Based on looking at the website, Trustetc.com is the online home of Equity Trust Company, a well-established financial institution specializing in self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts IRAs. This platform allows individuals to invest in a broad spectrum of assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds, including real estate, private equity, precious metals, and even cryptocurrency, all within a tax-advantaged retirement structure. The website highlights its “Universal IRA” as a core offering, aiming to provide a single, comprehensive platform for managing both traditional and alternative investments. With a reported 412,000 accounts and $70 billion in assets under custody and administration as of April 30, 2025, Equity Trust Company presents itself as a significant player in the self-directed IRA space, emphasizing its 50+ years of experience and commitment to client service. This review will dissect their offerings, operational transparency, and the overall value proposition for potential investors.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Understanding Self-Directed IRAs: The Core of Trustetc.com

Equity Trust Company, through Trustetc.com, primarily functions as a custodian for self-directed IRAs. This isn’t your average brokerage firm. it’s a specialized service that holds alternative assets within a retirement account structure. The key differentiator is the “self-directed” aspect, which means you choose the investments, not the custodian. Equity Trust’s role is to ensure these investments comply with IRS regulations for IRAs and to handle the administrative duties.

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What is a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA is a retirement account that allows investors to hold a wider range of investment products than typically permitted by traditional IRAs. While most IRAs offered by major financial institutions restrict investments to publicly traded stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, a self-directed IRA opens the door to alternative assets. This can include:

Real Estate: Direct property investments, mortgage notes, real estate limited partnerships.
Private Equity: Investments in non-publicly traded companies, venture capital.
Precious Metals: Physical gold, silver, platinum, palladium.
Cryptocurrency: Digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum though specific offerings depend on custodian and regulatory clarity.
Private Lending: Loans to individuals or businesses.

The core benefit is the ability to diversify beyond conventional markets and potentially tap into higher-growth or less correlated asset classes, all while maintaining the tax advantages of an IRA tax-deferred growth for Traditional IRAs, tax-free withdrawals in retirement for Roth IRAs.

Why Choose a Self-Directed IRA?

The motivation for venturing into self-directed IRAs often boils down to control and diversification. Investors seeking to build a truly diversified portfolio might find traditional options too restrictive. For example, if you believe in the long-term value of real estate or have a network for private lending opportunities, a self-directed IRA provides the vehicle to include these in your retirement plan.

Diversification: Reduce reliance on the stock market.
Control: Direct your own investment decisions.
Unique Opportunities: Access investments not available in traditional IRAs.
Inflation Hedge: Certain assets like real estate or precious metals can act as a hedge against inflation.

However, this freedom comes with significant responsibilities.

You, the investor, are responsible for due diligence on each investment, understanding its risks, and ensuring it complies with IRS rules regarding prohibited transactions.

Equity Trust’s Role as Custodian

Equity Trust Company, as the custodian, doesn’t provide investment advice. Their role is strictly administrative:

Holding Assets: Safely holding the alternative assets you choose.
Processing Transactions: Facilitating the purchase, sale, and transfer of assets.
Record-Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of all account activities.
IRS Reporting: Filing necessary reports with the IRS e.g., Form 5498, Form 1099-R.
Compliance: Ensuring your investments adhere to IRS rules for self-directed IRAs.

They are a “directed custodian,” meaning they act on your instructions. This is crucial because it differentiates them from advisory firms. The onus of investment selection and risk management remains squarely on the account holder.

The Equity Universal IRA™: A Closer Look

Trustetc.com heavily promotes its Equity Universal IRA™, positioning it as a cutting-edge solution for modern investors. The promise is to simplify the management of diverse assets, bringing both traditional and alternative investments under one roof.

What is the Universal IRA™?

The Universal IRA™ aims to be a single, comprehensive platform where clients can hold a wide array of investment types, from real estate to cryptocurrencies, alongside more conventional assets like stocks and mutual funds. Bluebanana.com Reviews

The website states, “Manage your traditional and alternative investments, all from one convenient platform.” This suggests an integrated experience designed to streamline portfolio management for those with varied holdings.

