Planning for retirement requires smart choices about where to put your money. Gold IRAs have become a popular way to protect savings from market ups and downs while getting tax benefits.
The Entrust Group is a self-directed IRA custodian founded in 1981 that lets you invest retirement funds in precious metals, real estate, and other alternative assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. With over 45,000 clients nationwide, this Oakland-based company offers more physical office locations than most competitors in the self-directed IRA space.
Understanding how Entrust works, what it costs, and whether it fits your retirement goals takes careful research. This review covers everything from account types and fees to security measures and customer support, helping you decide if Entrust is the right choice for your gold IRA investment strategy.
Entrust Gold IRA Review – An Overview
The Entrust Group operates as a self-directed IRA custodian with over 40 years of experience managing $4 billion in assets for 45,000 clients. The company provides comprehensive precious metals IRA services while maintaining competitive fees and multiple physical office locations nationwide.
Company Background and History
The Entrust Group was founded in 1981 by Hubert Bromma, who serves as the company’s CEO today. Bromma brings nearly five decades of financial industry experience to the organization.
His background includes banking, real estate, alternative investments, and financial consulting. This expertise helped establish The Entrust Group as a pioneer in self-directed IRA services.
The company currently manages approximately $4 billion in assets across 45,000 client accounts. This makes them one of the larger players in the self-directed IRA custodian space.
Key Company Stats:
- Founded: 1981
- Assets under management: $4 billion
- Total clients: 45,000
- Physical locations: 30 offices nationwide
The Entrust Group operates more traditional office locations than most IRA custodians. These walk-in offices provide direct customer service across the United States.
Key Services Provided
The Entrust Group specializes in self-directed IRAs that allow alternative investments beyond traditional stocks and bonds. You can invest in precious metals, real estate, and other alternative assets through their platform.
Available Account Types:
- Traditional IRAs
- Roth IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- SIMPLE IRAs
For precious metals investing, you can hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your retirement account. The company maintains the tax advantages of your IRA while providing access to these alternative investments.
The Entrust Group charges a $50 setup fee and annual recordkeeping fees starting at $150. Their fee structure includes sliding scales for larger accounts with a cap at $2,299 annually.
You must arrange your own storage since The Entrust Group does not partner with specific depositories. Storage costs get billed directly to your account separately from custodial fees.
Reputation in the Industry
The Entrust Group maintains solid industry ratings across multiple review platforms. The Better Business Bureau awards them an A+ rating, though they have limited customer reviews overall.
Industry Ratings:
- BBB Rating: A+
- Business Consumer Alliance: B rating
- Total BBB complaints: 8 (all resolved)
The company has successfully resolved all verified complaints filed against them. Most IRA custodians face similar review challenges on consumer platforms, making direct comparisons difficult.
Their four decades of operation and $4 billion in managed assets demonstrate established market presence. The extensive network of physical offices sets them apart from many online-only competitors.
You should note that customer review volumes remain relatively low across platforms. This reflects the specialized nature of self-directed IRAs rather than service quality issues.
How Entrust Gold IRA Works
Entrust operates as a self-directed IRA custodian that allows you to invest retirement funds in physical precious metals. The process involves setting up a specialized individual retirement account, selecting approved metals, and working with their custodial services to maintain compliance.
Account Setup Process
Setting up your Entrust Gold IRA starts with completing an application for a new self-directed retirement account. You can open a brand new account or transfer funds from an existing traditional or Roth IRA.
The company requires you to fill out paperwork to establish your self-directed IRA. This includes providing personal information and selecting your account type.
You’ll work with Entrust specialists during setup. They help you understand the investment options available for your retirement account.
Transfer Options:
- Direct transfer from existing IRA
- Rollover from 401(k) or other employer plan
- New contributions up to annual limits
Once your account is funded, you can begin purchasing precious metals. The setup process typically takes several business days to complete all required documentation.
Eligible Precious Metals
Your self-directed IRA through Entrust can hold specific precious metals that meet IRS requirements. These metals must meet purity standards and come from approved dealers.
Approved Precious Metals:
- Gold coins and bars (99.5% purity minimum)
- Silver coins and bars (99.9% purity minimum)
- Platinum products (99.95% purity minimum)
- Palladium items (99.95% purity minimum)
Common gold options include American Eagle coins and gold bars from certified refiners. Silver choices often include American Silver Eagles and other government-issued coins.
The metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot take physical possession while they remain in your retirement account.
Role of IRA Custodian
As your IRA custodian, Entrust handles the administrative duties required for your self-directed retirement accounts. They process transactions, maintain records, and ensure your account follows IRS rules.
The custodian manages all purchases and sales of precious metals in your account. They coordinate with dealers and depositories to complete transactions properly.
