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Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026

We reviewed the best gold IRAs to help you protect your retirement savings.

jewels-and-gold-coins

Our top picks for the best gold IRA companies include American Hartford Gold and Patriot Gold Group. These companies, and the others listed below, offer great options, excellent customer service, and strong reputations. Learn more about gold IRAs and discover tips to help you make an informed decision.

American Hartford Gold specializes in gold and silver IRAs as well as buying and selling gold and silver for physical possession. It uses a quick three-step process for acquiring precious metals for physical delivery, a gold IRA, or a precious metals IRA. Its same-day IRA is the fastest in the industry, and customers can access more promotions than other gold companies.

  • Great ongoing promotions
  • No buyback fees
  • Up to $15,000 in FREE silver on qualified accounts

Read Review

Patriot offers a quick setup for new accounts within 24 hours. Their easy three-step process makes starting a gold IRA simple and affordable to manage.

  • No-fee-for-life IRA
  • Highly rated by customers
  • No management fees

Read Review

Orion Metals Exchange deals in precious metals. They offer clear pricing on IRS-approved metals. Plus, you might be able to waive setup and maintenance fees. It offers a variety of services, including an easy-to-set-up IRA account.

  • Transparent pricing of IRS-approved precious metals
  • Potential for waived fees
  • Commission-free buyback policy

Read Review

Sanctuary Metals helps retirement investors protect and grow their savings. They offer personalized investment options in gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals.

  • Great customer support
  • Transparent pricing
  • Reliable and excellent reputation

Read Review

The Gold Financial Group takes care to explain gold investing and the precious metals each client is interested in. The assortment of gold, silver, platinum and palladium available is hard to beat for collectors and investors.

  • Personalized, one-on-one IRA support
  • Wide selection of IRA-approved precious metals
  • Secure storage with IRS-approved depositories

Read Review

Goldco offers many years of experience in both the precious metals market and precious metals IRAs. This experience lets them guide individuals through important decisions when purchasing precious metals.

  • Great for customer service
  • Recommends $10k minimum for IRA transfers and $5k for cash purchases
  • Get up to 10% instant match in silver with a qualified account (no cap on purchase amount)

Read Review

National Gold Group buys and sells precious metals for IRAs and physical possession. For those who make a larger investment, the company waives fees for one to five years. National Gold Group offers a no-fee buyback program.

  • Great customer reputation
  • Buys and sells precious metals and collectibles
  • Ongoing account support

Read Review

Lear Capital offers low annual management costs and good customer service. It is a great choice for anyone looking to invest in a precious metals IRA.

  • Great service
  • Fees waived depending on investment amount
  • Personalized customer service and education

Read Review

Augusta Precious Metals ranks high with customers because it assigns a customer service partner to help each buyer.

  • Great customer service
  • Strong rating
  • Some purchases are subject to free shipping

Read Review

  • Great free storage
  • Informative website with investment tips
  • Competitive buyback policy

Read Review

Monetary Gold buys precious metals directly from the source to keep prices down. The brokerage offers an expanded range of precious metals for investments. Monetary Gold provides workshops and individual consultations to help clients understand markets and investment options.

  • Great investor workshops
  • Provides education with consultation
  • Large selection of metals

Read Review


Gold and other precious metal IRAs are an investment and carry risk. Consumers should be alert to claims that customers can make a lot of money in these or any investment with little risk. As with any investment, you can lose money, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance results. Consumers should also obtain a clear understanding of the fees associated with any investment before agreeing to invest.


Best Gold IRA Companies: Reviews

We thoroughly evaluated each company’s features, pricing, and reputation to identify the top 11 gold IRA options. Our top choices are American Hartford Gold, Patriot Gold Group, Goldco, and Birch Gold Capital. Each one stands out from the competition.

For a detailed look at how we selected our top choices, skip to our methodology section.

American Hartford Gold Group Review

Great ongoing promotions

|

4.7 Stars
About American Hartford
Screenshot: American Hartford Gold Website

Based in Los Angeles, American Hartford Gold specializes in gold and precious metals IRAs. To open a precious metals IRA, click on the website link to call a product specialist to complete the necessary paperwork. If you’re rolling over an existing account, American Hardfort Gold will transfer your funds within three days. The assets you buy will be stored in an IRA-approved vault.