Integrated Platform: Aims to combine traditional and alternative assets.
Streamlined Management: One login, one statement for diverse investments.
Simplified Reporting: Consolidated tax reporting for varied asset classes.

The vision is clear: remove the friction often associated with managing multiple custodians for different asset types.

For an investor with a self-directed IRA holding real estate and also a traditional brokerage account, the Universal IRA™ proposes to merge these experiences.

Key Features and Benefits

The website highlights several features that underscore the Universal IRA™’s value proposition:

Nearly Limitless Options: The ability to invest in a broad spectrum of assets including real estate, private lending, private equity, futures/forex, cryptocurrency, precious metals, and traditional stocks/bonds/ETFs. This breadth is a significant draw for sophisticated investors.
Technology and Tools: While details are somewhat general, the site mentions providing “the tools and technology you need.” This implies an online portal for managing accounts, viewing statements, and initiating transactions.
Investment District Marketplace: This is an intriguing feature, described as an “online listing of available platforms and providers in the cryptocurrency, lending, private equity/crowdfunding, and turnkey real estate asset classes.” This acts as a potential lead generation tool for investors seeking alternative investment opportunities, though Equity Trust clarifies they do not endorse or recommend these specific investments. It’s a directory, not an advisory service.
IRA Counselor Access: The website repeatedly encourages users to “Schedule a call with an IRA Counselor” for questions. This personal touch can be valuable for navigating the complexities of self-directed investing.

The concept of a “Universal IRA” is essentially an enhanced self-directed IRA, leveraging technology to make the management of diverse and often illiquid assets more accessible and efficient.

How It Integrates Traditional and Alternative Assets

The “Universal” aspect suggests a higher level of integration than a standard self-directed IRA custodian.

While a typical self-directed IRA custodian might only hold the alternative assets, Equity Trust’s Universal IRA™ seems to imply the ability to link with brokerage accounts for traditional assets, allowing a consolidated view.

For example, an investor might hold a deed to a rental property in their Universal IRA alongside shares of a publicly traded stock, all managed via a single platform.

This is a significant convenience if executed well, reducing administrative overhead and providing a holistic view of one’s retirement portfolio.

The website mentions purchasing traditional assets “available via a linked brokerage account – all on one platform,” which confirms this integration capability. Iqbroker.com Reviews

Fee Structure and Transparency on Trustetc.com

One of the critical factors in evaluating any financial service is its fee structure.

For self-directed IRAs, fees can vary significantly based on asset complexity, transaction volume, and account value. Transparency in this area is paramount.

Understanding the Fee Schedule

Trustetc.com explicitly mentions a “Fee Schedule” under its “Resources” section.

This is a positive sign, indicating that fees are disclosed and accessible.

For services like self-directed IRA custodianship, fees typically include:

Setup Fees: A one-time charge to establish the account.
Annual Custodial Fees: A recurring fee, often tiered based on asset value or a flat rate.
Transaction Fees: Charges for specific actions like purchasing or selling assets, processing payments, or distributing funds.
Asset-Specific Fees: Additional charges for holding certain types of alternative assets e.g., real estate fees for property titling, valuations, or tax payments.
Checkbook IRA LLC Fees: If you opt for a Checkbook IRA LLC where the IRA owns an LLC and the LLC holds the assets, giving you direct checkbook control, there are additional setup and annual fees for the LLC itself.

The website’s mention of “Account Fee Schedule” suggests a comprehensive document outlining these various charges. It is crucial for prospective clients to download and thoroughly review this document as these fees can impact overall investment returns, particularly for smaller account balances or illiquid assets.

Importance of Fee Transparency

In the world of financial services, hidden fees can erode returns.

Equity Trust’s direct mention of a Fee Schedule is a good practice. However, the true test of transparency lies in:

Clarity: Is the fee schedule easy to understand, or is it riddled with jargon and complex calculations?
Completeness: Does it cover all potential charges an investor might incur, or are there “surprise” fees?
Accessibility: Is it readily available on the website without having to jump through hoops or call a representative?

A transparent fee structure builds trust and allows investors to accurately project their costs.

Given the complexity of alternative assets, specific fees for handling deeds, tax reporting for K-1s from private equity, or crypto transactions can add up. Kumabikes.com Reviews

How Fees Compare to the Industry

Without direct access to the full fee schedule, a precise comparison is difficult.

