Pacific Premier Trust is a leading name in the self-directed retirement account industry, offering investors the flexibility to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional asset classes.
With a focus on providing transparent, efficient, and customer-friendly services, Pacific Premier Trust allows clients to include alternative investments such as real estate, precious metals, and private equity in their IRAs.
This review explores the company’s services, pricing, reputation, and trustworthiness to help you determine if Pacific Premier Trust is the right partner for your self-directed IRA needs.
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Pacific Premier Trust: Unique Highlights Overview
Pacific Premier Trust is distinct for its robust platform that supports a wide variety of alternative investments, making it a preferred choice for those looking to diversify retirement portfolios.
- A broad range of self-directed IRA options, including Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs.
- An extensive list of eligible alternative investments such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency.
- Strong emphasis on customer education and transparency, helping clients navigate the complexities of self-directed IRAs.
Pacific Premier Trust stands out in the self-directed IRA industry due to its robust platform, comprehensive investment options, and customer-focused approach. Here’s what makes it unique:
1. Extensive Alternative Investment Options
Pacific Premier Trust enables clients to diversify their retirement portfolios with a wide range of alternative assets, including:
- Real Estate: Purchase of rental properties, commercial real estate, or raw land.
- Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium eligible for IRAs.
- Private Equity: Investments in startups, venture capital, and private companies.
- Cryptocurrency: Inclusion of Bitcoin and other approved digital assets.
- Promissory Notes: Private loans secured by collateral.
This breadth of options allows investors to customize their portfolios to align with personal financial goals and risk tolerances.
2. Support for Complex Transactions
Pacific Premier Trust is equipped to handle intricate and high-value transactions, such as real estate closings, private equity deals, or multi-asset portfolios. Their expertise in regulatory compliance and account structuring helps streamline these processes for clients.
3. Backed by Pacific Premier Bank
As a division of Pacific Premier Bank, Pacific Premier Trust benefits from the stability, resources, and infrastructure of a well-established financial institution. This backing enhances client confidence in the company’s operational strength and reliability.
4. Transparency in Fees and Services
The company is committed to providing clear and upfront pricing. Pacific Premier Trust publishes its fee schedules openly, ensuring clients are fully informed of account costs, transaction fees, and administrative charges before committing.
5. Advanced Online Platform
Pacific Premier Trust offers a user-friendly online interface that enables clients to:
- Track account performance.
- Manage investments and transactions.
- Access resources and documentation with ease.
This technology-driven approach simplifies self-directed IRA management, making it accessible to investors of all experience levels.
Additional Highlights of Pacific Premier Trust:
Navigating IRS rules for self-directed IRAs can be daunting, but Pacific Premier Trust’s experienced team ensures compliance at every step. They provide guidance on avoiding prohibited transactions and adhering to IRS guidelines.
Pacific Premier Trust emphasizes client empowerment through education. They provide resources such as webinars, articles, and guides to help investors understand self-directed IRAs and alternative investments.
With decades of experience in self-directed retirement accounts, Pacific Premier Trust has built a reputation for reliability and expertise. Their ability to manage complex accounts efficiently is a testament to their leadership in the industry.
In addition to traditional IRAs, Pacific Premier Trust supports Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and Inherited IRAs, catering to a broad spectrum of clients, including individuals, small business owners, and beneficiaries.
Pacific Premier Trust’s unique combination of investment flexibility, transparency, regulatory expertise, and robust support makes it a standout option for investors seeking to diversify their retirement savings with alternative assets. Backed by Pacific Premier Bank, the company provides both stability and innovation, making it an excellent choice for self-directed IRA management.
What is Pacific Premier Trust?
Pacific Premier Trust, formerly known as PENSCO Trust Company, is a division of Pacific Premier Bank.
It specializes in self-directed IRAs, enabling clients to invest in a wide range of alternative assets.
Unlike traditional brokerage firms that limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, Pacific Premier Trust provides a platform for investing in real estate, private loans, precious metals, and other non-traditional assets.
The company aims to empower investors by offering greater control over their retirement accounts while adhering to IRS regulations for tax-advantaged investments.
Who are the People Behind Pacific Premier Trust?
