IRA Financial and uDirect IRA empower investors to diversify beyond traditional assets and take charge of their retirement savings. uDirect IRA provides personalized service and educational support—an excellent fit for first-time self-directed investors. However, IRA Financial offers the best of both worlds: institutional-level experience, a flat-fee structure, and innovative technology that keeps investors in control of every decision.

Why Choose IRA Financial:

  • Transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Checkbook control for faster, simpler investing.
  • All-in-one mobile app for account management and crypto trading.
  • Backed by in-house tax and ERISA professionals.
  • Proven reputation for education, trust, and client service.

Why Choose uDirect IRA:

  • Personalized customer support and compliance guidance.
  • Longstanding reputation for helping investors navigate IRS rules.
  • A solid choice for those who prefer custodian-managed oversight.

Final Verdict:
Both companies help investors unlock the potential of self-directed retirement, but IRA Financial’s flexibility, technology, and flat-fee transparency make it the stronger choice for active investors seeking full control and long-term value.

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