In the realm of investments, absolute certainty is unattainable. However, in a market that causes considerable anxiety, gold's ability to hold its worth is remarkably close to being a sure thing.
TL;DR
- Gold IRAs offer a retirement savings method using gold coins or bullion.
- Gold prices surpassed $4,109 per ounce, showing a 35% year-over-year rise.
- Top gold IRA providers were evaluated on fees, client feedback, and clarity.
- Lear Capital, Allegiance Gold, American Bullion, and Birch Gold Group are top choices.
As of 9:35 a.m. Eastern Time on October 14, 2025, gold's price has surpassed $4,109 per ounce, marking a year-over-year rise exceeding 35%. Consequently, it's understandable that gold might be a consideration when exploring optimal retirement investment strategies.
A gold IRA offers a method for retirement savings using gold coins or bullion. It's a strong choice for investors wary of risk who anticipate that upcoming inflation might diminish the worth of their existing IRA. With numerous gold IRA providers available, selecting the right one can prove challenging.
After examining 21 prominent firms, we identified the top 10 gold IRA companies, evaluating them on criteria such as initial investment requirements, charges, client feedback, and clarity.
Augusta Precious Metals
| A+ BBB rating, AAA BCA rating – unmatched trust and credibility |
| Over 1,000 verified 5-star reviews from real customers |
| Highest buyback guarantee – You’re in control. Switch easily if we fall short |
The 10 best gold IRA companies of 2025
1. Lear Capital
Since 1997, Lear Capital has been a precious metals dealer. The Los Angeles-based company has received endorsements from notable figures such as Glenn Beck.
It's important to remember that Lear Capital has encountered problems previously. In 2022, the company declared bankruptcy following multistate legal actions that claimed it failed to adhere to proper fee disclosure regulations. However, subsequent to this situation, the firm's openness and the caliber of its services saw significant enhancements. It has actively worked to become more accommodating to customers than at any prior time.
Lear Capital
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.9/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 4.9/5 |
| TrustLink: | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $0 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | No |
at Lear Capital
- Year Founded: 1997
- Company Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- CEO: John Ohanesian
Pros
- Many thousands of positive reviews
- No investment minimum
- Well established company
Cons
- No information on site about the potential to lower fees for minimum investment
- Filed for bankruptcy and underwent a restructure in 2022
Why we picked Lear Capital
Lear Capital has a lot going for it, from low fees to multiple custodians to live gold prices. But of paramount importance when choosing a gold IRA company is its reputation. With over 4,500 reviews across Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and TrustLink, Lear Capital maintains a borderline astonishing average 4.9/5 star rating.
Lear Capital customer support
You can reach Lear Capital's customer support by phone at 1-800-576-9355 between 9 a.m. And 6 p.m. Pacific Time daily. They also provide a mobile app for tracking gold prices and overseeing your account.
Lear Capital gold available for IRA investments
There are a variety of coins and precious metals available through Lear Capital, including:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- Gold Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Gold Buffalo coins
Lear Capital customer reviews
Lear Capital stands out with an exceptionally strong collection of favorable reviews among all the companies we assessed. Customers frequently commend the quality of their customer service and the expertise of their staff, who readily guide newcomers through the intricacies of gold investment.
However, some reviewers have expressed dissatisfaction when attempting to sell gold back to Lear Capital, noting the absence of a formal buy-back initiative. Lear Capital maintains that it has consistently honored its commitment to repurchase gold from its clientele.
2. Allegiance Gold
Allegiance Gold, situated in Calabasas, California, stands as a premier dealer in precious metals, recognized by Inc. As one of the nation's most rapidly expanding private enterprises. It boasts endorsements from numerous prominent figures, including country music artist Buddy Brown and political commentator Jack Posobiec.
This firm operates as a comprehensive metal vendor, offering gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Products can be acquired for immediate possession or for inclusion in IRA accounts.
