The stock market hammered my retirement account—again. That’s when I discovered iTrustCapital, promising to shield IRAs with crypto and precious metals investments.
The online praise looked promising, but that BBB “F” rating stopped me cold. After hours researching this platform, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about fees, security, and user experiences.
I’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to waste precious time—dive into my findings and see if this platform aligns with your retirement goals.
Table of Contents
- 1 iTrustCapital: A Brief Overview
- 2 Why Choose iTrustCapital?
- 3 How Does iTrustCapital Work?
- 4 How to Get Started with iTrustCapital
- 5 iTurstCapital Costs and Fees
- 6 iTrustCapital Affiliate Program: How Does it Help?
- 7 Customer Reviews and Ratings for iTrustCapital
- 8 Pros and Cons of iTrustCapital
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9.1 Q1. Is iTrustCapital a good company?
- 9.2 Q2. Is iTrustCapital FDIC insured?
- 9.3 Q3. Who owns iTrustCapital?
- 9.4 Q4. What banks does iTrustCapital use?
- 9.5 Q5. Has iTrustCapital been hacked?
- 9.6 Q6. How do I withdraw from iTrustCapital?
- 9.7 Q7. What crypto does iTrustCapital have?
- 9.8 Q8. Who is the custodian for iTrustCapital?
- 10 Conclusion
iTrustCapital: A Brief Overview
iTrustCapital stands as a notable investment platform, operating from Irvine, California, established by CEO Morgan Steckler in 2018.
This platform aims to revolutionize IRA investments by eliminating high fees and traditional investment barriers. iTrustCapital enables investors to include cryptocurrencies, gold, and silver within their retirement portfolios.
The platform has facilitated transactions exceeding $6 billion and strives to reach 10 million investors for secure blockchain asset investments.
iTrustCapital focuses on empowering investors through its operations. Their core mission emphasizes providing secure and accessible blockchain technology investments, built on principles of trust, transparency, and technological excellence.
The company envisions transforming investment practices and alternative asset management. Their goal centers on creating pathways to financial independence and success for all investors.
iTrustCapital demonstrates a strong dedication to client service. They prioritize delivering value while maintaining focus on their clients’ financial growth and security.
Through partnerships with trusted entities and continuous innovation, they simplify alternative asset investments. Their collaboration with Fortress Trust, a leading self-directed IRA custodian, ensures investment security.
A notable feature of iTrustCapital includes round-the-clock trading at spot prices, enabling quick transactions for cryptocurrencies and precious metals.
However, limitations exist, such as restricted product offerings and availability exclusively to US-based investors.
iTrustCapital modernizes self-directed IRAs through technological integration, making alternative asset investments more accessible and cost-effective.
Their commitment to innovation and security removes traditional barriers, making them suitable for investors seeking retirement portfolio diversification.
Partners
Strategic collaborations form the foundation of their growth strategy, emphasizing partnerships that enhance their market presence and service offerings.
Through strategic alignment with industry pioneers and innovators, they maximize shared knowledge and resources, creating successful outcomes and delivering superior value to their client base.
USA Athletic
iTrustCapital has formed an exciting alliance with USC Athletics, becoming the Official Crypto Platform of the USC Trojans.
This partnership showcases prominently at both the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Galen Center.
USC Athletics brings an impressive legacy of 133 national championships and 8 Heisman Trophy winners, which iTrustCapital proudly celebrates.
This collaboration focuses on educating the Trojan community, including students and alumni, about retirement savings and investment opportunities, supporting USC’s commitment to student-athletes.
iTrustCapital enhances game day experiences by organizing special events and activities for fans, adding extra excitement to football and basketball seasons.
EverFree
The partnership between iTrustCapital and EverFree represents a meaningful initiative. EverFree operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating human trafficking and supporting survivors’ journey toward freedom and dignity. Their programs make significant impacts in regions like Uganda and the Philippines.
