Quick answer
The headline annual account fee is only one component of the total cost of holding digital assets in an IRA.
What matters in practice
Potential costs include setup fees, annual administration, asset-based custody fees, bid-ask spreads, trading commissions, transfer fees and closure charges.
Questions to ask before proceeding
Example: a $50,000 account charged 1% annually incurs $500 in asset-based fees in the first year if the balance stays constant, before trading costs. A 2% round-trip trading cost on $10,000 of trades adds $200.
Risks and limitations
Compare total dollar costs under realistic transaction frequency and account-balance scenarios, not only advertised percentage fees.
Next steps
Use the retirement scenario calculator to explore illustrative outcomes, read the IRA custodian checklist, and compare provider costs before requesting information from any provider.
Editorial note
This is general education, not individualized tax, legal or investment advice. Verify current rules with the IRS and consult qualified professionals where appropriate. Financial claims and links require review before publication.