Today, we will look at Strata Trust Company (former Self Directed IRA Services). What is Strata Trust Company? A Scam or a legit investment opportunity? Are there better alternatives out there? These are some of the questions this short review will focus on. Let´s look into it!
Company: Strata Trust Company (Former: Self Directed IRA Services)
Website: www.stratatrust.com
Owner: Horizon Bank
Price: Depends on your investment amount
Who is it for? People who would like to invest in a Precious metal IRA
Overall rating: 
(3.4 / 5) Not Recommended
Essential to mention (before we go into more details of this review)
We strongly recommend doing your research online before choosing a company to invest in. There are so many reviews online of clients being ripped off and scammed. So please investigate thoroughly and compare different alternatives before you make your decision.
One example: 99.9% of companies got “pushy” salespeople trying to stress you into acting fast.
Here is the thing, the #1 Recommended Gold & Silver IRA Dealer on our top-5 list got No-salesy representatives… So they won´t bother or terrorize you with phone calls.
You are an intelligent person, so I am sure that you understand the benefits of dealing with such a company instead, right?
+They got a couple more benefits you might appreciate as much as I do. You will understand yourself once you have visited the page (link) above.
==> See our Top-5 List of Precious Metals IRA Companies on this page <==
With that being said, let´s continue with the review on Strata Trust Services!
What is Strata Trust Company about?
Self Directed IRA Services is one of the industry leaders in custodial and administrative account services for individuals and small businesses. It was founded in 2008 by the more established Horizon Bank, founded in 1905, based in Austin, Texas.
**Since 2017, the company has changed its name to Strata Trust Company (for unknown reason), so it is no longer called Self Directed IRA Services but instead got the new name Strata Trust Company.
How does it work?
Strata Trust is a significant provider of IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), and they hold over $1,5 billion in assets under their custody. They specialize in a wide range of traditional and alternative investments within IRAs.
Important to mention is that this custodian is partnered with a couple of the top-5 gold & silver bullion dealers out there.
The Products and Services
- Gold and Precious Metals
- Real Estate
- Crowdfunding
- Private Equity
- Private Debt
- Structured Settlements
IRAs?
Yes, IRAs are offered. It is (as mentioned above) kind of the company’s specialty.
The process is pretty simple and works in 3 steps:
- Open a self-directed IRA account and fill out the related forms.
- Fund your IRA with a transfer, rollover, or annual contribution.
- Find the dealer you want to work with for your precious metals purchase and provide the items outlined in our Precious Metals Investment Checklist.
Important to mention here:
With this company (Strata Trust), you are alone responsible for paying the annual storage fee. This is something that some of its competitors do differently as many of them not only waive the first year’s fee (or even the first three years) and also take care of the fee for you in the future, so you don´t have to think about it every year yourself. Click the link below for my #1 recommendation.
***Click here to read about the IRA precious metal dealer that is 100% clear and transparent on fees + got the most recommendations from independent 3rd party consumer protection agencies in the whole industry
Can you store your investment with the company?
Well, the answer to this is both yes and no. You can not store it directly with the company, but they offer you two options to keep with their third-party partners.
The two options you got is:
- Brink´s Global Services USA, Inc. (LA, CA, Salt Lake City, UT)
- Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE)
Below is an exact excerpt from Strata Trusts website:
You may select commingled or segregated storage of your metals and you will be responsible for any storage-related fees. Note: All Silver will be held in commingled storage and segregated storage is not an option.
What is commingled storage? If you select commingled storage, your precious metals will be held in a segregated storage area for STRATA customers. Still, they will be blended with other STRATA customers within the storage area. When you later decide to sell, exchange or take an in-kind distribution of your precious metals, you will receive “like” precious metals (not the exact ones you initially purchased).
What is segregated storage? If you select segregated storage, your precious metals will be held in a segregated storage area for STRATA customers. They will be segregated, marked, and stored with your name and IRA account number. When you later decide to sell, exchange or take an in-kind distribution of your precious metals, you will receive the exact metals you initially purchased.
