5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (2024)

Deciding whether a gold IRA is a good investment in 2024 depends heavily on your investment strategy and risk tolerance. If you decide you'd like to add a gold IRA to your portfolio, our research determined that Augusta Precious Metals is the best gold IRA company. In an industry where many leading companies are hesitant to disclose their full pricing details, Augusta shines for its transparent pricing and low costs.

The price of gold hit another all-time high on Sept. 12, 2024, so it's important to know how you can invest in it. We researched several gold IRA companies, evaluating them on fees, transparency, educational resources, customer support, the ease of set up and use, and other key features. We've been researching and reviewing gold IRA companies since 2000, and Investopedia has been a trusted source of financial information since 1999.

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024

  • Our Top Picks
  • Augusta Precious Metals
  • Noble Gold
  • Goldco
  • Advantage Gold
  • Patriot Gold Group
  • See More (2)
  • Compare Companies

  • What Is a Gold IRA?

  • Is It Right for Me?

  • How to Choose a Gold IRA

  • How to Open a Gold IRA

  • Is a Gold IRA a Good Investment in 2024?

  • The Difference Between Gold IRAs and Traditional IRAs

  • Alternatives to a Gold IRA

  • FAQs

Best for Transparent Pricing : Augusta Precious Metals

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (1)

  • BBB Rating: A+
  • Other Metals: Silver
  • Website Features: Educational resources, live chat, spot price charts

FREE GOLDwhen you open a gold IRA.ZERO feesfor up to 10 years (everyone qualifies).

Why We Chose It

Augusta Precious Metals' customers benefit from low costs and knowing exactly how much they are paying and for what. For that, Augusta makes our list as the best gold IRA company for transparent pricing.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Low-cost, transparent fee structure

  • Money-back guarantee

  • Guaranteed fair-pricing on purchases

  • Live chat and strong customer support

Cons

  • Doesn't offer platinum or palladium

  • $50,000 minimum order

  • No online purchases

  • Need to call for full pricing details

Overview

Pricing is critical when reviewing gold IRA companies. Many companies say they have a low-cost fee structure, but few actually reveal all their costs. Augusta Precious Metals offers customers a transparent and straightforward fee structure, making it our choice for the best gold IRA for transparent pricing. Investors will still need to contact a sales agent to get the full pricing details.

Headquartered in Casper, Wyoming, Augusta has built its reputation for transparency and integrity since opening in 2012. Augusta further reinforces its customers' confidence by offering a 100% money-back guarantee for new customers and guaranteed fair pricing along with seven-day price protection.Augusta also has a clear disclosure explaining their margin on gold and silver sales with some refreshingly honest numbers (up to 66% or higher on certain products). Many gold IRAs are hesitant to disclose their markups, so Augusta gets an extra point on transparency there.

For details on setup, annual, storage, and other fees, you are directed to contact the company, although there is a sample fee guide showing the $275 total set-up fee for year one and then a recurring annual fee of $225 made up of the custodian maintenance fee ($125) and storage facility fee ($100). Augusta also has an excellent buyback program, and although it retains the right to do so, it states that it has not refused a buyback to date.

Augusta works with a highly reputable Delaware Depository for its customers' storage needs, with vault locations throughout the U.S. Since the account is self-directed, there are no management fees. As with many of the gold IRA companies, they are acting primarily as the dealer and you may have separate custodian fees depending on the custodian you are working with.

Overall, Augusta's customer service is top-notch, as its high consumer ratings indicate. Augusta's onboarding and transaction processes are turnkey, with specialists assisting customers with all the necessary paperwork. However, customers are not able to make purchases online.

Augusta's two significant drawbacks are its limited choice of metals and its high minimum order for adding gold or silver to your self-directed IRA. Customers who want to invest in platinum or palladium will have to go elsewhere as Augusta focuses on gold and silver bullion and coins.

Best for Smaller Investors : Noble Gold

Why We Chose It

With a low minimum investment requirement and extensive educational resources, Noble Gold is our choice as the best gold IRA company for smaller investors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Low minimum investment

  • Extensive educational resources

  • Platinum and Palladium

Cons

  • Annual fees can be proportionately high for low account balances

  • Lack of disclosures and customer relationship documents

Overview

Established in 2016 and based inPasadena, California, Noble Gold is a relative newcomer to the gold IRA space. Still, with its low minimum investment requirement and extensive educational resources, it has quickly become a favorite as the best gold IRA company for new investors.While the account minimum at Noble Gold is widely reported as $20,000, there are no company disclosures confirming these figures. Alas, the lack of standardized disclosure forms is one of the clearest indicators that gold dealers and custodians are operating in a largely unregulated space.

