Maintain Full Control With a Checkbook IRA
A Checkbook IRA is a Self-Directed IRA that uses an LLC; your IRA owns the LLC and you manage the LLC’s checkbook. That structure gives you direct, compliant control to invest in real estate, private businesses, lending, crypto, and more—without custodian delays.
What is a Checkbook IRA?
A Checkbook IRA is a Self-Directed IRA + LLC structure. The IRA owns the LLC. The investor manages the LLC. The manager controls the LLC bank account. This gives you check-writing authority to execute deals quickly while maintaining the IRA’s tax advantages.
- Structure: IRA → LLC → Investment
- Control: You write checks from the LLC account
- Scope: Real estate, private equity, notes, precious metals, crypto (within IRS rules)
Why Choose a Checkbook IRA?
- Speed: Sign, fund, and close on assets without custodian processing delays.
- Cost control: Reduce per-transaction fees that come with a fully custodian-directed model.
- Flexibility: Access a broad menu of IRS-permitted alternative assets.
- Operational privacy: Holdings sit inside your IRA-owned LLC.
Our role: We set up the structure correctly and guide you step-by-step, so you can act fast and stay compliant.
Why Choose Us As Your Checkbook IRA Provider
IRA Financial is a trusted leader in Checkbook Control IRAs, offering industry expertise, transparent pricing, and full support for setting up and managing your IRA LLC.
No commissions or surprise charges.
Proudly serving over 27,000 clients across all 50 states.
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Manage assets or have us handle them.
Led by Self-Directed IRA specialists.
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Simple Transparent Pricing
We believe investing for retirement shouldn’t come with complicated fee structures or fine print. You keep more of what you earn, and you stay in control every step of the way.
Checkbook IRA
$495
/ annually
- $999 setup fee
- Ultimate freedom and privacy
- Invest in almost anything you want
- Use a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, ESA or HSA
- No transaction or asset value fees
Public Markets, Now Available
Hold stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds alongside your alternative investments — all in one self-directed account with one flat annual fee.
$150 off when you use code STOCKS
Stocks trading is a $100 add-on. Open an SDIRA, Checkbook IRA, or Solo 401(k), add stocks trading, and get $150 off your first year.
How to Start a Checkbook IRA (IRA LLC)
With a Checkbook Control IRA, you create an LLC owned by your IRA, giving you full control to invest directly, without custodial intervention.
01
Open Your Account
Opening a self-directed retirement account is simple. 
Submit your online account application in just a few minutes. Get Started
02
Get your account number
Once your account is reviewed and approved. You’ll receive your account number and gain full access to our online retirement platform.
03
Form Your IRA LLC
We help set up your LLc, obtain an EIN, and ensure compliance with IRS rules.
04
Fund your account
Use a checkbook to invest directly from your Checkbook IRA.
The Benefits of Investing in a Checkbook IRA
Better Tax Advantages
Let your investments grow tax-deferred or tax-free, allowing your wealth to compound over time without immediate tax liabilities.
Broader Investment Choices
Go beyond stocks and bonds with a Checkbook IRA LLC. Invest in alternative assets like real estate, cryptocurrency, private equity, and precious metals—unlocking greater growth potential.
Faster Transactions
Act quickly by using your checkbook to invest directly. This reduces delays that can impact returns.
Greater Earning Potential
Take advantage of high-growth investments that regular IRAs don’t allow, potentially maximizing long-term returns.
Direct Investment Control
Choose what, where, and how you want to invest without relying on managers with high fees
Built-in Asset Protection
Structure investments to reduce liability risks and safeguard your wealth for long-term financial security.
Our Checkbook IRA vs Other IRA Companies
Most IRA custodians require approvals for every transaction and charge fees per asset. With a Checkbook IRA, once we set up your LLC, you gain complete control over your investments without extra costs.
IRA Financial | Other Providers | |
Book a Consultation
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to explore how opening a self-directed retirement account can unlock your ability to invest tax-free in a variety of alternative assets.
What Alternative Assets Can You Invest in with a Checkbook IRA?
Like a custodial-managed Self-Directed IRA, a Checkbook IRA gives you the freedom to invest in a wide range of alternative assets like:
Checkbook IRA FAQs
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Checkbook IRAs.
A Checkbook IRA (also called an IRA LLC) is a type of Self-Directed IRA that owns a limited liability company (LLC). This structure allows you to make investments instantly without custodian approval, reducing costs and delays.
A traditional Self-Directed IRA requires custodian approval for every investment, which can slow down transactions and add fees. A Checkbook IRA lets you:
- Make instant investments without waiting for approvals.
- Avoid transaction fees charged by custodians.
- Write checks or send wires directly from your IRA LLC.
When you open a Checkbook IRA with us, we’ll open the LLC for you.
Most accounts open in 1–3 business days after we receive your documents. With funding and first investment, plan on 3–4 weeks overall, depending on transfer times.
Yes. Your IRA owns an LLC; you manage the LLC and its bank account to execute investments within IRS rules.
For 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 plus an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution if you are age 50 or older.
Like a standard Self-Directed IRA, you can withdraw funds at any time, but if you’re under 59 ½, you’ll face a 10% early withdrawal penalty plus income taxes. After 59 ½, you’ll only pay taxes on withdrawals.
No. All expenses and income must flow through the IRA-owned LLC. Keep personal funds separate.
At age 73, you must start withdrawing a portion of your traditional IRA each year. This RMD amount is based on your account balance and IRS guidelines.
Reach out. We’ll clarify documentation and process so your transaction stays clean.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
I researched several companies before deciding to go with IRA Financial. I am completely happy with my choice. I appreciate that I can ask questions about rules prior to making an investment to make sure I am compliant. I like that I can invest in traditional investments, but also real estate. I have invested in land, rentals, and home flips. Whenever I am speaking with self-employed individuals, I bring up IRA Financial and the idea of opening a Solo 401(k). I think it is a no-brainer for someone who is self-employed and wish I had opened mine up sooner.
I decided to open a Self-Directed IRA because I wanted to invest in real estate projects. Also, having control of my money was a big motivating factor as well. Being able to decide where and when to invest has been very successful for me. All the real estate projects I have selected have been solid investments. I have recommended IRA Financial to friends and family.
I believe that the sphere of influence, those we surround ourselves with and the firms we partner with is critical to our success. I’m honored to have found Adam Bergman and IRA Financial. Adam and his team have created a culture of raving fans, and I’m truly grateful to be one of them. Being treated like family is absolutely priceless.
Ready to Invest in Your Future?
Whatever strategy you plan for retirement, we do it all. Build your retirement with a Self‑Directed IRA designed for alternative and non traditional investments.
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