Your chosen depository will notify us when delivery has been made of your metals. Upon receiving this confirmation from your depository, we will update your account accordingly.
Your annual storage fee (outlined on our IRA Fee Schedule) will be billed to you by STRATA in conjunction with your STRATA annual IRA fee.
Important to mention here:
Other IRA custodians are taking care of the annual fee, so you don´t have to think about paying for it every year.
Also, some of them altogether waive the fee for the first 3-10 years.
Can you get your investment delivered to your home?
No, you can not do this with Strata Trust. Below is an exact excerpt from their website on this topic:
IRA-owned assets must remain in the custody of the IRA custodian (STRATA) until distributed or sold. This means that you can’t personally hold IRA-owned precious metals while in the IRA. STRATA requires that your precious metals be stored with one of the third-party depositories as outlined above.
**This is absolutely true as you cannot store IRA gold at home as it simply isn´t allowed.
Can you sell back to the company?
This is something that is not mentioned (at least not clear) on their website. I was able to find this exact text in the FAQ section, though:
No, STRATA does not buy, sell or exchange precious metals. You will need to negotiate the purchase, sale, or exchange of any precious metals through the broker of your choice
International service?
No, those who can use the company’s service are citizens living in the U.S…
Is Strata Trust Company a Scam?
So, is Strata Trust a scam or not? No, it is not a scam. Of course not. It would never have survived this long (even if it is relatively new (founded in 2008) if it wasn´t. Horizon Bank owns it, which is also something that backs up the company’s legacy.
However, if it is your best alternative, there is another story, and we will look at that a few lines further down.
How about the ratings and reviews from real users of Strata?
BBB(BetterBusinessBureau)
Rating: 
(2.4 / 5) (out of 7 reviews) NOT an accredited business click for details (opens in new window)
Trustpilot:
Rating: 
(4.3 / 5) (out of 840 reviews) click here for details (opens in new window)
BCA (Business Consumer Alliance)
Rating: N/A
Trustlink
Rating: N/A
GlassDoor:
Rating: N/A
Yelp:
Rating: N/A
Are there any red flags?
As you can see above, the ratings are not that impressive, especially not when compared to other companies that offer similar services.
As you can see below (screenshot from pretty serious complaints from real users):
Important to mention here:
There are also positive reviews, but my job here is to make sure you get the overall picture here.
Some companies got ZERO complaints from BBB and with HUNDREDS of reviews.
==> Click here to read about my #1 recommended alternative instead <==
How´s the support?
One thing that I always put a lot of weight on when it comes to the quality of a company’s support is if they got a live chat function on their website.
Strata Trust does not have this, and that is something that (me personally) think a company with over $1,5 billion in assets should offer its customers and visitors.
The support contact options you got are an e-mail address and a phone number where you can get help with your questions.
The Good
- $2+ Billion in assets under custody
- A broad range of different investment options (not only precious metals)
- Decent reviews and ratings from Trustpilot
The Bad
- Negative reviews from their clients
- Not an accredited business by the BBB
- You are responsible for paying yearly storage fees
- Website lacking in support and some info
Do You Own or Represent Strata Trust Company?
If you are a representative or associate of Strata Trust Company and have found something not to be correct in this review, please, feel free to tell, and I will make sure to update the info on this post. The easiest way to do it is in the comment section below or e-mail to contact@goldretired.com.
Final Words and Verdict on Strata Trust Company
Verdict: Legit (but NOT recommended)
Overall rating: (3.4 / 5)
Ok, we have pointed out some pros and cons, and you now have a better picture of this company. It is a legit one.
Of course, whether it will be your pick or not is up to you. Hopefully, this review has made your choice a bit easier to perform.
Please keep in mind:
Always (highly recommended) do your research and compare many different companies against each other to avoid hidden fees and find the company’s policy that resonates the best with you.
What Company do I Recommend?
First of all, You made a wise decision to read this review, and you are an intelligent person. I am sure that you will find the right company that suits your particular needs and that you also feel 100% safe to invest with.