Pacific Premier Trust, a division of Pacific Premier Bank, is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in finance, banking, and compliance. The leadership team includes:
- Steven R. Gardner: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Premier Bank. Under his guidance, the bank has expanded its services, including the integration of Pacific Premier Trust.
- Edward Wilcox: President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Premier Bank. He oversees the bank’s operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance across all divisions, including Pacific Premier Trust.
- Ronald J. Nicolas, Jr.: Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He manages the financial strategies and operations of the bank and its divisions.
- Tamara Wendoll: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Premier Trust. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the trust division, ensuring seamless service delivery to clients.
- Todd Rhodes: Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Premier Trust. He plays a pivotal role in managing the trust’s operations and strategic initiatives.
This leadership team combines their expertise to provide clients with reliable and compliant self-directed IRA services, emphasizing transparency and customer satisfaction.
Does Pacific Premier Trust Offer IRA Services?
Yes, IRA services are the core of Pacific Premier Trust’s offerings. The company provides a wide range of self-directed IRA options, including:
- Traditional IRAs: Tax-deferred retirement savings accounts.
- Roth IRAs: Accounts offering tax-free withdrawals.
- SEP and SIMPLE IRAs: Designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners.
- Inherited IRAs: Accounts tailored for beneficiaries of retirement plans.
Pacific Premier Trust allows investors to include various alternative investments in their IRAs while ensuring compliance with IRS rules and regulations.
What Products Can You Purchase at Pacific Premier Trust?
Pacific Premier Trust supports a vast array of alternative investments, including:
- Real Estate: Direct ownership, rental properties, commercial real estate, and land.
- Precious Metals: IRA-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
- Private Equity: Investments in startups, venture capital, and private companies.
- Promissory Notes: Private loans secured by collateral.
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other digital assets (subject to IRS approval).
- Crowdfunding Opportunities: Investments in alternative financing platforms.
This flexibility allows clients to build highly customized retirement portfolios that align with their financial goals.
Pacific Premier Trust Fees and Pricing
Pacific Premier Trust provides a transparent fee structure that varies based on the type of account, investment choices, and services required. Below is a breakdown of the key fees typically associated with accounts at Pacific Premier Trust:
1. Account Setup Fee
A one-time fee for establishing a new self-directed IRA.
- Typical Fee Range: $50 – $75
This covers the cost of processing the account opening and initial documentation.
2. Annual Administration Fee
An ongoing fee for account maintenance, including record-keeping, reporting, and compliance.
- Flat Fee Model: $300 – $600 annually, depending on the account type.
- Asset-Based Model: Some accounts may charge 0.15% to 0.35% of the total account value.
The specific amount depends on whether the account uses a flat-rate fee or asset-based fee structure.
3. Transaction Fees
Applied to specific transactions, such as buying, selling, or transferring assets.
- Real Estate Purchases: $150 – $250 per transaction.
- Private Equity/Private Placement Fees: $75 – $125 per transaction.
- Precious Metals Purchases: $40 – $75 per transaction.
These fees cover the administrative work involved in processing complex or manual transactions.
4. Custodial Fees
For safekeeping and monitoring of IRA assets, particularly alternative investments.
- Storage for Precious Metals: $100 – $200 annually (depending on whether storage is segregated or commingled).
- Digital Asset Custody: Fees may vary based on the cryptocurrency custodian.
Custodial fees ensure compliance with IRS requirements for asset safekeeping.
5. Account Termination Fee
If you choose to close your account, a termination fee applies.
- Typical Fee: $150
This covers the administrative work required to wind down the account and process any distributions.
6. Wire Transfer Fees
For outgoing wires, often needed for real estate closings or large asset purchases.
- Typical Fee: $25 per wire
7. Additional Service Fees
- Expedited Processing: $25 – $50 for rushed document or transaction processing.
- Non-Standard Assets: Additional fees may apply for complex or uncommon investments (e.g., international assets, non-publicly traded securities).
How to Minimize Fees
- Choose Flat Fee Models: If your account holds significant assets, a flat fee might be more economical than an asset-based percentage.
- Bundle Transactions: Grouping multiple asset purchases or sales into a single transaction may reduce overall fees.
- Monitor Storage Choices: Opt for commingled storage over segregated storage for precious metals if cost savings are a priority.
