Equity Trust Review: In-Depth Analysis of Services and Features

Equity Trust Company stands as one of the largest self-directed IRA custodians in the United States, managing over $12 billion in assets and serving more than 300,000 clients since its founding in 1974. The company specializes in alternative investments like real estate, precious metals, and private equity within tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Equity Trust offers a comprehensive platform for investors seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds through self-directed IRAs. The company provides access to alternative assets that most traditional IRA custodians do not offer. Educational resources and technology tools help investors manage their accounts.

This review examines Equity Trust’s services, fees, technology platform, and customer feedback. The analysis covers everything from account setup and investment options to pricing structure and customer support quality.

Key Takeaways

• Equity Trust is a major self-directed IRA custodian with over $12 billion in assets under management and four decades of industry experience
• The company specializes in alternative investments including real estate, precious metals, and private equity through their myEQUITY online platform
• Customer reviews vary widely with some praising investment options while others cite concerns about fees and service quality

What Is Equity Trust?

Equity Trust Company is a financial services firm that specializes in self-directed individual retirement accounts. It operates as a custodian for alternative investments.

The company has built its reputation on providing investment flexibility beyond traditional stocks and bonds.

Company Background

Equity Trust Company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio. The firm has operated as a self-directed IRA custodian since 1983, giving it over 40 years of experience in this specialized market.

The company serves as a directed custodian rather than an investment advisor. This means they handle the administrative and custodial duties for client accounts without providing investment advice.

Equity Trust manages around $70 billion in assets across more than 412,000 accounts. The firm processes approximately 2.5 million transactions each year.

The company employs over 500 associates to support its operations and customer service functions. This staffing level reflects the complexity of managing alternative investments within retirement accounts.

Business Model Overview

Equity Trust operates as a self-directed IRA custodian that allows clients to invest in both traditional and alternative assets. Their signature product is the Equity Universal IRA®, which provides maximum investment flexibility.

The company’s business model centers on custodial services rather than investment management. Clients direct their own investment decisions while Equity Trust handles the administrative requirements.

Investment Options Include:

• Real estate investments
• Precious metals
• Private equity
• Digital currencies
• Traditional stocks and bonds

The firm generates revenue through account fees and transaction charges based on account values. They do not earn commissions from investment recommendations.

Key Milestones and Growth

Equity Trust has over 50 years of experience in financial services, establishing itself as a significant player in the self-directed IRA market. The company strengthened its position through the acquisition of Midland Trust.

The firm has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its commitment to customer service standards. This rating demonstrates the company’s focus on maintaining quality business practices.

Customer reviews on TrustPilot show over 426 reviews with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This feedback indicates generally positive customer experiences despite some mixed reviews.

The company has expanded its digital capabilities with the myEQUITY platform. This online system allows clients to manage their accounts and execute transactions across multiple devices.

Equity Trust as an IRA Custodian

Equity Trust Company operates as a self-directed IRA custodian that holds assets on behalf of account holders and ensures IRS compliance. The company manages over $12 billion in assets and provides custodial services for both traditional and Roth retirement accounts.

Role of an IRA Custodian

Equity Trust Company acts as the intermediary between the self-directed IRA account holder and the investment asset. They hold the assets on behalf of the account holder and process all transactions.

The custodian handles necessary paperwork for alternative investments. This includes real estate purchases, precious metals transactions, and private equity deals.

Key custodial responsibilities include:

• Processing investment transactions
• Maintaining account records
• Issuing tax reports
• Ensuring proper asset titling

Equity Trust does not provide investment advice or recommendations. Account holders make their own investment decisions while the custodian executes the transactions.

The company maintains physical custody of assets like precious metals. For other investments like real estate, they hold legal title on behalf of the IRA owner.

Account Types Offered

Equity Trust offers all standard Self Directed IRA services including traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Both account types allow for alternative investing beyond stocks and bonds.