Allegiance Gold
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.9/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 5/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $0 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
at Money.com
- Year Founded: 2017
- Company Headquarters: Calabasas, CA
- CEO: Mark Naaman
Pros
- Discloses metal prices online
- Transparent fees
- No minimum investment enforced
Cons
- Limited customer support hours
- Small number of reviews compared to other top 10 gold IRA companies
Why we picked Allegiance Gold
Allegiance Gold performs exceptionally well across nearly all critical aspects. Their website provides gold pricing directly, eliminating the need for phone inquiries. Fees are clearly showcased, and clients have a selection of custodians. Furthermore, they maintain a formal buyback policy.
It’s hard to ding the company for much—aside from its comparatively low number of customer ratings.
Allegiance Gold customer support
For assistance, Allegiance Gold's customer service can be reached by phone at 844-790-9191 between 7 a.m. And 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday to Thursday, and from 7 a.m. To 4 p.m. On Fridays, with no weekend availability. Alternatively, you may send an email to [email protected].
Allegiance Gold gold available for IRA investments
Allegiance Gold has multiple approved products for gold IRAs, including:
- American Eagle coins
- Gold Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Gold bars
Allegiance Gold customer reviews
At present, Allegiance Gold holds a combined total of 200 to 300 reviews across Trustpilot and TrustLink, boasting impressive scores on each site.
Customers frequently praise the staff's patience and expertise, noting their non-pushy sales tactics. Allegiance Gold is more than willing to spend time educating you if you're hesitant to make a decision.
3. American Bullion
Launched in 2009 by seasoned precious metal traders, American Bullion is a California-based firm. It offers direct sales of coins and bars to customers without any obligations. However, its primary focus is on transforming current retirement funds, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, into holdings of gold or other precious metals.
American Bullion
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.9/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 5/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $200 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
at American Bullion
- Year Founded: 2009
- Company Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- CEO: Orkan Ozkan
Pros
- Exceptional average consumer rating
- Free storage and waived custodian account fees for the first year
- Accessible minimum deposit
Cons
- Does not disclose price of metals on website
- Thin catalog of customer reviews
Why we picked American Bullion
American Bullion distinguishes itself from rivals through its exceptional customer reviews and its straightforward, transparent pricing for IRAs. Additionally, the firm provides special offers that might result in lower costs compared to its competitors.
American Bullion customer support
You can contact customer service by calling 800-465-3472, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. To 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Alternatively, an email can be sent to [email protected].
American Bullion gold available for IRA investments
Multiple coins are available, including the following IRA-approved investments:
- American Gold Buffalo coins
- American Gold Eagle coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Credit Suisse gold bars
American Bullion customer reviews
American Bullion garners excellent customer feedback. Across Trustpilot and TrustLink, it holds over 200 to 300 reviews, achieving an average score exceeding 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers noted the staff's friendliness and expertise, along with the customer service's promptness and the straightforward nature of the IRA rollover.
Although based on personal accounts, a few reviews indicated that a representative made them feel compelled to buy something.
4. Birch Gold Group
Ron Paul, Dan Bongino, and Ben Shapiro are among the notable figures who endorse Birch Gold Group. This company, established in 2003, is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.
Birch Gold Group is likely ideal for individuals transferring IRAs valued at $50,000 or higher into a gold IRA. For new accounts with a $50,000 minimum balance, Birch Gold Group will cover your first year's account charges, encompassing storage and upkeep expenses.
Birch Gold Group
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.4/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 5/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 4.9/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $5,000 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
at Money.com
- Year Founded: 2003
- Company Headquarters: Burbank, CA
- CEO: Laith Alsarraf
Pros
- Clear fee structure
- Longstanding 22-year-old business
- Waives some fees for transfers over $50,000
Cons
- Doesn’t disclose gold prices
- Moderate number of reviews
- No official buyback program
Why we picked Birch Gold Group
In short, Birch Gold gives you more freedoms when it comes to investing in gold.
Birch Gold features a comprehensive selection of IRA-eligible items. Their website also includes a dedicated area showcasing gold options that are IRA-eligible, which some may find distinctively organized. We believe this is beneficial for browsing products without needing to Google if your IRA can be used for the purchase.
