This article is a paid partnership with AccuPlan. The content was provided by the advertiser and is published for informational purposes only. Alternative investments can be complex, illiquid and higher risk than traditional investments. Returns are not guaranteed and may vary based on market conditions and individual investments. Self-directed investment retirement accounts (IRAs) allow you…
This article is a paid partnership with AccuPlan. The content was provided by the advertiser and is published for informational purposes only. Alternative investments can be complex, illiquid and higher risk than traditional investments. Returns are not guaranteed and may vary based on market conditions and individual investments.
Self-directed investment retirement accounts (IRAs) allow you to invest in assets beyond conventional stocks, mutual funds and bonds, where your contributions can grow on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis. Alternative asset management platforms help process transactions and provide administrative support. Specialized custodians hold the actual assets in accounts, process transactions, manage cash flow, oversee recordkeeping and legal reporting, and ensure IRS compliance.
These custodians do not offer investment advice, which means you must exercise due diligence when investing in assets. Here are three alternative investment platforms for opening self-directed IRAs.
Note: It’s important to compare providers carefully and evaluate fees, structure and investment options before opening an account. Also, talk to a professional or expert if you have any questions.
1. Accuplan Benefits Services
Accuplan Benefits Services is an alternative asset management platform that caters to the unique needs of individual investors and businesses that manage client assets. Based in Riverton, Utah, this company uses a split custody-administration model. It serves as a third-party administrator that handles paperwork and compliance, while sister organization American Estate and Trust functions as the custodian.
This self-directed IRA administrator takes pride in its expertise. Most of Accuplan Benefits Services’ employees have been on staff for over 15 years, while the others have been with the team for over nine years. Such collective experience translates into vast institutional knowledge, speaking volumes about the organization’s deep familiarity with the stringent rules and regulations governing the industry.
Accuplan’s sales team will answer your call when discussing your needs before opening your account. These professionals will help you with any concerns you may have, ensuring this platform aligns with your investment goals before diversifying into a wide range of alternative assets to protect the value of your portfolio.
Accuplan Benefits Services offers customization and flexibility. It gives you considerable control over your investments, offering options that match your preferred risk tolerance and potentially generate returns.
This self-directed IRA provider’s platform API is available to businesses helping individuals explore alternative investment opportunities. Its software solution supports asset management, digitized administration, and financial capabilities such as fee collection, external account linking and dividend distribution.
Key Features
- LLC setup support across 50 states
- White labeling
- Competitive pricing
2. IRA Financial
IRA Financial is among the best alternative investment platforms with multiple custody models. The enterprise uses IRA Financial Trust Company as its custodian and gives you the option to set up an LLC for checkbook control. Alternatively, this self-directed IRA provider offers a trust structure — the first in the industry to do so.
These custody arrangements are ideal for experienced individuals who prefer a more hands-on approach when building nontraditional investment positions. Such flexibility is especially helpful for those seeking quick transaction capabilities to support aggressive investment strategies.
IRA Financial is the first self-directed IRA provider to launch a mobile app. It also has a dedicated crypto trading app called IRAfi. This service enables you to own cryptocurrencies directly and supports seamless integration with Bitstamp for secure custody. This trading app prioritizes 1:1 cold storage, meaning the physical keys to your digital assets are offline to safeguard them from online hackers.
The company only bills an annual fee. It can process your application and help you get started with your self-directed IRA in minutes without paying a one-time setup fee. IRA Financial does not charge asset value, asset purchase and transaction fees either.
The founder of IRA Financial is a tax attorney with deep knowledge of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The organization’s all-inclusive price includes compliance, reporting and tax consulting to add significant value for your money.
Key Features
- 100% focus on self-directed retirement solutions
- Broad account selection
- Online platform with full account access and management
3. Rocket Dollar
Rocket Dollar is an asset management platform that lets you fund whatever alternative investment you like. Its “bring your own deal” (BYOD) approach allows you to allocate cash to private, unconventional investment opportunities you find yourself, such as low-profile flipping projects. This ability enables you to act swiftly and close the deal when market conditions favor you, giving you more flexibility to build wealth.
The BYOD feature is available across Rocket Dollar’s Silver, Gold and Platinum. The Silver tier is perfect for one-time investments and requires all transactions to have a custodian sign-off, which takes 48 to 72 hours. The Gold and Platinum plans require no custodian review. The Gold package includes an IRA trust checkbook checking account and provides ultimate control over most types of alternative investments. The Platinum tier includes IRA trust and LLC accounts, as well as a solo 401(k) account, which is ideal for rental properties and flipping projects.
Rocket Dollar charges a one-time setup fee for whichever package you choose. Additionally, it collects a monthly fee for its IRA-as-a-service platform. The firm holds a System and Organization Controls 2 certification — an industry standard for customer data security.
This robust self-directed IRA platform allows you to invest in the alternative asset issuers and sponsors that are partners with Rocket Dollar. These third parties include AngelList Ventures, Doorvest, Energea, Field Yield, Kraken and OneGold.
Key Features
- No assets under management fees
- Predictable subscription-based pricing model
- Fast setup
The Leading Alternative Investment Platforms at a Glance
Learn about the foundation years of Accuplan Benefits Services, IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar, the alternative assets they specialize in, and their fee structures.
| Platform | Year Founded | Alternative Assets | Fee Structure |
| Accuplan Benefits Services | 1985 | Cryptocurrencies, precious metals, private debt, private equity, private placements, real estate | Flat |
| IRA Financial | 2010 | Cryptocurrencies, investment funds, precious metals, private placements, real estate, tax liens and deeds | Flat |
| Rocket Dollar | 2018 | Consumer lending notes, cryptocurrencies, foreign investments, peer-to-peer lending, pre-initial-public-offering stock purchases, precious metals, private equity, private placements, real estate, renewable energy projects | Flat |
Criteria for Choosing These Self-Directed IRA Platforms for Alternative Assets
Accuplan Benefits Services, IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar are some of the top-rated alternative investment platforms because of their transparent, simple pricing. These self-directed IRA providers can offer a healthy balance between high-touch service and digital technology.
Use an Alternative Asset Management Platform That Suits You
Accuplan Benefits Services, IRA Financial and Rocket Dollar appeal to different retirement investors. Choose a platform that offers services that match your long-term financial goals and give you access to your target investment opportunities. Learn more about each one to determine the perfect fit.
