Self-Directed IRA Fees: Everything You Need to Know

Key Points 

• Self-Directed IRAs typically involve a number of fees, like setup fees, transaction fees, and service fees.
• With a Checkbook IRA from Broad Financial, you can save on certain fees that are typically associated with Self-Directed IRAs.
• Broad Financial offers a transparent fee structure you might not be able to find elsewhere.

With a Self-Directed IRA, you can invest in a variety of alternative assets beyond Wall Street products, such as real estate, cryptocurrency, and private placements. It’s a great way to diversify your retirement portfolio, hedge against inflation, and potentially yield higher returns. Contrary to popular belief, you can reap the benefits of a Self-Directed IRA without paying exorbitant fees. Below, we’ll dive deeper into Self-Directed IRAs and their fee structure.

Do Self-Directed IRAs Have Fees?

Most Self-Directed IRAs come with a number of different fees, including:

When looking into a Self-Directed IRA company, it's considered best practice to conduct your own research and review their fee schedule. Each Self-Directed IRA company's fee structure will likely vary.

What's a Checkbook IRA?

A Checkbook IRA offers the diversification of a Self-Directed IRA plus real-time access to your IRA funds. If you take advantage of this strategy, you’ll set up either an LLC or trust that is IRS compliant for your IRA as well as a dedicated Checkbook IRA checking account. 

As the account holder, you’ll act as the non-compensated manager or trustee of your Checkbook IRA. You’ll be able to purchase alternative assets in real-time, pay your bills relating to your investments, and deposit your income back into the checking account.

What are the Fees for a Broad Financial Checkbook IRA?

With a Checkbook IRA from Broad Financial, you can expect limited fees and keep more of your hard-earned money. As of 2025, our fees include: 

• One-Time Setup Fee: It only costs $50 to set up a Self-Directed IRA with Broad Financial.
• LLC or Trust Setup Fee: This fee upgrades your account to have the power of checkbook control. It's a one-time fee of $1,195 to set up the trust and $1,295 to set up the LLC.
• Custodial Fees: It’s $110 per quarter to maintain a Broad Financial Checkbook IRA. The custodial fee for additional assets is $25 per quarter. 
• LLC State Fees: LLC fees will depend on the state you live in.

As you can see, Broad Financial does not charge any asset-based holding fees or transaction fees, like other Self-Directed IRA companies. Instead, we pride ourselves on a transparent flat-rate fee structure that can set you up for self-directed investing success.

Why Choose Broad Financial's Checkbook IRA?

A Checkbook IRA from Broad Financial is the ideal choice if you’d like to invest with a company that has a transparent, flat fee structure. You’ll pay a one-time setup fee, quarterly maintenance fee, a one-time LLC or trust setup fee, and any applicable LLC fees to your state. Nothing more. We make it easy for you to become more profitable and take your retirement savings to new heights. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges with us.

Schedule a Call with Broad Financial

If you’re interested in a Checkbook IRA with Broad Financial or have a question about our fees, we encourage you to contact us today.