Independent analysis: Goldiew has no affiliate relationship with STRATA Trust Company. We earn no commission from this page. This review is based solely on STRATA’s public website, fee disclosures, and Texas regulatory records.
STRATA Trust Company is a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) custodian, not a precious metals dealer. That distinction matters. When you open a gold IRA through any of the companies listed on Goldiew, the custodian is the institution that actually holds your account, files your IRS paperwork, and coordinates with the depository where your metal sits. STRATA handles those functions for a significant share of the SDIRA market. Here is what the company charges, how its process works, and whether it is a reasonable choice for a gold IRA.
STRATA is regulated by the Texas Department of Banking and is a member of the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA). The $225 baseline covers $125 account maintenance plus $100 commingled storage; segregated storage runs $300 per year, and each purchase adds $75 in transaction and depository handling fees. Approved depositories include Delaware Depository and Texas Precious Metals Depository. Goldiew has no affiliate relationship with STRATA; this analysis is based solely on STRATA’s public website, fee disclosures, and Texas regulatory records.
Custodian vs. dealer: the difference that changes everything
Many first-time gold IRA investors confuse the custodian with the dealer they buy metals from. They are separate businesses with separate legal roles.
The dealer is the company that sells you the gold or silver. Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, and Noble Gold Investments are dealers. They help you choose your metals, provide a price quote, and arrange delivery to a depository.
The custodian is the IRS-regulated institution that holds your retirement account. The IRS requires all IRA assets to be held by a qualified custodian, as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 408. The custodian opens your account, processes rollovers and contributions, maintains tax records, files Form 5498 and 1099-R, and serves as the intermediary between you, the dealer, and the depository.
STRATA Trust operates exclusively as a custodian. It does not sell metals and does not recommend specific dealers. Per its own website, STRATA is a “directed (passive) custodian,” meaning it executes your instructions but takes no position on whether a given investment is suitable for you. That structure is standard among SDIRA custodians.
Why this matters for your gold IRA
If your dealer charges high fees, that is a dealer problem, not a custodian problem. If your custodian charges high fees, that cost runs indefinitely regardless of which dealer you use. Evaluating both is essential before you commit to an account.
Company background
STRATA Trust traces its origins to 2008, when the company launched as Self Directed IRA Services, Inc. in Waco, Texas. The firm rebranded to STRATA Trust Company in 2017. As of 2025, it reports serving more than 48,000 investors with over $10 billion in assets under custody.
STRATA is chartered as a Texas trust company and operates under the oversight of the Texas Department of Banking. Texas trust company charters require annual audits and ongoing compliance examinations. The company is backed by Horizon Bank, a Texas-based financial institution. It is not a bank deposit account and is not FDIC-insured, which is the standard status for a trust company holding IRA assets in alternative investments.
STRATA is a member of the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), the primary trade group for self-directed IRA custodians. RITA membership requires adherence to professional standards and participation in ongoing education for staff handling alternative asset accounts.
The company’s leadership team includes Kelli Click as President, Jeff Thompson as Executive Vice President, and Michele Maruri as Chief Financial Officer, among others listed on the company’s public website as of 2026.
| Data point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 (as Self Directed IRA Services, Inc.) | stratatrust.com/why-strata/ |
| Renamed STRATA Trust | 2017 | stratatrust.com/why-strata/ |
| Headquarters | Waco, Texas | Texas state charter records |
| Regulatory oversight | Texas Department of Banking (state-chartered trust company) | stratatrust.com/why-strata/ |
| Backing institution | Horizon Bank | stratatrust.com/why-strata/ |
| Assets under custody | $10 billion+ | stratatrust.com (homepage, 2026) |
| Investors served | 48,000+ | stratatrust.com (homepage, 2026) |
| Industry membership | RITA (Retirement Industry Trust Association) | stratatrust.com/why-strata/ |
Gold IRA services at STRATA Trust
STRATA offers a dedicated “Precious Metals” account type within its SDIRA product line. This account holds physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium under the IRS rules governing IRAs.