Custodial Services Include:
- Transaction processing
- Account record keeping
- Tax reporting and compliance
- Communication with depositories
Entrust does not provide investment advice about which precious metals to buy. They serve as the administrator while you make the investment decisions for your individual retirement account.
The custodian charges fees for their services, which typically include annual account maintenance and transaction fees for buying or selling metals.
Types of Self-Directed IRAs Offered
The Entrust Group provides several self-directed IRA options that give you more control over your retirement savings compared to traditional accounts. These accounts allow investments in alternative assets like precious metals, real estate, and private equity while offering different tax advantages.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA with The Entrust Group works like a standard retirement account but with expanded investment options. You can deduct contributions from your taxable income in the year you make them. This reduces your current tax burden.
Your money grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it during retirement. At that point, you pay regular income tax on the withdrawals. The IRS requires you to start taking distributions at age 73.
Key features include:
- Annual contribution limits set by the IRS
- Tax-deductible contributions
- Required minimum distributions starting at age 73
- Penalties for early withdrawals before age 59½
The main benefit is immediate tax relief. This makes Traditional IRAs good for people who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement.
Roth IRA and SIMPLE IRA Options
Roth IRAs work differently than Traditional IRAs. You pay taxes on contributions upfront but enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. There are no required minimum distributions with Roth IRAs.
The Entrust Group also offers SIMPLE IRA plans for small businesses. These employer-sponsored plans allow both employee and employer contributions. SIMPLE IRAs have higher contribution limits than regular IRAs.
SIMPLE IRA benefits:
- Higher annual contribution limits
- Employer matching contributions
- Easy setup for small businesses
- Lower administrative costs than 401(k) plans
Roth IRAs work best for younger investors or those who expect higher tax rates in retirement. SIMPLE IRAs help small business owners provide retirement benefits to employees.
Alternative Assets Available
Self-directed IRAs let you invest in alternative assets beyond stocks and bonds. The Entrust Group specializes in these non-traditional investments for your retirement account.
Popular alternative assets include:
- Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium)
- Real estate (rental properties, land, REITs)
- Private equity investments
- Cryptocurrency holdings
- Private lending opportunities
These investments must meet IRS requirements. For example, precious metals need specific purity levels. Real estate cannot be your personal residence.
Alternative assets can protect against inflation and market volatility. They also provide diversification beyond traditional retirement savings options. However, these investments often require more knowledge and research than standard assets.
Fees, Pricing, and Storage Options
The Entrust Group charges a $50 setup fee and annual administration fees starting at $199, with storage costs handled separately through approved depositories that typically charge flat-rate fees for precious metals safekeeping.
Setup and Annual Administration Fees
You’ll pay a one-time $50 account setup fee when opening your self-directed IRA with The Entrust Group. This covers the initial paperwork and account establishment.
The annual administration fee depends on your account value and number of assets. For single assets under $50,000, you pay $199 per year.
If you hold multiple assets or your total value exceeds $50,000, the fee becomes $299 plus 0.15% of any amount above $50,000. This percentage only applies to non-cash assets in your retirement account.
Annual fees are capped at $2,299, regardless of your account size. This protects high-net-worth investors from unlimited fee growth.
The IRA custodian offers transparent pricing with no hidden charges for basic administration services.
Metals Storage Facilities
The Entrust Group works with approved precious metals depositories for storage rather than operating their own facilities. You choose from their network of IRS-approved storage providers.
Storage fees are paid directly to the depository, not to The Entrust Group. Most facilities charge flat-rate annual storage fees ranging from $100 to $300 per year.
Some depositories offer sliding scale fees based on account value, but flat-rate pricing is typically more cost-effective for larger holdings. Your precious metals are stored in segregated accounts, keeping your assets separate from other investors.
These facilities provide full insurance coverage and regular auditing. All storage locations meet strict IRS requirements for precious metals IRAs.
Transaction and Additional Charges
Purchase and sale transactions typically cost $95 per asset. Real estate transactions carry higher fees of $175 due to additional paperwork requirements.
Precious metals transactions may have $0 fees when using certain approved depositories. This depends on your chosen storage provider’s agreement with The Entrust Group.
Wire transfers, overnight delivery, and account termination may trigger additional charges. These fees vary based on the specific service requested.
The custodian provides a fee calculator on their website to help estimate your total annual costs before opening an account.
Security, Compliance, and Customer Support
The Entrust Group maintains proper regulatory compliance through BBB accreditation and industry memberships while implementing security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication. Customer service includes phone support and educational resources, though some users report response delays during busy periods.
Regulation and Accreditation
The Entrust Group holds BBB accreditation with an A+ rating, demonstrating strong business practices. The company is a member of the Self-Directed IRA Association, showing its commitment to industry standards.