In its short history, Noble Gold has also gained traction with consumer rating agencies, garnering a five-star rating with Consumer Affairs and an A+ rating with BBB.

In addition to its comprehensive offering of educational resources, Noble Gold provides each potential customer with an initial consultation for a mutual understanding of the customer's needs, preferences, and objectives. After that, customers are assigned a trusted advisor who guides and educates them the rest of the way without resorting to high-pressure sales tactics.

Noble Gold's fees are competitive. New customers aren't charged a setup fee; most accountspay an$80annual fee. But customers who store their gold in Texas or Delaware can expect to pay $150 annually. The good news is those are flat fees charged to all accounts regardless of size, and the storage fee covers the cost of segregated storage. (Noble Gold doesn't offer commingled storage.)

Because of Noble Gold's extensive network of partners and suppliers, customers are afforded competitive pricing on gold purchases. Noble also offers a "no-questions-asked" buyback service.

Noble Gold's custodian is Equity Institutional. You can see your account information at any time on its site. Noble uses International Depository Services (IDS) for storage. It has two locations in the U.S. and one in Canada. Storage at the high-tech IDS facility comes with a Lloyd's of London insurance policy.

Potential customers can spend all the time they need on Noble Gold's website, browsing educational materials and gathering the information they need before contacting a representative to open an account. You can complete a part of the account registration process online, but you will need the assistance of a representative to complete the process.

Best for Customer Support : Goldco

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (3)

  • BBB Rating: A+
  • Other Metals: Silver
  • Website Features: Educational Resources, live chat, spot price charts

Why We Chose It

Goldco and its account reps go the extra mile to ensure potential and existing customers receive all the information they need to make an informed decision, which is why it's our choice as the gold IRA company with the best customer support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive educational resources

  • Competitive pricing

  • Up to 10% back in free silver coins for new accounts

Cons

  • High minimum investment

  • Lack of disclosures

  • Need to speak to a customer rep for full fee breakdown

  • Doesn't offer platinum or palladium

Overview

Goldco aims to present investment information in an organized and objective way to gain customers' full confidence. It also leans heavily on its endorsem*nt by Sean Hannity, a television host. Founded in 2006, Goldco stands out in many ways, but it has built a reputation for providing superior customer support.

From account setup through their most recent transaction, customers are treated to Goldco's "white-glove service," which includes direct access to a specialist to guide them every step of the way. While Goldco encourages its customers to take full advantage of the extensive education center on its website, this resource mainly contains articles focused on a current event and why owning more gold is the solution. Investors would be well served by re-reading the disclaimer in the footer every time they read one of the blog pieces.

That being said, Goldco's customer-centric focus has earned Goldco excellent reviews from online sites. In terms of key information, however, the site is lacking in details with important information like the storage fee ($100 or $150 for segregated), the annual admin fee ($125), and the minimum investment ($25,000) covered in a single post rather than a formal pricing disclosure. Again, it must be noted that the industry as a whole struggles with basic disclosure, and Goldco is not alone in this.

For more information about fees, account minimums, custodians, and storage, you'll need to contact Goldco. The company also offers a free guide if you are willing to provide your name, email, and phone number. Account setup is quick and easy, completed primarily online. Goldco also offers IRA and 401(k) rollovers to transfer your existing retirement accounts.

Founded in 2006, Goldco is headquartered in Calabasas, California.

Best for First-Time Buyers : Advantage Gold

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (4)

  • BBB Rating: A+
  • Other Metals: Palladium, Platinum, Silver
  • Website Features: Educational Resources, asset comparison calculator

Why We Chose It

Advantage Gold's low minimum investment requirement, low-cost fee structure, and vast educational resources make our list as the best gold IRA company for first-time buyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive educational resources

  • Low annual fees

  • Platinum and Palladium

  • Asset comparison tool

Cons

Overview

Advantage Gold has made its mark as the best gold IRA company for first-time buyers with hands-on customer support and a comprehensive educational platform. Advantage Gold is the dealer in the gold IRA arrangement, with Strata Trust Company recommended for custodian services at a $50 setup fee, $95 annual account fee, and either commingled ($100) or segregated storage ($150). Processing fees will apply to the account with $40 on purchase, sale, or exchange. No mention of account minimums is made with Advantage Gold, as the company acts as a dealer rather than a custodian. There appears to be no minimum order value.

Since the beginning, Advantage Gold has strived to build a top-notch reputation by providing superior customer service. What the company lacks in terms of time in the business, it makes up with the collective experience of its management team and its highly trained staff.

