Get Started
Start your journey with a trusted IRA custodian
Take control of your retirement investments with a self-directed IRA. Our simple, online process helps you open and fund your account in just minutes.
Getting started is easy
Explore investment options, types of IRAs, and funding options below.
Ready to open an account?
STRATA Trust Company’s online application walks investors through opening and funding a new self-directed IRA, allowing you to securely upload supporting documentation – all in one session, all under 10 minutes. Account Opening Instructions
Already have an account? Head over to the investment hub
Choose your investment option
Select the asset structure that aligns with your initial investment. You’ll have the flexibility to change or add to your portfolio later.
Select your IRA type
Elect the type of IRA that’s right for you—Traditional, Roth, SEP, or SIMPLE—based on your eligibility and tax preferences.
Fund your IRA
Decide how you want to fund your account—make a new contribution, transfer from another IRA, or roll over funds from a qualified retirement plan.
USA Patriot Act Information: To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens or claims an account at a financial institution; for this reason, you will need to provide your name, legal address, date of birth, social security number to complete this application.
Self-directing essentials
Starting a self-directed IRA may feel different than opening a traditional account. It’s critical to understand these key areas so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Fee transparency
Review STRATA’s fee schedule and see how costs apply across different asset types—it’s essential to know how fees may impact your investments.
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Disclosures and policies
Access important disclosures that outline IRS requirements and STRATA policies for self-directed IRA accountholders. Understanding these details is vital for your tax-advantaged account to stay within IRS regulations.
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Roles
Learn the responsibilities of the accountholder and STRATA’s role as custodian. Knowing these roles is crucial for the proper management of your IRA.
Build the portfolio that's right for you
From private equity to precious metals, self-directed IRAs let you invest where your insight matters most. Explore your options and choose the path that aligns with your goals.
Private assets
Leverage the potential of private equity, private debt, and other alternative investments through your self-directed IRA.
Directly owned real estate
Investing in real estate through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) offers unique opportunities for portfolio diversification, potential income generation, and long-term growth—all within a tax-advantaged framework.
Gold & precious metals
Investing in precious metals through a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) provides diversification beyond traditional assets. Gold, silver, and other tangible metals can also act as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns.
Public investments
With a self-directed IRA, you can diversify your retirement portfolio by including both traditional public investments—like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—and alternative assets, giving you greater control over your financial future.
Tailored support for your unique needs
Need help? Choose the path that best describes you to schedule a meeting with the right specialist.
Individual Investors
Get direct support with account setup, funding options, or understanding the custody process for your chosen investments.
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Explore private market custodyLearn how self-directed IRAs can hold private equity, debt, crowdfunding, or other non-traditional assets.
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Discuss real estate in your IRASpeak with a team member about account requirements for gold or other IRS-approved metals.
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Precious metals custody guidanceSpeak with a team member about account requirements for gold or other IRS-approved metals.
Financial professionals
Get direct support with account setup, funding options, or understanding the custody process for your chosen investments.
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Private asset professionalsGet guidance on account onboarding, compliance requirements, and client service processes.
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Precious metal professionalsUnderstand how STRATA provides custody for IRS-approved metal investments for your clients
IRA types
| Features | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA | SEP IRA | SIMPLE IRA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax treatment | Traditional IRA Tax-deferred growth; pay taxes on withdrawals | Roth IRA Tax-free growth; no taxes on qualified withdrawals | SEP IRA Tax-deferred growth; pay taxes on withdrawals | SIMPLE IRA Tax-deferred growth; pay taxes on withdrawals |
| Contribution type | Traditional IRA Pre-tax | Roth IRA After-tax | SEP IRA Employer-funded (pre-tax) | SIMPLE IRA Employee & employer contributions (pre-tax) |
| Contribution limit (for 2026) | Traditional IRA $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) | Roth IRA $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) | SEP IRA Up to 25% of compensation or $72,000 (whichever is lower) | SIMPLE IRA Employee: $17,000 (+4,000 if 50+); Employer: match up to 3% of salary |
| Eligibility | Traditional IRA Anyone with earned income | Roth IRA Income limits apply | SEP IRA Self-employed individuals and small business owners | SIMPLE IRA Businesses with 100 or fewer employees |
| RMDs | Traditional IRA Yes, starting at age 73 | Roth IRA No RMDs | SEP IRA Yes, starting at age 73 | SIMPLE IRA Yes, starting at age 73 |
| Ideal for | Traditional IRA Individuals expecting to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement | Roth IRA Those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement | SEP IRA Self-employed individuals or business owners with few/no employees | SIMPLE IRA Small business owners looking for a low-cost retirement plan |
Funding options
Funds availability: For faster processing, we recommend using electronic payments (ACH or wire) when remitting funds to a STRATA account. Checks may be subject to a hold of up to 7 business days to confirm funds.
What sets STRATA apart
By choosing STRATA Trust Company, you're working with a custodian committed to empowering your financial future through experience, integrity, and unparalleled service.
| Service Attributes | STRATA | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated onboarding support team | STRATA: Yes | Competitors: No |
| Required minimum cash balance | STRATA: $0 | Competitors: $300-500 |
| Investment processing speed | STRATA: 24-48 hours, 95% processed within 24 hrs. | Competitors: 3-5 days |
| Service & responsiveness | STRATA: Responsive service from knowledgeable professionals, with 70% of staff in client-facing roles and average phone wait times <1 minute | Competitors: Generic call center support, restricted availability, and lengthy queues typically 10+ minutes |
| Pricing transparency | STRATA: Straightforward, transparent pricing | Competitors: Unclear pricing structures |
| Technology & tools | STRATA: Streamlined, user-friendly forms with simple navigation and secure online submission via ServiceNOW. | Competitors: Paper-driven workflows that delay and complicate transactions |
Distinguished by service
Based on customer sentiment, our clients report that STRATA makes self-directed investing simpler, more responsive, and more supportive at every step.
Simple, stress-free processes – “STRATA makes complicated transactions easy to handle.”
Quick, responsive support – “When I reach out, I get answers fast.”
Confidence in every step – “I feel supported and secure managing my IRA.”
Leverage our expertise
STRATA helps you every step of the way. Explore frequently asked questions or reach out to talk to an IRA Specialist
Insight
Will My Self-Directed IRA Owe Taxes on Investment Income?
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IRA Contribution Rules Explained for 2026
Get a clear breakdown of IRA contribution rules, 2025–2026 limits, eligibility requiremen…
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How Fair Market Value Works for Alternative Assets
Ensure accurate annual IRA fair market values with STRATA Trust to stay IRS‑compliant and…