America's Most Affordable Self-Directed IRA
Most custodians charge more as your account grows or as you add assets. Our flat-fee pricing is different: transparent, predictable, and designed to keep more of your returns invested. Make the switch in days with white-glove support.
- Mortgage Notes
- Real Estate
- Precious Metals
- Private Equity
See How Much You Could Save†
Most custodians tie your fees to how much you have or how many assets you hold. We don't.
This chart compares American IRA's flat-fee pricing against leading competitors across different account sizes and holding counts. As your balance grows, your fees shouldn't. With American IRA, you keep more of your returns working for you.
† Projected savings are based on publicly available fee schedules from competing self-directed IRA custodians. Scenarios shown are illustrative examples to demonstrate potential cost differences. Individual results will vary based on account size, asset holdings, investment performance, and the specific fee structure of your current or alternative custodian. These comparisons are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice.
‡ Competitor fee information is based on American IRA's good-faith interpretation of publicly available rate cards and fee schedules current at the time of publication. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy; however, competitor fees may change over time, may include additional charges not reflected here, and individual circumstances may result in different fee outcomes. American IRA, LLC is not liable for any errors, omissions, or decisions made based on this information. Please verify current fee structures with any custodian you are considering. This comparison is not financial advice and should not be the sole basis for making custodial decisions.
My self-directed IRA has allowed me to align my investments with my intuition and understanding. It's a rewarding journey to watch that experience pay off financially.
My self-directed IRA has allowed me to align my investments with my intuition and understanding. It's a rewarding journey to watch that experience pay off financially.
Make the Move to Flat-Fee Pricing
Ready to stop overpaying? Switching your self-directed IRA to American IRA is straightforward and hassle-free. Our team handles the heavy lifting while you enjoy transparent, flat-fee pricing that saves you thousands.
Fill out the form to get started, and we'll guide you through every step of the transfer process. No hidden fees, no surprises - just honest pricing that puts more money back into your retirement.
What's included:
- Simple Transfer Process: We handle all the paperwork to move your account seamlessly from your current custodian.
- Flat-Fee Pricing: Say goodbye to percentage-based fees that grow as your account grows.
- Same Investment Freedom: Keep investing in all the alternative assets you love - real estate, precious metals, private equity, and more.
- Expert Support: Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through every step.
American IRA vs. The Other Guys
Not all self-directed IRA custodians are created equal. While many companies charge expensive asset-based fees and provide minimal support, American IRA is built differently. We combine transparent, flat-fee pricing with the best customer service in America.
Two Very Different Approaches
Most self-directed IRA custodians follow the traditional model of charging high asset-based fees and providing basic customer service. American IRA takes a revolutionary approach with our flat fee pricing and white-glove customer support.
The difference can save you thousands of dollars every year while providing you with the personal attention and expertise you deserve from your custodian.
Other Custodians
Asset-based pricing
American IRA
Flat fee pricing
Per-Asset Fees
Annual charges per investment
Up to $250 per asset annually
Fees multiply with each investment
$0 per asset
Hold unlimited assets for free
Account Value Fees
Percentage-based annual fees
Up to 1.5% annually
Fees increase as account grows
0% of account value
Flat rate regardless of balance
Annual Record Keeping Fees
Core custodial and administration costs
Multiple fee categories
Complex fee structures plus many add-ons
One simple annual fee
Straightforward record keeping with no hidden costs
Customer Support
Service quality and availability
Call center support
Generic service with long waits
Friendly, expert, personal
Best support in the USA
Some customers save thousands with American IRA's transparent pricing, while enjoying exceptional service.
Range of Accounts
American IRA are pleased to offer an extensive range of Self-Directed retirement accounts, all backed up by our unbeatable pricing and renowned customer service and support.
Individual
Our most popular accounts, open to most investors. May be combined with other accounts.
FlatFee™
Traditional IRA
Tax-deductible contributions, taxable withdrawals in retirement.
FlatFee™
Traditional IRA
Tax-deductible contributions, taxable withdrawals in retirement.
One of our most popular accounts, the Traditional IRA offers tax-deferred growth, meaning taxes are postponed until retirement when tax rates are typically lower.