Birch Gold partners with several custodians, offering you a wider choice of entities to oversee and safeguard your gold. Furthermore, its fee structure is clear, a significant advantage for prospective investors.
Birch Gold Group customer support
You can contact Birch Gold Group by phone at 800-355-2116 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. And 7:30 p.m. Central Time. You can also email [email protected], or send a message via the company’s contact page.
Birch Gold Group gold available for IRA investments
Birch Gold Group offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium for sale. Their gold products eligible for IRAs consist of:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- Britannia Gold coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Gold Gyrfalcon coins
Birch Gold Group customer reviews
Birch Gold has garnered over 500 customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and TrustLink, with the majority being favorable. Patrons frequently commend Birch Gold Group's polite customer service representatives. They also value the relaxed sales atmosphere and the knowledgeable advice provided by the employees.
Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the buyback process, noting they received significantly less than their initial purchase price despite gold's appreciation, as Birch Gold lacks a formal buyback scheme.
5. Advantage Gold
Established in 2014, Advantage Gold enjoys greater public recognition than many other gold firms. This Austin, Texas-based company has the backing of political commentators such as Mark Levin and Benny Johnson, and it boasts thousands of customer reviews on various online platforms.
The firm prioritizes customer education, offering a collection of instructional videos, market analysis instruments, and (less distinctively) complimentary PDF resources.
Advantage Gold
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.9/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 3.7/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 4.9/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $10,000 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
at Money.com
- Year Founded: 2014
- Company Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- CEO: Kirill Zagalsky
Pros
- Deep well of positive customer reviews
- Gold prices available online
- Excellent buyback program
Cons
- $10,000 minimum investment/rollover
- Lack of fee transparency
Why we picked Advantage Gold
Advantage Gold boasts a wealth of favorable customer testimonials and an excellent buyback initiative. The firm clearly communicates its commitment to always accepting buyback requests from clients. This means that should you wish to sell your precious metals, Advantage Gold will facilitate the transaction, though they don't specify the exact offer they'll make.
Advantage Gold customer support
Advantage Gold's phone number is 888-501-9001, available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. To 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Alternatively, you can send a message online.
Advantage Gold gold available for IRA investments
Advantage Gold offers a handful of IRA-approved gold options, including:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- 1oz.9999 gold bars
Advantage Gold customer reviews
Advantage Gold boasts one of the most notable reputations among gold IRA providers, evidenced by more than 2,700 reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and TrustLink, yielding an average rating of 4.84 out of 5 stars. This indicates that most customers are highly satisfied with their interactions with Advantage Gold, frequently praising the exceptional customer service, the straightforward IRA rollover procedure, and the continued assistance provided post-purchase.
Complaints frequently cite persistent post-call contact and unclear pricing.
6. Silver Gold Bull
Operating since 2009, Silver Gold Bull is a Canadian firm with its corporate headquarters located in Las Vegas.
Despite being a fairly modest-sized business, it has demonstrated encouraging expansion. In 2024, A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc., a precious metals marketplace listed on the Nasdaq stock market, purchased an extra 8% of the existing shares in Silver Gold Bull. This entity now holds a controlling stake, possessing 55% of the firm.
Silver Gold Bull
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $0 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | No |
at Money.com
- Year Founded: 2009
- Company Headquarters: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- CEO: Bobby Belandis
Pros
- Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews
- Best price guarantee
- No account minimum
Cons
- Lack of fee transparency
- No information on site about the potential to lower fees for minimum investment
Why we picked Silver Gold Bull
Silver Gold Bull garners positive reviews and doesn't require a minimum deposit to open an account, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to gold investment. Furthermore, it offers a price match guarantee; if you discover a lower price from a certified dealer, inclusive of extra costs like shipping, Silver Gold Bull will honor that price.
