How Much Does a Self-Directed IRA Cost? (uDirect IRA Fee Breakdown + Comparison)
When investors call uDirect IRA Services, one of the first things they want to understand is simple:
“What is this actually going to cost me?”
That’s a fair question, and one that deserves a clear, straightforward answer.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common fee-related questions we receive, along with how uDirect compares to other major SDIRA providers like Equity Trust and Madison Trust.
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Open an Account?
Opening a self-directed IRA with uDirect is simple and affordable:
- $50 one-time setup fee
That’s it—no hidden onboarding costs or complicated tiered pricing.
📅 What Are the Annual Fees?
uDirect uses a flat annual fee structure, which means your costs don’t increase as your account grows.
- $275 annual fee
This flat structure is especially important for investors who plan to build and scale their portfolios over time.
📊 Are Fees Flat or Based on Account Value?
At uDirect, fees are:
- Flat (not based on account value)
👉 This means:
- You’re not penalized for growing your account
- You’re not paying more just because your investments perform well
This is a major differentiator compared to providers that charge asset-based or tiered fees.
🔄 What Does It Cost to Move Money In and Out?
Whether you’re rolling over funds or transferring accounts, here’s what to expect:
- $75 – Partial Transfer
- $175 – Full Transfer
Clear, predictable pricing—no surprises.
💳 How Are Fees Paid?
You have flexibility in how you cover your fees:
- From your IRA account, or
- From personal (non-retirement) funds
This allows you to preserve more of your retirement capital for investing if you choose.
🆚 How Do uDirect Fees Compare to Equity Trust and Madison Trust?
Here’s a simplified comparison of setup and annual fees across three major providers:
| Provider | Setup Fee | Annual Fee |
| uDirect IRA | $50 | ~$275–$325 (flat) |
| Equity Trust | $50–$75 | $60 + asset-based fees |
| Madison Trust | $50 | $556+ |
👉 Key Takeaways:
- uDirect IRA
✔ Mid-range pricing
✔ Transparent, flat fee structure
✔ Predictable costs as you grow - Equity Trust
⚠ Lower base fee—but additional asset-based fees stack up over time
⚠ Costs can increase significantly as you hold more investments - Madison Trust
⚠ Higher starting annual fee
⚠ Simpler structure, but more expensive from day one
⚠️ Do Fees Ever Change Without Notice?
No.
- uDirect has not raised its fees since opening in 2009
- If fees ever change, clients are notified in advance
- Our current fee schedule is always available online, 24/7
Transparency isn’t just a talking point—it’s part of how we operate.
👥 What If I Have Multiple Accounts?
Each IRA is treated as its own account:
- Each account has its own annual fee
For example:
- You → one IRA = one annual fee
- Your spouse → separate IRA = separate annual fee
🧠 Why Fee Structure Matters More Than You Think
Not all SDIRA fees are created equal.
Some providers:
- Charge per asset
- Add transaction fees on everything
- Increase costs as your portfolio grows
At uDirect, the goal is different:
Keep fees simple, predictable, and investor-friendly—so you can focus on building wealth, not tracking charges.
📌 Final Thoughts
Choosing a self-directed IRA provider isn’t just about the lowest number—it’s about how the fees behave over time.
With uDirect, you get:
- Transparent pricing
- Flat annual fees
- No surprises as your account grows
If you’re serious about investing with your retirement funds, understanding the fee structure upfront can make a meaningful difference in your long-term returns.
👉 Want to see the full fee schedule?
Visit: https://www.udirectira.com/get-started/fees/
Have more questions? Our team is here to help you navigate self-directed investing with clarity and confidence.