The buyback commitment offered by American Hartford Gold is what stands out to us the most. This program lets customers sell their precious metals without extra fees when they cash out. They also provide more promotions than other gold companies. These include free account setup, free insured shipping, and occasional free storage offers.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
  • Minimum investment: Not disclosed
  • Fees: Storage fees range between $100-$150 per year
  • Storage options: Segregated and non-segregated Delaware Depository or Brink’s Global Services

We had to give a name, email, and phone number to download the 25-page investor kit. However, we could access the company’s strong investor library. It provided four eBooks with updated information for the year. This includes tips for preparing for a recession and a guide for opening a gold IRA.

To learn more, read our full American Hartford Gold review.

Patriot Gold Group Review

No-fee-for-life IRA

|

4.8 Stars
Patriot Gold IRA
Screenshot: Patriot Gold Group Website

Investing with Patriot Gold Group is fast, easy, and affordable. We think Patriot Gold stands out from others because it makes getting started with a gold IRA easy with a 24-hour turnaround. They advertise no fees for life (if you maintain an account balance of more than $100,000).

Patriot Gold is a dealer-direct company. This means you avoid the usual fees for buying gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion or coins. However, the website lacks details on fees, account minimums, and other key information. You will have to contact them before signing up to learn more.

  • Metals: IRA-eligible gold and silver, bullion coins, and bars
  • Minimum investment: $50,000
  • Fees: No fees for life on qualifying IRAs
  • Storage options: Segregated Texas Precious Metals Depository

You can initiate a gold IRA account online by filling out the online form with your basic information and the best time to be reached. You can roll over an existing IRA into a gold IRA or start a new gold IRA from scratch. Patriot Gold Group has a five-star rating from ConsumerAffairs and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

To learn more, read our full Patriot Gold Group review.

Orion Metal Exchange Review

Transparent pricing of IRS-approved precious metals

|

4.9 Stars
About Orion Metal Exchange
Screenshot: Orion Metal Exchange Website

Orion Metal Exchange offers over 40 years of precious metals investment services. While Orion is based in Los Angeles, it has options for investors in all 50 states to fund IRAs with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

We chose Orion as our top pick because they make it easy to access educational resources. You can quickly request a free investor kit to learn about buying gold and silver from them.

The kit was sent to our email. It gave us helpful tips for picking the right gold IRA company. These tips helped us avoid common mistakes and made our decision easier. We also had many opportunities to contact an experienced account representative. Once connected, we found the expert knowledgeable and friendly as they explained the process of opening an IRA.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins and bars
  • Minimum investment: Not specified
  • Fees: Setup and annual fees can potentially be reimbursed, but you must contact Orion
  • Storage options: Brinks Global Services, Delaware Depository Service Company, and International Depository Services Group

The company displays its list of IRS-approved coins on its website. Transparent product pricing is important to ensure you get the best deal. Orion Metal Exchange claims to provide more metals for your money and lower fees than its competitors. However, it doesn’t share much information online. You must call them directly to get fees and minimum investment options.

To learn more, read our full Orion Metal Exchange review.

Sanctuary Metals Review

Great customer support

|

4.9 Stars
Sanctuary Metals Choices
Source: Sanctuary Metals Website

Sanctuary Metals helps retirement investors diversify their portfolios. They do this with physical assets, such as gold and silver. The company is a trusted source for precious metals investment. It offers direct cash purchases and self-directed individual retirement accounts (SDIRAs). This way, clients can take more control over their financial futures.

Sanctuary Metals focuses on high-purity coins for clients in the U.S. and abroad. This offers a safe way to shield wealth from market changes.

A core strength of Sanctuary Metals lies in its commitment to personalized service. Clients benefit from metals specialists, asset managers, and experienced experts. Sanctuary Metals provides free shipping. This applies to deliveries at home or storage in an IRS-approved facility. 

Sanctuary Metals is accredited by the BBB and has an A rating. The company has a reputation for transparency, reliable products, and client education. Sanctuary Metals guides customers on the pros and cons of investing in precious metals. This knowledge empowers them to make confident and informed investment choices.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum
  • Minimum investment: none
  • Fees: Not disclosed
  • Storage options: Brink’s Global Services, Delaware Depository, and International Depository Services

Sanctuary Metals is a trusted partner for wealth preservation and retirement planning. Their personalized approach helps you protect your assets using reliable, tangible resources.

To learn more, read our full Sanctuary Metals review.