Traditional IRA features:

• Tax-deductible contributions
• Tax-deferred growth
• Required minimum distributions at age 73

Roth IRA features:

• After-tax contributions
• Tax-free growth and withdrawals
• No required minimum distributions

The company also provides SEP-IRAs for self-employed individuals and small business owners. These accounts follow the same self-directed investment principles as traditional and Roth IRAs.

Inherited IRAs are available for beneficiaries who want to continue self-directed investing. The custodian helps navigate the specific rules for inherited retirement accounts.

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

Equity Trust Company operates as a regulated trust company subject to state oversight. The firm is a directed custodian and doesn’t offer investment, tax, or legal advice.

The company undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. They maintain proper segregation of client assets from company assets.

Compliance measures include:

• Annual third-party audits
• State regulatory examinations
• IRS reporting requirements
• Anti-money laundering procedures

Equity Trust ensures all transactions meet IRS prohibited transaction rules. They review investments to prevent disqualified person transactions that could disqualify the entire IRA.

The custodian provides required tax reporting including Form 1099-R for distributions and Form 5498 for contributions. They also issue fair market value statements for alternative assets when required.

Self-Directed IRA Services Overview

Equity Trust provides comprehensive self-directed IRA services through their myEQUITY platform, allowing investors to open accounts, fund them through multiple methods, and invest in alternative assets. The company streamlines the entire process from initial setup to ongoing investment management.

Account Setup Process

Opening a self-directed IRA with Equity Trust offers investors two main pathways. They can work directly with a specialized counselor for personalized assistance or use the myEQUITY platform for online setup.

The myEQUITY platform simplifies account creation with step-by-step guidance. New investors can complete the application process digitally without visiting a physical location.

Account Types Available:

• Traditional IRA
• Roth IRA
• SEP-IRA
• SIMPLE IRA

Equity Trust requires standard documentation including identification and beneficiary information. The setup process typically takes a few business days once all required documents are submitted.

Investors can also roll over existing retirement accounts during the setup process. The company’s specialists help ensure compliance with IRS regulations throughout the account opening.

Funding Options

Equity Trust accepts multiple funding methods to get retirement savings into self-directed IRAs. The company’s specialists guide investors through the funding process to avoid potential tax penalties.

Primary Funding Methods:

• Rollovers: Transfer funds from employer-sponsored 401(k) plans
• Transfers: Move money from existing IRAs at other custodians
• Contributions: Add new money up to annual IRS limits

The rollover process allows investors to move funds from previous employers’ retirement plans. This typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete once paperwork is submitted.

Direct transfers from other IRA custodians usually process faster than rollovers. Equity Trust coordinates with the previous custodian to ensure smooth fund transfers.

Annual contributions follow IRS limits based on age and income. For 2025, individuals under 50 can contribute up to $7,000, while those 50 and older can contribute $8,000.

Investment Process

The myEQUITY platform features investment wizards that guide users through asset selection and purchase processes. Investors can choose from various alternative assets including real estate, precious metals, and private equity.

Equity Trust’s Investment District marketplace connects investors with curated investment opportunities. This platform helps investors discover potential assets that fit their investment strategy.

Investment Steps:

1. Select investment type through myEQUITY
2. Complete due diligence on chosen assets
3. Submit investment request
4. Equity Trust processes the transaction

The platform provides real-time account monitoring and transaction tracking. Investors can view their portfolio performance and manage multiple investments from one dashboard.

Equity Trust handles all administrative tasks including asset custody and IRS compliance reporting. They ensure investments meet self-directed IRA regulations while allowing investors to maintain control over investment decisions.

Alternative Investment Options

Equity Trust Company provides access to real estate investments, precious metals storage, private lending opportunities, and cryptocurrency holdings through self-directed retirement accounts. These alternative asset classes expand beyond traditional stocks and bonds to include physical assets and private market investments.

Real Estate Investing

Real estate represents one of the most popular alternative investments available through Equity Trust accounts. Investors can purchase rental properties, raw land, commercial buildings, and residential homes using retirement funds.