This collaboration extends beyond business objectives, embodying a shared commitment to create meaningful change. iTrustCapital draws inspiration from EverFree’s dedicated efforts and supports its mission wholeheartedly.
For each new client account, iTrustCapital pledges donations to EverFree, demonstrating how financial services can contribute to important social causes.
Team Behind the Company
iTrustCapital’s success stems from its team of skilled and experienced leaders. Each team member contributes valuable expertise from various industries to guide the company’s vision and strategy.
Kevin Maloney: CEO
Kevin Maloney serves as the CEO of iTrustCapital. He collaborates with the board and team to establish the company’s goals and direction.
His 25-year career spans leadership roles in technology, real estate, blockchain, and finance, demonstrating exceptional team-building abilities.
Kevin has conducted over 1,100 investor meetings and secured more than $250M for start-ups. His professional background includes positions at prominent firms like PIMCO and First American Trust.
Kevin earned his BA from UC Irvine and MBA from Pepperdine University. He resides in Newport Beach with his wife and two children.
Blake Skadron: Co-Founder
Blake Skadron serves as Chief Visionary Officer and co-founder of iTrustCapital. Leveraging over 20 years of experience in sales and financial services, he manages customer experience, marketing, and branding initiatives. Blake strives to simplify Crypto IRA investing while delivering exceptional customer service.
Prior to iTrustCapital, Blake held senior sales positions, enhancing product awareness and customer onboarding. He resides near Los Angeles with his wife and two children.
Trever Gregory: COO
Trever Gregory operates as COO of iTrustCapital. He manages company operations and coordinates with marketing, engineering, and product teams.
His previous roles include operations leadership at Indi and marketing team management for Rakuten North America, where he helped transform Ebates into Rakuten.
As a blockchain enthusiast, Trever concentrates on business growth and advancing crypto investing. He makes his home in Orange County, CA, with his wife and three children.
Chris Franks: CFO
Chris Franks leads as CFO of iTrustCapital. His 20-plus years of financial expertise include CFO and advisory roles for numerous startups. Chris excels in strategic finance, corporate development, and capital markets.
Previously, he served as CFO at Jaris and FastPay and worked in venture investing at TWP/Stifel. Chris graduated from Duke University and holds an MBA from UC Berkeley.
He maintains CFA charter holder status. Originally from Philadelphia, he now resides in San Francisco with his wife and three children.
Rest of the Team
iTrustCapital’s leadership team comprises skilled professionals driving company success.
- Carol Medel, COO, oversees custodial operations. Todd Kolker, SVP of Marketing, builds brand awareness and customer acquisition.
- Jared Feldman, SVP of Operations, enhances daily processes. Marichelle Angeles, VP of Finance, maintains financial stability.
- Jarryd Van Hoy, VP of Engineering, manages technical systems. Adrian Glen, Director of Product, creates customer-focused solutions.
- Mike Teitelbaum, Creative Director, shapes visual identity. Viviane Le, HR Director, fosters a positive workplace culture.
- Zachary Santore, Director of Client Experience, delivers superior customer service, and Shawn Noad, Director of FinOps, streamlines financial operations.
Why Choose iTrustCapital?
iTrustCapital works with a team that values honesty and prioritizes customer satisfaction. Their Crypto IRA platform offers excellent features and benefits that simplify your investment journey.
Here are the key reasons people select iTrustCapital:
- Top-Rated Crypto IRA Platform: Recognized as the leading Crypto IRA platform with more than 5000 “Excellent” customer reviews.
- Low Costs, No Monthly Fee: Save money with zero startup costs and monthly fees. The fee structure includes a 1% fee on cryptocurrency transactions and specific rates for gold and silver trades.
- Helpful Customer Support: A US-based support team provides friendly assistance without commission-based pressure. They focus on helping you make informed decisions.
- Secure Asset Management: Your investments remain safely managed, and neither iTrustCapital nor their partners use these assets for profit.
