BlockTrust IRA vs Rocket Dollar (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 Rocket Dollar’s 8.1, driven by its fully managed Animus AI portfolio, institutional-grade custody through American Estate & Trust with $200M in insurance coverage, and a materially higher security score (9.7 vs 7.8). Rocket Dollar is a fundamentally different product: it’s a checkbook-control self-directed IRA structure that lets you invest in virtually any asset — not just crypto — through your own LLC, with a $0 minimum and $0 trading fee. That flexibility appeals to investors who want to hold crypto alongside real estate, private equity, or other alternative assets in one account, and are comfortable managing self-custody and compliance themselves. For most investors specifically looking for the best dedicated crypto IRA experience, BlockTrust IRA is our top recommendation; Rocket Dollar is the better choice for investors who want broad self-directed investment flexibility beyond just crypto.
BlockTrust IRA
9.6/10🏆 Our #1 Rated Crypto IRA — Top-Ranked
- ✓ Animus AI 24/7 managed portfolio
- ✓ Highest overall score (9.6/10)
- ✓ American Estate & Trust institutional custody with $200M insurance
- ✓ 100% cold storage
- ✓ 60+ cryptocurrencies supported
Rocket Dollar
8.1/10Most Flexible Self-Directed IRA
- ✓ Invest in any asset via your own LLC (not just crypto)
- ✓ $0 minimum investment
- ✓ $0 trading fee
- ✗ Lower security score (7.8 vs 9.7) — self-custody responsibility
- ✗ Higher setup fee ($360) and annual fee ($180–$300)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | BlockTrust IRA | Rocket Dollar | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA |
| Annual Fee | $250/yr (Unmanaged) / $0 (Managed) | $180/year (Gold: $300) | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA (Managed) |
| Trading Fee | 0.4% (Unmanaged) / 0.14% (Managed) | None (checkbook control) | 🏆 Rocket Dollar ($0) |
| Minimum Investment | No Minimum (Unmanaged) / $20,000 (Managed) | $0 | 🏆 Rocket Dollar ($0) |
| Asset Scope | 60+ cryptocurrencies | Any asset via LLC | 🏆 Depends on goals |
| Custodian | American Estate & Trust | Self-directed LLC | 🏆 BlockTrust (institutional trust) |
| Insurance | $250M | Varies by investment | 🏆 BlockTrust ($200M crypto-specific) |
| BBB Rating | None | A | 🏆 Rocket Dollar (A) |
| Fee Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA |
| Asset Score | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA (9.8 vs 9.5) |
| Security Score | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 🏆 BlockTrust IRA (9.7 vs 7.8) |
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 Rocket Dollar if you:
- ✓ Want to hold crypto alongside real estate or private equity
- ✓ Want checkbook control over your own LLC
- ✓ Want $0 trading fees and no minimum
- ✓ Are comfortable managing self-custody and IRS compliance
- ✓ Want maximum asset flexibility beyond crypto
Key Differences: The Bottom Line
Fees: BlockTrust IRA charges $250/yr (Unmanaged) / $0 (Managed) annual fee, with a 0.4% (Unmanaged) / 0.14% (Managed) trading fee via American Estate & Trust. Rocket Dollar charges $180/year (Gold: $300) annual fee and $0 per trade.
Minimum Investment: BlockTrust IRA has No Minimum for unmanaged (self-directed) accounts and $20,000 for fully managed accounts. Rocket Dollar requires $0.
Asset Selection: BlockTrust IRA supports 60+ cryptocurrencies. Rocket Dollar supports virtually any asset (crypto, real estate, private equity) via a self-directed LLC, rather than a fixed list of cryptocurrencies.
Custody: BlockTrust IRA uses American Estate & Trust as custodian with $200M insurance coverage and 100% cold storage. Rocket Dollar uses Self-directed LLC with FDIC on cash coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between BlockTrust IRA and Rocket Dollar?
BlockTrust IRA is a dedicated, fully managed crypto IRA with a 9.6/10 overall score. Rocket Dollar is a checkbook-control self-directed IRA that lets you invest in almost any asset — including crypto, real estate, or private equity — through your own LLC, with more responsibility on you for custody and compliance.
Which has lower fees: BlockTrust IRA or Rocket Dollar?
Rocket Dollar charges $0 in trading fees but a $360 setup fee plus $180–$300 annual fee. BlockTrust IRA's managed accounts have no annual fee but a 0.14% trading fee. Which is cheaper depends on your account size and trading frequency.
Can Rocket Dollar hold cryptocurrency in an IRA?
Yes, through its self-directed LLC structure, Rocket Dollar account holders can buy and hold crypto (and other alternative assets) themselves, unlike BlockTrust IRA's fully managed, crypto-only structure.
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