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iTrustCapital Review: What Nearly 3K Trustpilot Reviews Tell Us

iTrustCapital is a popular Bitcoin and Crypto IRA provider. Even though it has a large customer base, their platform many questionable digital assets flagged by the U.S. SEC as possibly unregisted securities.

Drew
Drew
Nov 27, 2023November 27, 202313 min read13 minutes read

Putting your money into Bitcoin using a tax-advantaged Bitcoin IRA is a wise decision for safeguarding and increasing your wealth over an extended duration. iTrustCapital is a leading self-directed Crypto IRA platform offering cryptocurrencies, gold and silver in your retirement account.

In this article, we review the platform as we analyze 2,806 iTrustCapital customer reviews on Trustpilot to find what people love about the platform as well as major customer concerns and issues. 

Not a big reader? Here is the TLDR:

  • iTrustCapital has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot

  • Customers love the prompt & fast process for verification and investment.

  • Customers generally have good experience with customer support.

  • Major Issue: Customers report price gauging and odd practices regarding fees and prices displayed. 

  • Major Issue: Customers report multiple times losing access to trade with their account. ITrustCapital responded to this comment with, “Yesterday, some clients were unable to see the value of their assets, an issue we resolved."

  • Major Issue: Customers report the platform does not display losses on your crypto; you must calculate this yourself. iTrustCapital support responded to this review, saying they’re in the process of implementing this feature. 

  • Major Issue: Customers report disabled phone customer support and poor communication with customer service. Several customers have reported similar issues.

In this article, we will deep dive into a full-blown review of iTrustCapital, all of its features, fees, and what the customer reviews tell us.

Ready? Let’s roll!

What is iTrustCapital?

Based in Irvine, CA, iTrustCapital was established in 2018 with a clear mission: to disrupt the self-directed IRA industry and empower clients to trade cryptocurrencies while enjoying specific tax benefits. 

iTrustCapital provides 40,000 users a range of options, including a:

  • Traditional crypto IRA

  • Roth crypto IRA

  • SEP crypto IRA

  • Gold and Silver options. 

Their IRA product is available to all eligible US-based investors in all US states and in collaboration with partners, offers access to 36 cryptocurrencies and physical gold and silver.

iTrustCapital serves as a crypto IRA platform that allows you to trade numerous cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, within an individual retirement account (IRA), contributing to your retirement savings.

Conventional IRAs typically revolve around stocks, bonds, and traditional assets. Bitcoin IRAs allow investors to diversify their retirement funds into Bitcoin and other digital assets.

Key Features

Self-Directed IRA

Investors retain full control over their investment decisions and have the flexibility to allocate a portion of their IRA funds into various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more.

Tax Advantages

The platform offers tax benefits, such as tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on the type of IRA chosen (e.g., traditional IRA or Roth IRA) and individual circumstances. It is advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional to fully comprehend the tax implications.

Custodian Services

iTrustCapital uses Fortress Trust as its qualified custodian, Fireblocks, and BitGo for institutional cold wallet custody. iTrust does not have a monthly fee. iTrustCapital uses Cross River Bank for settlements and a TOP three blue chip US bank for FBO client USD.

Who is iTrustCapital Target Customer Base?

iTrustCapital caters to investors seeking out alternative cryptocurrency options. They iTrustCapital doesn’t employ a sales team, is not a broker-dealer, is not an RIA, and does not pay sales commissions to employees.

iTrustCapital clients comprise mature working professionals in the 40-60 age range.

While iTrustCapital does not directly promote or encourage investment into any specific coins, solicit any investment or tax advice — the platform provides access to seven alternative cryptocurrencies considered securities by the recent SEC lawsuit against Coinbase and Binance.

At Swan, we firmly believe that any investment account or IRA that actively encourages investors to invest in lesser-known digital currencies alongside Bitcoin cannot be trusted.

Related Reading: Top 6 Reasons Binance is in Trouble

Who is iTrustCapital Not For?

iTrustCapital may not be the ideal choice for true Bitcoin believers who see its long-term potential. It doesn’t align with Swan’s Bitcoin-only investment philosophy. However, if you want to diversify your investments into alternative cryptocurrencies and altcoins, iTrustCapital could be a suitable option.

Advantages of iTrustCapital:

  1. Tax Benefits: iTrustCapital offers tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, allowing you to potentially grow your investments tax-free or tax-deferred.

  2. Diversification: Investors can diversify their retirement portfolio by including cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, etc.) alongside traditional assets like stocks and bonds.

