Equity Trust Company is a self-directed IRA custodian based in Westlake, Ohio. Founded in 1974 and IRS-approved as a custodian since 1983, it is one of the oldest institutions in the self-directed retirement space, managing $72 billion in assets across 359,000 accounts as of 2026. Retirees setting up a gold IRA through a precious metals dealer will frequently encounter Equity Trust as the designated custodian. This review covers what Equity Trust does, how it charges, which gold IRA dealers use it, and how it compares to alternatives.
Equity Trust Company is a self-directed IRA custodian based in Westlake, Ohio. Founded in 1974 and IRS-approved as a custodian since 1983, it administers about $72 billion in assets across 359,000 accounts as of 2026. It is regulated as a South Dakota trust company, and its affiliated ETC Brokerage Services holds FINRA and SIPC membership. Goldiew rates it 4.5 out of 5: top marks for regulatory standing and track record, lower marks for fee transparency.
Quick note: Equity Trust is a custodian, not a dealer. It holds and administers your metals; it does not sell them to you. The section below explains this distinction in detail.
Company Overview
Equity Trust Company is privately owned by the Desich family and operates from Westlake, Ohio. The company is regulated as a South Dakota trust company and holds membership in RITA, the Retirement Industry Trust Association. Its affiliated brokerage, ETC Brokerage Services, is a FINRA and SIPC member, adding an additional layer of investor protection for brokerage-held assets.
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 (predecessor); IRS-approved custodian since 1983 |
| Headquarters | 1 Equity Way, Westlake, Ohio 44145 |
| Ownership | Privately held (Desich family) |
| Total AUM | $72 billion (as of March 31, 2026) |
| Precious Metals AUM | $7.2 billion (company-reported) |
| Total Accounts | 359,000+ |
| Annual Transactions | 2.1 million+ |
| Associates | 500+ |
| Regulatory Status | South Dakota trust company; IRS-approved non-bank custodian |
| BBB Rating | A+ (as of February 12, 2026) |
| Recognition | Investopedia “Best Self-Directed IRA Company” 2020-2025; Forbes 2024 (private equity and precious metals) |
| Dealer Network | 200+ via MetalsConnect platform |
| Phone | (855) 233-4382 |
At $72 billion in total AUM and $7.2 billion specifically in precious metals, Equity Trust handles a level of volume that most smaller custodians cannot match. That scale matters for processing speed and operational reliability. It also means the company has navigated multiple market cycles and regulatory changes since 1974.
Custodian vs. Dealer: A Critical Distinction
Most retirees entering the gold IRA space for the first time conflate the custodian with the dealer. They are separate entities with distinct roles. Understanding the difference protects you from misaligned expectations and potential scams.
What a Custodian Does
- Opens and administers your IRA account
- Holds title to your metals on behalf of your IRA
- Reports your account activity to the IRS
- Executes purchases and sales at your direction
- Ensures metals ship to an IRS-approved depository
- Provides account statements and tax forms
What a Custodian Does NOT Do
- Recommend or select specific gold or silver products
- Provide investment advice
- Sell metals directly to you
- Store the metals themselves (uses third-party depositories)
- Advise on which dealers to use
- Guarantee investment outcomes of any kind
Equity Trust classifies itself as a “directed custodian.” It executes the transactions you direct without evaluating whether those transactions suit your financial situation. All investment decisions remain yours. For guidance on whether a gold IRA belongs in your retirement plan, consult a licensed financial advisor. Consult your tax advisor for tax implications specific to your situation.
Gold IRA Services at Equity Trust
Equity Trust supports precious metals IRAs through account administration and its MetalsConnect platform, a digital integration layer connecting custodian accounts with dealers and depositories. More than 200 precious metals dealers currently use MetalsConnect to process client orders through Equity Trust accounts.
The process for a gold IRA through Equity Trust runs as follows:
- Open an account through the myEQUITY online portal or by calling (888) 925-1578 to speak with an account specialist.
- Fund the account via a direct rollover from an existing 401(k) or IRA, a transfer from another custodian, or an annual cash contribution within IRS limits.