The company handles all custodial requirements for real estate transactions. They process purchase agreements, coordinate with title companies, and manage ongoing property expenses like taxes and maintenance fees.

Rental income flows directly into the IRA account tax-deferred. Property appreciation builds wealth within the retirement account structure.

Investors maintain full control over property selection, tenant management, and sale decisions.

Common real estate investments include:

• Single-family rental properties
• Multi-family apartment buildings
• Commercial office spaces
• Vacant land for development
• Real estate investment trusts (REITs)

The myEQUITY platform tracks property values and rental income automatically. Investors can pay property-related expenses directly through the online system.

Precious Metals and Gold IRAs

Equity Trust offers precious metals storage for retirement accounts through IRS-approved depositories. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars must meet specific purity requirements.

The company partners with Augusta Precious Metals to streamline gold IRA setup and ongoing administration. This partnership provides dedicated specialists who guide investors through metals selection and storage arrangements.

Approved precious metals include:

• Gold coins (American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf)
• Silver bars and coins (minimum 99.9% purity)
• Platinum and palladium products
• Certain collectible coins meeting IRS standards

Physical metals are stored in secure, insured depositories. Investors receive regular statements showing metal holdings and current market values.

The custodian handles all compliance requirements and storage logistics.

Private Equity and Private Lending

Private equity investments through Equity Trust include startup companies, established businesses, and investment funds. These investments typically require higher minimum amounts and longer holding periods than public securities.

Private lending opportunities allow investors to make secured loans to individuals or businesses. Common lending investments include promissory notes, trust deeds, and mortgage-backed securities.

The platform supports various private market structures. Limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and joint ventures can all be held within retirement accounts.

Private investment categories:

• Startup company equity stakes
• Established business partnerships
• Real estate development projects
• Secured promissory notes
• Tax lien certificates

Due diligence requirements are higher for private investments. Investors must research opportunities independently since Equity Trust does not provide investment advice or recommendations.

Digital Assets and Currencies

Digital currency investments include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies held within specialized retirement accounts. These digital assets require additional setup fees and specialized custody arrangements.

Cryptocurrency IRAs involve a $500 platform setup fee beyond standard account costs. Digital assets are stored through third-party custody services that meet IRS requirements for retirement account holdings.

The investment process requires multiple steps. Investors must first fund their account, then instruct the custodian to purchase specific digital currencies through approved exchanges.

Available digital investments:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Select altcoins through approved platforms
• Blockchain-related investment funds

Price volatility in digital currencies can significantly impact account values. Investors should understand the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments before committing retirement funds to these assets.

Platform Features and Technology

Equity Trust’s myEQUITY platform serves as the central hub for managing self-directed IRAs. It offers digital tools for account management and investment selection.

The platform combines user-friendly design with specialized features for alternative asset investing. Users can access their accounts from any device to monitor investments and manage transactions.

The platform handles multiple account types including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP-IRAs. Account holders can view real-time balances, transaction history, and asset performance through a centralized dashboard.

Key Platform Capabilities:

• Account funding and transfers
• Investment transaction processing
• Document storage and retrieval
• Tax reporting and compliance tracking
• Communication with Equity Trust representatives

The myEQUITY system processes rollovers and transfers electronically. This eliminates much of the paperwork traditionally associated with self-directed IRA management.

Innovative Investment Tools

Equity Trust provides specialized investment wizards through myEQUITY to guide users through alternative asset purchases. These tools simplify complex investment processes for real estate, precious metals, and digital assets.

The platform includes due diligence checklists for different asset types. Users receive step-by-step guidance for compliance requirements specific to their chosen investments.

Investment Management Features:

• Asset-specific investment wizards
• Compliance verification tools
• Transaction approval workflows
• Investment opportunity marketplace access
• Portfolio diversification tracking

The Investment District marketplace connects users with curated investment opportunities. This feature expands beyond traditional self-directed IRA options by providing access to vetted alternative assets.