Eligible metals and purity standards
The IRS specifies minimum purity for metals held in an IRA under Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m). STRATA’s eligible list aligns with those requirements:
| Metal | Minimum purity | Example eligible products |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% | American Eagle (bullion and proof), US Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, Australian Kangaroo/Nugget |
| Silver | 99.9% | American Eagle, America the Beautiful, Australian Kookaburra, Austrian Vienna Philharmonic, Canadian Maple Leaf |
| Platinum | 99.95% | American Eagle, Australian Koala, Canadian Maple Leaf, Isle of Man Noble |
| Palladium | 99.95% | Canadian Maple Leaf and other qualifying products |
STRATA requires that all metals come from refiners, assayers, or manufacturers accredited by recognized bodies including NYMEX, COMEX, LBMA, LPPM, or national government mints. Bullion coins must be in brilliant uncirculated condition. Proof coins require complete original mint packaging and a certificate of authenticity.
One point worth clarifying: numismatic coins (collectibles) are generally not eligible for IRA ownership under IRC 408(m)(3)(A). If a dealer tries to sell you premium rare coins inside an IRA, ask for the specific IRS code authorizing that product. IRS guidance on coins, bullion, and precious metals is a useful reference before any purchase.
Storage and depositories
The IRS prohibits IRA owners from taking personal possession of IRA-held metals. All gold must be stored with an IRS-approved third-party depository. STRATA partners with two:
- Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE and Boulder City, NV): one of the largest precious metals depositories in the US, offering both commingled and segregated storage for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
- Texas Precious Metals Depository (Shiner, TX): a Texas-based facility offering segregated and commingled storage, commonly used by investors who prefer domestic storage outside the Northeast.
Segregated storage means your metals are stored in a separate, labeled vault area assigned to your account. Commingled storage means your metals are pooled with other investors’ holdings of the same product type. STRATA charges $175/year for segregated and $100/year for commingled. Segregated is available for gold, platinum, and palladium, but not listed for silver at STRATA’s current fee schedule.
How the process works
STRATA is a directed custodian. It acts on your instructions, not on its own judgment. The process for buying metals inside your SDIRA at STRATA follows these steps:
- Open a STRATA SDIRA and fund it (via rollover from an existing IRA or 401(k), transfer from another custodian, or new contribution).
- Choose a precious metals dealer. STRATA works with many dealers; your dealer does not have to be one STRATA specifically recommends.
- Obtain a dealer invoice for the specific metals you want to purchase.
- Submit STRATA’s Investment Direction and Disclosures form along with the invoice and dealer agreement.
- STRATA funds the purchase and coordinates delivery to your chosen depository.
You bear responsibility for verifying that the dealer is reputable, that the products meet IRS standards, and that the depository is IRS-approved. STRATA does not perform due diligence on dealers on your behalf.
STRATA Trust fee schedule for precious metals IRAs
Fees matter more over time than most investors realize. A $100,000 gold IRA paying $265 per year in combined account and storage fees pays out roughly $2,650 in fees over a decade, before any transaction costs. Understanding the full annual cost before you open an account is basic financial hygiene.
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account setup (online) | $0 | Waived for online applications |
| Account setup (paper) | $50 | One-time |
| Annual maintenance (Precious Metals account) | $125/year | Flat regardless of account size |
| Commingled storage | $100/year | Pooled with same-product holdings |
| Segregated storage | $175/year | Gold, platinum, palladium only |
| Precious metals transaction | $40 per transaction | Each buy, sell, or exchange |
| Depository handling/processing | $35 per transaction | Charged at depository level per transaction |
| Precious metals shipping | $10 per shipment | Applies when metals are moved |
| Wire transfer | $35 per wire | Applies to funding via wire |
| Account closure | $250 | One-time at account closing |
| In-kind distribution | $75 per asset | When you take physical possession at RMD age |
| Typical annual cost (commingled, 1 buy/yr) | $295 | $125 maintenance + $100 storage + $40 transaction + $30 share of depository handling |
STRATA notes that fees are not prorated and the company reserves the right to charge for services not listed in the published schedule. Confirm current fees directly with STRATA before opening an account. Fee schedules change.
One fee that catches investors off-guard: the $35 depository handling charge applies each time metals move, separate from the $40 transaction fee. A single buy means $75 in combined transaction costs ($40 + $35) plus the dealer’s markup on the metals themselves.
