A Gold IRA allows you to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your retirement account as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. This guide covers the best gold IRA companies, fees, IRS rules, and how to rollover your existing retirement funds.
Gold IRA Quick Facts 2025
- Minimum investment: $5,000 - $50,000 (varies by company)
- Annual fees: $150 - $300 (storage + admin)
- Approved metals: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium (IRS-approved purity)
- Tax benefits: Same as traditional/Roth IRA
- Rollover: 401(k), 403(b), TSP, other IRAs eligible
Best Gold IRA Companies 2025
| Company | Minimum | Fees | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | $0 first year | High-value investors | |
| Goldco | $25,000 | Competitive | Customer service | |
| American Hartford Gold | $10,000 | No fee first year | First-time investors | |
| Birch Gold Group | $10,000 | $200/year | Education-focused | |
| Noble Gold | $5,000 | $225/year | Lower minimums |
Detailed Company Reviews
BEST OVERALL
Augusta Precious Metals
- Minimum: $50,000
- Fees: $0 for up to 10 years (qualifying accounts)
- Storage: Delaware Depository, Brinks
- Pros: Best pricing transparency, lifetime support, no high-pressure sales
- Cons: Higher minimum investment
- Best for: Investors with $50K+ seeking premium service
BEST SERVICE
Goldco
- Minimum: $25,000
- Fees: Competitive, varies by account size
- Storage: Multiple depository options
- Pros: Excellent customer reviews, A+ BBB rating, buyback program
- Cons: Minimum higher than some competitors
- Best for: Customer service-focused investors
LOWER MINIMUM
American Hartford Gold
- Minimum: $10,000
- Fees: No fees first year, then competitive
- Storage: IDS Delaware, Brinks
- Pros: Lower entry point, free shipping, buyback commitment
- Cons: Newer company (founded 2015)
- Best for: First-time gold IRA investors
Gold IRA Fees Explained
| Fee Type | Typical Amount | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $50 - $150 | One-time at opening |
| Annual Admin Fee | $75 - $100 | Yearly |
| Storage Fee | $100 - $200 | Yearly (based on value) |
| Wire Transfer Fee | $25 - $50 | Per transfer |
| Seller's Fee (Markup) | 5% - 10% | Per purchase |
IRS Rules for Gold IRAs
IRS Requirements
- Gold purity: Must be 99.5% pure (24 karat)
- Silver purity: Must be 99.9% pure
- Platinum/Palladium: Must be 99.95% pure
- Approved coins: American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, etc.
- Storage: Must be held by IRS-approved depository
- No home storage: Cannot store metals at home
How to Rollover to a Gold IRA
- Choose a company: Select reputable gold IRA custodian
- Open account: Complete application paperwork
- Fund account: Direct rollover or transfer from existing retirement account
- Select metals: Choose IRS-approved gold/silver products
- Purchase metals: Company buys metals on your behalf
- Secure storage: Metals shipped to approved depository
Rollover Types
- Direct rollover: Funds transferred directly (recommended, no tax implications)
- Indirect rollover: You receive funds, must deposit within 60 days
- Eligible accounts: 401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP, traditional IRA, Roth IRA
Pros and Cons of Gold IRAs
Advantages
- Inflation hedge: Gold historically holds value during inflation
- Portfolio diversification: Uncorrelated to stocks/bonds
- Tangible asset: Physical ownership (in depository)
- Tax advantages: Same as traditional/Roth IRA
- Crisis protection: Safe haven during economic uncertainty
Disadvantages
- Higher fees: More expensive than traditional IRAs
- No dividends: Gold doesn't pay income
- Storage requirements: Can't hold at home
- Liquidity: Selling takes longer than stocks
- Volatility: Gold prices can fluctuate significantly
Gold vs Other Investments
| Factor | Gold IRA | Stock IRA | Bond IRA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation Protection | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Growth Potential | Moderate | High | Low |
| Income Generation | None | Dividends | Interest |
| Volatility | Moderate | High | Low |
| Crisis Performance | Strong | Poor | Mixed |
| Fees | Higher | Low | Low |
How Much Gold Should You Hold?
Most financial advisors recommend allocating 5-15% of your portfolio to precious metals:
- Conservative: 5-10% in gold/silver
- Moderate: 10-15% in precious metals
- Aggressive hedge: Up to 20% (higher risk tolerance)
FAQ
Can I take physical possession of my gold?
Not while it's in the IRA. Taking possession is considered a distribution and subject to taxes/penalties. At retirement, you can take physical distribution or sell for cash.
What happens to my gold if the company goes bankrupt?
Your metals are held separately at an independent depository - they're your property, not the company's assets.
Is a gold IRA a good investment?
Gold IRAs are best for diversification and inflation protection, not maximum growth. Consider your goals, timeline, and overall portfolio balance.