Affiliate Disclosure: This is an independent review site. We may earn referral fees from companies featured on this page. This does not affect our editorial ratings. Rankings are based on BBB rating, fee transparency, minimum investment, and customer service. Custodian selection should be based on fees, service, and compliance record.

Diana Ortiz, CFA®, CFP® — IRA Custodian Evaluation Specialist
Diana has 13 years of experience evaluating self-directed IRA custodians for fee transparency, IRS compliance, and depository quality. She reviewed 22 SDIRA custodian fee schedules (Jan 15–Feb 22, 2026) and opened test accounts with Equity Trust (Feb 4, 2026), Strata Trust (Feb 11, 2026), and GoldStar Trust (Feb 18, 2026).

Reviewed by: Marcus Chen, JD, LL.M. Taxation — IRC § 408(m) and § 4975 citations verified March 10, 2026.
Last updated: March 15, 2026 • Fee data verified: February 2026 • Next review: September 2026
Sources: IRS Publication 590-B • IRS Approved Nonbank Trustees • FINRA BrokerCheck • SEC IAPD

Methodology: Rankings derived from (1) IRS nonbank trustee registration status, (2) BBB accreditation and complaint resolution rate (trailing 36 months), (3) published fee schedules verified via direct custodian contact (February 2026), (4) depository audit reports. 22 custodians evaluated; 5 custodians and 5 dealers shortlisted.