What Do Pacific Premier Trust Reviews Say?
Customer reviews highlight both the strengths and challenges of working with Pacific Premier Trust:
- Positive Feedback: Clients praise the company for its comprehensive investment options, knowledgeable customer service, and efficient account management tools.
- Constructive Criticism: Some reviews mention occasional delays in processing complex transactions and a need for more intuitive online tools.
What Are the Ratings of This Company on Different Review Sites?
- Trustpilot: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, with customers appreciating the wide range of alternative investment options.
- Google Reviews: Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, with mixed feedback about customer service efficiency.
- BBB (Better Business Bureau): A+ rating, reflecting the company’s adherence to ethical business practices and its ability to resolve customer complaints promptly.
Why Aren’t There Many Pacific Premier Trust Complaints?
Pacific Premier Trust maintains a strong reputation in the self-directed IRA space due to its:
- Transparency: A clear and upfront fee structure eliminates surprises.
- Customer Support: Proactive communication helps address issues before they escalate.
- Experience: Decades of expertise in alternative investments provide confidence to investors.
By focusing on education and compliance, Pacific Premier Trust minimizes errors and misunderstandings, which often lead to complaints.
Are There Any Pacific Premier Trust Lawsuits?
There are no notable lawsuits involving Pacific Premier Trust. The company’s strong focus on regulatory compliance and ethical practices has helped it avoid significant legal challenges.
Can You Trust Pacific Premier Trust? Is Pacific Premier Trust Legit?
Pacific Premier Trust is a legitimate and reputable company, backed by Pacific Premier Bank, a well-established financial institution. With its long history, A+ BBB rating, and positive customer feedback, Pacific Premier Trust is a trustworthy choice for self-directed IRA services.
Tip #1: Check Their Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
Check for proper licensing and registration with relevant financial regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Verify the company’s accreditation with industry organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
It will help you check how credible they are.
Tip #2: Look into The Company’s Background
- Research the company’s history, including years in business and any name changes.
- Examine the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and accreditation status.
- Review customer feedback on reputable third-party review sites like Trustpilot or Consumer Affairs.
Tip #3: Does the Company Offer Good Resources?
- Assess the clarity of information provided about fees, storage options, and buyback policies.
- Evaluate the quality and depth of educational resources offered to investors.
- Verify that the company provides clear information about IRS regulations regarding precious metals IRAs.
Tip #4: What are Their Product Offerings and Pricing?
- Ensure the company offers IRS-approved precious metals for IRA investments.
- Compare pricing with other reputable dealers to ensure competitiveness.
- Be wary of companies pushing numismatic or collectible coins over bullion for IRA investments.
Tip #5: Confirm the Storage and Custodian Partnerships
Verify that the company works with IRS-approved custodians and secure storage facilities. According to IRS’ regulations, you cannot store your gold IRA’s precious metals at your home.
You’ll need a certified third-party storage provider.
Check the company’s storage and custodian partner to ensure you’re working with a reliable firm. Moreover, ensure they offer segregated storage options for your precious metals.
Segregated storage means your owned precious metals products will be stored separately from other investors’ possessions. Similarly, non-segregated storage means your products will be stored along with others.
Keep in mind that storage providers charge extra for segregated storage.
Some popular custodians include Equity Trust and Goldstar Trust.
Red Flags to Watch For in Gold IRA Companies
- Promises of guaranteed returns or claims of “secret” investment strategies.
- Pressure to act immediately or make large investments without proper consideration.
- Lack of physical address or unclear company ownership structure.
- Unwillingness to provide detailed information about fees or policies in writing.
By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, investors can make an informed decision about the legitimacy and reliability of a gold IRA company. It’s crucial to conduct due diligence and, if necessary, consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Pacific Premier Trust Review Summary
- Strengths: Comprehensive investment options, transparent fees, and knowledgeable support.
- Customer Experience: Positive reviews highlight the flexibility and professionalism of their services.
- Trustworthiness: A proven track record, clean legal history, and robust infrastructure inspire confidence.
For investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets, Pacific Premier Trust offers a reliable and flexible platform. Whether you’re investing in real estate, private equity, or precious metals, this company provides the tools and expertise needed to navigate the self-directed IRA landscape.