Many customers fund the account by rolling over pre-tax dollars from an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b). Regular contributions are also allowed, subject in 2025 to annual limits of $7,000/y, or $8,000/y for those aged 50 or above.
In a Traditional IRA, you are required to start making required minimum distributions (RMDs) beginning at age 73.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
FlatFee™
Roth IRA
After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
FlatFee™
Roth IRA
After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
The Roth IRA is valued for offering tax-free growth: contributions are made with after-tax dollars, which means they aren't tax-deductible, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
A Self-Directed Roth IRA can be funded with an initial transfer or rollover from an existing retirement account, optionally followed by annual contributions, subject in 2025 to annual limits of $7,000/y, or $8,000/y for those 50 or older.
Unlike a Traditional IRA, the Roth IRA has no required minimum distributions (RMDs), giving more flexibility in retirement planning.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
Self-Employed
Available to business owners with no employees. Great for freelancers and sole proprietors.
FlatFee™
Solo 401(k)
High contribution limits for freelancers and sole traders.
FlatFee™
Solo 401(k)
High contribution limits for freelancers and sole traders.
A Solo 401(k) offers high contribution limits and flexible tax treatment for freelancers and other self-employed people. It is also distinguished by its support for both Traditional and Roth contributions.
The 2025 total contribution limit is $70,000/y for people under 50, rising to $77,500/y for those 50 or older. In common with our other accounts, rollovers and transfers from existing retirement accounts are supported.
A Solo 401(k) is not subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) until the owner retires, which can be benificial for those who choose to continue working past age 73.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
Small Business
Accounts for small businesses, including sole proprietors, though Solo 401(k) may be preferable.
FlatFee™
SEP IRA
Low admin, high contribution employer funded plan for small businesses.
FlatFee™
SEP IRA
Low admin, high contribution employer funded plan for small businesses.
The SEP-IRA is a retirement savings plan designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. It offers a simplified way to contribute towards retirement savings, with generous contribution limits based on a percentage of earnings.
Contributions are tax-deductible, with a 2025 limit of $70,000/y or 25% of compensation, whichever is less.
The plan is flexible and easy to administer, with no mandatory annual contributions, making it suitable for businesses with variable income.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
FlatFee™
SIMPLE IRA
Low-admin plan for < 100 employees with mandatory employer contributions.
FlatFee™
SIMPLE IRA
Low-admin plan for < 100 employees with mandatory employer contributions.
The SIMPLE IRA is a retirement plan ideal for businesses with fewer than 100 employees, valued for its ease of setup and low maintenance. It enables both employer and employee contributions.
In 2025 employees can make pre-tax contributions of up to $16,500/y, with an additional catch-up of $3,500/y for those aged 50 or older.
Employers are required to either match employee contributions up to 3% of the employee's compensation or make non-elective contributions of 2% for each eligible employee.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
Health & Education
Tax-advantaged accounts for health and education expenses.
FlatFee™
Health Savings Acount (HSA)
Triple tax benefit for medical expenses; non-medical withdrawals after age 65.
FlatFee™
Health Savings Acount (HSA)
Triple tax benefit for medical expenses; non-medical withdrawals after age 65.
The HSA is a tax-advantaged medical savings account which offers a unique triple tax benefit: contributions are tax-deductible, the funds grow tax-free, and subsequent withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.
In 2025 individuals can contribute up to $4,300/y, with an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000/y for those 55 and over. Families can contribute up to $8,550/y.
Withdrawals for non-medical expenses become possible at age 65, but are taxed as ordinary income, similar to a Traditional IRA.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
FlatFee™
Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)
After-tax contributions, tax-free growth for education expenses.
FlatFee™
Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)
After-tax contributions, tax-free growth for education expenses.
The Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is a tax-advantaged account for educational expenses, which must be set up before the beneficiary turns 18 and utilized before they reach 30 to maintain its tax benefits.
Like a Roth IRA, contributions to a Coverdell are not tax-deductible, but the account's earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified educational expenses are also tax-free.
The account's annual contribution limit in 2025 is $2,000 per beneficiary. This means the total contributions from all sources (parents, grandparents, etc.) to all Coverdell accounts set up for a single beneficiary may not exceed $2,000 in a year.
American IRA's industry-leading FlatFee™ structure saves our customers thousands of dollars per year in fees.