- Work with your precious metals dealer to identify IRS-eligible products at a price you agree to.
- Direct Equity Trust to fund the purchase. Your IRA issues payment directly to the dealer; you never handle the funds personally.
- Metals ship to an approved depository in your IRA’s name. Equity Trust receives confirmation and updates your account statement.
Equity Trust targets a one-business-day turnaround on typical precious metals purchase transactions. Rollover timelines vary: Equity Trust’s own administrative steps take two to three business days, but the full transfer from an employer-sponsored 401(k) can take seven to 60 days depending on the plan administrator.
Eligible Metals and IRS Purity Requirements
Not every gold coin or silver bar qualifies for an IRA. The IRS sets minimum purity thresholds for each metal, and Equity Trust enforces these at the account level:
| Metal | Minimum Fineness | Common Eligible Forms |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | .995 (99.5%) | American Gold Eagle (exception), Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, gold bars from accredited refiners |
| Silver | .999 (99.9%) | American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, silver bars from accredited refiners |
| Platinum | .9995 (99.95%) | American Platinum Eagle, platinum bars from accredited refiners |
| Palladium | .9995 (99.95%) | Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf, palladium bars from accredited refiners |
Bars and rounds must come from manufacturers accredited by NYMEX/COMEX, LME, LBMA, LPPM, TOCOM, NYSE/Liffe/CBOT, ISO 9000, or a national government mint. Two categories to avoid: “slabbed” coins (graded and sealed by a coin grading service) are not eligible at Equity Trust, and collectible coins are prohibited by IRS statute under IRC Section 408(m)(1).
The American Gold Eagle gets a statutory exception. At .9167 fine (22 karat), it falls below the .995 threshold but is explicitly permitted by Congress under IRC Section 408(m)(3)(A). Your dealer should confirm eligibility of any product before purchase; the custodian will refuse to hold ineligible metals.
Approved Depositories
IRS regulations require that precious metals in an IRA be stored at an approved depository. Personal possession of IRA-owned metals before distribution is a prohibited transaction. Equity Trust works with five approved storage facilities:
| Depository | Notes |
|---|---|
| A-Mark Global Logistics / Loomis International (AMGL) | Multi-location network |
| Brink’s | Global network with established security infrastructure |
| Delaware Depository Service Company (DDSC) | Wilmington, Delaware; widely used by major gold IRA custodians |
| International Depository Services (IDS) | Locations in Texas and Delaware |
| Texas Bullion Depository | State-operated; College Station, Texas |
Most depositories offer both segregated and commingled storage. Segregated storage keeps your specific bars and coins physically separate from other clients’ metals; commingled storage pools metals of the same type and weight. Segregated storage typically costs more. Confirm storage type and fees with your dealer and custodian before committing, as these costs accumulate annually over the life of your account.
Fee Structure
Equity Trust describes its fee model as “straightforward” and “all-inclusive, with no hidden fees.” The company explicitly avoids the large upfront setup fees that some custodians charge. Fees are tiered by account value, meaning your annual cost rises as your account balance grows.
| Fee Type | Structure | Public Disclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | One-time; charged at account opening | Amount in PDF schedule only |
| Annual Maintenance | Tiered by account value; billed annually or quarterly | Amount in PDF schedule only |
| Transaction Fee | Per purchase, sale, or bill payment | Amount in PDF schedule only |
| Wire Transfer | Per wire sent or received | Amount in PDF schedule only |
| Storage | Flat fee per year (precious metals); varies by depository | Confirm directly with Equity Trust or your dealer |
| Account Termination | Charged on account closure or full distribution | Amount in PDF schedule only |
Customer Service and Account Management
Equity Trust operates through two primary service channels for individual account holders:
- Phone: (855) 233-4382 or (888) 925-1578, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. No weekend or extended-hours support is listed publicly.
- myEQUITY online portal: Allows account holders to view statements, initiate transaction directions, track assets, and receive real-time notifications. Equity Trust also offers an Investment District marketplace for account holders exploring alternative asset options beyond precious metals.
