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A promissory note is a loan, with a signed “promise” to repay the loan amount by a certain date, typically with interest added. Think of it like a loan from a bank – but with private lending, you’re the bank. Talk to an IRA Counselor about the range of note investing possibilities for your IRA, including:
Interested in real estate investing, but don’t want to be a landlord? Know of a local business in need of a boost? Promissory note investing – or private money lending – gives you the opportunity to loan funds from your IRA or other account to real estate investors, business owners, or others, providing you with a stream of passive, predictable, tax-advantaged income.
It’s not uncommon for investors to receive a 10 percent or more interest rate on a promissory note investment
Invest in real estate without the added work of managing a property: there’s little to do other than watch your payments flow in
Hedge against the traditional market with an alternative investment that’s not tied to stock performance
Loaning from a qualified retirement account shields you from taxes on your interest
You are the bank, so you set the terms, including interest rate and repayment schedule, for predictable returns
Help a struggling business, fund a promising startup, or contribute to a neighborhood housing revitalization, for example
Wondering how fast you can grow your account with private money lending? An overwhelming majority of Equity Trust clients investing real estate notes receive 10-percent or more profits back into their retirement account.
| Interest Rates | Percentage of All Notes Secured by Real Estate |
|---|---|
| Under 3% | 2% |
| 3% – 5% | 2% |
| 5% – 7% | 6% |
| 7% – 10% | 23% |
| 10% + | 67% |
Equity Trust enables you to loan money from your self-directed retirement account, tax-deferred or tax-free. Here’s what you need to know to reap the benefits of private lending in your retirement account:
One of our specialized counselors will walk you through the process, or you can do it online with myEQUITY.
It could be an investor or business in need of a loan, or you could buy a note from another investor.
Draw up the document with the terms of the note. A note servicer can help with this.
Easily initiate your investment with the Private Debt Wizard in myEQUITY.
Our liaisons are ready to help if you need it.
Equity Trust Client
“My last transaction, lending money on a private note was effortless and took minutes.”
Equity Trust Client
“I just wish that I would have known about this 10 years earlier than I do. But I’m glad I do it today.”
Equity Trust Client
“If I loan to other investors at a fixed rate, I have predictability and have agreed upon my yield up front. To me, that doesn’t happen in investing anywhere else.”
Easily invest in promissory notes and countless other assets online with myEQUITY, our state-of-the-art online account management system. Our technology enables you to:
What are you investing for? Whether your “why” is retirement, healthcare expenses, or a loved one’s education, we make the journey easy with innovated technology and first-class service.
Traditional financial institutions limit your account to traditional investments. With Equity Trust, you can truly diversify into a range of options including real estate, private entities, cryptocurrency, precious metals, and more, in addition to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds – all in one account.
Our size, expertise, and technology help us ensure that we’re there when you need us most. With more than 500+ associates focused on processing 2.5M+ transactions each year, we work diligently to enhance your experience with us.
While you’re in control, rest assured knowing you’re not alone: our knowledgeable, client-focused associates are here to provide dedicated, personalized service from opening your account to assisting you with investment transactions. You can lean on our 50+ years of experience in the financial services industry. Talk to a knowledgeable IRA Counselor.
Let our industry-leading education and resources help you navigate through your private money lending journey.
Learn how it works, promissory note investing rules, a real–life example, and how to get started.
Browse the tax-advantaged accounts and find one that matches your savings and goals- from retirement to education to health care savings.
Dig deeper into how note investing works in a retirement account.
Ready to Get Started?
Our knowledgeable IRA Counselors can answer your questions about the self-directed investing process and share insight and education about our self-directed accounts to help you decide what options may be best for you.
By entering your information and clicking Start a Conversation, you consent to receive reoccurring automated marketing emails about Equity Trust’s products and services. This consent is not required to obtain products and services. If you do not consent to receive emails from Equity Trust and seek information, contact us at 855-233-4382.
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© 2025 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 04/30/2025. 1ici.org, total assets in IRAs as of 12/2024
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicySite Map
© 2025 Equity Trust®. All rights reserved.
Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional. Equity Institutional services institutional clients of Equity Trust Company. Brokerage Services Available Through ETC Brokerage Services, Member SIPC, and FINRA. *Founded in 1974 | Self-Directed IRA Custodian since 1983. The predecessor business to Equity Trust Company was established in 1974 and the IRS approved as a custodian in 1983. **Assets under custody and administration as of 04/30/2025. 1ici.org, total assets in IRAs as of 12/2024
You are leaving trustetc.com to enter the ETC Brokerage Services (Member FINRA/SIPC) website (etcbrokerage.com), the registered broker-dealer affiliate of Equity Trust Company. ETC Brokerage Services provides access to brokerage and investment products which ARE NOT FDIC insured. ETC Brokerage does not provide investment advice or recommendations as to any investment. All investments are selected and made solely by self-directed account owners.
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