Two Approaches, One Provider
Most crypto IRA companies offer one option. You either manage everything yourself or you hand it all over. BlockTrust is different. We offer both self-directed and managed crypto IRAs under one roof.
This matters because your needs may change. A self-directed investor may realize they want professional management. A managed client may want to take a more active role. Having both options with one provider makes transitions seamless.
Nobody else can write this page because nobody else offers both under one roof. That distinction shapes everything that follows.
Self-Directed Crypto IRA
A self-directed crypto IRA gives you full control. You choose which assets to buy. You decide when to trade. You manage your own allocation and rebalancing.
The annual fee is 0.4% of assets under management. There is no performance fee. Trading fees are 0.14% per transaction through sFOX. You keep full authority over every investment decision.
This approach suits experienced investors. It works for people who follow crypto markets closely. It rewards those with the discipline to execute a strategy consistently, regardless of market sentiment.
The risk is real. Self-directed means self-responsible. No one monitors your portfolio at 3 AM. No system rebalances when volatility spikes overnight. If you miss a market event, your portfolio absorbs the full impact.
Managed Crypto IRA
A managed crypto IRA delegates the investment decisions. BlockTrust’s AI system, Animus, monitors your portfolio around the clock. It rebalances automatically based on market data, sentiment analysis, and on-chain indicators.
The fee structure is 2% annual management plus 25% of profits. Trading fees remain 0.14% through sFOX. The performance fee only applies when your portfolio grows. If there are no gains, there is no performance fee.
This approach suits investors who want exposure without the daily commitment. It works for people with demanding careers, limited crypto knowledge, or the self-awareness to know that emotional trading harms long-term results.
The system operates without emotion. It does not panic sell during crashes. It does not chase trends during rallies. Every decision is data-driven and documented in your quarterly reports.
“Self-directed sounded great until Bitcoin dropped 30% and nobody was watching.”
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Self-Directed | Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Involvement | High — you make all decisions | Low — AI handles trading |
| Annual Management Fee | 0.4% | 2% |
| Performance Fee | None | 25% on profits only |
| Trading Fee | 0.14% per trade | 0.14% per trade |
| Who It Suits | Experienced, hands-on investors | Passive investors, busy professionals |
| Risk Management | Your responsibility entirely | AI-driven, 24/7 monitoring |
| Time Commitment | Several hours per week minimum | Review quarterly reports |
| Rebalancing | Manual | Automatic |
| Overnight Coverage | None | Full 24/7 coverage |
Who Should Choose Which
Choose Self-Directed If:
- You actively follow cryptocurrency markets daily
- You have experience executing trades during volatile periods
- You can commit several hours per week to portfolio management
- You have a clear investment thesis you want to execute
- You prefer lower fees and accept full responsibility
Choose Managed If:
- You want crypto exposure without the daily commitment
- You recognize that emotional decisions harm returns
- You value overnight monitoring and automatic rebalancing
- You prefer documented, data-driven investment decisions
- You want someone accountable when markets move
Be honest with yourself. Most people overestimate their ability to remain disciplined during market stress. The managed option exists because discipline under pressure is rare. There is no shame in acknowledging that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Because BlockTrust offers both options, you can transition between self-directed and managed without changing providers. Contact our team to discuss the transition process. There is no penalty for switching.
Some clients maintain both a self-directed and managed account. This allows you to actively trade a portion of your crypto IRA while the managed service handles the rest. Speak with our team about structuring a combined approach.
Self-directed has lower base fees at 0.4% annually with no performance fee. Managed charges 2% annually plus 25% of profits. However, fee comparison alone is incomplete. The relevant question is net return after fees, which depends on investment performance and risk management.
Performance varies based on market conditions and individual execution. Self-directed results depend entirely on your decisions. Managed results depend on the AI system. Neither approach guarantees superior returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
No. The managed service monitors your portfolio 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You receive quarterly reports detailing all activity. You are welcome to review your account at any time, but active monitoring is not required or expected.
Related Guides
How It Works
See the three-step process behind our managed crypto IRA.
Learn
Browse our complete library of crypto IRA guides and resources.
Withdrawal Rules & RMDs
When you can withdraw, what the penalties are for early withdrawal, and how Required Minimum Distributions work with crypto IRAs.
Read Guide