Goldco vs iTrustCapital
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide which platform is right for your portfolio.
| Feature | Goldco | iTrustCapital |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 2.5 | 4.3✓ |
| Min. Investment | N/A | $1K✓ |
| Fee Rating | 1.5 | 4.5✓ |
| Liquidity | Semi-liquid | Liquid✓ |
| Accreditation | Open to All | Open to All |
| Ease of Use | 2.5 | 4.5✓ |
| Transparency | 2.0 | 4.0✓ |
| Secondary Market | No | No |
| Mobile App | No | Yes |
Goldco Overview
Goldco is best suited for investors who want self-directed IRA investors seeking precious metals diversification with personalized guidance; retirees wanting to add gold/silver to traditional or Roth IRAs; investors comfortable with phone-based ordering process. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Calabasas, California, Goldco has built a growing investor base.
Goldco is open to all investors regardless of accreditation status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
- A+ BBB rating maintained for over a decade with 4.8/5 star average rating
- No minimum investment requirement to open account
- Highest price buyback guarantee advertised
- Free IRA kit educational materials provided
Key Drawbacks:
- Only coins offered, no bullion bars available
- Platinum and palladium metals not available
- Premiums at purchase extremely high (82-219% above spot price) vs industry norm 3-7%
iTrustCapital Overview
iTrustCapital is best suited for investors who want self-directed investors seeking tax-advantaged exposure to cryptocurrency and precious metals within retirement accounts with minimal fees. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Irvine, CA, iTrustCapital manages $2+ billion in assets in assets.
With a minimum investment of $1K, iTrustCapital is open to all investors regardless of accreditation status. The platform does not currently offer a secondary market and requires manual investment selection.
Key Strengths:
- Low fees with no monthly or annual maintenance fees
- Wide asset selection with 90+ cryptocurrencies plus gold and silver
- 24/7 access to trading and account management
- User-friendly mobile app with 4.9-star rating
Key Drawbacks:
- Platform is self-directed only - responsibility for investment decisions on user
- App requires frequent re-authentication every few days
- App can crash during high-volatility market conditions
Head-to-Head Comparison
Fees & Costs
Goldco carries a fee rating of 1.5/5, with fees structured as: $100-$150 annual storage; $125 administration. iTrustCapital scores 4.5/5 on fees, charging: None; None; Performance: None.
Edge: iTrustCapital. More competitive fee structure overall.
Minimum Investment
Goldco requires N/A to get started, while iTrustCapital requires $1K. iTrustCapital's lower minimum makes it more accessible for new investors.
Edge: iTrustCapital. Lower barrier to entry.
Accreditation Requirements
Goldco does not require accreditation. iTrustCapital does not require accreditation.
Edge: Tie. Similar accreditation requirements.
Liquidity
Goldco offers semi-liquid investments. iTrustCapital provides liquid investments.
Edge: iTrustCapital. Better liquidity options.
Ease of Use
Goldco scores 2.5/5 for ease of use. iTrustCapital scores 4.5/5 and also has a mobile app.
Edge: iTrustCapital. Better overall user experience.
Transparency
Goldco earns a 2.0/5 transparency rating. iTrustCapital scores 4.0/5.
Edge: iTrustCapital. More transparent reporting and disclosures.
Who Should Choose Goldco?
Goldco is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a N/A minimum investment
- Are a non-accredited investor looking for access to alternatives
- Are interested in commodities as an asset class
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Who Should Choose iTrustCapital?
iTrustCapital is the better choice if you:
- Are comfortable with a $1K minimum investment
- Are a non-accredited investor looking for access to alternatives
- Are interested in commodities as an asset class
- Prefer to hand-pick your investments
Verdict
Winner: iTrustCapital. With 4.3/5 overall rating versus Goldco's 2.5/5, iTrustCapital edges ahead with better fees. That said, Goldco may be the better fit if you specifically need self-directed ira investors seeking precious metals diversification with persona.
For most investors exploring alternatives, we recommend starting with iTrustCapital — but consider your specific goals before committing.
FAQ
Is Goldco or iTrustCapital better for beginners?
Both platforms have similar entry points.
Can I use both Goldco and iTrustCapital?
Yes. Many alternative investment portfolios benefit from diversification across platforms. Goldco and iTrustCapital overlap in some asset classes but may offer different deal structures, fee models, and investment approaches.
Which platform has better returns?
Historical returns vary by specific investment and time period. iTrustCapital has a higher overall rating, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Both platforms provide different risk-return profiles depending on the specific offerings you choose.
Are Goldco and iTrustCapital safe?
Both platforms are legitimate, regulated investment services. Goldco is regulated by Better Business Bureau (A+ accredited since 2011), Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA), Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). iTrustCapital is regulated by Qualified Custodian (Coinbase Custody Trust Company / Fortis Bank), IRS (IRA regulations). As with all alternative investments, there is inherent risk — these are generally illiquid, long-term investments and not FDIC insured.
Goldco Asset Classes
iTrustCapital Asset Classes
Goldco
Pros
- +A+ BBB rating maintained for over a decade with 4.8/5 star average rating
- +No minimum investment requirement to open account
- +Highest price buyback guarantee advertised
- +Free IRA kit educational materials provided
Cons
- −Only coins offered, no bullion bars available
- −Platinum and palladium metals not available
- −Premiums at purchase extremely high (82-219% above spot price) vs industry norm 3-7%
- −Buyback premiums significantly lower (29-62%) creating large spread
iTrustCapital
Pros
- +Low fees with no monthly or annual maintenance fees
- +Wide asset selection with 90+ cryptocurrencies plus gold and silver
- +24/7 access to trading and account management
- +User-friendly mobile app with 4.9-star rating
Cons
- −Platform is self-directed only - responsibility for investment decisions on user
- −App requires frequent re-authentication every few days
- −App can crash during high-volatility market conditions
- −No professional advisory services or fund management
Disclaimer: ModernAlts is an independent research platform. We may receive compensation from platforms we review. Nothing on this site constitutes investment, legal, or tax advice. Alternative investments involve risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.