What is Equity Trust Company?

Equity Trust Company is a leading self-directed IRA custodian based in Westlake, Ohio. Founded in 1974, it manages about $70 billion in assets and offers a wide range of investment options, including traditional assets (stocks, bonds) and alternatives like real estate, private equity, precious metals, and cryptocurrency. The company serves over 400,000 accounts and is known for its Equity Universal IRA® and long-standing industry experience.[1][3][6][7]

How do I get started with Equity Trust?

To get started, select the account type that fits your needs, open and fund your IRA, and then begin investing in your chosen assets. The process includes account setup, funding via transfer or rollover, and access to the myEQUITY online platform for managing investments.[1][4]

What are the fees at Equity Trust Company?

Equity Trust charges fees based on account value, including setup, annual maintenance, and transaction fees. Many clients report that fees can be higher than some competitors, and there may be additional charges for specific services or transactions. It is important to review the full fee schedule to understand potential costs.[1][5][6][7]

Is Equity Trust Company reputable?

Equity Trust has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and over 50 years of experience. It is considered reputable, but user reviews are mixed, with some praising its educational resources and security, while others cite issues with customer service and fees.[1][5][6][7]

What are common complaints about Equity Trust?

Common complaints include long hold times for customer service, delays in fund transfers, high or unexpected fees, and occasional platform glitches. Some users have also reported difficulties obtaining tax documents and inconsistent responses from representatives.[1][5][6]

Are there alternatives to Equity Trust Company?

Yes, there are alternatives that may offer lower fees and more user-friendly platforms. Investors are encouraged to compare providers to find the best fit for their needs, especially if cost or customer service is a priority.[1][6][7]

Equity Trust Company Review

Q: What types of accounts does Equity Trust offer?

Equity Trust offers various self-directed retirement accounts, including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (CESAs). Each account type supports both traditional and alternative investments.[1][4]

Q: What investment options are available with Equity Trust?

Clients can invest in a broad array of assets, such as real estate, private equity, precious metals, digital currencies, private lending, futures, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more. This flexibility allows for significant portfolio diversification.[1][3][6][7]

Q: How does Equity Trust ensure the security of my investments?

Equity Trust employs advanced security measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect client information. Assets are held in compliance with IRS regulations, and the company offers educational resources to help clients safeguard their investments.[1][6][7]

Saturday, July 19th 2025

Wondering if Equity Trust Company is the right custodian for your self-directed IRA? In this article, we’ll explore what makes Equity Trust unique, the range of investment options they offer, and real user experiences. Get the insights you need to make an informed decision.

► Key Takeaways

Equity Trust Company provides a self-directed IRA service that allows a wide array of investments, including traditional assets and alternatives like real estate and cryptocurrency.

The company has a long-standing history and strong customer support, but user experiences vary significantly, with feedback indicating problems such as long hold times and high fees.

While Equity Trust is well-regarded for its diverse offerings and knowledgeable service, potential investors should carefully evaluate its fee structure and compare alternatives to ensure the best value.

Table of Contents

► Introducing Equity Trust Company

Equity Trust Company, headquartered in Westlake, OH, has carved out a significant niche in the self-directed IRA market as a self directed ira company. Key highlights include:

Offers a unique product known as the Equity Universal IRA®, which supports both traditional and alternative investments.

Manages around $70 billion in assets.

Oversees 412,000 accounts.

Handles 2.5 million transactions annually, showcasing its capacity to manage a high volume of financial activities efficiently.

One of the standout features of Equity Trust is its allowance for a diverse range of investments. From traditional assets like stocks and bonds to alternative investments such as real estate and precious metals, the platform caters to a wide array of investor needs. The platform’s flexibility attracts investors aiming to diversify beyond conventional options. With over 500 associates, Equity Trust is well-prepared to offer solid customer support, an important aspect of any financial service. Additionally, equity trust’s diverse offerings make it a compelling choice for those looking to expand their portfolios.

The Equity Universal IRA® is designed to offer maximum investment flexibility and control, making it an attractive option for both new and seasoned investors. For those investing in real estate, private equity, or digital currencies, Equity Trust offers the necessary tools and resources for navigating these complex markets.