However, typically, self-directed IRA custodians tend to have higher fees than traditional brokerage firms due to the increased administrative burden and specialized knowledge required for handling alternative assets.

Basic Custody: Annual fees might range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the asset value.
Transaction Costs: Can be flat fees per transaction or a percentage.
Ancillary Services: Fees for wires, expedited processing, or specific asset compliance checks.

Investors should compare Equity Trust’s fees with other reputable self-directed IRA custodians, considering their specific investment strategy and anticipated transaction volume.

For example, if you plan to make many small, frequent alternative investments, transaction fees could become a significant factor.

Conversely, for a large, single real estate holding, the annual custodial fee might be more important.

Regulatory Oversight & Security Measures

When entrusting a financial institution with significant retirement assets, understanding their regulatory compliance and security protocols is non-negotiable.

Trustetc.com addresses this directly under its “About Us” section.

Equity Trust Company’s Regulatory Status

Equity Trust Company is a financial institution, and as such, it operates under regulatory scrutiny.

The website mentions “Regulatory Oversight & Security” as a key aspect of their operations.

As a custodian for IRAs, they are typically regulated by state banking authorities and are subject to oversight by the IRS concerning IRA rules. Fastenere.com Reviews

IRS Approved Custodian: The website explicitly states, “The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983.” This longevity and IRS approval are critical validations.
FINRA/SIPC Membership for brokerage services: The website also mentions “Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA.” This is important. While Equity Trust Company itself is a directed custodian, their affiliate ETC Brokerage Services handles the traditional stock/bond/ETF side, and its FINRA/SIPC membership provides an additional layer of investor protection for those specific assets, insuring client securities up to $500,000. It’s crucial to understand the distinction: the SIPC insurance covers securities held at the brokerage, not necessarily the alternative assets held directly by the custodian.

This multi-faceted regulatory environment indicates that Equity Trust Company operates within established financial frameworks, providing a level of assurance to clients.

Security Protocols and Data Protection

While Trustetc.com doesn’t go into exhaustive detail on specific encryption standards or network security protocols which is common for public-facing sites, it implies robust measures are in place to protect client data and assets.

Digital Security: Mentions of “myEQUITY” and “Investment Portal” suggest a secure online environment for managing accounts. These platforms should ideally utilize industry-standard encryption SSL/TLS, multi-factor authentication MFA, and regular security audits.
Physical Security: For physical assets like precious metals or original deeds, custodians typically employ secure storage facilities, often third-party vaults, with stringent access controls and insurance.
Data Privacy: A “Privacy Policy” is linked, which should detail how client data is collected, stored, used, and protected, adhering to relevant privacy regulations.

For prospective clients, it’s always advisable to inquire further about specific security measures, especially concerning online access and the safeguarding of alternative assets, which may not be covered by traditional FDIC or SIPC insurance.

For example, direct real estate investments are secured by the property itself, not by custodial insurance.

BBB Rating and Client Reviews

The website proudly displays a “BBB Rating: A+” and highlights that they were rated the “Best Self-Directed IRA Company 2020-2025” and “Best Self-Directed IRA for Private Equity, Precious Metals 2024.” They also cite “Read Our 3,035 Reviews” with an average rating of 4.3 though it’s unclear if this is BBB or another platform. These external validations offer a glance at their public reputation.

Better Business Bureau BBB: An A+ rating from the BBB indicates that the company has a strong record of responding to and resolving customer complaints. It’s a general measure of business reliability and customer service.
Awards: Industry awards, while often self-nominated or sponsored, can reflect recognition within the self-directed IRA niche.
Client Testimonials: The website features several positive client testimonials “Simple and easy,” “True professionals,” “Flawlessly executed”. While curated by the company, they provide anecdotal evidence of positive experiences.

It’s important to remember that these are snapshots.

For a comprehensive view, potential clients should also check independent review sites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and financial forums to get a broader, unfiltered perspective on customer experiences, including any recurring issues or complaints.

Common complaints for self-directed IRA custodians often revolve around slow transaction processing, complex fee structures, or difficulty reaching customer support.