If you are looking for a reputable gold & silver IRA custodian besides any other company, you might check out Augusta. They are recommended by more independent 3rd party consumer protection agencies than any other company in the industry. It is used by well-known investors, respected by notable publications websites, and you might want to look at some other benefits!
==> Learn about my #1 Recommended gold & silver IRA Solution Here <==
I hope you found this short review of Strata Trust Company (Former Self Directed IRA Services) to be helpful, and now you should have a better understanding of what it is and if it is something for you or not. If you have used any of the company’s services, please share your experience in the comment section below as it can help others. Also, if you got any other questions on this review, I will be more than happy to answer them below!
I wish you success!
Michael
Founder of: Gold Retired
It’s good here of course, that this appears to be a trust the company. However I personally do see other and more optional investments as a solid liquid investment option. Of course this is not for everyone, nor is of the various options for everyone such is a Knooty’s and stock investments sensitive products. Precious metals is of course is another separate category we can do OK
Yes, gold is more of a “secure” investment than something that you will make big profit from investing in.
Thank you for your comment!
/Sincerely
Yes i yes I have accounts to first company trust company trust company and I did have a self-directed Ira services and I am not happy with them at all they have all kinds of charges to take me out to put money in just even answer them quick just to even ask a question and I went through American bouillon in Los Angeles and I talked to Jordan French and he was not truthful with me when he sold me some gold and silver and at this time I am very upset with him because he will not return my calls also he lied to me and I’m talking about a large sum of money
Sorry to hear that, really hope your problem will be solved for you.
You have done a great thing leaving a comment here as it can help others to think twice…
Please, feel free to come back here and tell us how it all goes,
Thanks again for your comment,
/Sincerely
We I’d like to cancel the comment about American bullion as we have resolved the issue for now
Aha ok, that is great! Happy to hear that 🙂
Seems like you got a fast fix done for you?
/All the best
does any one know how to get in touch with these people.
Have you tried the options on their contact page?
does any one know how to get in touch with these people ?
I decided to invest in gold and silver coins and set up a precious metals IRA with Strata Trust Company. I transferred funds from a traditional IRA between January and May, 2018.
It was a total of $153,667, which was about 75% of my IRA.
They now list market value of $59,867.
Loss of ($93,800)!!!!!
When I spoke with them in the Fall of 2018, they said it was because of the decrease in the price of gold and silver.
The price of the coins has been going up, not down.
I called today and their offices are closed during “normal business hours”.
On a scale of 5, I give them a minus!!!!! Beware of Horizon Bank/Strata Trust!!!!!
First of all, thank you for sharing this with us, and of course, sorry to hear about your nightmare experience, please feel free to come back here and tell us how it turns out, as it can help others.
Thank you again for your comment,
/Sincerely
Re the comment “I transferred funds from a traditional IRA between January and May, 2018.
It was a total of $153,667, which was about 75% of my IRA.
They now list market value of $59,867.
Loss of ($93,800)!!!!!
When I spoke with them in the Fall of 2018, they said it was because of the decrease in the price of gold and silver.”
In response to this comments , when
I called Strata , the Rep told me they do NOT list the current market value of an account; They said if authorize a particular silver dealer to sell me various amounts of 1 oz coins, 10 100 0r 1000 oz silver bars I will be able to use my home computer to go
on line and see the total initial price I paid, forvarious amounts of 1 oz coins, 10 100 or 1000 oz silver bars in my account and the current spot price. WHAT I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE IS THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF MY ACCOUNT . THIS MAKES SENSE BECAUSE VARIOUS DEALERS WILL BE WILLING TO PAY VARYING PRICES WHEN I SELL.
My experience with Strata Trust mirrors that of Leroy’s. I seen this article when looking up Strata’ s phone # and read it and wanted to understand (clarity) on figures ($) that show on my Strata portfolio-investment summary.
