Considering a Self-Directed IRA to diversify into alternative assets? Your choice of custodian will make or break your portfolio’s security. IRAServices.com (formerly IRA Services Trust Company and now rebranded as Forge Trust) is a major player in the space—but are they legitimate, or just another high-fee headache? If you’ve been searching through IRAServices.com reviews trying to separate facts from marketing hype, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
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✔ Over 1,000 Five-Star Customer Reviews
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Or continue with this IRAServices.com review…
What Is IRAServices.com?
Originally launched in 1969 in San Carlos, California, IRAServices.com built a formidable reputation over 50+ years, ultimately commanding over $13 billion in assets. Today, that legacy lives on under the Forge Trust banner.
Unlike standard self-directed competitors, they provide a streamlined, all-in-one institutional setup:
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True Dual Capabilities: They act as both your account administrator and your legal custodian—eliminating third-party delays.
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Maximum Asset Flexibility: You aren’t boxed into stocks and bonds. You can invest directly in the exact alternative assets that fit your strategy.
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Institutional-Grade Trust: Decades of experience backing a platform built for sophisticated alternative investing.
IRAServices.com Products
As a full-service custodian and administrator, Forge Trust (formerly IRAServices.com) eliminates the middleman, putting you in total control of your retirement strategy. Instead of being locked into volatile Wall Street stocks, you can instantly diversify your portfolio across a massive suite of alternative asset classes, including:
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Precious Metals IRAs: Hold physical gold, silver, and platinum.
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Real Estate IRAs: Invest directly in residential, commercial, or raw land.
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Private Equity & Venture Capital: Back private companies and startups.
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Crowdfunding & Promissory Notes: Leverage private lending and real estate syndications.
Whether you are looking to launch a brand-new Traditional or Roth IRA, or want to roll over an existing business retirement plan like a Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA, their platform handles the compliance so you can focus on the returns.
IRAServices.com Review Summary
Location:
San Carlos, California
Address:
1160 Industrial Rd Ste 1
San Carlos, CA 94070-4128
Year Founded:
1969
Managers:
Edwin Blue, Gary Shumm
Website:
www.forgetrust.com
Rating:
2.5/5
How It Works
Getting started with IRAServices.com is an uncomplicated three-step process. Depending on your investment objectives, you must first determine the type of self-directed IRA you desire to establish. After selecting the account type, you can create an online account or obtain the account application form from their website to complete offline.
The second step is to fund your self-directed account by transferring or rolling over funds from your current IRA. If you prefer not to roll over or transfer funds, you can also make an annual cash contribution via check or electronic transfer.
The final step is to select an asset from the diverse selection available and to contact the IRAServices.com personnel for assistance with completing your investment.
Pros of IRAServices.com
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Sophisticated Transaction Processing
IRAServices.com utilizes cutting-edge technology, so your transactions with them will not only be quick and accurate but also highly efficient.
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24-Hour Access to Your Accounts
The company allows you to access and administer your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Direct Assistance from Staff
If you encounter problems during account opening, fund transfer, etc., you will receive direct assistance from their highly experienced staff.
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Broad Range of Assets
As stated, IRAServices.com offers a wide variety of investment assets, unlike other IRA companies that offer only a few. Thus, they allow you to compare and select the assets that best meet your requirements.
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Multiple Accounts to Choose from
There are a variety of self-directed IRA account options available.
Cons of IRAServices.com
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Fees Are not Disclosed Beforehand
The company asserts that its prices are fair and competitive. Nonetheless, the fees are not disclosed in advance, which is a poor practice. Before establishing a self-directed IRA account with them, you have the right to know what fees will be charged.
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Negative Customer Reviews and Ratings
We discovered numerous negative reviews and complaints on numerous websites, including the Better Business Bureau, with the majority of customers condemning the company’s poor customer service.
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Higher Annual Fees.
In comparison to other custodians we’ve reviewed, IRAServices.com’s annual fees are a bit more expensive.
IRAServices.com Reviews & Ratings
IRAServices.com is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has a rating of 1.6 out of 5 stars based on 23 customer reviews and 6 customer complaints on the platform. Below is a screenshot of a selection of BBB testimonials that we analyzed.
IRAServices.com has a 2.5 out of 5 stars rating on Yelp based on 66 user reviews. The company does not have any reviews on Business Consumer Alliance, Trustlink, or Trustpilot.
Is IRAServices.com Safe for Precious Metals Rollovers?
Before you authorize an alternative asset transfer, you need to look past the marketing hype. IRAServices.com handles custody and admin under the Forge Trust banner, but their third-party review track record tells a complicated story.
Our deep-dive into verified customer feedback revealed persistent complaints regarding:
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Support Bottlenecks: Frustratingly slow response times when processing times matter most.
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Administrative Friction: Outdated account administration hurdles that delay asset transfers.
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Fee Transparency Issues: Higher-than-anticipated maintenance costs that eat into your silver and gold equity.
Safeguarding your retirement requires a partner with flawless execution, predictable flat-rate pricing, and dedicated client service. Based on our 2026 market analysis, there are far stronger, highly reputable alternatives available that specialize strictly in frictionless physical metals rollovers.
Read About Our Top-Rated Gold IRA Providers →
IS IRAServices.com Legit or a Scam?
IRAServices.com has been in operation for more than four decades. Moreover, the firm administers over $13 billion in assets, which demonstrates its credibility and legitimacy. IRAServices.com is therefore not a scam.
IRAServices.com Reviews Conclusion
IRAServices.com is a self-directed IRA administrator and custodian based in San Carlos, California. The company has amassed thousands of consumers over the past several decades and enjoys a long-standing reputation. They are renowned for providing an extensive selection of investment assets and IRA accounts.
On the downside, IRAServices.com has been accused of providing poor customer service and charging excessive IRA fees. In addition, there are no reviews of the company on reputable online platforms such as Trustlink, Trustpilot, and the Business Consumer Alliance.
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