As an IRA custodian, Entrust Group operates under IRS regulations and guidelines. This compliance ensures your self-directed retirement accounts meet federal requirements.
The company undergoes annual external audits by independent CPAs. These audits verify proper asset custody and regulatory compliance.
Entrust Group has been featured in major publications like Forbes and the Chicago Tribune. This recognition highlights their reputation in the retirement savings industry.
Key Regulatory Features:
- BBB A+ rating
- Self-Directed IRA Association membership
- Annual external audits
- IRS compliance oversight
Safety of Assets and Insurance
Entrust Group uses encryption and secure servers to protect your account data. Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security to your online access.
The company has strict internal protocols for fund transfers. Any request to move assets requires thorough verification to prevent unauthorized transactions.
For precious metals investments, approved depositories store your assets. These facilities maintain insurance coverage and security standards required for IRA investments.
Regular internal audits supplement the annual external reviews. This dual audit system helps ensure your retirement savings remain properly safeguarded.
Security Measures:
- Encrypted data transmission
- Multi-factor authentication
- Verified fund transfer protocols
- Insured depository storage
Customer Service Experience
The Entrust Group provides multiple customer service channels including phone support and email communication. Staff members understand self-directed retirement accounts and IRS compliance requirements.
The company offers an extensive online knowledge center with educational resources. You can access webinars, tutorials, and written guides to help manage your account.
However, some users report delays in customer service response times. These delays tend to occur during peak periods when call volume increases.
The service team includes IRA specialists and compliance officers. These professionals can guide you through complex investment decisions and regulatory requirements.
Support Options:
- Phone and email support
- Online knowledge center
- Educational webinars
- Dedicated IRA specialists
Benefits and Potential Drawbacks
Entrust Gold IRA offers unique advantages through alternative investment options and tax benefits, but also comes with notable limitations and customer service challenges that investors should carefully consider.
Diversification Through Alternative Investments
Entrust Gold IRA allows you to invest in precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium within your retirement account. This diversification helps protect your retirement savings from market volatility that affects traditional stocks and bonds.
Your self-directed IRA can hold physical precious metals that meet IRS purity requirements. Gold must be at least 99.5% pure to qualify for your account.
Alternative investments available through Entrust include:
- Bullion bars and coins
- Real estate investments
- Private equity options
- Other IRS-approved assets
These investments provide a hedge against inflation since precious metals historically maintain value during economic uncertainty. Your portfolio becomes less dependent on traditional market performance when you add physical metals.
The company requires all precious metals to be stored in secure, independent depositories. You cannot take physical possession of the metals while they remain in your IRA.
Tax Advantages of Gold IRAs
Your Gold IRA maintains the same tax benefits as traditional retirement accounts. Contributions may reduce your current taxable income depending on your account type and income level.
Traditional Gold IRAs offer tax-deferred growth. You pay taxes when you withdraw funds during retirement. Roth Gold IRAs provide tax-free growth if you meet withdrawal requirements.
Annual contribution limits apply to your Gold IRA just like other retirement accounts. These limits change yearly based on IRS regulations.
Withdrawing physical gold from your IRA creates a taxable event. The IRS treats this the same as cash withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts.
You must follow required minimum distribution rules starting at age 73. Your precious metals may need to be sold to meet these requirements if you lack sufficient cash in the account.
Limitations and Common Complaints
Customer reviews reveal significant issues with Entrust’s service quality. The company averages a 2.4 rating based on customer experiences across review platforms.
Common customer complaints include:
- Poor communication and delayed responses
- Transaction processing delays
- Complex paperwork requirements
- Unexpected fees, including $250 transfer-out fees
Users report difficulties with the electronic signature system and challenging navigation of the online platform. These issues can delay your investment processes and create frustration.
Annual recordkeeping fees are capped at $2,299, which may be higher than traditional IRA custodians. Storage fees for precious metals add additional costs to your account maintenance.
The company’s customer support receives frequent criticism for unresponsiveness. Many investors report waiting extended periods for transaction completion and account updates.
Entrust Gold IRA Compared to Other Custodians
The Entrust Group stands out among self-directed IRA custodians with its 40+ years of experience and wide investment options, though customer service challenges and fees vary significantly compared to competitors like Birch Gold Group and Augusta Precious Metals.
Competitor Overview
Several major players compete in the gold IRA custodian space. Birch Gold Group focuses heavily on educational resources and consultative approaches for new investors. They emphasize helping clients understand precious metals investing.
Augusta Precious Metals receives recognition for outstanding educational support tailored to Gold IRA customers. Their approach centers on investor education and transparency.