Additionally, Silver Gold Bull stands out as one of the limited firms accepting credit card payments, enabling you to acquire coins or bullions using credit. Nevertheless, your credit card will need to pass through 3-D Secure, a verification process for the card.
Silver Gold Bull customer support
Silver Gold Bull is reachable via phone at 877-646-5303 from Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. And 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. To 4 p.m. Mountain Time. You can also email [email protected] for help.
Gold available for IRA investments
Several products are IRA-approved, including:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- American Buffalo coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Credit Suisse gold bars
Silver Gold Bull customer reviews
With over 4,500 reviews, the company holds a stellar 4.7/5 star average rating on Trustpilot. Patrons frequently commend the firm's attentive customer support, user-friendly website, and prompt delivery.
Some reviewers did mention packages left in the open without a signature required.
7. American Hartford Gold
Founded in 2015, American Hartford Gold is another well-known gold IRA option that is endorsed by celebrities and business authorities like Bill O’Reilly and Rick Harrison. It’s based in Los Angeles, with branches in Woodland Hills, California, and West Palm Beach, Florida.
The firm provides instructional resources and instruments, such as a mandatory minimum distribution (RMD) calculator and advice for transferring IRAs.
American Hartford Gold
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.7/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 4.9/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 5/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $10,000 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
at American Hartford Gold
- Year Founded: 2015
- Company Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- CEO: Sanford Mann
Pros
- Strong customer reviews
- Discloses fees
- Buyback commitment
Cons
- $10,000 investment minimum
- Limited gold price information
Why we picked American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold distinguishes itself from rivals with its buyback program, in addition to its highly favorable reviews. The firm prompts clients to reach out to them initially when needing to sell gold for IRA distributions, as they don't impose extra liquidation charges, thus streamlining the distribution procedure.
American Hartford Gold customer support
You can contact customer support by calling 800-462-0071, available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. To 5 p.m. And Saturdays from 6 a.m. To 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Alternatively, send an email to [email protected].
American Hartford Gold gold available for IRA investments
American Hartford Gold offers a selection of precious metals. Their inventory features 15 gold products eligible for IRAs, such as:
- Gold American Eagle coins
- American Buffalo Gold coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Valcambi Gold bars
American Hartford Gold customer reviews
American Hartford Gold garners largely favorable reviews, boasting more than 2,500 total testimonials from platforms like Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and TrustLink. Patrons frequently commend the absence of high-pressure sales tactics from their support staff, the swift and straightforward nature of their dealings, and the dependable service provided. Unsurprisingly, the firm's own buyback initiative also receives significant praise.
Some customers did not like the lack of transparency regarding gold prices and commissions.
8. Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold Investments, situated in Pasadena, California, stands out as a premier gold investment company, focusing on IRAs secured by gold coins. This firm has received endorsement from author and radio host Charlie Kirk.
Although founded in 2016, Noble Gold has specialists with over two decades of experience in precious metal dealings.
Noble Gold Investments
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.9/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 4.9/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $0 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | No |
- Year Founded: 2016
- Company Headquarters: Encino, CA
- CEO: Collin Plume
Pros
- High number of customer reviews
- Excellent buyback program
- No minimum investment/rollover
Cons
- Only works with one custodian
- No information on site about the potential to lower fees for minimum investment
- Does not disclose gold prices online
Why we picked Noble Gold Investments
Customer feedback plays a significant role in selecting a suitable gold IRA provider, as previously mentioned. Noble Gold boasts a substantial volume of reviews, maintaining an almost flawless customer satisfaction score.
Noble Gold offers what many would deem the most reliable buyback program among the companies we examined. The firm explicitly guarantees a buyback and pledges to repurchase any gold you've bought from them without any inquiries.
Liquidating your gold becomes remarkably simple should you choose to transfer your IRA to a different investment. However, the competitiveness of your rate might vary depending on the specific circumstances.
Noble Gold Investments customer support
To reach Noble Gold Investments, dial 877-646-5347. Information regarding their customer support operating hours isn't readily apparent on their website.
