Top Gold IRA Providers

• Our Experience Testing Gold IRA Companies

  To provide the most authentic buying guide for gold IRAs, the Retirement Living research team spent several days contacting gold IRA companies to learn about the investment process and product details. When available, we asked companies for starter kits we could analyze. We had to offer our name, email address, and phone number to receive a digital copy of a starter kit, but our requests were granted quickly.

  For instances where companies did not offer an informational kit, we used the live chat feature. Each company asked for a name, email, and phone number to enter a live chat, but we found all company representatives very responsive and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions in full.

• What Gold IRA Customers Say About Their Experience

  To learn how customers rate their experience with gold IRA companies, we analyzed three years’ worth of customer reviews of gold IRA companies on our site. Are customers who invested in gold happy with their experience? According to the 195 reviews posted on Retirement Living, customers who have invested with the gold IRA companies on this list have an average satisfaction rating of 4.4 stars.

  And while price does factor into customer satisfaction, other aspects like customer service, responsiveness, and investor education are referenced more frequently than we expected. In fact, 43% of reviewers mention a representative or account manager by name when detailing their experience (good and bad) with the company.

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

  • Over 90% of gold IRA customer reviews are 4 stars or higher.
  • Reviewers who mention communication are more likely to rate their experience as positive.
  • Overall, the majority of customers are satisfied with the customer service they received throughout the investment process, such as one Orion Metal Exchange reviewer who said their experience was easier than expected. “I expected it to be more complex, but my rep helped me all the way through and was very knowledgeable on investing. They keep following up with me, which I didn’t expect but found very helpful.”

  Only 9.5% of gold IRA customer reviews were less than 4 stars. Of the reviews that skewed negatively:

  • 85% reference high premiums compared to the spot price (market value) of the coins and steep fees that limit investment potential, such as one California reviewer who claimed the fees were higher than expected. 
  • 65% mention high-pressure sales tactics and a lack of consumer education before making an investment decision.
  • 15% mention issues contacting customer service and delays in account maintenance requests.

  Nearly all reviews on our site reference feeling nervous and worried about making large investments that can affect their retirement savings—though our data suggests that some companies are better than others at putting customers at ease.

  We think gold IRA companies can improve their reputation by delivering high-touch, personalized service to all customers and committing to educating investors about fees, risk, and whether investing in alternative assets is right for their particular situation.

• Gold IRA Company Reviews

  The following companies currently offer gold IRAs and have been rated highly by customers, the BBB, and the press.

  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 guarantee lets customers sell their precious metals while avoiding additional fees during the liquidation process. They also offer customers more promotions than other gold companies, including free account setup, free insured shipping, and free storage.

  • Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
  • Minimum investment: Not disclosed
  • Fees: Flat annual storage
  • Storage options: Delaware Depository, Brink’s Global Services, A-M Global Logistics (AMGL), International Depository Services

  We couldn’t download the 25-page investor kit without providing a name, email, and phone number, but we could access the company’s robust investor library, which gave us four eBooks explaining updated information for the year. This includes tips for preparing for a recession and a guide for opening a gold IRA.

• Our Research Methodology

  To identify top gold IRA providers, we 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

  We also requested starter kits, as most companies allow interested investors to call for a starter kit or more information. We wanted to narrow down the list to those that would answer your questions right away, either with a live chat rep, or an easy-to-use request form. Companies that responded within a few days (or quicker) stayed on our list.

  We followed our own buying tips to uncover the best providers. Companies that obscured their prices, had difficult or confusing policies and procedures, and/or limited investment and storage options were eliminated. The result of our analysis is the best gold IRA companies for you, a friend, or a family member to consider.

• Tips for Choosing the Best Gold IRA Company

  When selecting a Gold IRA provider, prioritize companies with strong reputations, transparent operations, and excellent customer support. Check reviews on platforms like Retirement Living, the BBB, and Trustpilot‌ to assess customer experiences. Choose providers offering easy account setup, a wide range of IRS-approved metals, and a transparent fee structure to ensure you maximize your investment.

  Top tips:

  • Be a skeptical investor; only work with reputable companies that are committed to customer education
  • Make sure you buy IRS-approved and IRA-approved coins from a reputable company
  • Understand potential tax penalties for selling and home storage options

  Before investing in gold, you should know exactly what you’re getting. 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 IRA Best Practices

  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 also meet other qualifications pertaining to their condition (near perfect), weight, and authenticity.

  IRA accounts only accept gold bullion, not collectibles, so save your numismatic coins for your display case and 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. While many IRAs offer you the ability to keep your gold in separate storage away from the metals of other investors in the same facility (known as comingled storage), beware of any company that provides an option to store them at home in a safe or bank deposit box. This is not an IRS-approved method and would result in the removal of the metals from your IRA and potentially incur 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. But remember that early withdrawals before 59 1/2 attract a 10% penalty, and the dollar value withdrawn is added to your income and subject to ordinary income tax.