Customer service and account management
STRATA provides a dedicated support team for precious metals account holders. On their website, a “Gold and Precious Metals Support” page lists the forms and processes for common account actions: funding, directing investments, taking distributions, and managing depository coordination.
The account management process is primarily form-based. You submit the relevant STRATA form (Investment Direction, Distribution Request, Transfer Authorization, etc.) and STRATA processes it. This is the standard operating model for directed SDIRA custodians and keeps the custodian’s role clearly passive and compliant with IRS rules on prohibited transactions.
STRATA offers an online client portal for account monitoring. Response times and escalation contacts are not prominently published on the public website. For an account that may hold $100,000 or more in retirement savings, it is worth asking STRATA directly about processing timelines before you fund the account, particularly for rollovers from a 401(k) at a former employer.
The company also maintains an educational resource center with IRA rules, compliance guides, and a financial calculators section, which is useful for account holders learning the rules around contribution limits, required minimum distributions (RMDs apply at age 73 for traditional IRAs), and prohibited transactions.
Pros and cons for gold IRA holders
✓ Strengths
- Texas-chartered trust company with state regulatory oversight and annual audits
- RITA member (Retirement Industry Trust Association professional standards)
- 17 years in operation; $10B+ AUM signals financial stability
- Dedicated precious metals account type (not a generic brokerage bolt-on)
- Two depository options including a Texas-based facility for investors who prefer it
- Flat annual fee ($125) that does not scale with account size, favorable for larger accounts
- Segregated storage available for gold, platinum, and palladium
- No minimum account balance stated on public fee schedule
✗ Weaknesses
- Per-transaction fees ($40 STRATA + $35 depository = $75) make frequent trading expensive
- Account closure fee of $250 creates friction when switching custodians
- Response time SLAs not publicly disclosed
- Segregated storage not listed as available for silver
- Total annual holding cost ($225-$300+) is not among the lowest in the SDIRA market
- Passive/directed model means no guidance on dealer quality; due diligence falls entirely on you
Which gold IRA dealers work with STRATA Trust
STRATA maintains a dedicated “Precious Metal Brokers” section on its website, confirming it actively onboards new dealers into a structured partnership program. Dealers submit a Dealer Representation Letter and company documentation, then go through a supervised first-transaction period before full account access.
STRATA does not publicly name the dealers currently on its approved list. Likewise, most gold IRA dealers do not specify their custodian on their homepage, since clients choose the custodian through the account-opening process.
If you are working with a specific dealer and want to confirm whether they use STRATA Trust as their custodian, ask the dealer directly before funding. You have the right to know which institution will hold your IRA assets and to evaluate that custodian independently before signing any paperwork. The dealer and the custodian are separate parties, and you are agreeing to terms with both.
If you are considering a Goldiew-listed company
Goldiew reviews the dealers. The dealers choose which custodian to partner with for client accounts. Before committing to a gold IRA with any Goldiew-listed company, ask: “Which custodian will hold my account?” and “Can you send me that custodian’s fee schedule?” Any reputable dealer will answer both questions before you sign.
How STRATA compares to other SDIRA custodians
Several established SDIRA custodians compete in the precious metals space. No one custodian is right for every situation. The main differentiators are fees, depository relationships, processing speed, and whether the custodian is dealer-agnostic or tied to a specific dealer network.
| Custodian | Founded | HQ state | Annual fee (approx.) | Depository options | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRATA Trust Company | 2008 | Texas | $125 + $100-$175 storage | Delaware Depository, Texas PM Depository | Flat fee, RITA member, Texas-chartered |
| Equity Trust Company | 1974 | Ohio | Varies by account value | Multiple approved depositories | Largest SDIRA custodian by AUM ($34B+), used by many major dealers |
| GoldStar Trust Company | 2000s | Texas | Varies | Multiple | Texas-chartered, precious metals focus, often used by precious metals dealers |
| New Direction Trust Company (NDTCO) | 2003 | Colorado | Flat fee structure | Multiple | Dealer-agnostic, flat fee, broad alternative asset support |
| Kingdom Trust | 2009 | Kentucky | Varies | Multiple | Strong in alternative assets, acquired by Choice Financial Group |
Fee comparison across custodians requires asking each for their current schedule on a specific account size. Custody fees on a $100,000 account at Equity Trust, for example, scale differently than STRATA’s flat $125 annual fee. A larger account often benefits from STRATA’s flat structure. Consult your tax advisor or a licensed financial advisor before choosing a custodian for your specific retirement situation.
