For investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets—such as real estate, precious metals, private companies, and cryptocurrencies, selecting the right Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) provider is critical. Each provider offers unique features, fee structures, and account management tools that can significantly impact your retirement strategy. This comparison looks at IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar across pricing, product options, technology, and reputation, helping investors make an informed decision.
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 | $360 |
Annual Fee | $495 | $360 |
Asset Value Fee | $0 | $0 |
Investment Fee | $0 | $0 |
Roth Conversion Fee | $0 | $0 |
1 Year Total Cost | $495 | $720 |
5 Year Total Cost | $2,475 | $2,160 |
Based on 4 investments and a $200K balance
IRA Financial:
- Flat fee structure—Self-Directed IRAs start at $495/year, with other plans available from $100/year.
- No setup fee for a custodian-controlled plan; One-time fee for a Checkbook IRA
- No asset-based fees, transaction fees, or hidden charges—just one clear price.
- IRAfi Crypto platform with low trading costs for buying, selling, and trading crypto directly in the IRA Financial app.
- No extra fees for most alternative investments, simplifying planning
Rocket Dollar:
- Choose the Custodian-Controlled (Silver Program) for $360 setup fee and $360 annual fee or Checkbook Control for $600 and $480 annually.
- Solo 401(k) option for the self-employed with similar pricing to the Checkbook IRA
- Additional fees may apply for alternative investments through third-party custodians or partners
- Fees can accumulate if multiple investment types are used
Summary
Rocket Dollar offers a lower-cost entry point for investors who want basic access to alternative assets, especially those focused on cryptocurrency. However, IRA Financial provides greater long-term value through its flat, transparent pricing model that includes comprehensive custodial support, checkbook control, and broader investment flexibility.
Winner: Tie.
Rocket Dollar wins on affordability, while IRA Financial excels in long-term value and comprehensive support.
Winner: Tie.
Rocket Dollar wins on affordability, while IRA Financial excels in long-term value and comprehensive support.
Investment Flexibility & Product Options
A self-directed retirement account should allow you to invest in a wide range of assets without unnecessary restrictions. Having multiple options gives investors the flexibility to diversify and optimize returns.
| | |
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
Rocket Dollar:
- Offers Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans, including both traditional and Roth accounts
- Supports alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrencies
- Rocket Dollar has an extensive list of partners
- Some investments may require additional setup with third-party custodians
Summary
While Rocket Dollar covers the basics of self-directed investing, IRA Financial empowers investors with more control, a broader range of options, and fewer barriers to investing in alternative assets. This flexibility can be especially valuable for those looking to build a highly diversified retirement portfolio.
Winner: IRA Financial.
More flexibility and autonomy for investors managing diverse alternative assets.
Winner: IRA Financial.
More flexibility and autonomy for investors managing diverse alternative assets.
Technology: Built for the Modern Investor
An intuitive platform can save time and reduce errors when managing retirement accounts, especially when handling multiple alternative investments. Technology and support matter for both experienced and first-time self-directed investors.
IRA Financial:
- Streamlined online account management combined with professional guidance
- Integrated dashboard for all investment types, including crypto and real estate
- 100% digital document storage, compliance, and e-signing
- Integrated educational resources and responsive support directly on the platform
- Streamlined tools for crypto, transfers, and checkbook control in one place
Rocket Dollar:
- Provides an online platform for account setup, funding, and investment tracking
- Functional but may require customer support for complex transactions
- Limited integration for alternative asset documentation
Summary
Rocket Dollar provides a functional platform, but IRA Financial’s technology and support reduce administrative burdens, making it easier to invest efficiently and confidently across a range of asset types.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Smooth, integrated platform enhances efficiency and investor confidence.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Smooth, integrated platform enhances efficiency and investor confidence.
Reputation & Customer Reviews: Trusted by Thousands
Trust and reliability are crucial when choosing a custodian for retirement accounts, particularly for alternative assets. Reputation can reflect both longevity in the industry and the quality of support offered to clients.
| | |
Trustpilot | 4.8 / 5 | N/A |
4.8 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | |
Other Platforms | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 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
Rocket Dollar:
- Known for enabling alternative asset investing and strong cryptocurrency support
- Some users report limited customer support and occasional processing delays
Summary
Rocket Dollar has established a presence in the alternative asset investing space, but IRA Financial’s long-standing experience, extensive client base, and high-quality support make it a safer, more reliable choice for investors seeking guidance and confidence.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Trusted reputation and expert support provide reassurance for retirement investors.
Winner: IRA Financial.
Trusted reputation and expert support provide reassurance for retirement investors.
The Bottom Line: Why IRA Financial Is the Smarter Choice
Both Rocket Dollar and IRA Financial offer options for self-directed retirement accounts and alternative asset investing. However, IRA Financial consistently excels in fees transparency, product flexibility, technology, and client support. Investors seeking the broadest range of investment options, predictable costs, and expert guidance are likely to benefit more from IRA Financial’s offerings.
Why choose IRA Financial:
- Transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
- Extensive investment options with checkbook control
- Streamlined platform and documentation with professional guidance
- Long-standing reputation with over 24,000 clients and billions in assets
Why choose Rocket Dollar:
- Lower entry point for investors looking for basic Self-Directed IRAs
- Support for cryptocurrency investing and basic alternative assets
- Modern online platform suitable for standard account management
Final Verdict:
While Rocket Dollar offers a solid entry point for investors exploring self-directed accounts, IRA Financial stands out as the more complete and cost-effective solution for serious retirement investors. With its flat, transparent fees, integrated technology, and unmatched flexibility across asset types, IRA Financial delivers greater long-term value and control. For investors who want to take full ownership of their retirement strategy (without hidden costs or third-party hurdles) IRA Financial nudges out Rocket Dollar for many investors.
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