- Low, fixed annual fee irrespective of account value and holdings
- Unlimited account value with no account value fees
- Unlimited assets with no per-asset fees
- Choose between low $95 per-transaction fee or unlimited free transactions
- No fees until first transaction
Starter
Get started risk-free
FlatFee™ Flex
Low per-transaction fee
Small accounts
*Annual fee reduced for accounts under $7,500.
FlatFee™ Unlimited
Unlimited free transactions
Small accounts
*Annual fee reduced for accounts under $7,500.
Starter
Get started risk-free
FlatFee™ Flex
Low per-transaction fee
Small accounts
*Annual fee reduced for accounts under $7,500.
FlatFee™ Unlimited
Unlimited free transactions
Small accounts
*Annual fee reduced for accounts under $7,500.
The Savings Add Up
Compare the fees and potential savings between American IRA and a leading competitor. This illustrative comparison helps you understand the cost benefits of American IRA's flat-fee structure.
| Illustrative Portfolio† | Leading competitor | American IRA
FlatFee™ IRA | 1y Savings‡ | Potential 10y Savings‡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Getting Started: $100,000One rental property, one private equity investment | Leading competitorOption 1: $700/y Option 2: $540/y ($135 x 4 quarters) | American IRA FlatFee™ IRAFlex: $285/y Unlimited: $450/y | 1y Savings$255/y to $415/y | Potential 10y Savings$4,150 |
Established: $250,000Two vacation rentals, one precious metals holding | Leading competitorOption 1: $1,050/y Option 2: $780/y ($195 x 4 quarters) | American IRA FlatFee™ IRAFlex: $285/y Unlimited: $450/y | 1y Savings$330/y to $765/y | Potential 10y Savings$7,650 |
Diversified: $500,000Two rental properties, one private lending investment, one LLC holding | Leading competitorOption 1: $1,400/y Option 2: $1,800/y ($450 x 4 quarters) | American IRA FlatFee™ IRAFlex: $285/y Unlimited: $450/y | 1y Savings$950/y to $1,515/y | Potential 10y Savings$15,150 |
Growth Targeted: $750,000Three commercial properties, two private equity investments, one cryptocurrency holding | Leading competitorOption 1: $2,100/y Option 2: $2,220/y ($555 x 4 quarters) | American IRA FlatFee™ IRAFlex: $285/y Unlimited: $450/y | 1y Savings$1,650/y to $1,935/y | Potential 10y Savings$19,350 |
High-Value: $1,000,000Four commercial properties, two private equity investments, one precious metals holding, one cryptocurrency investment | Leading competitorOption 1: $2,800/y Option 2: $2,220/y ($555 x 4 quarters) | American IRA FlatFee™ IRAFlex: $285/y Unlimited: $450/y | 1y Savings$1,770/y to $2,515/y | Potential 10y Savings$25,150 |
† Illustrative portfolios are examples only and do not represent actual investor accounts.
‡ Competitor fees and potential savings are based on publicly available information and our good-faith interpretation of competitor fee schedules current at the time of writing. American IRA has made every effort to ensure accuracy, but we cannot guarantee absolute precision. Fees may change over time and individual circumstances may vary. This comparison is not financial advice. Investors should consult a qualified financial professional before making any decisions. American IRA, LLC is not liable for any errors or omissions or for actions taken based on this comparison.
Here's Why No Other Custodian Can Match Us
- ✓ Predictable Costs: Our flat annual fee applies no matter how large your account grows or how many assets you hold.
- ✓ Massive Savings: As your portfolio diversifies and grows, your savings can reach thousands of dollars annually.
- ✓ Investment Flexibility: Add new assets to your portfolio without increasing your annual fee.
- ✓ Simplicity: One straightforward annual fee, no quarterly calculations or complex pricing tiers.
- ✓ America's Best Customer Support: Our dedicated team provides unparalleled assistance, ensuring you always have expert guidance for your self-directed IRA.
Get Started with Self Directed IRA
Get Started Now, and Pay $0 Until Your First Transaction
Setting up self-directed retirement account is easier than you think. In 15 minutes I can walk you through.
Kyle Moody
Businsess Development Manager
American IRA LLC