Gold Financial Group Review

Personalized, one-on-one IRA support

|

4.4 Stars
Gold Financial Group’s Approach to True Diversification. Source: thegoldfinancialgroup.com

Gold Financial Group focuses on helping investors diversify retirement savings through gold and precious metals IRAs. The company works primarily with individuals rolling over existing IRAs or employer-sponsored retirement accounts into self-directed precious metals IRAs. To get started, visitors must contact a specialist by phone, who walks them through eligibility, rollover paperwork, and metal selection. Once funded, assets are stored in IRS-approved, insured depositories.

What stands out most about Gold Financial Group is its hands-on, consultative approach. Rather than pushing quick transactions, the company emphasizes education and one-on-one guidance, which may appeal to first-time gold IRA investors. Gold Financial Group also offers periodic promotions, such as reduced setup costs or account credits, depending on the size and timing of the investment.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars
  • Minimum investment: Not disclosed
  • Fees: Vary by custodian and depository; storage and administrative fees apply
  • Storage options: IRS-approved, insured depositories through third-party custodians

To access detailed information, the customer has to provide basic contact details and speak with a representative. While this may deter investors looking for instant online pricing, the consultation provided clear explanations of the gold IRA process, potential risks, and long-term retirement considerations.

To learn more, read our full Gold Financial Group review.

Goldco Review

Great for customer service

|

4.8 Stars
Goldco Traditional and Gold IRA
Screenshot: Goldco Website

Goldco helps people transfer money from retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pensions, and Thrift Savings Plans, into self-directed IRAs that hold physical gold or silver. Goldco has over ten years of experience and is nationally recognized for excellence. They provide reliable support at every step, from setting up your account to choosing IRS-approved coins and bars.

Goldco makes it easy to diversify your portfolio with tangible assets. Their team handles the paperwork. They work with custodians and coordinate with IRS-approved storage facilities. This ensures your gold or silver is stored safely. Seniors seeking stability in retirement planning can gain peace of mind with this kind of diversification. It helps during inflation and economic uncertainty.

  • Metals: IRS-approved platinum, palladium, gold, and silver bars and coins
  • Minimum investment: Not specified
  • Fees: Custodian and storage fees from third parties
  • Storage options: Delaware Depository

Unlike many investment firms, Goldco keeps costs transparent. There’s no minimum requirement for IRA transfers or cash purchases, and Goldco itself doesn’t charge account fees.

Goldco helps you find trusted custodians and storage providers. These service providers may charge flat annual fees or small percentages based on your asset value. Goldco’s partners offer competitive rates.

Goldco itself offers hands-on support, award-winning service, and physical asset protection. This makes it a strong choice for seniors who want to protect their nest egg.

To learn more, read our full Goldco review.

National Gold Group Review

Great customer reputation

|

4.5 Stars
National Gold Group Investing. Source: nationalgoldgroupcom

National Gold Group is a precious metals firm based in Hawaii that offers protection and diversification for its customers’ retirement assets through gold and silver IRAs and the purchase of precious metals. They specialize in delivering and educating on the process in a non-pressure, clear manner that covers both IRAs and the metals purchase process in general.

The National Gold Group performs retirement account rollovers for self-directed precious metal IRAs using IRS-approved custodian firms. It can also be used for direct purchasing with secure delivery or storage, with a no-free-buyback system. Pricing for pieces is available using different tools.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium IRA-eligible products
  • Minimum investment: Around $10,000 for free waivers and IRA eligibility
  • Fees: Transparent setup and annual maintenance disclosed during consultation; some waivers available
  • Storage options: IRS-approved, insured depositories via third-party custodians

To obtain specific pricing information and fees, the company requested contact details, as live metal prices are not available on its site. However, their customer service representative provided information on the rollover process, fees, storage facilities, and how they assist customers with honest advice. Current customers shared this view because they liked the good customer service provided by their staff, along with the educational resources offered for their investments.

To learn more, read our full National Gold Group review.

Lear Capital Review

Great service

|

4.9 Stars
Lear Capital Precious Metals IRA
Screenshot: Lear Capital Website

Most of Lear Capital’s customers want to diversify their retirement accounts with gold and silver. However, the company can help anyone with an IRA or 401(k) rollover.

Annual fees for Lear to manage your IRA are $305 the first year and $225 for each following year. The fee covers storage costs, custodian management, and quarterly statements.