- Strong Partnerships: The platform maintains credibility through partnerships with respected organizations like USC Athletics, demonstrating their reliability.
Choosing iTrustCapital means partnering with a trusted team committed to supporting your financial success.
How Does iTrustCapital Work?
iTrustCapital serves as a platform enabling investments through retirement accounts like IRAs and 401ks into various asset types.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can do:
1. Precious Metals
iTrustCapital provides a straightforward method to invest in gold and silver. The platform uses VaultChain™, where investments are backed by physical gold and silver stored at the Royal Canadian Mint.
Secure blockchain technology tracks ownership details. The platform allows gold and silver trading 24/7 through iTrustCapital’s interface. Kitco, a respected precious metals market leader, manages all transactions.
Why iTrustCapital’s Gold and Silver Are Great
Trading happens easily through your dashboard, similar to other assets on the iTrustCapital platform. Your investments have physical gold and silver backing, avoiding securities, derivatives, or futures contracts.
Low Cost
- Gold: $50 over the market price per ounce.
- Silver: $2.50 over the market price per ounce.
- No commissioned sales reps.
- No overpriced coins.
How it Works and Their Partners
- Kitco Metals: A leading gold and silver dealer, chosen for access to premium precious metals. Kitco utilizes Tradewind, a technology platform tracking ownership through blockchain technology. This enables fractional precious metals ownership, offering flexible investment options.
- Royal Canadian Mint: Produces Canadian coins and maintains high standards in bullion coins. RCM provides secure storage for Kitco’s physical metals. Their ISO 9001-2008 certification ensures service quality.
- Tradewind: A technology platform using blockchain for secure precious metals trading. VaultChain™ tracks ownership precisely, including fractional ounces, maximizing investment flexibility.
2. 401k Rollover
Moving your 401(k) to an iTrustCapital IRA involves three simple steps that make the process smooth and efficient:
Step 1: Submit Funding Request
- Set up your iTrustCapital account.
- Provide personal information and select your preferred account type.
- Select “Employer Plan Rollover” for funding.
- Complete the application with the required details about your plan administrator, account type, balance, and transfer amount.
- Submit your form and reach out to your plan administrator to begin the rollover process.
Step 2: Contact Your Current Plan Admin
Check your iTrustCapital account or email inbox for complete rollover instructions. Special guidelines will be sent via email when transferring pre-tax funds into a Roth IRA.
Contact your existing 401(k) administrator using the provided phone numbers and follow the instructions carefully.
Most rollovers are completed within 5-10 business days, though physical check processing may extend this timeline.
Step 3: Follow Up
iTrustCapital sends confirmation emails once your IRA receives funding. If you haven’t received this confirmation, contact your previous 401(k) administrator to verify your fund transfer status.
3. Cryptocurrency
iTrustCapital enables cryptocurrency trading within specialized IRA retirement accounts, offering round-the-clock access to various digital assets.
The platform maintains digital assets in regulated, secure custodial accounts separate from their balance sheet, ensuring enhanced security measures.
iTrustCapital operates with zero setup and monthly fees, implementing a straightforward 1% transaction fee model.
The platform also supports trading of precious metals like gold and silver through Conditional Transactions.
Key benefits of iTrustCapital include:
- Tax Benefits: IRA trades remain tax-free, though specific tax implications may vary based on individual circumstances. Consultation with tax or financial advisors is recommended.
- Low Costs: No setup or monthly fees apply, with a simple 1% fee per trade.
- 24/7 Trading: Cryptocurrency trading remains available throughout the year without interruption.
Asset Safety
Assets are secured in dedicated custodial accounts under-regulated institutional management, separated from iTrustCapital’s balance sheet for maximum security.
Conditional Transactions
This feature enables users to set specific trading parameters, allowing automatic execution when digital assets reach predetermined price points.
Step-by-step process:
- Navigate to the “Place Conditional Transaction” tab from the homepage.
- Select your preferred digital asset.
- Establish target price points.