Client Support and Resources on Trustetc.com

A critical aspect of any financial service, especially one as specialized as self-directed IRAs, is the quality and accessibility of client support and educational resources.

Trustetc.com seems to place a strong emphasis on providing ample information and ways to connect. Africanjoyflix.com Reviews

Accessibility of Support Channels

The website provides multiple avenues for clients and prospective clients to get in touch:

Phone Number: A prominent phone number 888 841-7510 is listed with operating hours Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm ET. This direct line is crucial for urgent inquiries.
Schedule a Discovery Call/IRA Counselor: Throughout the site, there are repeated calls to action to “Schedule a call with an IRA Counselor” or a “Discovery Call.” This personalized consultation approach suggests a commitment to guiding individuals through the self-directed IRA process.
Contact Us Form: A standard online contact form is available for general inquiries.
myEQUITY Login: For existing clients, myEQUITY is presented as the primary portal for managing accounts, checking status updates, and submitting requests. This self-service option is vital for efficiency.

The range of contact points, from direct phone support to scheduled consultations and self-service portals, indicates a multi-channel approach to client support.

For a service dealing with complex financial instruments, the ability to speak directly with a knowledgeable representative is often preferred over solely relying on email or chat.

Educational Resources for Investors

Given the complexity of self-directed IRAs and alternative investments, robust educational resources are essential.

Trustetc.com offers a dedicated “Resources” section, which includes:

Blog: Regularly updated articles covering various aspects of self-directed IRAs, investment strategies, and market insights. A blog can be a valuable source of practical, actionable information.
Investor Education: This likely includes guides, articles, and explanations of different investment types and IRA rules.
Master Academy: Suggests a more structured learning environment, potentially with courses or in-depth modules on specific investment strategies or compliance.
Case Studies: Real-world examples of how clients have utilized self-directed IRAs, providing practical insights and inspiration.
Video Library: A visual learning resource that can simplify complex topics and make information more engaging.
Events: Listings of webinars, seminars, or workshops, indicating opportunities for direct engagement and deeper learning.

The breadth of these resources is impressive and suggests a commitment to investor empowerment.

For individuals new to self-directed investing, this educational content can be instrumental in building confidence and understanding the intricacies of the process.

Client Help Center and FAQs

Beyond general resources, a “Client Help Center” and potentially a comprehensive FAQ section are crucial for addressing common queries.

While the website mentions a “Client Help Center,” specific details on its content e.g., searchable database, common issues are not immediately apparent on the homepage.

A robust help center can significantly reduce the need for direct customer support, allowing clients to quickly find answers to their questions. Earthingharmony.com Reviews

The more comprehensive the FAQ section, the better the user experience will be for those seeking quick answers without needing to contact support directly.

The Investment District: A Gateway to Alternative Assets

One of the more innovative features highlighted on Trustetc.com is the Investment District Marketplace. This platform aims to connect self-directed IRA holders with potential investment opportunities within the alternative asset space.

What is the Investment District?

The Investment District is described as an “online listing of available platforms and providers in the cryptocurrency, lending, private equity/crowdfunding, and turnkey real estate asset classes.” Essentially, it acts as a curated directory or marketplace where clients can explore various alternative investment opportunities compatible with their self-directed IRAs.

Curated Directory: Not just a random list, but presumably a collection of pre-vetted though not endorsed platforms and providers.
Diverse Asset Classes: Focuses on key alternative asset categories like real estate, private lending, private equity, crowdfunding, and cryptocurrency.
Connection Point: Bridges the gap between investors seeking opportunities and platforms offering them.

It’s important to reiterate the disclaimer: Equity Trust Company, as a directed custodian, does not provide investment advice or recommendations. The Investment District is a facilitation tool, not an advisory one. Investors are still responsible for their own due diligence on any opportunity found through this marketplace.