Lear Capital doesn’t charge extra fees for keeping your IRA. However, there might be costs when you buy, sell, or transfer assets.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum bullion bars and coins
  • Minimum investment: $10,000
  • Fees: Tiered coverage of setup and storage fees depending on how much you invest
  • Storage options: Delaware Depository

We reached out to Lear Capital for a gold IRA investor kit. We saw how hard they work to educate customers about gold IRAs. The kit and website offer great resources for retirement planning. Customers can review and learn from them. Lear’s knowledge of the gold and silver markets is established in the private markets and translates well to their IRA management.

To learn more, read our full Lear Capital review.

Augusta Precious Metals Review

Great customer service

|

4.5 Stars

Augusta Precious Metals is a trusted name in the gold IRA industry. They focus on transparency, personalized service, and investor education. Augusta helps seniors diversify their retirement savings with physical gold and silver. They offer a simple, low-pressure process. A knowledgeable team guides you through each step.

Augusta builds lasting relationships. They provide one-on-one guidance, lifetime support, and clear educational resources. This helps you understand complex financial decisions better. Their onboarding process offers a free web conference. Harvard-trained economists explain how precious metals can enhance a retirement portfolio.

Augusta is transparent with its fees. There are no hidden costs. It has a flat pricing structure. This is great for retirees on fixed incomes who want clear finances and peace of mind. It works with trusted custodians. They manage most of the paperwork, so the rollover or transfer is smooth and easy.

  • Metals: Gold and silver
  • Minimum investment: $50,000
  • Fees: Setup, storage, and custodian fees, but the actual price is not disclosed
  • Storage options: Delaware Depository

Augusta Precious Metals has earned high ratings from the BBB and TrustLink. This shows their strong reputation for customer satisfaction and integrity. Augusta is a trusted partner for seniors. It helps protect wealth from inflation and market changes, ensuring a secure retirement.

Read our comprehensive Augusta Precious Metals review.

Priority Gold Review

Great free storage

|

4.4 Stars

To open a self-directed gold IRA, you’ll need to call Priority Gold and speak to a specialist who will guide you through the process.

Since 2015, Priority Gold has helped new and experienced investors make smart, informed choices. Specialists bring over 20 years of experience in gold IRA rollovers. They work with Preferred Trust Company to offer custody services for gold and silver.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
  • Minimum investment: Not specified
  • Fees: Setup, annual maintenance, and storage (waived for certain investments)
  • Storage options: Brink’s Global Services and Delaware Depository

Customers praise Priority for its customer service and guidance throughout the investment process. The website offers a lot of educational content. It has an investment glossary and a real-time price chart. You can compare gold’s current price to the U.S. dollar, S&P 500, oil, or Dow Jones. This helps you see how gold is performing.

To learn more, read our full Priority Gold review.

Monetary Gold Review

Great investor workshops

|

4.6 Stars
Monetary Gold’s Why Choose Them. Source: monetarygold.com

Monetary Gold is a U.S.-based precious metals company dealing with the distribution of precious metals to investors to diversify their portfolios, using physical forms like gold, silver, platinum, palladium, as well as offering the option of gold IRAs. The company, in operation since 2000, has highlighted competitive pricing as its main objective, acting as a direct dealer to save its clients money on middleman fees.

Monetary Gold partners with IRS-approved custodians to make gold or silver IRAs easily rolled over from existing IRAs. Additionally, the company offers free educational workshops and consultations, as well as free shipping for first-time customers, to make investing in precious metals accessible and transparent to both inexperienced and experienced investors.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion and coins
  • Minimum investment: Typically $5,000–$10,000 for an IRA eligibility (varies by custodian)
  • Fees: Annual storage and insurance fees apply; specific pricing provided during consultation
  • Storage options: IRS-approved, insured vaults like Delaware Depository for IRA assets

We had to provide basic contact information in order to proceed with a consultation. The initial introduction phone call proved enlightening, with a clear explanation of gold IRAs, the associated costs, and storage options. Monetary Gold appears to have a strong focus on education, which can be reassuring for investors seeking prior knowledge before committing.

To learn more, read our full Monetary Gold review.


Methodology: How We Evaluated the Best Gold IRA Companies

To find the best gold IRA providers, we spent days reaching out to companies. We wanted to understand the investment process and product details. When available, we asked companies for gold IRA starter kits we could analyze. We usually had to give our name, email, and phone number to get a digital starter kit. Our requests were handled quickly.