The Better Business Bureau reports that Noble Gold Investments operates Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. To 6 p.m., Fridays from 6:30 a.m. To 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. To 1 p.m.
You can also email at [email protected].
Noble Gold Investments gold available for IRA investments
Noble Gold Investments sells several IRA-approved gold coins, such as:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Australian Gold Kangaroo coins
Noble Gold Investments customer reviews
Noble Gold garners exceptionally favorable reviews from over 1,450 customer testimonials on Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs. Newcomers to gold investing frequently mention the helpful advice and understanding provided by their specialists. A recurring sentiment also highlights dependability and straightforward dealings.
Noble Gold typically responds promptly to negative customer service feedback.
9. Monetary Gold
Founded in 2000, Monetary Gold is an experienced gold firm based in Woodland Hills, California, with endorsements from political commentators such as David Harris Jr. And Mark Levin.
Monetary Gold highlights its status as one of the select few direct gold dealers. By bypassing intermediaries, they might be able to offer reduced prices, although this doesn't guarantee they'll always have the absolute lowest rates available.
Monetary Gold
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.6/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 4.9/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 5/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $5,000 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | No |
at Money.com
- Year Founded: 2000
- Company Headquarters: Woodland Hills, CA
- CEO: Keith Weiner
Pros
- Highly rated overall
- Established more than 25 years ago
- Palatable minimum investment/rollover
Cons
- Relatively few customer reviews
- Does not disclose price of gold online
- No information on site about the potential to lower fees for minimum investment
Why we picked Monetary Gold
Monetary Gold is one of the longest-standing gold dealers on our list.
The historical record holds significance, as authorities have intervened to shut down certain gold mining firms following accusations or claims of illicit activities.
With more than two decades in operation, Monetary Gold might have a minor flaw or two (a misleading advertising effort in 2020, as judged by the FDIC), yet it has demonstrated itself to be a reliable choice for your gold requirements.
Monetary Gold customer support
Contact Monetary Gold at 888-411-4653 Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. To 4:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 6 a.m. To 2 p.m. Pacific Time. Alternatively, you can send them a message through the contact page.
Monetary Gold gold available for IRA investments
Monetary Gold offers a healthy selection of IRA-approved gold, including:
- American Gold Eagle coins
- American Gold Buffalo coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Gold Gyrfalcon coins
Monetary Gold customer reviews
Monetary Gold garners predominantly favorable feedback, despite a comparatively modest tally of over 240 reviews spanning Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and Trustlink.
Reviewers remark that the staff is knowledgeable and responsive, and they emphasize transparency. Some experts will even touch base quarterly to give updates on the status of customer investments.
While not unusual, certain reviewers find the persistent follow-up calls bothersome. Others would prefer more accessible customer service, noting its limited hours on Fridays and closure on weekends.
10. Goldco
Established in 2006, Goldco is a highly favored gold seller based in Calabasas, California, with endorsements from notable figures such as Tom Selleck, Dennis Quaid, and Chuck Norris.
Goldco prioritizes consumer education, providing essential videos in its Gold IRA 101 area, alongside webinars and personalized consultations.
GoldCo
| Trustpilot rating: | 4.8/5 |
| ConsumerAffairs rating: | 3.5/5 |
| TrustLink rating: | 4.6/5 |
| Minimum deposit to start an account: | $25,000 |
| Advertised fee waiver for qualifying activity: | Yes |
- Year Founded: 2006
- Company Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
- CEO: Trevor Gerszt
Pros
- Well established company
- Discloses fees
- Enormous selection of IRA-eligible coins and bars
Cons
- High minimum investment/rollover requirement
- Does not disclose gold prices on website
- Other gold companies have better customer ratings
Why we picked Goldco
Goldco, much like Lear Capital and Monetary Gold, is an established entity. This company, with 19 years in operation, suggests adherence to industry standards and a stable future.
The company also offers an above-average selection of gold and silver coins and bars—and it pledges a buyback guarantee, stating that you’ll get the highest price when liquidating your precious metals with Goldco.