  3. 24/7 Trading: iTrustCapital provides access to 24/7 trading for cryptocurrencies, which can benefit investors who want to take advantage of price fluctuations at any time.

  4. Secure Storage: They offer secure storage solutions for digital assets, reducing the risk of loss or theft.

  5. Easy to Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it accessible for experienced and novice investors.

  6. Educational Resources: iTrustCapital offers educational materials and resources to help users understand cryptocurrencies and precious metals.

Disadvantages of iTrustCapital:

  1. Limited Asset Selection: While iTrustCapital offers cryptocurrencies and precious metals, it doesn’t provide access to traditional investment options like individual stocks or mutual funds.

  2. Fees: iTrustCapital fees include account maintenance and trading fees. These costs can reduce the overall returns on your investments.

  3. Minimum Investments: There may be minimum investment requirements, limiting access for investors with smaller account balances.

  4. Market Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their price volatility, which can lead to significant gains or losses. Investors need to be aware of the risks associated with these assets.

  5. Regulatory Changes: The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is evolving, and changes in regulations could impact the way iTrustCapital operates and the assets it offers.

  6. Limited Availability: iTrustCapital’s availability may be limited to certain regions, so not all investors may have access to their services.

iTrustCapital IRA vs. Swan Bitcoin IRA 

Swan Bitcoin stands out for its:

Swan Bitcoin scores an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. iTrustCapital shares the same 4.6 rating.

Feature Comparison

Considering that an IRA is a long-term financial product that you may utilize for several years, if not decades, it is crucial to evaluate its features beyond just its fees. When considering an IRA as a long-term financial product, it’s essential to look beyond just fees and consider the features that differentiate the options available.

Here’s where Swan outshines iTrustCapital in terms of features:

  • Simplicity
    Swan IRA is guided by the principle of doing what suits Bitcoin and its community, ensuring a best-practices-driven approach.

  • High-Quality Information
    Swan Studio’s, the Swan YouTube channel and Signal Blog provide some of the best insight and content in the industry. 

  • Compliance and Risk Focus
    Swan prioritizes minimizing potential risks associated with investing in and holding Bitcoin in a legal trust in your name, expertly handling regulatory and compliance concerns concerning your IRA.

  • Tailored for Bitcoin
    With Swan IRA, you embrace a Bitcoin-only strategy, avoiding exposure to volatile altcoin securities as seen with iTrustCapital. Altcoins often carry significant regulatory and counter-party risks, exemplified by recent SEC actions.

  • No Promotion of Altcoins
    Swan does not promote multiple coins to encourage excessive trading activity. In contrast, iTrustCapital fees are often higher than Swan because its revenue model is heavily reliant on atlcoin trading. This business model creates an incentive for increased trading, potentially benefiting the IRA provider more than the investor.

  • Swan Support
    The Swan Support team of Bitcoin experts is readily available, responsive, and enthusiastic about discussing everything related to Bitcoin.

Market Comparison

iTrustCapital shills 36 altcoins in its IRA product, which may appear enticing at first glance. However, upon closer examination, the inherent risk of investing in multiple crypto assets simultaneously becomes evident.

When it comes to your retirement, the primary goal should be preserving and growing your wealth over the long term. Treating your retirement portfolio like a day trader, constantly following trends in the crypto market, may not align with this objective.

The iTrustCapital IRA product carries several risks, including market volatility, regulatory and legal challenges, security and fraud risks, and tax implications. Before investing, you should speak with a financial advisor and carefully review the terms and conditions of any financial institution you wish to work with.

Compliance Comparison

Investing in the numerous altcoins offered by iTrustCapital may not be financially beneficial and carries significant regulatory risks. Opting for such a strategy could put your retirement funds at the mercy of regulatory actions and potential legal consequences in the coming years.

Another risk to consider is the viability of platforms selling Bitcoin securities. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other regulatory agencies may crack down on trading in unregistered altcoin products. This adversely affects the platforms that offer altcoins and may result in the forced liquidation of assets the investor holds.

UPDATE: Recently, the SEC filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase. In the suit, the SEC names at least (67) alternative cryptocurrencies it believes are unregistered securities — many of these tokens are included in iTrustCapital’s product.

Swan maintains transparency regarding Bitcoin’s risks, compliance, and regulations. Instead of making false promises, the platform provides valuable support to help you navigate the complexities of IRAs and securely secure your future with cryptocurrencies.