However, we will test the company’s bold claims by examining its offerings and user experiences more closely.

► Target Audience and Unique Selling Points

Equity Trust Company, founded in 1974, has a long-standing history in financial services, and it has operated as a self-directed IRA custodian since 1983. With over 50 years of experience, Equity Trust has established itself as a significant player in the industry, further solidified by its acquisition of Midland Trust. This extensive experience is a major selling point for potential investors seeking a reliable and knowledgeable partner in their financial journey.

The company allows investors to diversify into various alternative asset classes, including:

Real estate

Private equity

Digital currencies

Precious metals

This wide range of investment options is particularly appealing to those looking to broaden their investment horizons beyond traditional assets. The inclusion of precious metals and digital currencies is a notable feature, catering to the growing interest in Augusta Precious Metals and these asset classes.

Moreover, Equity Trust has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which speaks volumes about its commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality. This rating is a strong indicator of the company’s reliability and trustworthiness, making it an attractive option for investors.

However, these claims need critical examination to see how they hold up in practice, which we expect will be explored in the following sections to find the helpful access wait request respond answer.

► Getting Started with Equity Trust

To start with Equity Trust, choose the account type that aligns with your investment needs. The company offers various account types, including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s. This variety ensures that investors can find a solution tailored to their specific retirement planning goals. Initially, you need to open and fund an IRA to start investing.

The account setup process is relatively straightforward. After opening your IRA, you can transfer funds to your new account. With funds in place, you can begin purchasing alternative investments or traditional assets via a linked brokerage account. This seamless integration of alternative and traditional investment options is one of Equity Trust’s significant advantages, especially when assets are transferred efficiently.

Investor education and security are also top priorities for Equity Trust. The platform provides a wealth of educational resources, such as webinars and tutorials, to help investors navigate the investment process. Advanced security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication are employed to protect clients’ personal information. These features provide a strong foundation for investors to start their journey with confidence.

► Platform Design and Usability

The myEQUITY platform is the cornerstone of Equity Trust’s service offering, enabling users to efficiently manage their self-directed IRAs. Designed to be accessible across multiple devices, the platform allows investors to monitor their accounts and initiate transactions from their smartphones and tablets. This accessibility is crucial for investors who need to manage their portfolios on the go.

Despite its user-friendly features, such as online bill pay, the myEQUITY platform has received mixed reviews regarding its online account functionality. While some users appreciate the convenience and functionality, others have reported difficulties due to a steep learning curve, particularly those unfamiliar with self-directed IRAs. The platform’s performance can also be slow at times, and its navigation is sometimes complicated, affecting overall user satisfaction.

Feedback shows a divide between users who find the platform intuitive and those who struggle with its complexities. This inconsistency suggests that while the platform has many strengths, it may not suit everyone. As we move forward, we’ll explore how these usability issues impact the overall investment experience with Equity Trust.

► Investment Options and Flexibility

Equity Trust stands out for its extensive range of investment options, offering services for investing in diverse asset classes such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency. This variety significantly attracts IRA investors aiming to diversify beyond traditional assets. The ability to invest in alternative assets like private lending, futures, and stocks further enhances the platform’s flexibility.

Real estate investments are prominently featured as a major option for self-directed IRA holders. Additionally, the inclusion of precious metals allows investors to diversify within their retirement portfolios. For those interested in digital assets, Equity Trust supports investments in cryptocurrency, appealing to a new generation of investors.

According to Investopedia, Equity Trust’s reputation as a leading custodian for self-directed IRAs is well-deserved. The platform’s wealth-building potential is optimized through diverse investment options and integrated educational resources. Such flexibility makes it an appealing choice for individual investors and financial professionals alike.

However, like any investment platform, evaluating how these options perform in real-life scenarios is crucial, and many investors have realized this importance.

► Real-Life Performance and User Experience

One of the major advantages of Equity Trust is its strong customer service support, which is often highlighted by clients. Many users value the company’s educational resources, which assist them in making informed investment decisions. However, not all user experiences are positive. Some clients have reported long hold times when attempting to reach customer service, often exceeding 30 minutes.