Goldco customer support
Goldco can be contacted by phone at 855-450-1394, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. To 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Alternatively, you may send an email to [email protected].
Goldco gold available for IRA investments
Goldco offers a healthy selection of IRA-approved gold, such as:
- Gold American Eagle coins
- American Gold Buffalo coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Gold Military Guinea
- Gold Australian Saltwater Crocodile
- Gold bars
Goldco customer reviews
Customers frequently express satisfaction with Goldco, highlighting the responsiveness and helpfulness of their support staff. Additionally, reviewers appreciate the experts' informative approach, which avoids aggressive sales tactics.
Clients are unhappy that they can't quickly view their investment holdings online and must instead make a phone call.
What to know about investing in gold IRAs
What is a gold IRA?
With a traditional individual retirement account (IRA), you can invest your retirement nest egg in assets such as stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit (CDs) to increase your money.
To put your IRA into gold, you'll first need a “self-directed” IRA, which offers greater flexibility for directing funds into alternative assets like property and precious metals. This necessitates a qualified “custodian” to manage your account, and we'll clarify that shortly. It's important to remember that you can't store your gold yourself; it must be held by a custodian for your self-directed IRA.
In essence, a gold IRA requires more effort than a standard IRA. It also generally incurs higher expenses than a conventional IRA because of charges for account establishment, administration, and gold safekeeping.
It's important to remember that you're permitted to open an unlimited number of IRA accounts; however, the IRS still imposes a cap on your total annual contributions, regardless of how many accounts you possess:
- $7,000 for those under age 50
- $8,000 for those age 50 and above
For example, you may have a conventional IRA invested in the stock market, a high-yield Roth IRA CD, and a self-directed gold IRA. Across all accounts, you can only invest up to $8,000 in new money.
What is a gold IRA custodian?
Every kind of IRA, be it traditional or self-directed, necessitates a “custodian.” Essentially, a custodian is an IRS-sanctioned trustee, such as a bank or trust firm, responsible for managing your investments. This entity doesn't offer financial guidance but rather executes your directives.
Upon establishing a gold IRA, the designated custodian will arrange for your gold acquisition, oversee its shipment to their facility, and ensure its secure safekeeping. Furthermore, a custodian will assist you in adhering to IRS regulations, including the exclusive purchase of gold eligible for IRA inclusion. Such eligibility requires specific purity standards and production by government-sanctioned refiners, among other criteria.
Although the gold is legally yours, the custodian must retain it for it to be considered a gold IRA; otherwise, you're merely purchasing gold for personal use without the tax benefits of a retirement account. You have the option to take possession of your gold whenever you wish, but this will be treated as a distribution from your IRA, incurring a 10% early withdrawal penalty from the IRS if you're younger than 59½.
Different custodians have distinct policies, so some will be a better fit for your requirements than others. As you look for the perfect custodian, consider the following:
- Minimum investment/rollover amounts to open an account.
- Setup fees, transaction fees, storage fees, etc.
- Customer service reputation.
Leading gold IRA providers typically collaborate with specific custodians, eliminating the need for you to search for one independently.
Pros and cons of a gold IRA
Pros
- May protect your investment against inflation
- Ability to take delivery of physical gold upon request
- Generally less risky than many other investments like stocks
Cons
- Oftentimes fees for account setup and management, gold storage, etc.
- No guaranteed return (investment only grows if gold prices increase)
- Potentially more difficult to liquidate than other investments
Individuals seeking to diversify their retirement portfolios and hedge against inflation might consider a gold IRA.
Gold presents a strong option for alternative investments, capable of significantly bolstering your retirement nest egg through various avenues. Primarily, it's wise to explore a gold IRA if you're worried about rising inflation. Gold excels at preserving value compared to the U.S. Dollar, owing to its limited supply. This means its value can't be diminished by simply printing more of it.
When inflation becomes substantial, many other investments, like stocks and bonds, often face difficulties.