Important Considerations When Selecting an IRA Provider

Bitcoin IRAs present itself as a typical investment, with numerous advantages and promising growth potential, which may lead to an increasing number of companies offering Bitcoin IRA or crypto IRA products in the future. Before making any investment, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and prioritize the protection of your savings while positioning yourself for long-term price appreciation in the secure asset that Bitcoin offers.  

Additionally, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the fees associated with the investment and how they might impact your long-term retirement objectives. Discover more about Swan IRA and how it can help you achieve your retirement goals while optimizing your savings potential.

For additional information, feel free to reach out to the team at ira@swanbitcoin.com.

iTrustCapital FAQs — What to Know Before You Invest

Who Own’s iTrustCapital

iTrustCapital is a renowned trading platform that focuses on providing alternative crypto-based IRA services. Acknowledging the inherent risks associated with investing in non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies before considering such investments is essential.

How Does iTrustCapital Work?

Offers a self-directed IRA, enabling investors to integrate digital assets into their retirement portfolios. 

Can I Invest My 401(k) in Bitcoin?

You have the option to initiate a new account with iTrustCapital or transfer funds from an existing IRA or retirement account, like a 401(k), and allocate those funds to various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash (BCH), or Litecoin.

What are some iTrustCapital Alternatives?

Swan Bitcoin, Unchained, iTrustCapital, Alto IRA, River, BitcoinIRA and Broad Financial.

What are the Investment Limits for iTrustCapital?

The is no maximum investment limits.

Is iTrustCapital Tax-Exempt?

The funds and assets within your account remain tax-free as long as they stay within the IRA.

Advantages of Option for a Bitcoin-only IRA Platform vs. a Crypto IRA

Simplicity and Focus

Bitcoin-only platforms provide a straightforward user experience, directing all their resources towards Bitcoin-related services. If your sole interest lies in investing in Bitcoin, a streamlined platform that avoids the complexities of managing multiple cryptocurrencies is the ideal choice for you.

  • Specialized Expertise
    Platforms like Swan Bitcoin possess in-depth knowledge of Bitcoin’s technology, market dynamics, and trends. This specialized expertise allows them to offer tailored advice, research, and support exclusively focused on Bitcoin investments.

  • Enhanced Security
    Bitcoin-only platforms prioritize and optimize security measures specifically designed for Bitcoin. This may include robust encryption, multi-signature wallets, cold storage solutions, and other security practices to safeguard Bitcoin holdings.

  • Access to Specific Bitcoin Features
    These platforms grant access to unique features or services exclusive to Bitcoin. For instance, opportunities like Bitcoin lending, staking, or other specialized investment options are unavailable on broader platforms.

  • Lower Fees
    Bitcoin-only platforms often come with lower fees than broader platforms that support multiple cryptocurrencies. This cost-effectiveness can be advantageous for investors seeking to maximize their returns.

By choosing a Bitcoin-only IRA platform, you can capitalize on the platform’s expertise and tailored services while focusing solely on your Bitcoin investments in a secure and cost-efficient manner. You can also avoid the complex jargon and hidden fees of Crypto IRAs.

What Are the Risks of iTrustCapital?

The iTrustCapital IRA product carries several risks, including market volatility, regulatory and legal challenges, security and fraud risks, and tax implications. Before investing in a Bitcoin or crypto IRAs, you should speak with a financial advisor and carefully review the terms and conditions of any financial institution you wish to work with.

Which is Right For You?

Bitcoin doesn’t fit the mold of a typical investment. With its numerous advantages and potential for significant growth, it’s likely that more companies will introduce their own Bitcoin IRA or crypto IRA offerings in the future.

Prior to making an investment, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and take measures to safeguard your funds, all while positioning yourself to benefit from the long-term appreciation in the value of a secure asset like Bitcoin. The practice of including unregistered securities and alternative cryptocurrencies in your Bitcoin portfolio carries an exceedingly high level of risk.

Therefore, it’s wise to contemplate adopting a 'Bitcoin-only' approach when selecting an IRA provider. Moreover, it’s essential to comprehend the associated fees and how these expenses will impact your overarching retirement objectives.

To gain a deeper understanding of Swan IRA and its capacity to assist you in attaining your retirement aspirations while optimizing your savings, we encourage you to delve further. For additional information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at ira@swanbitcoin.com.

If you found this comparison helpful, but have additional questions check out our guide that breaks down the most popular Bitcoin IRAs and Crypto IRAs of 2023 and shows you how to pick the best one for your goals and situation.

Drew

Drew

Drew is a Research Analyst for Swan Bitcoin. He is dedicated to helping onboard the next 10 million Bitcoiners.

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