User Experience and Accessibility

The myEQUITY platform emphasizes ease of use through intuitive navigation and clear information presentation. New users can complete account setup online without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

Mobile accessibility allows account management from smartphones and tablets. The responsive design maintains full functionality across different screen sizes and devices.

User Support Integration:

• Live chat with investment counselors
• Educational resource library
• Video tutorials and guides
• Dedicated customer service access
• Account specialist assignments

The platform integrates educational content directly into the user experience. This approach helps investors understand alternative asset regulations and investment strategies without leaving the myEQUITY environment.

Fees, Charges, and Pricing Structure

Equity Trust uses an all-inclusive fee structure with annual fees starting at $205 for smaller accounts and a flat $225 rate for precious metals storage. The company eliminates setup fees and hidden charges that other custodians often impose.

Fee Schedule Breakdown

Equity Trust charges annual fees based on account value, with the base fee starting at $205 for accounts under certain thresholds. This represents a significant advantage over competitors who charge thousands in setup fees.

The company’s all-inclusive fee system eliminates hidden charges that plague many IRA custodians. Account holders know exactly what they will pay each year without surprise fees appearing on statements.

For precious metals accounts, Equity Institutional applies a flat annual fee of $225. This single fee covers both the annual renewal and precious metals storage costs.

Key Fee Features:

• No setup fees required
• Clear annual pricing structure
• All-inclusive model prevents hidden costs
• Fees scale with account size

Storage and Transaction Costs

The $225 annual fee for precious metals accounts includes storage costs at approved depositories. This bundled approach simplifies billing and provides cost transparency for investors.

Transaction fees apply to certain account activities beyond the annual maintenance fee. Frequent traders may see these costs add up over time, particularly those with high account balances.

Equity Trust does not charge separate storage fees on top of the annual fee for precious metals. The inclusive pricing covers secure storage at IRS-approved facilities.

Comparison With Other Custodians

Many IRA custodians require large upfront setup fees that can reach thousands of dollars. Equity Trust eliminates these initial costs entirely.

Some alternatives offer lower fees and more user-friendly platforms for cost-conscious investors. However, these competitors often add hidden charges that increase total costs.

The transparent fee structure reduces client complaints compared to companies with unclear pricing models. Clients understand their costs upfront rather than discovering surprise charges later.

Equity Trust’s flat-fee model provides predictable annual costs. This contrasts with percentage-based fee structures that increase as account values grow.

Customer Reviews, Ratings, and Reputation

Equity Trust Company receives a 3.7 out of 5 star rating based on customer feedback across multiple platforms. The company has accumulated 742 customer reviews on Trustpilot and maintains profiles on major review sites including the Better Business Bureau.

Consumer Feedback Highlights

Customer experiences with Equity Trust Company vary significantly across review platforms. Long-term customers report working with the company for over 10 years, indicating some level of customer retention.

Many clients appreciate the company’s range of investment options. The custodian allows investments in real estate, precious metals, and private equity through self-directed IRAs.

Common positive feedback centers on the variety of alternative investments available. Customers value having access to non-traditional retirement assets beyond stocks and bonds.

Negative reviews often focus on customer service issues and processing delays. Some clients report difficulties with account management and communication problems.

The company provides online account management tools and educational resources. However, customer satisfaction with these services appears mixed based on available feedback.

Better Business Bureau and Third-Party Ratings

The Better Business Bureau maintains a business profile for Equity Trust Company with customer reviews and complaint information. The BBB profile covers a three-year reporting period for most business information.

Multiple review aggregation sites track Equity Trust’s ratings across platforms including Google, BBB, Yelp, and Facebook. These ratings provide insight into customer satisfaction trends.

The company’s overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars reflects average performance in the self-directed IRA industry. This rating considers customer feedback, brand recognition, and service quality.