Types of Investments Featured

The Investment District focuses on several high-growth and often less liquid alternative asset classes:

Real Estate: This could include platforms for fractional ownership, real estate crowdfunding, or direct property investment opportunities. “Turnkey real estate” suggests properties ready for investment and potentially generating income.
Private Lending: Platforms connecting lenders with borrowers, often for secured loans like mortgage notes or business loans.
Private Equity/Crowdfunding: Opportunities to invest in private companies, startups, or specific projects through equity or debt crowdfunding models.
Cryptocurrency: Providers allowing IRA holders to gain exposure to digital assets, likely through direct holding or trusts.

The inclusion of these diverse options within a curated marketplace is a significant value add for investors who might otherwise struggle to find compliant alternative investment avenues for their IRA.

Importance of Due Diligence

While the Investment District provides a convenient starting point, the responsibility for due diligence remains solely with the investor.

Equity Trust Company explicitly states it does not recommend investments.

Therefore, before committing funds to any opportunity found on the Investment District, investors should:

Research the Platform/Provider: Investigate the track record, fees, and regulatory compliance of the third-party platform.
Understand the Investment: Thoroughly review the investment’s terms, risks, potential returns, and exit strategy.
Consult Professionals: Seek advice from independent financial advisors, tax attorneys, or real estate experts who specialize in alternative investments.
Verify Compliance: Ensure the investment structure is compliant with IRS rules for self-directed IRAs.

The Investment District is a tool to simplify the discovery of opportunities, not to bypass the rigorous due diligence required for alternative asset investing. It’s a resource, not a guarantee. Skydo.com Reviews

Comparing Equity Trust to Other Self-Directed IRA Custodians

The self-directed IRA market has several players, each with its own strengths and nuances.

To properly evaluate Trustetc.com, it’s helpful to consider how Equity Trust Company stacks up against its competitors.

Key Differentiators

Based on the website’s content, several points differentiate Equity Trust:

Longevity and Scale: With over 50 years in financial services and $70 billion in assets under custody, Equity Trust is one of the largest and most established players in the self-directed IRA space. This scale can translate to more robust technology, more experienced staff, and greater stability.
Universal IRA™ Concept: The emphasis on consolidating traditional and alternative assets under one platform is a significant competitive advantage if executed effectively. Many custodians specialize solely in alternatives, requiring investors to manage multiple IRA accounts.
Investment District: This marketplace is a unique value-add, acting as a curated resource for finding alternative investment opportunities. While not an advisory service, it streamlines the discovery process.
Comprehensive Educational Resources: The Master Academy, case studies, video library, and blog suggest a strong commitment to investor education, which is crucial for this complex niche.

These differentiators aim to simplify a traditionally complex and fragmented investment approach, offering a more holistic experience.

Common Areas of Comparison

When comparing self-directed IRA custodians, investors typically look at:

Fees: As discussed, this is a major factor. Some custodians have flat fees, others tiered based on asset value or transaction frequency.
Allowed Investments: While most allow real estate, crypto, and private equity, the specific breadth can vary. Some might have more restrictions or special requirements for certain asset types.
Customer Service: Responsiveness, knowledge of staff, and ease of communication are vital.
Technology Platform: The user interface, ease of transaction initiation, reporting capabilities, and overall digital experience.
Processing Times: How quickly transactions are processed, from funding to investment execution. Delays can impact investment opportunities.
Reputation and Reviews: Beyond the company’s own site, independent reviews and professional ratings provide a more balanced perspective.
Expertise in Specific Assets: Some custodians might be particularly strong in real estate, others in private equity or crypto.

Equity Trust’s stated commitment to “500+ Associates” and “2.5M+ Transactions Per Year” suggests a capacity for handling high volumes, which is a positive indicator for processing times.

Who is Equity Trust Best Suited For?

Based on its offerings, Equity Trust Company appears to be well-suited for:

Experienced Investors: Those who understand the risks of alternative investments and are comfortable conducting their own due diligence.
Diversification Seekers: Investors looking to expand their retirement portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds into real estate, private equity, or crypto.
High-Net-Worth Individuals: While not exclusively for the wealthy, the fees associated with self-directed IRAs and the nature of alternative investments often make them more appealing to those with larger account balances.
Investors Valuing Consolidated Management: Those who appreciate the idea of managing both traditional and alternative assets from a single platform.
Individuals Seeking Educational Support: The extensive resources cater to those who want to deepen their understanding of self-directed investing.

