What irafinancial.com does

IRA Financial is a privately held, founder-led US self-directed retirement account custodian serving individual investors, self-employed professionals, and small business owners across all 50 states. The company operates a unified web-based platform (app.irafinancial.com) supporting SDIRAs, Checkbook IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, ROBS structures, Self-Directed HSAs, and Coverdell ESAs — covering a full spectrum of tax-advantaged accounts under one roof. The platform integrates with Bitstamp for 24/7 cryptocurrency trading via the IRAfi Crypto sub-platform (nearly 100 supported coins, flat 1% trading fee) and with Interactive Brokers for equities, ETFs, options, and currency trading as a $100/year add-on. The Checkbook IRA LLC structure, which grants investors direct check-writing authority over their IRA funds for same-day deal execution, is positioned as a core differentiator against custodian-controlled SDIRA competitors.

The company monetizes through a flat-fee subscription model rather than asset-based fees — annual account fees range from $120 (Self-Directed HSA) to $495 (Checkbook IRA) to $1,000 (ROBS), with one-time setup fees up to $3,500 for ROBS structures, plus crypto transaction fees and add-on subscription pricing. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer with self-serve onboarding, free consultation as a closer, content/SEO-driven top-of-funnel acquisition, earned media coverage in Bloomberg, Forbes, Investopedia, and CNN Money, and a 17+ partner platform ecosystem that routes pre-qualified investors from adjacent fintech and real estate platforms into IRA Financial custody. The company reports 27,000+ active accounts, $8B+ in assets invested, 97% client retention, 4.8/5 Trustpilot, and A+ BBB rating. Founder Adam Bergman, author of nine books on self-directed retirement, is the public face of the business, and the firm bundles in-house CPA and ERISA attorney compliance services — including IRS audit defense — into standard account coverage.

IRA Financial is operationally lean in disclosed information: privately held, no public revenue or funding disclosures, and no executive team beyond the founder is documented in the input data. The company has not announced M&A activity, venture funding rounds, or material restructuring, suggesting growth has been funded organically from account fee revenue. Geographic scope is explicitly US-domestic with no international footprint claim.

Name

irafinancial.com

Legal name

IRA Financial

Website

https://irafinancial.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

IRA Financial is a privately held US self-directed retirement account custodian serving individuals, self-employed professionals, and small business owners across all 50 states with flat-fee SDIRAs, Checkbook IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and ROBS structures, holding $8B+ across 27,000+ accounts and integrating crypto via Bitstamp and equities via Interactive Brokers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Self-Directed Retirement Account Custody

NAICS

Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles (525)

SIC

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200), Finance Services (6199)

akta.pro primary industry

Managed Accounts, Separately Managed Accounts (SMA) & Funds Platforms (Crypto) (FSADAHAM)

Keywords

• Self-directed retirement accounts
• Checkbook IRA
• Crypto IRA
• Solo 401(k)
• Alternative investments IRA

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Account Fees (Flat Fee): IRA Financial charges a flat annual fee per account type rather than asset-based or percentage-of-balance fees. This is the primary revenue stream. Different account types have different base fees: SDIRA at $295–$495/year, Solo 401(k) at $199/year, ROBS at $1,000/year, HSA at $120–$495/year. The fee structure is designed to be predictable and not scale with account balance.
2. Account Setup/Formation Fees: One-time setup fees for certain account types. ROBS accounts charge a $3,500 setup fee. Checkbook IRA/HSA with checkbook control charge a $999 setup fee. This covers the cost of LLC formation, EIN assignment, and initial account structuring.
3. Crypto Trading Fees: Crypto IRA accounts are charged a flat 1% trading fee per transaction on the IRAfi Crypto platform. The annual account fee for crypto is $100. No asset-based custody fees are charged.
4. Stock Trading Platform Add-on: Stock trading inside IRA/Solo 401(k) accounts is available as a $100/year add-on per enrolled account. Powered by Interactive Brokers. No commissions on US-listed stocks/ETFs; other trades subject to IBKR Lite pricing.
5. Tax Filing and Compliance Services: In-house CPAs handle IRA-specific tax filings including Form 5498, 1099-R, UBTI returns, and annual tax consulting. IRS audit defense is included as part of account coverage. Tax filing services are offered as an add-on for accounts requiring specialized IRS filings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

IRA Financial is a self-directed retirement account custodian that enables individuals and self-employed business owners to hold alternative assets (real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, precious metals, private placements, tax liens) and traditional securities (stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds) inside tax-advantaged IRA, HSA, Coverdell ESA, Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and ROBS structures. The platform charges flat annual fees rather than asset-based fees and includes in-house compliance support with IRS audit protection, an optional Checkbook IRA (IRA-owned LLC) for direct control, and integrated crypto trading via the proprietary IRAfi Crypto platform.