Review sites note that complaint patterns and company responses matter more than total complaint numbers. The nature of customer issues provides better insight into service quality.

Pros and Cons Summarized

Pros:

• Wide range of alternative investment options
• Established company with long-term customers
• Online account management tools available
• Educational resources for self-directed investing

Cons:

• Mixed customer service experiences
• Processing delays reported by some clients
• Communication issues noted in reviews
• Average industry ratings compared to competitors

The company serves both individual investors and small businesses seeking retirement portfolio diversification. Customer experiences vary widely, with some reporting satisfaction over many years while others encounter service challenges.

Who Should Consider Equity Trust?

Equity Trust serves investors who want to move beyond traditional stocks and bonds in their retirement accounts. The company works best for people who understand alternative investments and want hands-on control over their portfolio choices.

Ideal Investors and Use Cases

Alternative asset enthusiasts find Equity Trust particularly valuable for accessing non-traditional investments. Real estate investors can purchase rental properties, commercial buildings, and land through their IRA accounts.

Private equity investors use the platform to access startup companies and private business opportunities. Precious metals investors can hold gold, silver, and other metals in their retirement accounts.

Digital asset investors benefit from cryptocurrency investment options within tax-advantaged accounts. Promissory note investors can lend money and earn interest through their IRA funds.

The platform attracts investors who want direct control over their investment decisions. These individuals typically have experience with alternative investments or strong knowledge in specific asset classes.

Hands-on investors who prefer making their own investment choices rather than relying on financial advisors find the self-directed approach appealing.

Portfolio Diversification Strategies

Equity Trust enables investors to reduce risk through alternative investing strategies. Traditional retirement portfolios often focus heavily on stocks and bonds, creating concentration risk.

Real estate investments provide income through rental payments and potential appreciation. These assets often perform differently than stock market investments during economic downturns.

Precious metals serve as inflation hedges and portfolio stabilizers during market volatility. Private equity investments can offer higher returns than public market alternatives.

Investment diversification becomes more accessible when investors can hold multiple asset types within a single IRA account. This approach spreads risk across different investment categories.

Investors can combine traditional securities with alternative assets to create balanced portfolios. The tax-advantaged structure of IRAs makes this diversification strategy more effective.

Retirement Investing Goals

Retirement savers seeking tax advantages benefit from holding alternative investments in IRA accounts. Traditional and Roth IRA options provide different tax benefits for long-term wealth building.

Income-focused investors use rental properties and promissory notes to generate steady cash flow. These investments can provide regular income payments within retirement accounts.

Growth-oriented investors pursue private equity and startup investments for higher return potential. Alternative investments may offer returns that exceed traditional market performance.

Retirement investing through self-directed IRAs allows investors to use their expertise in specific fields. Real estate professionals can leverage their knowledge for retirement account growth.

The combination of tax benefits and alternative investment access makes Equity Trust attractive for serious retirement investors who want portfolio control.

Key Takeaways

Strengths

• Over 40 years of experience in self-directed IRA services.
• More than $34 billion in alternative assets under management.
• Wide range of investment options including real estate, precious metals, and digital assets.
• MyEQUITY online platform for account management.

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher fees compared to traditional IRA providers.
• No investment advice provided directly.
• Self-directed investing requires significant investor knowledge.
• Mixed customer reviews regarding service quality.

The company works best for experienced investors comfortable making their own investment decisions. New investors may find the learning curve steep without direct guidance.

Alternatives to Equity Trust

uDirect IRA Services

• Lower annual fees for smaller accounts.
• Similar alternative investment options.
• Strong customer service reputation.

Rocket Dollar

• Modern digital platform.
• Simplified account setup process.
• Focus on startup and tech investments.

Quest Trust Company

• Competitive fee structure.
• Extensive real estate investment support.
• Long-standing industry presence.

IRA Services Trust Company

• Specializes in precious metals IRAs.
• Lower minimum investment requirements.
• Streamlined precious metals purchasing process.

