IRA Financial Review: A CFPs® Honest Assessment (2026)

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Key Takeaways

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• With many self-directed IRA platforms specializing in just one area such as cryptocurrency or precious metals, IRA Financial stands out for...

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With numerous self-directed IRA platforms specializing in just one area such as cryptocurrency or precious metals, IRA Financial stands out for its breadth. 

Whether you want to invest in real estate or startups, set up a Solo 401(k) for your business, or have checkbook control, IRA Financial allows you to manage it all in one place. 

In this IRA Financial review, I’ll share who I believe this platform is best suited for and who may be better served by other options.

4.2/5

IRA Financial offers one of the broadest selections of self-directed account types, including custodial and checkbook control IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, Coverdell ESAs, and ROBS. Its all-in-one setup is best suited for experienced investors who are already comfortable sourcing and managing private real estate, small business, or private credit deals and who understand the due diligence, compliance, and liquidity trade-offs that come with alternative assets.

IRA Financial also offers a low-cost platform for crypto IRAs, with flat annual fees and direct asset ownership.

Pros

• Optional in-house compliance support, including tax filings and BOI reporting (first year free, $299 after)
• Offers both crypto and traditional alternative assets (real estate, private equity, etc.)
• Secure crypto custody via Bitstamp with cold storage and 1:1 asset backing

Cons

• Higher setup fees than some competitors
• No dedicated account managers
• Better for DIY investors who source their own deals vs. platforms offering pre-vetted investment partnerships

Visit IRA Financial

What Makes IRA Financial Different

I’ve reviewed a lot of self-directed IRA platforms, including crypto IRAs and gold IRAs, and looked closely at how these accounts actually work.  

I’ll cover the basics below, but first, here’s what I found sets IRA Financial apart from its competitors.

#1. Broad Range of Account Types

What stood out most in researching IRA Financial is the variety of account options.

In addition to standard self-directed IRAs, you can choose between custodial and checkbook control for IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, Coverdell ESAs, and Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS) plans. 

Very few providers offer both Solo 401(k)s and checkbook control IRAs in one place, and even fewer also support tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs and Coverdell ESAs.

If you’re an investor who wants to keep all your accounts in one place, IRA Financial is one of the best options out there.

#2. Flat-Fee Structure

IRA Financial uses a flat-fee model, which can be cost-effective for investors with higher balances.

For example, their annual fee of $495 on a self-directed custodial IRA equals 1% of a $49,500 account. As your balance grows, your effective cost goes down. 

Keep in mind that with custodians who charge asset-based fees, such as 0.75% per year, you’re not just paying on your current balance, but also on future growth. 

#3. IRA In-House Tax Filing, IRS Reporting, and BOI Reporting

Managing a Self-Directed IRA isn’t simple. Most custodians offering checkbook control accounts leave compliance entirely up to you. That means frequently hiring outside CPAs or legal help.

One thing that sets IRA Financial apart is their in-house expertise. For an additional $299 per year after a free first year, clients can opt into an Annual Compliance Service.

It includes unlimited access to specialists in SDIRA tax law, help with complex issues like UBTI and prohibited transactions, and preparation of key filings such as Form 1065 and 990-T , plus BOI reporting for checkbook IRAs.

Company Fundamentals and Facts

CategoryDetailsAccounts for Individual InvestorsSelf-Directed IRA, Checkbook IRA, Self-Directed HSA, Self-Directed Coverdell, IRAfi CryptoAccounts for Business OwnersSolo 401(k), ROBS , SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRACryptocurrency PlatformBitstamp exchange; actual crypto ownership (not ETF shares); $100/year flat fee, 46 total cryptocurrenciesAccount MinimumsNo minimums requiredProhibited InvestmentsIRS standard restrictions: collectibles, life insurance in IRAs, transactions with disqualified personsTax Support IncludedAnnual 1099-R and 5498 formsSetup & Transfer TimelineAccount opening: 1-3 days • Transfer processing: 3-5 days • Fund receipt: varies by current custodian • Rush options: $75 (2-day) or $200 (1-day)Support ModelPhone, email, and chat support; no dedicated account managers

Founded in 2010 by Adam Bergman, IRA Financial Group is a self-directed IRA custodian that allows investors to hold alternative assets in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Unlike traditional 401(k) providers or brokerages limited to publicly traded securities, IRA Financial facilitates IRS-compliant ownership of assets such as real estate, private businesses, and precious metals. While not a fiduciary, the firm facilitates investor control over their investments within IRS guidelines.”

Currently, IRA Financial has over $4.1 billion in assets under management across 24,000+ clients nationwide.

According to founder Adam Bergman, in an interview with Brave New Coin, the top five investment categories chosen by clients are:

• Real estate-related investments (60%+ of transactions, according to interview)
• Private business investments
• Credit and debt funds
• Precious metals
• Cryptocurrency

Custodial vs. Checkbook Control: With custodial control, you invest through the IRA provider’s approved platforms or partners. You don’t need approval for each transaction, but your investment options are limited to what the provider supports. Checkbook control gives you full flexibility by letting you manage an IRA-owned LLC or Solo 401(k) yourself. You can write checks, wire funds, or invest in nearly any IRS-approved asset. This approach offers maximum freedom but also means more personal responsibility to stay compliant and manage risk.

IRA Financial Fee Structure

Account TypeSetup FeeAnnual FeeIndividual Accounts, Self-Directed IRA (Custodian Control)$0$495, Checkbook IRA (IRA LLC)$999$495, Self-Directed HSA$0$120, Self-Directed Coverdell ESA (Custodian Control)$0$120, Self-Directed Coverdell ESA (Checkbook Control)$999$120, IRAfi Crypto$0$100Business Owner Accounts, Solo 401(k)$999$399, ROBS 401(k)$3,500$1,200, SEP IRA$0$495, SIMPLE IRA$0$495

Crypto IRA Trading Fees

On the crypto trading side, IRA Financial charges a flat $100 annual fee for its IRAfi Crypto™ platform, which covers custody and account maintenance, plus a 1% fee on each crypto trade executed on the Bitstamp exchange. 

Other Fees

Beyond IRA Financial’s setup and annual fees, and separate from any fees your actual investments may charge, there are several other costs to factor in, some optional and some dependent on your location and investment choices.

• State-Specific LLC Costs: If you opt for checkbook control through an LLC, state fees vary dramatically. California charges $800 annually plus gross receipts fees, while Colorado charges just $25, and Arizona has no annual requirements. These are paid directly to the state, not IRA Financial.
• Optional Services:Final Thoughts

  Before you check out, double-check ira financial review cfps against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

  Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.