- Enter the investment amount.
- Review transaction specifications.
- Submit transaction request.
- Verify through a confirmation popup.
iTrustCapital provides an efficient, economical platform for cryptocurrency investment within tax-advantaged IRAs, accessible 24/7.
The Conditional Transactions feature enhances trading flexibility while maintaining robust asset security measures.
How to Get Started with iTrustCapital
This section explains the process of starting your journey with iTrustCapital. You will learn about account setup, fund management, and trading procedures.
1. Simple Setup
iTrustCapital offers a straightforward setup process. Follow these easy steps to begin:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit the iTrustCapital homepage and select “Open Account”.
- Enter your personal information and select “Create Account”.
- Check your email for verification link and click to confirm.
- Access your account through login credentials.
Step 2: Account Application
- Submit the required information through the application form and proceed.
- Verify all entered information for accuracy.
- Select “Open Retirement Account” from dashboard options.
- Pick your preferred IRA type and funding method.
- Specify funding amount and complete additional requirements.
Step 3: Your Account Dashboard
- Accept terms of service to view dashboard features where investments can be monitored.
- System processes application and initiates funding setup.
- Additional funds can be added through the “Add Funds” option on the homepage.
Step 4: Questions and Support
- The processing team communicates through email for any clarifications.
- Access support through request submission or phone contact for assistance.
iTrustCapital provides a user-friendly platform for investment account management with comprehensive support throughout the process.
2. Funding Process for Your iTrustCapital Account
Adding funds to your iTrustCapital account follows a straightforward process. From your dashboard, locate your preferred account and select the “Add Funds” button to begin the funding process.
Available Funding Methods
Your account can be funded through three main options:
- Cash Contribution: Direct deposit of cash into your account.
- Transfer from Other IAS: Transfer existing funds from Investment Advisory Services.
- Rollover from Previous Employer Plans: Move retirement funds from former employer plans.
Choose your preferred funding source:
- Electronic Debit
- Bank Wire
- Check
Complete the required information fields and finalize by clicking the “Submit” button.
Important Information
- Cash Contribution: Find funding instructions under the “Funding Instructions” section on your account homepage.
- Rollover: Funding instructions will arrive via email once you start the process.
Please note that crypto funding is only possible when transferring from another Crypto IRA.
3. Buy & Sell
The Buy & Sell feature on the iTrustCapital platform simplifies digital asset trading. Follow these steps to trade effectively:
Step 1: Check Funds
Begin by verifying your account balance. Select your preferred trading account from the dashboard. Review the USD section to check available funds.
If funds are insufficient, select ‘Add Funds’ to choose between cash contribution, transfer, or rollover options.
Step 2: Choose Assets
Once funds are verified, navigate to the ‘Market Assets’ tab to view tradeable assets. Select any asset for detailed information.
Step 3: Buy Digital Assets
Select the ‘Buy’ button to initiate a purchase. Complete the purchase form by entering your desired spending amount. Use the green confirmation button below to verify details before finalizing your buy order.
Step 4: Sell Digital Assets
For selling, click the ‘Sell’ button. Fill out the selling form with your desired amount. Review information using the green button before confirming your sell order.
Settlement Time
Self-trades complete within 45 seconds and settle fully in approximately 2 minutes. Monitor progress through your account dashboard.
Conditional Transactions for Placing Conditional Transaction
Access the ‘Place Conditional Transaction’ tab from your account homepage to set conditional trades. Specify your target price and quantity.
- Conditional Buy: Enter USD amount for purchases.
- Conditional Sale: Enter the token amount for sales.
Review and confirm transaction details before submission. Transactions remain cancellable until execution.
Track all transactions through your account’s ‘History’ tab. These guidelines help manage digital asset trades efficiently on the iTrustCapital platform.
iTurstCapital Costs and Fees
iTrustCapital offers a transparent and simple pricing structure that makes cost tracking effortless. The platform eliminates monthly account fees and startup charges, providing a hassle-free experience.