We also noted companies that replied to questions via a live chat rep or a simple request form within a few days or faster.

We then analyzed 10 data points to give you a well-rounded review of each provider. We sourced feedback and reviews from real consumers and consulted with finance experts. We also considered these features:

  • Licensure and credentials
  • Fees, such as transfer and setup, annual management, and storage costs
  • Access to educational information and investment resources
  • Customer service and support availability
  • Industry reputation
  • Storage options
  • Minimum investment requirements
  • Options for precious metals

Companies that lacked clear pricing and policies, or had few investment and storage options, were removed. The result of our analysis is the best gold IRA companies for you, a friend, or a family member to consider.


Compare the Best Gold IRAs

We compared the best Gold IRAs based on a number of features. Check out the table below to see how our top picks stack up when it comes to precious metal offerings, minimum investment, fees, and storage options.

CompanyPrecious Metal OptionsMinimum InvestmentFeesStorage options
American Hartford GroupGold, silver, platinum, and palladiumNot disclosed$100-$150 annuallyDelaware Depository or Brink’s Global Services
Patriot Gold GroupGold and silver$50,000No fees for life on qualifying IRAsTexas Precious Metals Depository
Birch Gold GroupGold, silver, platinum, and palladium$5,000-$10,000~$250 annuallyDelaware Depository, Brink’s Global Services, Texas Precious Metals Depository, International Depository Services
Lear CapitalGold, silver, and platinum$10,000Tiered depending on your investmentDelaware Depository
Advantage GoldGold, silver, platinum, and palladiumNot disclosed$50 setup fee, annual maintenance fees $95-$300Brink’s Global Services, Delaware Depository
Augusta Precious MetalsGold and silver$50,000Not disclosedDelaware Depository
Gold IRA Comparison

What is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is similar to a regular IRA (Individual Retirement Account), but it holds real gold bars, coins, or other precious metals. A typical IRA deals in paper assets, and a gold IRA is funded by gold. Rolling your retirement savings into a gold IRA can help protect you from inflation and market ups and downs.


What to Look for in a Gold IRA Company

“When choosing a gold IRA company, it’s important to look for transparency, reputation, and proper credentials,” says Ryan Sullivan, licensed investment advisor and founder of Off the Beaten Path Financial. “A trustworthy provider should clearly explain their fees, avoid high-pressure sales tactics, and offer competitive pricing close to the current spot price of gold.” Look for the following features:

  • Accreditation and reputation: Look at reviews on sites like Retirement Living, BBB, and Trustpilot. This helps you see customer experiences.
  • Secure storage: Make sure any company you look at provides storage in IRS-approved depositories. Check that they offer full custodial storage to prevent co-mingled storage. 
  • Transparent fees: Pick a provider with clear fee structures so you can get the most from your investment.
  • Customer support: As you’re making your choice, assess how helpful the company is. Are they willing to walk you through each step? Do they explain things in detail? Are they patient and thorough when answering your questions? Their actions from the start are an indication of how the ongoing partnership will be.

Sullivan suggests looking for positive reviews, a strong BBB rating, and experience with gold IRAs. It’s important to ensure they don’t just sell precious metals. You want a firm that values education and your long-term goals. Avoid those that just sell products. Easy account setup and a wide range of IRS-approved metals are also important.

Additionally, before investing in gold, you should know exactly what you’re getting. For starters, you should understand some basic gold statistics, how much gold is in the world, and why it’s a good investment. When considering a gold IRA company, ask lots of questions and do your due diligence. Going into a transaction of this magnitude unprepared or without the right knowledge could cost you money in the long run.


Gold IRAs Compared to Other Investment Vehicles

A gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that lets you hold physical gold and other precious metals in your long-term savings, says Sullivan. Unlike traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans—which focus on stocks, bonds, or mutual funds—a gold IRA gives you a physical asset while still offering the tax advantages of an IRA.

Gold doesn’t produce dividends or interest, and it comes with added custodial and storage fees. A good retirement plan can include a gold IRA. However, it shouldn’t be your only investment, says Sullivan.

When evaluating gold IRAs, it’s important to compare them with other options like ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and mutual funds. Roth IRAs can allow for tax-free gains. Each option has pros and cons, so consult a financial advisor to determine the best fit for your financial goals.