Future Outlook

The self-directed IRA market continues growing as investors seek portfolio diversification beyond traditional assets. Digital asset investments and cryptocurrency options are expanding rapidly across most providers.

Technology improvements will likely enhance user experience and reduce transaction times. Mobile apps and automated processes may streamline account management further.

Regulatory changes could impact alternative asset investing rules. The IRS regularly updates guidance on prohibited transactions and acceptable investments within retirement accounts.

Competition among providers may drive down fees and improve service quality. New fintech companies are entering the market with innovative platforms and lower cost structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equity Trust faces mixed reviews from customers, with ratings varying across different platforms. The company has dealt with legal challenges and regulatory issues while maintaining its status as a non-FDIC insured custodian in a competitive self-directed IRA market.

What are the common complaints mentioned in reviews of Equity Trust?

Customers report several recurring issues with Equity Trust’s services. The Better Business Bureau tracks complaints filed against the company, though specific details vary.

Common complaints include slow processing times for transactions. Many customers express frustration with customer service response times and communication delays.

Fee transparency concerns appear frequently in customer feedback. Some investors report unexpected charges or difficulty understanding the fee structure.

Account setup and documentation issues also surface regularly. Customers mention complications with opening accounts and completing required paperwork.

How does Equity Trust rate on consumer platforms like Trustpilot and BBB?

Equity Trust receives mixed ratings across consumer review platforms. Trustpilot shows 742 customer reviews with varying satisfaction levels.

The Better Business Bureau maintains a profile for Equity Trust Company. The BBB rating reflects the company’s handling of customer complaints and business practices.

Customer feedback spans a wide range of experiences. Some investors praise the company’s alternative investment options and custodial services.

Others express dissatisfaction with service quality and communication. The ratings reflect this divide in customer experiences.

What was the outcome of the Equity Trust Company lawsuit in 2019?

The 2019 lawsuit against Equity Trust involved regulatory compliance issues. The case centered on the company’s handling of prohibited transactions in self-directed IRAs.

Equity Trust reached a settlement with regulators. The company agreed to pay penalties and implement compliance improvements.

The settlement required enhanced oversight procedures. Equity Trust committed to stricter monitoring of customer transactions and investments.

No admission of wrongdoing was part of the settlement agreement. The company continued operating while implementing the required changes.

Are there any legitimate concerns about the legitimacy of Equity Trust?

Equity Trust operates as a legitimate IRS-approved custodian. The company holds proper licensing and regulatory approvals for its services.

The 2019 regulatory settlement raised compliance questions. However, the company remains authorized to provide custodial services for self-directed IRAs.

Some customers question the company’s business practices. These concerns typically relate to service quality rather than legitimacy issues.

Equity Trust maintains required regulatory standing. The company continues to serve customers under proper legal authority.

What is Equity Trust’s insurance status, specifically regarding FDIC insurance?

Equity Trust does not provide FDIC insurance coverage. The company operates as a custodian, not a traditional bank or credit union.

FDIC insurance protects deposits in banks and savings institutions. Custodial accounts holding alternative investments fall outside FDIC coverage.

Cash held in custodial accounts may have limited protection. The specific insurance coverage depends on where cash deposits are held.

Investors should understand the insurance limitations. Self-directed IRA custodians typically do not offer the same protections as traditional financial institutions.

Who are the direct competitors of Equity Trust in the industry?

Several companies compete directly with Equity Trust in self-directed IRA services. These custodians offer similar alternative investment options and custodial services.

Rocket Dollar provides self-directed retirement account services. The company focuses on alternative investments and modern technology platforms.

IRA Financial Group offers checkbook IRA services. They specialize in real estate and private investment custodial solutions.

Pensco Trust Company serves the self-directed market. The firm provides custodial services for alternative investments and retirement accounts.

New Direction Trust Company competes in the same space. They offer custodial services for real estate, precious metals, and other alternative investments.