Reading then what Ken says about calling Strata, I think ? has to do with spot gold prices & gold’s market prices…at any rate I sure would like to know what’s going on with Leroy’s formal complaint with Securities & Exchange commission.
Is it possible that someone at goldretired.com could keep me abreast of Leroy’s endeavor ? (that’s of course if he gets back with you.) Thank you
First of all, thank you for joining the discoussion!
You will get notified if he replies to your comment,
/Sincerely
Your experience mirrors the events surrounding a close friend. This person had more than 60% of the rolled over IRA cash value vanish with little to no documentation of the cash to precious metals exchange. The intention was to aquire bullion in coin or bar form. The resulting exchange was weighed predominately in “Proof” quality coins valued at purchase at 2-3 times the street price of the intended bullion aquirement. The shock of discovering the ridiculously deprecated value of the IRA was mind numbing. Somehow, someone associated with STRATA offered a solution that would remove further risk and offered to remove the highly speculative value coins and replace them with bullion value coins while touting the benefit of exchanging a small number of coins with twice the number of bullion value coins. This further erroded the cash value of the IRA and the bulion
Re. my prior comment about Horizon Bank/Strata Trust Co., I am filing a formal complaint with the:
U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Ok, that is good.
Please feel free to come back here and share how it plans out for you,
/Sincerely
Ken and Leroy, Were either of you buying from Advantage Gold? I am interested in using them to buy gold and they use Strata.
Reply directly to their comments and there will be a better chance for you to get a fast reply from them as they then will get notified through their e-mail.
/Sincerely
John I used Strata through Advantage Gold. My experience mirrors that of Leroy, with Strata. I am just now trying to come to understand exactly what happened and my mess ended up with total liquidation in 2018 with Strata. Their fees are treacherous, ask for a fee sheet from them and be fully aware of them all before investing.
We started out as you said through Advantage Gold in November of 2016. After we had 1 distribution we realized FEE should of been in their middle name ! So we completely liquidated by July of 2018 with them.
Is there any way I can get metals in my possession? Close out account? Pay the taxes?
Hi Chris, first of all, thank you for your comment!
Not sure if you mean through Strata or through other ways?
Thank you again for your comment!
/Best
I opened my precious metals account with Strata 3/20/20 on rec of Allegiance Gold, Alex Elian. It has been a nightmare of charges. Just signing in to Strata website is a BIG CHALLENGE. When I stored my metals with Delaware Depository Seal Beach, I never received my account #s for TRADITIONAL and ROTH. I’m blind to the numismatics of my coins and unable to determine/appreciate their value as the market churns. When I sold recently through Allegiance, they billed me for Allegiance’s buy out cost and and added a wire fee to boot without informing me. Strata personnel lack knowledge and range of experience. Strata is money mad. I have a pending transfer of coins since November 30, 2021 in my Roth. It’s almost 100 days pending. After speaking with Delaware Depository today, I learned that my coins had been moved from Seal Beach CA to Boulder City NV depository, which is fully staffed and operating since February, but have never received a letter informing me of this transfer from Strata, the responsible party. Meanwhile Allegiance, who’s in bed with Strata has been telling me my coins cannot be shipped because the NV depository isn’t up and running yet. WHO’s ON FIRST? No! IS ANYBODY HOME? No lights in the attic! The SEC EDGAR SEARCH doesn’t even know Strata Trust Co. exists. What is this? Flee STRATA and get yourself into a safe, reputable trust, or get out of precious metals unless you’re buying your own with sound knowledge, and beware of allowing anyone do the purchasing for you, BECAUSE YOU ARE THEIR CASH COW AND THEY WILL MILK YOU DRY. If the market scares you, sit on the sidelines and look at all alternatives, before getting back in. BUYER BEWARE.
First o all, thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience with that company.
Agree with you, it is a dirty business many times, and as you mention numismatic coins, those are very important to be careful with aswell, as it is a very common way to get scammed and pay huge over price: https://goldretired.com/what-is-numismatic-gold-coins-important-knowledge-for-you
Thank you again for your comment,
/Sincerely