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Checkbook IRA
Direct Control Over Your Retirement Investments
Take the reins of your retirement investing
Traditional IRAs require the account custodian to process every transaction, which can slow down time-sensitive deals. A Checkbook IRA gives you direct access to your IRA funds through a dedicated LLC, so you can act fast when opportunities arise.
Direct Investing Authority
Make investments directly without waiting for custodian processing. Your IRA-owned LLC gives you signing authority on your own terms.
Broad Asset Access
Invest in real estate, private equity, promissory notes, precious metals, crypto, and more, all from a single account.
Tax-Advantaged
Enjoy the same IRA tax benefits while maintaining direct control. Designed for investors who want to move quickly on opportunities.
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Top benefits of using Retired.com’s Checkbook IRA
Greater Privacy
A Checkbook IRA creates a legal buffer between your personal identity and your public financial transactions.
Low, Transparent Fees
No hidden charges. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for your account and LLC administration.
Broad Asset Flexibility
Checkbook IRAs allow you to invest in assets like real estate, private equity, startups, and other permissible alternative assets that aren't tied directly to the stock market
Expert Support
Real retirement specialists available to guide you through the real estate IRA process. Not bots, not FAQs.
Speed and Flexibility
No waiting on custodian processing. Act quickly on time-sensitive investment opportunities directly from your IRA LLC.
Ways to fund your deal
Strategies
Your retirement blueprint, for free
Want to understand how a Checkbook IRA works, what an IRA LLC involves, and which investments are available? Explore our resource center for in-depth guides and strategies.
Learn Before You Start with Retired.com’s Guides and Articles
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Checkbook IRA?
A Checkbook IRA is a self-directed IRA that uses a dedicated LLC to give you direct investment authority. Instead of requesting a custodian to process each transaction, you write checks or wire funds directly from the LLC’s bank account. The IRA owns the LLC, which means all investments and returns stay inside the tax-advantaged structure.
Is a Checkbook IRA different from a Self-Directed IRA?
With a standard self-directed IRA, your custodian processes every transaction on your behalf, which can take days. With a Checkbook IRA, the IRA owns an LLC, and you’re the manager of that LLC. This means you can execute investments directly, without custodian delays, while still maintaining the same tax advantages.
What can I invest in with a Checkbook IRA?
A Checkbook IRA can hold a wide range of alternative assets, including real estate, private equity, promissory notes, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and more. The key advantage is that you can execute these investments directly and on your own timeline.
Are there any prohibited transactions?
Yes. IRS rules prohibit certain transactions within any IRA, including Checkbook IRAs. These include transactions with disqualified persons (such as yourself, your spouse, or lineal family members) and certain self-dealing arrangements.
How long does it take to set up a Checkbook IRA?
Account setup with Retired.com is fast. The IRA can be established online in minutes. The LLC formation process typically takes a few business days depending on the state of formation. Our team guides you through every step.
What fees are associated with a Checkbook IRA?
Retired.com charges transparent fees for account administration and LLC setup. There are no hidden charges. Full fee details are provided before you commit, so you know exactly what you’re paying.
Reviews and media mentions listed on this page include those across all Retired.com consumer brands.
*Based on assets under custody across all retired.com consumer brands as of 05/18/2026.
**Review and rating count is aggregated across public review platforms and app stores for all Retired.com consumer brands. Average platform rating is calculated as the average of displayed ratings and not weighted by review or rating count.
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