Trading cryptocurrencies on the platform comes with a 1% fee for all buying and selling transactions. For precious metals enthusiasts, gold trades carry a premium of $50 per ounce above market price, while silver trades include a $2.50 per ounce markup over market price.
The platform charges a one-time fee of $75 for converting a Traditional IRA or SEP IRA to a Roth IRA. It’s important to note that this conversion will trigger a taxable event.
iTrustCapital Affiliate Program: How Does it Help?
The iTrustCapital Affiliate Program offers a profitable opportunity that helps people earn money by promoting iTrustCapital services to potential customers.
This program enables participants to generate income when US residents use their unique referral links to create and fund Crypto IRA accounts with the iTrustCapital platform.
This initiative aims to increase awareness of Crypto IRAs while providing affiliates with simple and beneficial earning opportunities through their promotion efforts.
The registration process requires completing an application form, after which approved members gain access to the iTrustCapital affiliates portal that provides referral links, performance tracking tools, and payment management systems.
Once registered, affiliates can begin promoting iTrustCapital by distributing their referral links to their audience using marketing materials available through the portal system.
A notable feature of this program includes continuous updates where iTrustCapital provides fresh marketing content and latest product information to support promotional activities.
The program presents an attractive proposition because both affiliates and referred customers receive rewards when new accounts are opened and funded, creating mutual benefits.
Affiliates can monitor their performance statistics through the portal at any time, allowing real-time tracking of results, with earnings distributed electronically on a monthly basis.
For both newcomers and experienced marketers, the iTrustCapital Affiliate Program delivers comprehensive resources to support successful promotional campaigns.
Referral Program
“Refer, Reward, Repeat” represents the core concept of the iTrustCapital Referral Program. This program offers an excellent opportunity to earn rewards while introducing your friends to the platform.
The reward structure works simply:
When your friends join using your personalized referral link and fund their iTrustCapital account, both you and your friend receive $100 each. This creates a win-win situation for everyone involved.
How it Works
- Refer Friends: Share your unique referral link with friends and watch them join the platform.
- Friend Signs Up and Funds Their Account: Your friends must create an account through your referral link and deposit funds.
- Receive Reward: Once these requirements are met, iTrustCapital awards $100 to both you and your friend.
Why Should I Join?
Earning $100 for each friend who funds their iTrustCapital account makes this program very attractive. iTrustCapital provides tax advantages through various IRA options including SEP, Roth, or Traditional IRAs.
By participating in the referral program, you not only earn rewards but also help friends access these beneficial features.
Customer Reviews and Ratings for iTrustCapital
iTrustCapital has received predominantly positive reviews from its users, indicating high customer satisfaction levels.
- Google My Business shows 3,290 reviews with an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5.
- Trustpilot features 5,486 reviews, maintaining an excellent rating of 4.9 out of 5.
- Birdeye.com displays 9,663 reviews, also achieving a strong rating of 4.9 out of 5.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) website presents a contrasting view, giving iTrustCapital an “F rating” based on 5 reviews and a 1.8/5 score. However, this limited sample size may not provide a complete picture.
The positive reviews demonstrate improved customer service experiences over time. Many customers specifically mention representatives like Ashley, Julian, and Joseph Kim, praising their expertise, patience, and efficiency in handling rollovers and inquiries.
One satisfied customer even suggested raising the team’s compensation due to their friendly and professional service. However, some negative feedback focuses on high execution prices and service quality concerns.
Critical reviews point out issues such as inadequate staff training, inconsistent service, and unresolved problems including pending transfers and the absence of proper limit orders.
The overall customer experience appears mixed, with some users highly satisfied while others express disappointment with service quality and costs.
What Are Customers Saying About the Company?
- Scott Burnam expressed gratitude to Chad, a Relationship Manager, who provided quick and helpful responses to multiple questions during his funding wait period.
- Linda Brockmiller and Donna Guthrie valued Lindsay’s patient approach and clear instructions throughout their account setup process.