It’s less suited for novice investors who prefer hands-off management or those seeking investment advice directly from their custodian.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While Trustetc.com presents a compelling case for Equity Trust Company, it’s crucial to consider potential drawbacks and complexities inherent in self-directed IRAs.

No service is without its caveats, and understanding these can help set realistic expectations. Hillarys.ie Reviews

Complexity of Alternative Investments

The very allure of self-directed IRAs—the ability to invest in alternative assets—is also its greatest challenge.

These investments are inherently more complex than buying a stock or a mutual fund.

Due Diligence Burden: Unlike publicly traded securities with readily available financial statements and analyst reports, alternative investments often require significant independent research. You are responsible for vetting the investment, the promoter, and understanding all associated risks.
Illiquidity: Many alternative assets, especially real estate and private equity, are illiquid. You cannot easily sell them and convert them to cash quickly without potentially incurring significant losses. This can be a major issue if you need access to your retirement funds in the short term.
Valuation Challenges: Valuing private investments can be difficult and subjective, making it harder to track performance accurately or determine fair market value for reporting purposes.
Lack of Public Information: Information on private deals is often limited, relying heavily on the issuer’s disclosures.

Equity Trust provides the vehicle, but you are the driver. The responsibility for navigating this complexity rests entirely with the investor.

IRS Rules and Prohibited Transactions

Self-directed IRAs come with a strict set of IRS rules to maintain their tax-advantaged status.

Violating these rules can lead to severe penalties, including the disqualification of the IRA and immediate taxation of its assets, potentially with additional penalties.

Prohibited Transactions: The IRS defines certain transactions that are forbidden between an IRA and a “disqualified person” e.g., the IRA owner, their spouse, ascendants, descendants, or any entity they control. This includes:
- Self-Dealing: Using IRA assets for personal benefit or to directly or indirectly benefit a disqualified person. For example, buying a rental property with IRA funds and then living in it, or having your IRA buy a property from yourself.
- Lending to Disqualified Persons: Your IRA cannot lend money to you, your family, or entities you control.
- Providing Services to Disqualified Persons: Your IRA cannot pay you for managing its assets.
Unrelated Business Taxable Income UBTI/UBIT: Certain business activities conducted within an IRA, such as actively running a business or borrowing money to acquire assets debt-financed property, can generate UBTI/UBIT, which is taxable even within the IRA. This requires filing a separate Form 990-T.

Equity Trust Company, as the custodian, will alert you to obvious prohibited transactions, but the ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the account holder. Ignorance of the rules is not a defense.

Customer Service and Processing Speed

While the website boasts a large number of associates and transactions, reviews for any large financial institution can often reveal challenges related to customer service and processing speeds.

Response Times: While multiple contact methods are available, actual response times for complex inquiries or transaction processing can sometimes be slower than anticipated, especially given the manual nature of handling certain alternative assets.
Paperwork and Documentation: Alternative investments often involve more paperwork and documentation than traditional investments. This can lead to delays if forms are incomplete or incorrect.
Communication Gaps: Issues can arise from miscommunication between the client, the investment sponsor, and the custodian, potentially slowing down transactions.

Prospective clients should read independent reviews to get a sense of current client experiences regarding these operational aspects.

The “Universal IRA” in Practice

While the concept of the “Universal IRA” is compelling, its practical execution and the seamlessness of integrating diverse assets are key.

Brokerage Linking: The website mentions linking to a brokerage account for traditional assets. The functionality and ease of this integration, including consolidated reporting, would be crucial for the promised “single platform” experience.
User Interface: A platform designed to manage such diverse assets needs an intuitive and robust user interface. Complexities in navigation or reporting could undermine the “convenience” aspect.
Cost Efficiency of Consolidation: While convenient, ensure that the consolidated approach doesn’t inadvertently lead to higher overall fees compared to holding distinct accounts with specialized providers.

Ultimately, while Trustetc.com presents a strong case for Equity Trust Company as a leading self-directed IRA custodian, individuals must approach it with a clear understanding of the responsibilities, complexities, and potential challenges inherent in managing alternative investments within a retirement account. Due diligence is not just recommended. it’s essential. Bigwantsyourcar.com Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trustetc.com a legitimate company?