Users have encountered several issues, including:

Long hold times

Delays in returning IRA funds

Difficulties obtaining necessary tax forms like the 1099-R

Inconsistent responses from representatives

Unprofessional fund returns

Such experiences have led to distrust in the fee structure and overall service quality.

Despite these challenges, Equity Trust’s reputation for customer service remains generally positive, though some alternatives may offer quicker customer response times. The mixed feedback highlights the importance of conducting thorough research and considering all aspects before committing to an IRA provider.

► Fees and Charges Analysis

The fee structure at Equity Trust is based on account value, which can significantly impact the overall investment value. Many customers express dissatisfaction with the high fees charged by Equity Trust compared to competitors. Unexpected fees incurred while withdrawing funds, including storage fees, have also been reported.

Clients have noted that there are multiple fees associated with different services, leading to a perception of being charged at every stage of the transaction process. Changes to the fee structure without prior notification or consent have further added to user dissatisfaction. These issues underscore the importance of understanding the fee schedule and paying attention to potential hidden charges.

While Equity Trust provides a robust service, the comparison with other self-directed IRA providers reveals significant differences in pricing and features. Investors should carefully weigh these factors to determine the best value for their investment needs.

► Overall Value and Alternatives

Evaluating the overall value of Equity Trust’s services requires considering both benefits and potential drawbacks. The extensive experience and diverse investment options offered by Equity Trust are significant advantages. However, some users have reported challenges in the efficiency of transactions and responsiveness of customer service, highlighting potential weaknesses in the user experience.

Some alternatives to Equity Trust offer lower fees and more user-friendly platforms, providing potential benefits for cost-conscious investors. The fee structure of Equity Trust can vary, and potential hidden charges may affect the overall value for money. Therefore, comparing different providers and choosing one that best aligns with your investment goals and budget is crucial.

Ultimately, while Equity Trust provides a comprehensive and flexible platform for self-directed IRAs, it has its flaws. Potential investors should weigh the strengths and weaknesses carefully to determine if it meets their specific needs.

Equity Trust Company Ratings on Consumer Review Sites

► Customer Feedback and Final Thoughts

Customer feedback on Equity Trust is mixed, with over 426 reviews on TrustPilot resulting in a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Many customers report positive experiences, citing ease in bill payments and courteous service. However, there are also negative reviews highlighting poor service, long hold times, and lack of updates from the customer service team.

Despite mixed feedback, some interactions are noted for being prompt and courteous. However, the absence of live chat support limits immediate assistance, which some customers find frustrating. This mix of positive and negative reviews underscores the importance of conducting thorough research and considering all aspects before choosing an IRA provider.

In conclusion, while Equity Trust offers a robust platform with diverse investment options, potential investors should be aware of the challenges reported by some users. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make a more informed decision about whether Equity Trust aligns with your investment goals.

Summary

In summary, Equity Trust Company provides a comprehensive platform for self-directed IRAs, offering a wide range of investment options and robust educational resources. However, potential investors should be aware of the mixed user experiences, particularly concerning customer service and fees. By considering all aspects and conducting thorough research, you can make an informed decision that best suits your investment needs. Remember, the key to successful investing is not just choosing the right platform, but staying informed and proactive in your financial journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of accounts does Equity Trust offer?

Equity Trust provides a range of account options, including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s, catering to diverse investment needs.

What investment options are available with Equity Trust?

Equity Trust provides various investment options such as real estate, private equity, digital currencies, and precious metals. This diverse range allows investors to tailor their portfolios according to their preferences.

What are the common complaints about Equity Trust’s services?

Common complaints about Equity Trust’s services involve long wait times for customer service, unexpected fees, and challenges with fund withdrawals.

How does Equity Trust ensure the security of my investments?

Equity Trust ensures the security of investments through advanced measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication, safeguarding clients’ personal information effectively.

Are there any alternatives to Equity Trust?

Yes, alternatives to Equity Trust exist that provide lower fees and user-friendly platforms, making them suitable for cost-conscious investors. Consider exploring these options to find the best fit for your investment needs.

Other Great Gold IRA Deals available for July 2025

Christopher Horne

Editor , Rare Metal Blog

https://www.raremetalblog.com/about/

metalblograre@gmail.com