How Gold IRAs Compare to Stocks, Bonds, and ETFs

Looking at long-term historical data can help you understand where gold fits in a diversified portfolio:

  • Stocks: U.S. equities delivered about 9.9% average annual returns from 1928 to 2024. They remain the strongest long-term growth investment.
  • Bonds: U.S. bonds returned an average of 4.6% per year over the same period, offering lower volatility but slower growth.
  • Gold: Gold averaged roughly 5.0% annual returns from 1928 to 2024. It performs best during inflation, recessions, and periods of high uncertainty.
  • Crisis performance: In seven major financial crises since 2007, gold gained an average of 26.2%, while the S&P 500 fell by 4.2%. Treasuries gained 5.39%.
  • Volatility: Gold has had similar or slightly lower volatility than stocks in recent years, making it a steadier store of value during turbulent markets.

What This Means for Retirement Planning

Stocks typically offer stronger long-term growth, but they are also more sensitive to downturns. Bonds offer stability but limited returns. Gold stands out for its ability to hold value when markets struggle. This makes a gold IRA useful for reducing portfolio volatility and protecting part of your savings from inflation or market swings.

American Hartford Gold Group logo
4.7 Stars

American Hartford Gold Group

  • No buyback fees
  • Up to $15,000 in FREE silver on qualified accounts

Gold IRA Best Practices

To keep your gold IRA compliant and secure, follow these best practices:

  • Buy IRA-approved metals.
  • Use proper storage.
  • Avoid early withdrawals.

These steps will help your gold IRA support your retirement goals.

Buy IRA-approved metals

Per IRS rules, you can hold only certain types of gold and precious metals in an IRA. To be IRS-eligible, gold must have a 99.5% purity, silver 99.9% purity, and platinum and palladium 99.95% purity. (The IRS makes an exception to the fineness rule for American Gold Eagle coins, which must only be 22 karats or 91.67% pure gold.)

Metals must meet other requirements about their condition, weight, and authenticity. They should be nearly perfect.

Gold IRA accounts only accept gold bullion, not collectibles. So, keep your numismatic coins for display. Fund your gold IRA with tangible bullion instead.

Store it properly

Gold purchased for a gold IRA must be stored with a reputable, IRS-approved storage facility. Many IRAs let you store your gold separately from other investors’ metals. This is called comingled storage. However, be cautious of companies that allow you to keep it at home in a safe or bank deposit box. This is not an IRS-approved method and may result in the removal of metals from your IRA, potentially incurring a withdrawal tax penalty.

Hold your gold until maturity

If you need access to your IRA funds, you can take distributions from your gold IRA like a traditional IRA. In most instances, you can opt to receive the actual bullion or the cash value of your precious metals.

Remember, if you withdraw early before age 59 1/2, you’ll face a 10% penalty. The amount you withdraw is added to your income and taxed as ordinary income.


Gold IRA Fees

When looking at a gold IRA, think about both the investment cost and the fees. These can include setup, transaction, maintenance, storage, and shipping fees. Gold is always worth more than silver, but the gold-to-silver ratio can inform you when each is a peak investment.

Here is the breakdown of the fees associated with a gold IRA investment.

  • Setup fees: An application fee to process a new account or initiate an IRA/401 (k) rollover. These fees range from $50 to $275, but some custodians waive this expense for larger accounts.
  • Transaction fees: A flat fee to purchase or sell metals within the account. Fees are typically about $40 per transaction.
  • Account maintenance fees: Annual fee to maintain your account. These fees can vary from $75 to a few hundred dollars per year, though some custodians may offer discounts based on account size.
  • Wiring fees: IRA custodians will charge a wiring fee of about $25 for each outgoing wire.
  • Storage fees: A percentage of your investment or a flat fee paid in exchange for holding and securing your metals in an approved depository. Some custodians may include insurance costs in their storage fees.
  • Shipping fees: A flat fee to move your metals to and from the depository.

Unfortunately, it is often hard to assess and compare fees because it’s not a common practice to disclose them when assessing your initial investment and picking a depository. The following is a comparison of the fees we were able to collect from our top picks.

CompanySet UpAnnual MaintenanceStorage
American Hartford Group$100-$150 annually
Advantage Gold$50$95-$300Depends on depository
Birch Gold Group~$250 annually: Storage, insurance, custodial
Gold IRA Fee Comparison

How is the Gold Stored?