For gold IRA clients, most day-to-day interaction with the custodian flows through the dealer first. MetalsConnect-integrated dealers submit transaction directions electronically, which reduces manual back-and-forth. For routine purchases within an active account, the practical customer service burden is low.
Pros and Cons for Gold IRA Holders
Pros
- 50+ years of continuous operation; IRS-approved since 1983
- $72 billion in total AUM; $7.2 billion in precious metals specifically
- BBB A+ rating (verified 2026)
- Investopedia “Best Self-Directed IRA Company” 2020-2025 (six consecutive years)
- Five approved depositories, including the widely respected Delaware Depository
- 200+ dealer partners via MetalsConnect
- One-business-day processing target on typical transactions
- South Dakota trust company; RITA member; FINRA/SIPC through ETC Brokerage Services
Cons
- Fee amounts not published online; PDF download or phone call required
- Value-based annual maintenance fee rises with account growth
- Directed custodian only; no investment guidance whatsoever
- Customer service limited to weekday business hours (8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET)
- Storage fees vary by depository and are not directly controlled by Equity Trust
- Account termination fees apply on full closure
Which Gold IRA Companies Use Equity Trust
Equity Trust reports 200+ precious metals dealers on its MetalsConnect platform. Among companies that have publicly noted their relationship with Equity Trust:
- Noble Gold Investments: Collin Plume, president of Noble Gold Investments, is publicly quoted on Equity Trust’s dealer page calling Equity Trust “a trusted custodian.” Noble Gold lists Equity Trust among its custodian options for gold IRA clients. Read our full Noble Gold Investments review.
- Goldco: Goldco CEO Brenda Whitman is quoted on the same Equity Trust dealer page praising the platform’s capacity and reliability.
- GoldDealer.com: Ed Hodson, Director of Self-Directed Retirement Accounts at GoldDealer.com, is also publicly quoted as a MetalsConnect participant.
If you are working with a specific gold IRA dealer, ask directly which custodian they use and whether you have options. Some dealers partner exclusively with one custodian; others give clients a choice. If you are considering Augusta Precious Metals, ask your Augusta representative which custodian they currently work with on qualifying accounts.
Alternative Custodians to Consider
Equity Trust is the largest self-directed IRA custodian by AUM and accounts, but it is not the only IRS-approved option for precious metals. The comparison below covers the most commonly cited alternatives:
| Custodian | In Operation Since | Precious Metals Support | Fee Transparency | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust Company | 1974 | Yes ($7.2B in PM; MetalsConnect; 5 depositories) | PDF only | Largest SDIRA custodian; BBB A+; Investopedia best 2020-2025 |
| STRATA Trust Company | 1978 | Yes | Published online | Fee schedule fully public; formerly Self Directed IRA Services |
| GoldStar Trust Company | 1989 | Yes (precious metals focus) | Published online | Canyon, Texas; specialized in self-directed IRAs |
| Kingdom Trust | 2009 | Yes (including cryptocurrency) | Partial | Murray, Kentucky; broader alternative asset focus |
| New Direction IRA | 2004 | Yes | Published online | Colorado Springs; online-focused account management |
In practice, most gold IRA buyers do not choose their custodian independently. Your dealer will typically recommend or require a specific custodian. The practical decision is which dealer to trust, with the custodian as a supporting factor. That said, verify any proposed custodian against its IRS approval status, BBB profile, and state regulatory standing before transferring retirement assets. A dealer that cannot confirm which custodian holds your account, or that pushes you toward an unverifiable entity, is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
For a broader assessment of which gold IRA companies we recommend, see our guide: Best Gold IRA Companies for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Equity Trust Company legitimate?
Yes. Equity Trust Company is a legitimate, IRS-approved non-bank custodian that has operated continuously since 1974. It is regulated as a South Dakota trust company, carries an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (as of 2026), and has received Investopedia’s “Best Self-Directed IRA Company” designation for six consecutive years (2020-2025). It is also a member of RITA, the Retirement Industry Trust Association. These credentials are publicly verifiable.
What does Equity Trust charge for a gold IRA?
