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Self-directed IRA platform Alto IRA offers 200+ cryptocurrencies, real estate, and more.
Alto
Note: The prominent crypto exchange FTX recently filed for bankruptcy, setting off a chain reaction impacting other exchanges and leading various cryptocurrency values to plummet. Until the dust settles, proceed with extreme caution; it may be wiser to park your funds in a high-yield savings account until the crypto market stabilizes.
Bottom line: Alto IRA account is best for those looking to invest in alternative assets through self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs). The platform is a particularly good choice for crypto-minded traders, since it offers more than 200 assets, but it can also suit investors in search of a range of other investments, including real estate and fine art. A drawback, however, is that some offerings are only available to accredited investors, and Alto IRA doesn’t accept Hawaii residents.
Overall rating
FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)Fees4.75Investment selection4.75Access3.05Ethics5.00Customer service4.00Overall score4.35
Is Alto IRA right for you?
Alto IRA account offers alternative investments and IRAs for both accredited investors (those with a net worth of at least $1 million or annual salary of $200,000, oe $300,000 for couples) and non-accredited investors.
It also provides 200+ cryptocurrencies, low fees, and access to investments like real estate, fine art, precious metals, private equity, startups, and more. A downside, however, is that Hawaii residents won’t be able to access the platform, and it doesn’t offer SIMPLE IRAs.
Its mobile app is available on Android devices, and you can set up the beta version of its iOS app here.
Alto IRA vs. Bitcoin IRA
Alto
Bitcoin IRA
Min. Investment
$10 cryptocurrencies
Min. Investment
$3,000
Fees
Alto CryptoIRA: 1% per crypto transaction, $50 account closure fee, and $25 for outbound wire transfers
Alto IRA: $10/month account fee or $100/year (with two months free), $10 partner investment fee, $50 account closure fee, and $25 outbound wire transfer fee
Fees
3.99% one-time fee; 2% trading fee
$100/month Saver IRA
Balances under $25,000: $20/month; balances over $25,000: 0.0008%
Investment choices
Venture capital, real estate, startups, farmland, cryptocurrencies, private companies, and precious metals
Investment choices
Cryptocurrencies and gold
Alto IRA accountBitcoin IRA
Alto IRA’s crypto selection bests that of Bitcoin IRA (Bitcoin IRA offers 60 cryptocurrencies compared to more than 200), and it offers lower fees. But Bitcoin IRA offers a higher insurance policy than Alto IRA. It offers up to $700 million in insurance, while Alto IRA only provides more than $300 million in coverage. In addition, Bitcoin IRA is a better option for automated investing features since its Saver IRA lets you automate contributions.
Alto IRA vs. iTrustCapital
Alto
iTrustCapital
Min. Investment
$10 cryptocurrencies
Min. Investment
$1,000 (Contributions after this amount must be $500 or greater)
Fees
Alto CryptoIRA: 1% per crypto transaction, $50 account closure fee, and $25 for outbound wire transfers
Alto IRA: $10/month account fee or $100/year (with two months free), $10 partner investment fee, $50 account closure fee, and $25 outbound wire transfer fee
Fees
1% per trade
Investment choices
Venture capital, real estate, startups, farmland, cryptocurrencies, private companies, and precious metals
Investment choices
Cryptocurrencies and precious metals
Alto IRA accountiTrustCapital
Alto IRA and iTrustCapital both offer a wide range of SDIRA services for those who want to invest in assets like cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Plus, you’ll pay the same amount for cryptocurrency transactions (1%).
However, Alto IRA is the better option for investors in search of flexible cryptocurrency options. The platform offers more than 200 cryptocurrencies, while iTrustCapital only offers 30. iTrustCapital is a better choice for those who want to take advantage of features like staking.
Ways to invest with Alto IRA
Alternative investments
Alto IRA account is a great choice for investors who want to build retirement wealth without traditional investments like stocks and ETFs. You can set up two IRA accounts simultaneously (as long as you use two different emails), and the platform’s account selection consists of traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs. It gives investors two options:
Alto IRA: This IRA is reserved for investments in real estate, venture capital, fine art, land, startups, and more. You can fund your account with funds from existing retirement accounts or bank accounts. Plus, you’ll get the same tax benefits as other IRA accounts, and you can either pay $10 per month, or $100 per year (two months free).Alto CryptoIRA® : You’ll gain access to more than 200 cryptocurrencies — including ethereum, bitcoin, dogecoin, and cardano — since Alto IRA is integrated with Coinbase. Users can take advantage of both a web platform and an Alto CryptoIRA mobile app, and you can trade 24/7. Plus, Alto IRA holds your cash in FDIC-insured accounts, and it relies on both hot and cold storage (i.e., online and offline storage methods) to secure your cryptocurrencies. Since Coinbase provides the cryptocurrencies, you’ll have commercial crime policy insurance coverage of $320 million and $3 million in cyber crime coverage. As for fees, there’s a $10 minimum, and you’ll pay 1% per transaction.
Alto CryptoIRA’s investment selection is hard to beat compared to other platforms (like Bitcoin IRA and iTrustCapital) that offer fewer than 40 cryptocurrencies. But some SDIRAs offer traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs, so you could get stronger account selections elsewhere. However, its overall offering of alternative assets is quite competitive.
Alto IRA: Is it trustworthy?
The Better Business Bureau gives Alto Solutions, Inc. (dba Alto IRA) an A+ rating. Ratings generally reflect the bureau’s opinion of how well a company interacts with its clients, and this is the highest rating a business can receive.
When evaluating businesses, the bureau considers several factors. These include, type of business, time in business, licensing and government actions, advertising issues, and customer complaint history.
Alto IRA’s record is clear of any major scandals or lawsuits. Its BBB profile shows it’s closed seven complaints in the last 12 months, and it doesn’t have any unresolved complaints at this time.
Alto IRA — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is Alto CryptoIRA?
Alto CryptoIRA is also a part of the Alto IRA account platform, but it’s specifically reserved for investing in cryptocurrencies. Like its Alto IRA product, Alto CryptoIRA lets you set up traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs.
Is Alto IRA free?
No. For Alto CryptoIRA, you’ll pay 1% for each crypto transaction, $50 for account closures, and $25 for outbound wire transfers. For Alto IRA, you’ll pay $10/month or $100/year and a $10 partner investment fee. As with its crypto option, you’ll also be responsible for a $50 account closure fee and $25 outbound wire transfer fee.
Where is Alto IRA located?
Alto IRA account is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
Related terms
SDIRA: Unlike regular IRAs that rely on traditional investments, self-directed IRAs let you build wealth through alternative investments like real estate, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals.Cryptocurrencies: These digital assets are powered by blockchain technology and allow for decentralized transactions between two parties. No middleman (i.e., a central institution like a bank) is involved.Crypto wallet: These storage vehicles are designed for digital assets like bitcoin and ether. You can typically either set up a hot wallet (i.e., a crypto wallet that uses software or online storage technology) or a cold wallet. The latter relies on hardware for storage.SIMPLE IRA: These accounts apply to self-employed individuals or employers with 100 or fewer employees. To contribute as an employee, you’ll need to have earned at least $5,000 from the employer in the last two years and expect to earn the same in the current year. Participants can contribute up to $14,000 in 2022 (or $17,000 if you’re 50 or older).