BlockTrust IRA vs iTrustCapital (2026)
By James Mitchell, CFA · Last updated: September 6, 2026 · Methodology
The best Crypto IRA for most investors in 2026 is BlockTrust IRA, which earns the highest overall score (9.6 out of 10) versus iTrustCapital’s 8.8, driven by its fully managed Animus AI portfolio, broader cryptocurrency selection (60+ vs 40), and institutional-grade custody through American Estate & Trust with $200M in insurance coverage. iTrustCapital is a strong budget-focused alternative: it charges no annual fee and has a lower $1,000 minimum, which makes it accessible for cost-conscious beginners or smaller accounts. However, BlockTrust’s lower managed trading fee (0.14% vs iTrustCapital’s flat 1%) means active traders and larger balances typically come out ahead with BlockTrust as trading volume increases. iTrustCapital also supports gold and silver IRA investments alongside crypto, which appeals to investors wanting precious-metals diversification in the same account. For most investors prioritizing overall platform quality, asset selection, and security, BlockTrust IRA is our top recommendation; iTrustCapital remains a sound choice specifically for small-balance or fee-averse beginners.
BlockTrust IRA
9.6/10🏆 Our #1 Rated Crypto IRA — Top-Ranked
- ✓ Higher overall score (9.6 vs 8.8)
- ✓ More cryptocurrencies (60 vs 40)
- ✓ American Estate & Trust institutional custody with $200M insurance
- ✓ 100% cold storage
- ✓ Animus AI 24/7 portfolio management
iTrustCapital
8.8/10Notable for Low Fees & Low Minimum
- ✓ $0 annual fee (vs 2% managed fee)
- ✓ $1,000 minimum (vs No Min/\$20K Managed)
- ✓ Simple flat 1% trading fee
- ✓ Gold & silver IRA option
- ✗ Fewer cryptocurrencies (40 vs 60)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | BlockTrust IRA | iTrustCapital | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA |
| Annual Fee | $250/yr (Unmanaged) / $0 (Managed) | $0 | 🏆 iTrustCapital ($0 vs 2%) |
| Trading Fee | 0.4% (Unmanaged) / 0.14% (Managed) | 1% per trade | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA (0.14% vs 1%) |
| Minimum Investment | No Minimum (Unmanaged) / $20,000 (Managed) | $1,000 | 🏆 iTrustCapital ($1,000 vs No Min/$20K Managed) |
| Cryptocurrencies | 60+ | 40+ | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA (60 vs 40) |
| Custodian | American Estate & Trust | Fortis Bank + Fidelity / Wells Fargo / Fireblocks / Coinbase Prime | 🏆 BlockTrust (American Estate & Trust) |
| Storage | 100% Cold Storage | Cold Storage | 🏆 BlockTrust (100% cold) |
| Insurance | $250M | FDIC on cash | 🏆 BlockTrust ($200M) |
| BBB Rating | None | A | 🏆 iTrustCapital (A vs none) |
| Fee Score | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 🏆 iTrustCapital (9.8 vs 9.5) |
| Asset Score | 9.8/10 | 8/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA |
| Security Score | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA |
Who Should Choose Each Provider?
Choose BlockTrust IRA if you:
- ✓ Want Animus AI 24/7 managed portfolio
- ✓ Want the highest-rated platform (9.6/10)
- ✓ Want access to 60+ cryptocurrencies
- ✓ Prioritise American Estate & Trust custody and $200M insurance
- ✓ Want 100% cold storage guarantee
Choose iTrustCapital if you:
- ✓ Want to start with as little as $1,000
- ✓ Prioritise eliminating the annual fee
- ✓ Want gold and silver IRA alongside crypto
- ✓ Are a first-time crypto IRA investor
- ✓ Trade infrequently (annual fee savings matter most)
The Key Tradeoff: Fees vs Capability
Annual Fee: BlockTrust IRA charges $250/yr (Unmanaged) / $0 (Managed). iTrustCapital charges $0/year for all accounts. iTrustCapital wins on pure cost for passive investors.
Trading Fee: BlockTrust IRA charges 0.4% (Unmanaged) / 0.14% (Managed) per trade via American Estate & Trust. iTrustCapital charges 1% per trade. For active traders, BlockTrust's lower managed trading fee is a significant advantage.
Minimum Investment: BlockTrust IRA has No Minimum for unmanaged accounts and $20,000 for fully managed accounts. iTrustCapital requires $1,000, making it more accessible for smaller managed accounts.
Security: BlockTrust uses American Estate & Trust as custodian with $200M insurance coverage and 100% cold storage. iTrustCapital uses Coinbase Custody with FDIC coverage on cash holdings. Both are institutional-grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BlockTrust IRA and iTrustCapital?
BlockTrust IRA charges 0.14%–0.40% per trade vs iTrustCapital's 1% flat fee. BlockTrust assigns a dedicated specialist. iTrustCapital also supports gold and silver. BlockTrust is better for crypto-focused investors wanting low fees.
Which has lower fees: BlockTrust IRA or iTrustCapital?
BlockTrust IRA has lower fees at 0.14%–0.40% per trade, compared to iTrustCapital's 1% flat fee. For active traders or large accounts, BlockTrust's lower fee structure results in significant savings.
Does iTrustCapital support precious metals?
Yes. iTrustCapital supports gold and silver IRA investments in addition to cryptocurrency, making it a good choice for investors who want both crypto and precious metals in a single IRA.
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