Equity Trust does not publish specific fee amounts on its public website. The company uses a tiered, value-based fee structure covering account setup, annual maintenance, transactions, wire transfers, and storage. To see actual dollar amounts, download the fee schedule PDF at trustetc.com/fees/ or call (855) 233-4382. Some gold IRA dealers negotiate custodian fee structures or waiver periods for qualifying clients; ask your dealer before opening an account.
Can I take physical possession of gold held in an Equity Trust IRA?
Not while the metals remain in an IRA. IRS rules require that IRA-owned precious metals stay in an IRS-approved depository until you take a distribution. Taking personal possession before distribution constitutes a prohibited transaction and immediately disqualifies the IRA, triggering income taxes on the entire account balance plus potential penalties. At the point of distribution, you can request an in-kind delivery (physical metals shipped to you) or a cash distribution (metals sold, proceeds paid out). Both are taxable events. Consult your tax advisor before taking any distribution from a precious metals IRA.
How long does a 401(k) rollover to Equity Trust take?
Equity Trust estimates its own administrative steps take two to three business days. The full rollover from an employer-sponsored 401(k), however, depends on the plan administrator and can take seven to 60 days. Direct transfers between IRA custodians are typically faster than rollovers involving an intervening distribution. Under IRS rules, you may complete only one rollover per 12-month period; a second rollover within that window becomes taxable. Direct trustee-to-trustee transfers between IRAs of the same type are not subject to that limit.
Does Equity Trust advise on which gold to buy?
No. Equity Trust is a directed custodian. It executes transactions as you direct without evaluating whether a purchase is appropriate for your situation. The company explicitly states it “does not research or analyze your investment choices.” Your precious metals dealer recommends specific products; a licensed financial advisor should be consulted on overall retirement strategy. If a custodian ever proactively recommends specific metals for purchase, treat that as a serious red flag.
Which gold coins are eligible in an Equity Trust IRA?
Eligible gold must meet .995 minimum fineness. One statutory exception: the American Gold Eagle is .9167 fine but explicitly authorized by Congress under IRC Section 408(m)(3)(A). Other commonly eligible coins include the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Austrian Gold Philharmonic, and gold bars from NYMEX/COMEX-accredited refiners. Equity Trust does not accept slabbed (professionally graded and sealed) coins, regardless of purity, nor any coin classified as a collectible under IRC Section 408(m)(1). Confirm eligibility with your dealer before purchase.
Is Equity Trust the same as Equity Institutional?
They are related entities under the same ownership but serve different client types. Equity Trust Company (trustetc.com) handles individual investors with self-directed retirement accounts. Equity Institutional (equityinstitutional.com) serves institutional clients such as registered investment advisors, broker-dealers, and investment platforms. For individual gold IRA holders, the relevant entity is Equity Trust Company.
What happens to my IRA if Equity Trust goes out of business?
IRA assets held by a custodian are legally the property of the account holder, not the custodian. Your metals are held at a third-party depository in your IRA’s name. If Equity Trust ceased operations, the IRS requires accounts to transfer to another approved custodian. Your metals at the depository remain yours regardless of the custodian’s financial status. ETC Brokerage Services carries FINRA/SIPC membership, which provides protection for brokerage-held assets up to SIPC limits. Physical metals held at depositories are not SIPC-eligible, but they are not the custodian’s property and cannot be claimed by the custodian’s creditors.
Sources
- Equity Trust Company, Official Website, trustetc.com , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, About Page, trustetc.com/about/ , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, Precious Metals Investments, trustetc.com/investments/precious-metals/ , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, Gold IRA, trustetc.com/investments/precious-metals/gold/ , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, Precious Metals Dealer Program, trustetc.com/professionals/precious-metals-dealers/ , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, Self-Directed IRA FAQ, trustetc.com/sdira-resources/frequently-asked-questions/ , accessed May 2026
- Equity Trust Company, Fee Information, trustetc.com/fees/ , accessed May 2026
- Better Business Bureau, Equity Trust Company Profile , A+ rating as of February 12, 2026 (per company site disclosure)
- IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), IRS.gov
- IRS Publication 590-B, Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), IRS.gov
- Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m), Precious Metals and Collectibles in IRAs