Frequently asked questions about STRATA Trust gold IRA
Is STRATA Trust regulated?
Yes. STRATA Trust Company is chartered as a trust company by the State of Texas and operates under the oversight of the Texas Department of Banking. Texas-chartered trust companies are subject to annual examinations and ongoing compliance requirements. STRATA is also a member of the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA). It is not a bank and deposits are not FDIC-insured, which is normal for a trust company holding alternative IRA assets.
Can I choose any precious metals dealer if my IRA is at STRATA Trust?
Largely yes. STRATA is a directed custodian and does not restrict you to a single dealer network. You select a dealer, obtain an invoice, and submit an Investment Direction form to STRATA. However, dealers must complete STRATA’s onboarding process to transact directly through STRATA’s systems. Ask your dealer whether they have an active relationship with STRATA before assuming the transaction will be straightforward.
What is the total annual cost of a gold IRA at STRATA Trust?
The baseline annual cost is $225 per year: $125 for account maintenance plus $100 for commingled storage. If you choose segregated storage, that rises to $300/year. Each purchase adds $75 in transaction and depository handling fees ($40 + $35). An investor who makes one purchase per year and uses commingled storage will pay roughly $295-$300 in annual ongoing costs, before any dealer markup on the metals themselves.
Where does STRATA Trust store the physical gold?
STRATA partners with two IRS-approved depositories: Delaware Depository (with facilities in Wilmington, Delaware, and Boulder City, Nevada) and Texas Precious Metals Depository (Shiner, Texas). You select the depository when you direct your investment. Both offer commingled storage; segregated storage is available for gold, platinum, and palladium.
Does STRATA Trust provide investment advice?
No. STRATA explicitly states it is a directed (passive) custodian and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice. It does not perform due diligence on dealers, sponsors, or the investments you choose. The decision on which metals to buy, which dealer to use, and whether a gold IRA is appropriate for your situation is entirely yours. Consult a licensed financial advisor for guidance specific to your retirement planning.
What types of IRAs does STRATA Trust support?
STRATA supports Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA accounts as self-directed vehicles. Beyond precious metals, STRATA also supports real estate, private equity, private debt, and public investments within SDIRAs. The Precious Metals account type is a specific sub-type of SDIRA within STRATA’s product line.
When do required minimum distributions (RMDs) apply at STRATA Trust?
Required minimum distributions begin at age 73 for traditional IRAs under the SECURE 2.0 Act rules effective 2023 (as confirmed by IRS guidance on RMDs). Roth IRAs do not require distributions during the owner’s lifetime. Taking an RMD from a gold IRA means either selling some of the metal or taking an in-kind distribution (physical delivery of metals), which STRATA charges $75 per asset for. Consult your tax advisor to plan for this cost.
Can I transfer an existing IRA to STRATA Trust?
Yes. STRATA accepts IRA-to-IRA transfers and rollovers from 401(k), 403(b), and other qualified retirement plans. A direct rollover (where funds move custodian-to-custodian without touching your hands) avoids the 60-day rollover window and mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers from employer plans. IRS Publication 590-A covers the rollover rules in detail.
Sources
- STRATA Trust Company official website, “Why STRATA” page. Accessed May 2026. stratatrust.com/why-strata/
- STRATA Trust Company fee schedule. Accessed May 2026. stratatrust.com/resource-center/strata-fees/
- STRATA Trust Company, “Gold and Precious Metals” investment page. Accessed May 2026. stratatrust.com/investment-options/gold-precious-metals/
- STRATA Trust Company, IRA-allowable precious metals list. Accessed May 2026. stratatrust.com/investment-options/gold-precious-metals/ira-allowable-precious-metals/
- Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m), precious metals eligibility for IRAs. law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/408
- IRS Publication 590-A (Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements). irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590a.pdf
- IRS, “Coins, Bullion and Precious Metals in IRAs.” irs.gov/retirement-plans/coins-bullion-precious-metals
- Texas Department of Banking, trust company regulatory information. dob.texas.gov
- IRS, Required Minimum Distributions. irs.gov/retirement-plans/…rmds