Yes, based on checking the website, Trustetc.com is the online presence for Equity Trust Company, a legitimate and well-established financial institution that has been in operation for over 50 years, specializing in self-directed IRAs.

What is Equity Trust Company?

Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian that allows individuals to invest in a wide range of alternative assets, such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency, within a tax-advantaged retirement account like a Self-Directed IRA.

A Self-Directed IRA is a retirement account that gives the account holder control over investment decisions and allows them to invest in a broader array of assets, including alternative investments, beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What is the Equity Universal IRA™?

The Equity Universal IRA™ is Equity Trust Company’s flagship offering designed to allow investors to manage both traditional and alternative investments from a single, convenient platform, aiming to simplify portfolio management.

Can I invest in real estate with Trustetc.com?

Yes, Equity Trust Company specializes in facilitating real estate investments within a self-directed IRA, allowing clients to purchase properties, mortgage notes, or participate in real estate crowdfunding.

Does Equity Trust Company provide investment advice?

No, Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and explicitly states that it does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice.

Account holders are responsible for their own investment decisions and due diligence.

Is Equity Trust Company regulated?

Yes, Equity Trust Company is an IRS-approved custodian and is subject to regulatory oversight.

Their affiliate, ETC Brokerage Services, is a member of FINRA and SIPC for traditional brokerage accounts.

What is the BBB rating for Equity Trust Company?

Based on the website, Equity Trust Company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau BBB. Jadedldn.com Reviews

How much does Trustetc.com cost?

Trustetc.com Equity Trust Company has a fee schedule that includes setup fees, annual custodial fees, and transaction-based fees.

The exact costs depend on the account type, asset value, and transaction volume. You should review their full fee schedule.

What is the Investment District Marketplace?

The Investment District Marketplace is a feature on Trustetc.com that lists platforms and providers offering alternative investment opportunities e.g., cryptocurrency, private lending, real estate compatible with self-directed IRAs.

How do I open an account with Equity Trust Company?

The website indicates that opening an account involves a simple 3-step process: Open a Universal IRA, transfer funds, and then purchase alternative or traditional investments.

You can start online or schedule a call with an IRA counselor.

Are my assets insured with Equity Trust Company?

Traditional brokerage assets held through ETC Brokerage Services are covered by SIPC insurance.

However, alternative assets held directly by the custodian like real estate or private equity are typically not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance, as their value is tied to the underlying asset itself.

What types of IRAs does Equity Trust Company offer?

Equity Trust Company offers a variety of self-directed IRA types, including Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, CESA Coverdell ESA, HSA, Solo 401k, Roth Solo 401k, SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA.

Can I invest in cryptocurrency with an Equity Trust IRA?

Yes, Equity Trust Company facilitates cryptocurrency investments within a self-directed IRA, typically through approved providers listed on their Investment District.

How long has Equity Trust Company been in business?

Equity Trust Company has been in financial services for over 50 years, with its predecessor business established in 1974 and IRS approval as a custodian granted in 1983. Rileyscooters.com Reviews

What is myEQUITY login?

MyEQUITY is the online client portal for existing Equity Trust Company clients to manage their accounts, view status updates, submit new requests, and access up-to-date information.

What educational resources does Trustetc.com offer?

Trustetc.com offers a robust set of educational resources including a blog, investor education guides, a Master Academy, case studies, a video library, and event listings webinars, seminars.

What is a Checkbook IRA LLC?

A Checkbook IRA LLC is a self-directed IRA structure where the IRA owns a limited liability company LLC, and the IRA owner acts as the manager of the LLC, gaining direct “checkbook control” over the IRA’s investments. Equity Trust facilitates this setup.

Who owns Equity Trust Company?

The website states that Equity Trust Company is headquartered at 1 Equity Way, Westlake, OH 44145. It is a private company.

Does Equity Trust Company handle 1031 Exchanges?

Yes, the website lists “1031 Exchange” as one of the services offered under “What We Offer,” indicating they can facilitate this type of tax-deferred real estate transaction within an IRA.

Trustetc.com Reviews