GoldenCrest Metals earns high marks for customer service and transparent pricing structures. Many customers praise their clear communication and satisfaction rates.
Colonial Metals Group offers diverse IRA-eligible metals with clear fee structures. Noble Gold competes on competitive pricing for bullion products.
The Entrust Group services 45,000 clients nationwide. They offer more traditional office locations than most rivals in the self-directed IRA administration business.
Unique Advantages of the Entrust Group
The Entrust Group provides broader investment options beyond precious metals. You can invest in alternative investments like real estate, private placements, and private lending through their self-directed IRA platform.
Their fee structure caps annual recordkeeping fees at $2,299. This provides cost predictability compared to some competitors with variable pricing.
The company offers both individual and business retirement plans. Their online portal consolidates all account information with user-friendly features like transaction filtering and tooltips.
Partnership with GoldMoney since 2008 adds credibility in precious metals. Their experience as a self-directed IRA custodian spans nearly four decades.
The Entrust Group handles transaction processing and wires funds to dealers once documentation is complete. This streamlines the investment process for clients.
Considerations for Choosing an IRA Provider
Customer service quality varies significantly between IRA custodians. The Entrust Group averages 2.4 stars based on customer experiences. Common complaints include poor communication and processing delays.
Many customers report difficulties with paperwork complexity and unexpected fees. Transfer fees of $250 have surprised some clients moving their accounts.
Alternative investment options may justify higher fees for some investors. Traditional IRA custodian services typically limit you to publicly traded securities.
Consider your investment goals and experience level. New precious metals investors might benefit more from competitors emphasizing education and consultation.
Fee structures differ significantly between providers. Compare annual fees, transaction costs, and transfer fees before choosing your IRA custodian.
Location preferences matter for some investors. The Entrust Group maintains more physical office locations than many competitors in the self-directed space.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Entrust Group offers self-directed IRA services with specific features that distinguish it from competitors like Equity Trust. Understanding their fee structure, setup process, and customer feedback helps you make informed decisions about your retirement investments.
What are the differences between The Entrust Group and Equity Trust for managing a Gold IRA?
The Entrust Group has operated since the early 1980s, giving it decades of experience in self-directed IRAs. They focus on providing investment options beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
Equity Trust typically offers a broader range of investment platforms and educational resources. The Entrust Group emphasizes personalized customer service for precious metals investing.
Both companies allow you to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your retirement accounts. Your choice depends on which custodian’s fee structure and service approach better matches your needs.
How do I assess the performance of The Entrust Group’s self-directed IRA services?
You can evaluate their performance by examining their track record since the 1980s and their reputation in the self-directed IRA industry. Look at their ability to process transactions efficiently and maintain proper storage of precious metals.
Check their compliance history with regulatory bodies like the IRS and state financial departments. Review their customer service response times and problem resolution procedures.
Consider their technology platforms and account management tools. These factors help you determine if they can effectively manage your precious metals investments.
Can you detail the process of setting up a Gold IRA with The Entrust Group?
You start by opening a self-directed IRA account with The Entrust Group or rolling over funds from an existing retirement account. This process involves completing paperwork and identity verification.
Once your account is funded, you select an approved precious metals dealer to purchase your gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. The Entrust Group coordinates with the dealer and approved storage facility.
Your precious metals are stored in an IRS-approved depository. The Entrust Group maintains records of your holdings while you retain the tax advantages of your IRA.
What are the typical fees associated with a Gold IRA through The Entrust Group?
The Entrust Group charges annual custodial fees for maintaining your self-directed IRA account. These fees vary based on your account value and the types of investments you hold.
You pay separate fees for precious metals storage at approved depositories. Storage costs depend on the amount and type of metals in your account.
Additional fees may include transaction fees for buying or selling precious metals and wire transfer fees. Setup fees apply when you first open your account.
Have there been any legal issues or lawsuits involving The Entrust Group’s IRA services?
The Entrust Group maintains regulatory compliance as a self-directed IRA custodian. You can check their regulatory status through state financial department websites and the Better Business Bureau.
Any legal issues or regulatory actions would be documented in public records. Check with your state’s financial regulatory agency for current compliance information.
Review their disclosures and annual reports for information about any legal proceedings. This transparency helps you assess their operational stability.
Where can I find verified customer reviews for The Entrust Group?
The Better Business Bureau provides ratings and customer complaints for The Entrust Group. This platform verifies reviewer identities and company responses.
Financial review websites like Trustpilot and industry-specific platforms contain customer feedback. Look for reviews that mention specific experiences with precious metals transactions.
Professional investment forums and retirement planning websites often feature discussions about self-directed IRA custodians. These sources provide detailed user experiences with The Entrust Group’s services.