You might also think about a gold IRA to diversify your IRA holdings with something stable. It's possible that most of your current retirement funds are in stocks, ETFs, or even crypto if you've been daring. Gold can serve as a reliable element to include in your portfolio.
Selecting a gold IRA provider
You've determined a gold IRA is the optimal way to invest a portion, or all, of your retirement funds. The next step is identifying the most suitable provider for your specific needs.
Ensure the firm boasts a strong history and extensive operational experience. Absolute certainty is paramount before entrusting substantial sums, like thousands of dollars, to any IRA provider.
Understanding the gold IRA company's fees and minimums is also crucial. Investors should find these terms to be clear. Does the firm impose excessive shipping or transaction charges? Is its gold priced competitively? Does it provide a buyback option that simplifies liquidating your gold should you opt for a different investment?
Companies might forgo charges based on your investment's scale, a point worth asking about.
Alternatives to Gold IRAs
Beyond gold, self-directed IRAs offer other IRS-approved investment avenues. Investors can also put their money into precious metals like silver and palladium. Furthermore, the IRS permits self-directed IRAs to be utilized for investments in real estate and specific cryptocurrencies.
Besides self-directed IRAs, other ways exist to increase your account's value. A traditional IRA is another choice, allowing investments in assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and CDs.
Our methodology
Consumer reviews (30%)
There’s no shortage of gold IRA companies. Beyond anything else, we view consumer reviews as far and away the most important factor when choosing a gold company.
We assess each company's performance history using data from Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, and TrustLink. A company's ability to safeguard your funds is paramount, outweighing all other attributes.
Number of custodians (5%)
The number of approved custodians varies among gold IRA providers. Some companies exclusively partner with a single custodian, restricting investor choice. Our ranking system evaluated each gold IRA firm based on its partnerships with multiple custodians versus a sole provider.
Discloses price of metals on website (15%)
When selecting a gold IRA provider, transparency is paramount. Numerous firms avoid displaying pricing online, compelling potential clients to contact them for a sales conversation. Companies that openly share the cost of precious metals, such as gold, on their websites were favored in our evaluations.
Discloses fees on website (15%)
While custodians levy many of the charges associated with establishing a gold IRA, gold IRA providers are favorably ranked when they transparently disclose these expenses.
Minimum investment/rollover to open an account (10%)
We’ve all got different investment goals—and we’ve all got different IRA balances. The opening amount you may want to invest in a gold IRA will vary, so we gave higher scores to companies with no (or low) minimums needed to open an account.
Advertised fee discounts (10%)
Companies offer incentives like fee discounts or waivers to encourage investors to open accounts with substantial initial investments. Those firms that promoted these discounts via online advertisements achieved better performance metrics.
Years in business (10%)
Given that the gold IRA sector has experienced companies being shut down by authorities or facing consumer complaints, we've awarded better ratings to firms with a more established history.
Buyback program (5%)
Selling gold isn't particularly hard, given that most gold businesses will purchase it. However, certain firms provide formal buyback schemes that simplify the transaction if you opt to exchange it for a different investment.
Certain businesses clearly indicate that reselling gold you bought from them will be simpler, given their prior knowledge of the metal's quality.
Frequently asked questions
To open a gold IRA account, you'll need to follow a few steps.
Establishing a gold IRA differs from setting up a standard IRA. Initially, you must select a firm and a custodian. Following that, deposit funds into your account and determine the specific metals for your investment. Various gold forms exist, notably bullion and coins, alongside other IRA-eligible metals. Finally, you'll select a storage facility for your gold. Your gold IRA provider and/or custodian will likely present several storage choices.
Physical gold held within a gold IRA is typically stored in secure, third-party depositories.
Gold cannot be kept at your residence or any other preferred spot. Instead, any gold you invest in needs to be housed in an authorized depository. Your custodian will probably present several approved facilities for you to select from.
Is it possible to take physical gold out of a gold IRA?
After you've attained the penalty-free withdrawal age of 59 and a half, you're permitted to take physical gold out of your IRA.