When choosing a place to store your gold investments, you can only use IRS-approved depositories. Common IRS-approved depositories include Delaware Depository Service Company, Brinks Global Services, and Texas Bullion Depository, among others.

Under IRS law, you cannot store your investments at home or in a safe deposit box without incurring a fee and potential tax penalty. If you keep them at home, the IRS sees it as a withdrawal. This means taxes apply to a traditional gold IRA. You may also face penalties if you withdraw before age 59 1/2.

Many gold IRA companies partner with a third-party storage firm or secured depository. When looking for companies to invest in, check if they work with trusted facilities. Also, ask about their transportation and insurance coverage. Then, determine how they’ll be stored.

  • Allocated storage means your bullion will be stored alongside the metals of other investors. Upon withdrawal, you may not receive the exact same bullion that you purchased, but rather an equivalent type. This is a less expensive form of storage and is acceptable for most people who don’t need to receive their exact individual pieces of bullion. 
  • Commingled or segregated storage keeps your investments apart from others. Each investor has their own storage box or vault.

Pros and Cons of Gold IRAs: Why Invest in Gold

Investing in a gold IRA helps protect you from inflation and economic uncertainty. It also helps diversify your portfolio and grow your investments. However, it also comes with unique costs and restrictions.

Understanding the pros and cons of a gold IRA can help you decide if this retirement strategy aligns with your financial goals.

Pro: Protection against economic uncertainty

Gold is considered a safe asset because it tends to hold its value—or even increase—during times of economic uncertainty, like market crashes, inflation spikes, or geopolitical instability. Unlike stocks or paper currency, gold isn’t directly tied to the performance of any one economy or government, which makes it a more stable store of value in turbulent times.

Pro: It helps diversify your portfolio

Gold IRAs are a great way to diversify your retirement portfolio. While stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate are key investments, gold IRA investing offers protection against inflation and economic downturns. By adding precious metals to your mix, you can build a stronger, more balanced portfolio.

Most experts suggest putting 5% to 10% of your total portfolio into precious metals. However, specific advice can be tough to give since investment choices vary greatly.

From Our Expert

“Precious metals can play a valuable role in a well-diversified portfolio, especially for retirees seeking better diversification. Gold and other metals tend to move independently from the stock market, which makes them useful for reducing volatility and protecting long-term wealth.”

Ryan Sullivan

Pro: It’s a proven way to grow your investments

The price of gold has risen steadily over time, reaching its highest in April of 2025 at $3,500 per ounce. It currently hovers near record-breaking levels and is expected to rise even slightly higher.

Gold doesn’t lose value like paper money or food, but its market price can change quickly.

Gold has a long history as a dependable investment. It often keeps pace with inflation, even during times of underperformance or overperformance. It has also served well during periods of high turmoil due to its perception as a “safe haven” asset.

In 2020, during a period of high turmoil, gold outperformed the S&P 500.

Con: It comes with contribution limits and higher fees

Like traditional retirement accounts, gold IRAs have yearly contribution limits set by the IRS.

The cost of having a custodian manage your assets can be high. So, it’s crucial to choose an investment company with clear fees. This helps you avoid hidden costs. You’ll also have to budget for annual custodial fees, which tend to be higher than traditional IRA management costs.

Con: It is subject to an early withdrawal penalty

Ideally, you’ll hold gold in your IRA until you retire, but if you withdraw funds before age 59 1/2, you’ll pay a 10% penalty. You’ll need to start taking mandatory distributions at age 72, or you could face additional taxes.


How to Open a Gold IRA: A Step-By-Step Guide

Opening up a gold IRA is pretty straightforward. Follow these six steps, and you’ll be set up in a matter of days:

  1. Identify a reputable and secure company.
  2. Fill out the complete application.
  3. Fund your account with direct cash, a rollover, or a transfer.
  4. Pick your IRS-approved gold.
  5. Decide on storage from an approved depository.
  6. Track and adjust your account as needed.

What Gold IRA Customers Say About Their Experience

We looked at three years of customer reviews to see how people rate gold IRA companies on our site. Are customers who invested in gold happy with their experience? Based on 396 reviews on Retirement Living, customers rate the gold IRA companies included here at an average of 4.8 stars.

Price matters for customer satisfaction, but other factors are often more important. Customer service, responsiveness, and investor education get mentioned even more than we expected. Half of the reviewers mention a representative or account manager by name. This occurs when they talk about their experiences, whether positive or negative, with the company.