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• Top Gold IRA Companies

  • Great Ongoing Promotions – American Hartford Gold
  • No Fee for Life IRA – Patriot Gold Group
  • Great Retailer – Goldco
  • Great Online Education – Birch Gold Group
  • Great Service – Lear Capital
  • Great Education – Advantage Gold
  • Great free storage – Priority Gold
  • Competitive Pricing – Orion Metal Exchange
  • Great Customer Service – Augusta Precious Metals
  • No Fees BuyBack Program – Preserve Gold
  • Great Customer Reputation – National Gold Group
  • Great Mobile App – OneGold
  • High Business Alliance Rating – Rosland Capital
  • Flat Fee Structure – Allegiance Gold
  • Unique Investor Workshops – Monetary Gold

• What Are the Typical Gold IRA Fees?

  In addition to the cost of the metals themselves, you’ll need to budget for other fees related to establishing and maintaining a gold IRA.

  • Setup fees: An application fee to process a new account or initiate an IRA/401k rollover. These fees range from $50 to $275, but some custodians wave 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.

• Options for Storing Your Gold

  When deciding where to store your gold investments, your options are limited in an IRA. The IRS has only a few approved depositories for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Examples of IRS-approved depositories include Delaware Depository Service Company, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, and CNT Depository.

  Under IRS law, you cannot store your investments at home or in a safe deposit box — without incurring a fee, at least. If you store them at home, the IRS will consider it a withdrawal and levy taxes (if it’s a traditional gold IRA) and/or penalties (if the withdrawal takes place before age 59 1/2).

  Many gold IRA companies partner with a third-party storage firm or secured depository. When researching companies to invest with, ensure they’ve partnered with reputable facilities and ask how they handle transportation and insurance coverage. Then, determine how they’ll be stored. Allocated storage means your metals will be stored alongside the metals of other investors. Commingled, or segregated storage, keeps your investments separate from assets held by other investors in an individual storage box or vault.

  • 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 separate from assets held by other investors in an individual storage box or vault.

• What to Consider Before Investing in a Gold IRA

  It helps diversify your portfolio

  Gold individual retirement accounts‌ (IRAs) offer an excellent opportunity to incorporate diversification into your retirement portfolio. While traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate are essential components, gold IRA investing provides a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. By including precious metals alongside other asset types, investors can create a more balanced and resilient portfolio.

  Most retirement experts have recommended that you allocate 5% to 10% of your total portfolio to precious metals, but making finite suggestions can be challenging since investment preferences are highly personal.

  It’s a proven way to grow your investments

  The price of gold has risen steadily over time, reaching its highest price ever in 2020. In 2024, gold prices spiked to new all-time highs, and it currently hovers near record-breaking levels.

  Historically, gold has proven itself as a reliable investment by keeping up with inflation despite long periods of both underperformance and 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.

  It comes with contribution limits and higher fees

  As with traditional retirement accounts, gold individual retirement accounts come with contribution limits, which the IRS sets annually.

  The cost to have a custodian to store and insure and buy, ship, and transport your assets is pretty steep, so choosing an investment company with a transparent fee structure is essential to avoid hidden costs. You’ll also have to budget for annual custodial fees, which tend to be higher than traditional IRA management costs.

  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.

  Comparing Gold IRAs to Other Investment Vehicles

  When evaluating Gold IRAs, it’s important to compare them with other options like ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and mutual funds. While ETFs and mutual funds offer liquidity and low fees, Gold IRAs provide unique tax benefits, such as the potential for tax-free gains in Roth IRAs. Each option has pros and cons, so consult a financial advisor to determine the best fit for your financial goals.

• Frequently Asked Questions about Gold IRAs

  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.

  What is a gold IRA?
  A gold IRA is like a typical IRA (Individual Retirement Account), except the assets are physical gold bars, coins, or other precious metal pieces. A typical IRA deals in paper assets, and a gold IRA is funded by gold.

  What do gold IRA companies do?
  Gold IRA companies open and operate self-directed IRAs like gold IRAs. A reputable gold IRA company can assist you with purchasing, storing, and selling your gold investments, as well as rolling over traditional IRAs, 401(k)’s, and eligible retirement fund account assets to a gold IRA account. While these custodians are not as widely available, some popular gold IRA companies include Orion Metal Exchange, Lear Capital, and Goldco, among others.

  
  How do I sell my gold IRA?
  If you want to cash in on your funds once the account matures, you can withdraw the assets and have the metals sent directly to you to either sell or store yourself. Alternatively, you can leverage the company’s buy-back program and allow the custodian to take back possession of the metals and do what you want with 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 buy-back option, but the terms differ. Be sure to confirm your rights before investing.

  
  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.

  
  Do gold IRAs only handle gold?
  Gold IRAs are also called “precious metal IRAs” because they can hold silver, platinum, or palladium investments. These metals can be in bar or coin form as long as the assets meet purity standards and other requirements set by the IRS.

  
  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 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 purchase bars and certain coins for your IRA. They’re both valued 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. Some of the most common coins include:

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

  No matter what you choose to purchase, make sure you work with a reputable gold IRA company with a competitive buy-back policy. However, premiums are higher for coins.

  What are the tax benefits of Gold IRAs?
  One of the key advantages of Gold IRAs is their tax benefits. Depending on the type of account, you may enjoy tax-free growth or tax-deferred contributions, which can maximize your long-term investment returns. A trusted financial advisor can help you navigate these advantages and align them with your overall retirement strategy.

• 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 the way 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.