Product overview

IRA Financial operates a unified self-directed retirement account platform offering multiple account types (Self-Directed IRA, Checkbook IRA, HSA, Coverdell ESA, Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, ROBS) that provide access to both alternative investments (real estate, cryptocurrency, precious metals, private placements, investment funds, tax liens) and traditional investments (stocks, ETFs, bonds, mutual funds, options) within a single tax-advantaged structure. The platform's core differentiator is its flat-fee model without asset-based charges, integrated compliance services including IRS audit protection, and optional add-ons like IRAfi Crypto (powered by Bitstamp) and stocks trading (powered by Interactive Brokers). The Checkbook IRA LLC structure provides direct checkbook control for time-sensitive transactions, while custodian-managed options offer hands-off investing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IRAfi Crypto: Dedicated cryptocurrency trading platform for retirement accounts, allowing direct crypto trading 24/7 through Bitstamp exchange within IRA Financial accounts.
• IRAFI

Products and services

• Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) Tax-advantaged retirement account enabling investment across alternative assets (real estate, crypto, private equity, precious metals) and traditional assets (stocks, ETFs, bonds) with a flat annual fee structure. Targets individual investors seeking investment freedom beyond traditional Wall Street offerings.
• Checkbook IRA (IRA LLC) Self-Directed IRA structure using an LLC owned by the IRA, providing the account holder direct checkbook and wire authority over investment decisions without custodian delays. Includes LLC formation, EIN assignment, and IRS compliance guidance.
• Self-Directed HSA Health Savings Account allowing investment in alternative assets beyond traditional mutual funds, with triple tax advantages for healthcare savings and retirement planning. Offered in both custodian-controlled and checkbook-controlled versions.
• Self-Directed Coverdell ESA Education Savings Account permitting alternative investments for a beneficiary's qualified education expenses, with tax-free growth and withdrawals. Supports checkbook control structure for time-sensitive transactions.
• IRAfi Crypto Dedicated cryptocurrency trading platform integrated with Bitstamp exchange, enabling 24/7 crypto trading with approximately 100 supported cryptocurrencies and a flat 1% trading fee. Available as an add-on to or standalone product with retirement accounts.
• Solo 401(k) Self-directed retirement plan for self-employed individuals with no full-time employees, offering higher contribution limits up to $72,000, loan provisions up to $50,000, and optional checkbook control. Includes Form 5500-EZ preparation and mega backdoor Roth option.
• ROBS (Rollover as Business Startups) Structure enabling use of retirement funds to finance a new or existing business without early withdrawal penalties or taxes, through establishment of a C Corporation and new 401(k) plan with ongoing administration for IRS compliance.
• Self-Directed SEP IRA Simplified Employee Pension IRA for self-employed individuals and small business owners, allowing employer contributions up to $72,000 (2026) with investment flexibility in alternative assets.
• Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA Retirement plan for small businesses with up to 100 employees, combining employer and employee contributions with alternative asset investment options.
• Stocks & ETFs Trading Real-time stock, ETF, mutual fund, bond, options, and currency trading powered by Interactive Brokers, available as a $100 annual add-on to eligible SDIRA, Checkbook IRA, and Solo 401(k) accounts. No commissions on US exchange-listed stocks/ETFs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 27,000+ active accounts and $8B+ in assets invested
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• StreitwisecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate REIT partner providing institutional-quality commercial real estate investments. Streitwise offers a dividend-yielding REIT open to all wealth levels with 29+ straight quarters of distributions. IRA Financial customers can invest in Streitwise offerings through their self-directed accounts.
• VyllaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHomeownership company offering technology-driven real estate buying, selling, and ownership services. Partners with IRA Financial to provide real estate investment options within self-directed retirement accounts.
• RealtyMogulcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerReal estate investment platform founded in 2012, offering multifamily, office, retail, industrial, and ground-up development deals. RealtyMogul members can establish a Checkbook Controlled LLC or Trust custodied with IRA Financial to invest in platform opportunities.
• K7 Capital PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAlternative investment firm focused on sustainable, green multifamily real estate investments. Offers investors access to eco-conscious property portfolios through self-directed retirement accounts.
• EquifundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrivate placement investment platform helping self-directed investors access Pre-IPO investment opportunities, diversify portfolios, and grow net worth through alternative assets.
• Arthika CapitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecialized investment management firm focusing on life insurance settlements, offering high-yield, non-correlated investment opportunities. Provides alternative investment access for IRA Financial customers.
• VintminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSEC-qualified platform securitizing the wine and spirits industry, offering transparent, expert-curated fine wine and spirits collections to accredited and non-accredited investors through self-directed accounts.
• Capital2MarketcoreTechnology or IntegrationIRA Financial Marketplace created in partnership with Capital2Market providing IRA Financial customers direct access to specialized alternative investments such as private placements into businesses and investment funds, using proprietary technology and brokerage solutions.
• YieldiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline marketplace connecting investors with borrowers for high-yield, short-term real estate investments. All offerings are asset-based and collateral-backed by real property, accessible within IRA Financial self-directed accounts.
• Home ProsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShort-term lending investment marketplace connecting investors with real estate borrowers seeking financing for specific projects. Available through IRA Financial self-directed accounts.
• Cold Wallet CapitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital asset management firm offering professional Bitcoin and cryptocurrency management for investors who prefer expert-guided exposure to the crypto market rather than self-directed trading.
• The Bitcoin AdviserminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional Bitcoin management firm managing over $1 billion in assets since 2016. Offers security, strategic planning, and client education for Bitcoin investors within self-directed retirement accounts.
• NurpminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestment firm blending traditional methods with modern technology for forex and alternative investment strategies. Partners with IRA Financial to provide diversified investment access.
• West Ridge AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInvestment management and strategic wealth planning firm providing financial planning and portfolio management advisory services, recommending IRA Financial accounts to clients.
• Financial JourneyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWealth planning firm helping business owners and accredited investors reach 'work optional' status in 3–5 years, using IRA Financial self-directed accounts as part of their client wealth strategies.
• BitstampcoreTechnology or IntegrationU.S.-regulated cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2011. Powers IRA Financial's IRAfi Crypto platform for 24/7 cryptocurrency trading inside retirement accounts. Supports nearly 100 cryptocurrencies with institutional-grade custody and security infrastructure.
• Interactive BrokerscoreTechnology or IntegrationPowers IRA Financial's stock, ETF, mutual fund, bond, options, and currency trading capabilities. Available directly within the IRA Financial platform via IBKR Lite, with no separate login required. No commissions on US exchange-listed stocks/ETFs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• New Direction IRA: Self-directed IRA custodian offering real estate, private placements, and other alternative investments inside IRAs. Comparable to IRA Financial in product breadth and small-customer focus.
• iTrustCapital: Crypto-focused self-directed IRA platform offering direct cryptocurrency trading inside retirement accounts. Directly competes with IRA Financial's IRAfi Crypto product on price, simplicity, and crypto breadth.
• uDirect IRA: Self-directed IRA custodian providing access to alternative investments with flat-fee pricing. Closely comparable in pricing model and target retail investor segment.
• Alto (formerly AltoIRA): Self-directed IRA platform with a curated marketplace of alternative investments including crypto, private equity, and venture funds. Comparable to IRA Financial in offering SDIRAs with alternative-asset access via integrated partner platforms.
• Equity Trust Company: One of the largest self-directed IRA custodians in the U.S., supporting alternative investments including real estate, private equity, and notes. Directly comparable to IRA Financial in core SDIRA offering, fee structure, and target customer.
• Rocket Dollar: Self-directed IRA platform offering Checkbook IRA (LLC) structures and access to alternative investments including real estate and crypto. Competes with IRA Financial on flat-fee pricing and LLC-based checkbook control.
• Strata Trust Company: Specialized self-directed IRA custodian supporting alternative investments including real estate, notes, and private equity. Directly competes for the same SDIRA customer base as IRA Financial.
• Bitcoin IRA (now known as Bitcoin IRA / BitIRA ecosystem): Specialist self-directed IRA provider focused on cryptocurrency investing inside retirement accounts. Competes directly with IRA Financial's IRAfi Crypto on the digital-asset retirement use case.

Broad incumbents

• Charles Schwab: Major incumbent brokerage with self-directed IRA offerings and a broad investment menu. Competes at the retirement-account level, though IRA Financial's alternative-asset and crypto breadth exceeds Schwab's traditional IRA product.
• Fidelity Investments: Large incumbent brokerage offering self-directed IRAs with growing alternative-asset capabilities (e.g., Fidelity Crypto, private market access). Comparable as a retirement account provider, though IRA Financial is more specialized in alternatives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about irafinancial.com