Key takeaways from our review analysis of gold IRA companies on Retirement Living include:

  • 94% of gold IRA customer reviews are four stars or higher.
  • Reviewers who mention communication are more likely to rate their experience as positive.
  • Most customers are happy with the service during the investment process. For example, a Lear Capital reviewer in June 2025 noted their experience was “very pleasant.” She named the representative her husband worked with. She said, “It is very obvious that he is passionate about his role and about helping others improve their retirement and monetary holdings. He provided my husband and I with excellent information about precious metals. We learned very much.”

Only 5.8% of gold IRA customer reviews were less than four stars. Of the reviews that skewed negatively:

  • 52% reference high premiums over the spot price of coins. Fees also limit investment potential. For example, a reviewer noted in May 2025 that she bought her metals in October 2024 for more than their current worth. 
  • 61% say they face high-pressure sales tactics. They also note a lack of consumer education when making investment decisions.
  • 39% mention issues contacting customer service and delays in account maintenance requests.

Most reviews on our site mention feeling nervous about big investments that impact retirement savings. However, our data shows that some companies are better at calming those worries.

Gold IRA companies can boost their reputation by providing personalized service. They should focus on teaching investors about fees, risks, and how well alternative assets fit each person.


Gold IRA FAQs

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding gold and precious metals IRAs. Review them to understand how an account can be started to help you build wealth in retirement.

How do I sell my gold IRA?

Once your account matures, you can cash in your funds. You can withdraw the assets and have the metals sent to you. Then, you can choose to sell or store them yourself. You can also use the company’s buyback program. This lets the custodian take back the metals. Then, you can decide how to use the funds. Some investors might opt to get a cash distribution, buy a different asset, or transfer funds to a different account. Most gold IRA companies have a buyback option, but the terms differ. Be sure to confirm your rights before investing.

Which gold IRA company is the best?

Choosing the “best” gold IRA company depends on what matters most to you. Consider balance, fees, customer service, or investment size. The gold IRA companies in this guide are our top picks. They include American Hartford Group, Patriot Gold Group, and Goldco.

Are gold IRAs worth it?

Whether a gold IRA is worth it depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Gold IRAs have proven to be helpful for people wanting to diversify and grow their investments. You should weigh the pros and cons for your personal situation to make the best decision for you.

Are gold IRAs safe?

Any investment carries risk, and gold IRAs are not a sure thing. You must carefully weigh the pros and cons of investing in physical bullion. If you feel that investing in gold is a worthwhile and manageable risk, a gold IRA can provide a tax-efficient means to invest.

Can I do a gold IRA rollover?

Yes, though rollovers have specific rules, and not everyone is eligible. Talk with a gold representative to see if you can initiate a gold IRA rollover. Many investors fund a gold IRA with funds from a 401(k) or traditional IRA. All gold IRA rollovers must follow the same tax rules for funds rolled into a traditional or Roth IRA. Some choose to roll over just a portion of their IRA or 401(k) to a gold IRA as a way to diversify their nest egg.

Is it better to buy gold bars or coins?

You can choose to buy gold bars and certain coins for your IRA. They’re both valued by gold weight per ounce based on the price of gold, but some believe coins are the safer choice. This is because coins are easier to transfer (sell back), sold at higher premiums, and not as easily counterfeited.

Here are some common coins:

– American Eagle gold coin
– American Eagle silver coin
– American Eagle platinum coin
– Maple Leaf palladium coin

Whatever you buy, work with a trusted gold IRA company that has a good buy-back policy. And remember, premiums are higher for coins.

What are the tax implications?

One of the key advantages of gold IRAs is their tax benefits. You might get tax-free growth or tax-deferred contributions, depending on your account type. This can boost your long-term investment returns. A trusted financial advisor can guide you through these benefits. They’ll help you fit them into your overall retirement plan.


Additional Gold IRA Companies We Considered

We looked at many gold IRA companies. The ones listed below didn’t make our top picks, but they are still good choices for gold IRAs. If none of our options fit your needs, read our reviews about the following gold IRA companies.


Concluding Thoughts on Gold IRAs

Investing in a Gold IRA is one of many ways to plan for retirement, and if you choose to do so, you should be aware of how to do it wisely. There is likely a company out there that represents your values in price, customer service, product, and storage.

Bottom Line:

Gold IRAs can be a smart investment, and you have options for choosing a gold IRA company.