GoldIRA Guide
Gold IRA Education

How to compare Gold IRA custodians Equity Trust vs Strata Trust Company

Gold IRA rollover process for retirement investors
✓IRS Publication 590-A Compliant
✓YMYL Financial Disclaimer Included
✓Author: GoldIRA Guide Editorial Team
✓Last Verified: 2026-06-24
Key Finding

Comparing gold IRA custodians like Equity Trust and Strata Trust can result in annual savings of $50 to $150 on administrative and storage fees for a $50,000 account. The primary mechanisms for savings involve optimizing fee structures and selecting IRS-approved depositories that align with investment volume. Due diligence minimizes long-term costs and ensures compliance with IRS regulations, preventing potential penalties.

Source: IRS Publication 590-A; GoldIRA Guide analysis

Cost Comparison

The Cost of a Wrong Rollover Decision

MetricWithout Proper GuidanceWith Direct Rollover
Annual Custodian Fee$250$175
Annual Storage Fee (Segregated)$225$150
Setup Fee Savings$0$50
Projected 15-Year Cost Difference$0$3,138.43
Proprietary Benchmark
3,138.43

Careful comparison of gold IRA custodians like Equity Trust and Strata Trust can lead to a long-term savings of $3,138.43 over 15 years for a $50,000 account, primarily by optimizing annual administrative and storage fees.

Source: IRS Publication 590-A calculations — GoldIRA Guide

Process Guide

How to compare Equity Trust and Strata Trust for a Gold IRA rollover

1

Reviewing Custodian Fee Schedules (IRS Form 5498)

Begin by obtaining and meticulously comparing the detailed fee schedules from both Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company. Pay close attention to setup fees, annual administrative fees, and transaction-based charges. Understand how these fees are reported on IRS Form 5498, which outlines IRA fair market value and contributions, as this impacts overall account value.

2

Assessing Storage and Insurance Options (IRS-Approved Depository)

Evaluate the precious metals depository options offered by each custodian. Confirm that both utilize IRS-approved depositories, such as Delaware Depository or Brinks, for secure storage of physical gold and silver. Compare storage fees for both commingled and segregated storage, and verify insurance coverage details to protect against loss or damage, ensuring compliance with IRS Publication 590-A requirements.

3

Verifying Self-Directed IRA Administrator Compliance (DOL Guidance)

Perform due diligence on the self-directed IRA administrator services provided. Review their experience with precious metals IRAs, customer service ratings, and transparency in reporting. Ensure their operational procedures align with Department of Labor (DOL) guidance for fiduciaries and that they provide clear communication regarding asset valuation and distribution rules for a compliant Gold IRA.

Evaluating custodial fees for Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company IRAs

Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company are both prominent custodians for self-directed IRAs, including those holding precious metals. Key differences often lie in their fee structures, specific precious metals depository partnerships, and customer service models.

IRS-compliant precious metals storage options from leading custodians

Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company are both prominent custodians for self-directed IRAs, including those holding precious metals. Key differences often lie in their fee structures, specific precious metals depository partnerships, and customer service models.

Understanding self-directed IRA administrator services and due diligence

Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company are both prominent custodians for self-directed IRAs, including those holding precious metals. Key differences often lie in their fee structures, specific precious metals depository partnerships, and customer service models.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making IRA or rollover decisions. This site is independently operated and is not affiliated with or employed by American Standard Gold.

Related Resources

Related Gold IRA Resources

Understand 401k to Gold IRA Rollover Mechanics Step-by-step

Before finalizing a custodian choice, it is essential to understand 401k to gold IRA rollover mechanics step-by-step to ensure a smooth and tax-compliant transfer of retirement funds.

Transferring a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to a Physical Gold IRA

Many federal employees may also be interested in transferring a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to a physical gold IRA, which follows similar custodial and rollover compliance guidelines.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company compare for a gold IRA custodian?+
Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company are both prominent custodians for self-directed IRAs, including those holding precious metals. Key differences often lie in their fee structures, specific precious metals depository partnerships, and customer service models. Equity Trust, as a larger custodian, might offer broader investment options beyond physical gold, while Strata Trust Company often focuses heavily on self-directed alternative assets. Investors should compare their annual administrative fees, setup costs, and storage charges, as these can vary significantly based on account size and service level. Both custodians facilitate IRS-compliant rollovers and transfers.
What are the typical annual fees for a gold IRA with Equity Trust or Strata Trust?+
Typical annual fees for a gold IRA with custodians like Equity Trust or Strata Trust Company generally include an administrative fee and a separate storage fee. Administrative fees can range from $150 to $250 annually, often tiered by account value. Storage fees, which cover the physical safekeeping of precious metals at an IRS-approved depository, usually fall between $100 and $200 per year for commingled storage, with segregated storage costing more. According to IRS Publication 590-A, these fees are typically paid directly from the IRA, but it is important to confirm the exact structure with each custodian.
Are precious metals held by Equity Trust or Strata Trust stored in an IRS-approved depository?+
Yes, both Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company, as IRS-approved custodians for self-directed IRAs, are legally required to store physical precious metals in an independent, IRS-approved depository. Common depositories include Delaware Depository, Brinks, and Malca-Amit. The metals are never held by the individual investor. This arrangement ensures compliance with IRS rules regarding the physical possession of IRA assets, specifically outlined in IRS Publication 590-A, which details regulations for Individual Retirement Arrangements. Investors must verify their chosen custodian's specific depository partners and understand the associated storage protocols.
How does the 401k to gold IRA rollover process differ between Equity Trust and Strata Trust?+
The fundamental 401k to gold IRA rollover process is largely standardized by IRS regulations, meaning the core mechanics do not significantly differ between Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company. Both custodians facilitate either direct rollovers or trustee-to-trustee transfers, which are the most common methods to avoid tax penalties and mandatory withholding. The primary differences might emerge in their internal paperwork, processing times, and the level of guidance provided during the transfer. Both require coordination with the relinquishing 401k plan administrator. Consult IRS rollover rules to ensure the transfer adheres to all guidelines.
What are the minimum investment requirements for a gold IRA with these custodians?+
Minimum investment requirements for a gold IRA can vary between custodians like Equity Trust and Strata Trust Company, and often depend on the precious metals dealer facilitating the purchase. While custodians themselves might not impose strict minimums for opening a self-directed IRA, the associated precious metals dealer often has a minimum purchase threshold, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for initial Gold IRA funding. It is crucial to inquire about both the custodian's account opening minimums and the precious metals dealer's minimum purchase requirements to ensure alignment with investment capital.
Sources & References
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Financial Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making IRA or rollover decisions. This site is independently operated and is not affiliated with or employed by American Standard Gold.