FAQs
What is The Alternative IRA®?
The Alternative IRA® from Alto is an individual retirement account that gives investors the freedom to invest in alternative assets like startups, private companies, real estate, loans, and cryptocurrencies using the Alto platform. You can invest in your own alternative asset opportunity, or find one using Alto’s investment partners.
What makes Alto my best option?
We’ve built an easy-to-use and enjoyable user experience. Our pricing is simple: we have no hidden fees. We’ve moved the entire process online and include the counterparty in the transaction process — saving you the burden of massive amounts of paperwork.
Are the tax benefits of an Alto IRA the same as those for IRA accounts held at a brokerage or investment firm?
Yes! The AltoIRA puts the investor in the driver’s seat of their retirement account, allowing them to select the investments they want while maintaining the same tax-advantages as other IRA accounts.
What is the difference between a “traditional" IRA and a "self-directed" IRA?
There is no legal distinction between a traditional IRA and a self-directed IRA. While traditional, Roth, SEP, and other IRAs can all be “self-directed” (meaning you choose what to invest in), most brokerages and custodians don’t allow investments in unregistered securities, frequently referred to as “alternative assets”. With the Alternative IRA®, Alto investors have the control and flexibility to invest their IRA in assets uniquely suited to long-term investing – like startups, real estate, and more.