- Susan Cote found great assistance from Jonathan when opening her account. Dave highlighted Joseph Kim’s exceptional support while handling a rollover transfer.
- Samuel Kharpatin appreciated the platform’s user-friendly interface and affordable fees while noting Chad Poulos’s friendly assistance during the setup phase.
- Marvin Garriott gave strong recommendations for iTrustCapital, specifically mentioning Ashley’s expertise and patient guidance.
Users emphasized the platform’s convenient mobile app, zero monthly fees, and cost-effective transactions.
Video testimonials from clients including Brian, Desiree, and Jacob commended the platform’s security features and simple operation.
Reviews from notable sources like Benzinga, Investopedia, Business Insider, and WallStreetZen praised iTrustCapital for maintaining low fees, robust security measures, and excellent cryptocurrency and precious metals investment options, making it an ideal choice for long-term investors.
Pros and Cons of iTrustCapital
Looking at advantages and disadvantages helps determine if this platform suits your investment needs.
Pros:
- Low Fees: iTrustCapital maintains a simple 1% transaction fee, making it highly competitive among crypto IRA platforms.
- Large User Base: Platform reliability shows through its 200,000 active users.
- Good Support: The platform offers actual customer support, uncommon for crypto services.
- Tax Benefits: The platform provides tax advantages benefiting both regular traders and long-term investors.
- Popular Cryptocurrencies: The platform allows investment into major cryptocurrency options.
- Advanced Trading Tools: The platform includes stop loss and limit orders for better control.
- No Monthly Fees: Users can invest without paying monthly account charges.
- Lots of Tokens: The platform supports more than 25 crypto tokens for investment.
Cons:
- High Risk: Crypto market volatility requires comfort with significant risk-taking.
- No Private Wallets: The platform does not allow private wallet crypto storage.
- Only in the US: Service availability is limited to United States residents.
These pros and cons should help evaluate whether this option aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is iTrustCapital a good company?
iTrustCapital stands out as a reliable platform for precious metals and cryptocurrency investments. The company attracts investors through competitive fees and robust security measures. Individual experiences may vary, so thorough research and consultation with financial advisors is recommended.
Q2. Is iTrustCapital FDIC insured?
iTrustCapital ensures FDIC protection for USD funds through Fortress Trust, their third-party custodian. These funds are deposited with Provident Bank, which maintains FDIC insurance coverage.
Q3. Who owns iTrustCapital?
The company operates under private ownership, led by founders Todd Southwick and Blake Skadron, alongside various investors. Both founders bring substantial expertise in the finance, technology, and asset management sectors.
Q4. What banks does iTrustCapital use?
Fortress Trust serves as iTrustCapital’s primary custodian, managing client USD funds through FDIC-insured institutions like Provident Bank and Cross River Bank, ensuring fund security.
Q5. Has iTrustCapital been hacked?
No reported hacking incidents exist for iTrustCapital. The company maintains robust security protocols to safeguard user assets.
Q6. How do I withdraw from iTrustCapital?
Withdrawals require logging into your account and following the withdrawal section instructions. Users must verify details and beneficiary information when applicable. Specific IRA types may have unique withdrawal requirements and timeframes.
Q7. What crypto does iTrustCapital have?
The platform supports major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC), among others. Asset offerings update regularly, so checking their website ensures access to current information.
Q8. Who is the custodian for iTrustCapital?
Fortress Trust operates as iTrustCapital’s custodian, managing retirement account assets as a regulated entity specifically for iTrustCapital clients.
Conclusion
iTrustCapital proves valuable for retirement account holders seeking cryptocurrency and precious metals investments.
The platform combines user-friendly features, competitive pricing, and diverse investment options. Strong security measures provide peace of mind for traders.
While acknowledging no platform achieves perfection, iTrustCapital’s comprehensive features and customer support make it attractive for diversifying retirement portfolios with alternative assets.