While Advantage Gold appeals to gold IRA investors of all types, it has a particular appeal to first-time buyers. It offers extensive resources and educational materials that can help new investors get off the ground with gold and other precious metals. At no time are investors exposed to high-pressure sales tactics. One standout feature is the asset comparison tool that shows you how different investment amounts performed in different time periods, comparing gold to the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, oil, and a savings account. Investors can view for themselves the period of underperformance or overperformance versus other assets over time.

Advantage Gold has a liberal buyback program, reportedly offering repurchases at the going market rate, which is higher than the spot price offered by some competitors. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy on transactions and the detailed disclosure of the markup cited figures lower than many of the gold dealers we reviewed.

For its customers' storage needs, the company works with Brink's Global Services USA, Inc., and Delaware Depository, both highly reputable vault companies.

Established in 2014, Advantage Gold has its headquarters in Austin, Texas.

Best for Variety of Metals : Patriot Gold Group

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (5)

  • BBB Rating: A+
  • Other Metals: Palladium, Platinum, Silver
  • Website Features: Educational resources, live chat, spot price charts

Why We Chose It

Patriot Gold Group offers competitive, investor-direct pricing that allows customers to avoid the fee typically charged for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion or coin purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Investor-direct pricing

  • High marks from key consumer groups

  • Long history in the gold IRA business

  • Platinum and Palladium

Cons

  • Need to complete form on website to get sufficient information

  • Minimum investment required

Overview

Patriot Gold Group is a gold dealer that has forged a long track record of helping investors secure their financial future through gold IRAs, earning high marks from consumer groups along the way. The business has done so by delivering superior customer service while keeping its pricing competitive on a variety of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

Patriot Gold has built a stellar reputation with top marks from key consumer rating agencies, including an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating with Consumer Affairs.

Patriot Gold is a dealer-direct company, which means customers avoid the fee typically charged for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion or coin purchases with investor-direct pricing. Not much information about fees, account minimums, and other details is offered on Patriot's website as it works with other entities as custodians. There is a minimum investment of $50,000 disclosed in the marketing materials, but you will have to contact them before signing up to learn this important information.

Patriot Gold prides itself on its long track record of delivering superior customer service. Account managers closely tend to customers' needs from account setup, which you can complete online or over the phone, through each transaction. The account reps seek to understand their customers' financial objectives to offer recommendations.

Founded in 2016, Patriot Gold is located in Seal Beach, California.

Compare the Best Gold IRA Companies

CompanyInvestment MinimumBBB RatingOther MetalsWebsite Features
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for Transparent Pricing
$50,000A+SilverEducational resources, live chat, spot price charts
Noble Gold
Best for Smaller Investors
$20,000A+Palladium, Platinum, SilverEducational Resources
Goldco
Best for Customer Support
$25,000A+SilverEducational Resources, Live Chat, Spot Price Charts
Advantage Gold
Best for First-Time Buyers
$25,000A+Palladium, Platinum, SilverEducational Resources, Asset Comparison Calculator
Patriot Gold Group
Best for Variety of Metals
$50,000A+Palladium, Platinum, SilverEducational Resources, Live Chat, Spot Price Charts

Why You Should Trust Us

Investopedia collected and analyzed a wide range of key data points from several gold IRA companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing the right platform to fit their needs. We used this data to review each company for their pricing, transparency, educational content, ease of use, customer satisfaction, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right decision for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best gold IRA companies since 2020.

What Is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a specialized, self-directed individual retirement account that is strictly governed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As with a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and other retirement plans, a gold IRA allows for pre-tax contributions. The investment earnings can then accumulate tax-deferred, however, the contribution and income limits are the same. A unique aspect of gold and silver IRAs is that you don't hold the precious metal yourself. Instead, you must store it in a secure depository. Bottom line, investors cannot invest in the stock market with these accounts and will have to follow strict IRS guidelines for their account to remain in good standing.

Pros & Cons of a Gold IRA

Pros

  • Acts as a hedge against market volatility: Gold IRAs offer diversity within a portfolio. Historically speaking, because gold prices tend to trade with a relatively low correlation to equities during periods of heightened volatility, this characteristic has made gold a good investment over the long term.
  • Acts as a hedge against inflation: During inflation, the price of goods and services increases while the U.S. dollar's purchasing power decreases. Because of gold’s long-term inverse relationship to the dollar, this tends to cause it and other tangible assets to rise in value during inflationary periods.
  • Provides tax advantages: A gold IRA offers investors the same tax benefits as ordinary IRAs, allowing long-term investments to accumulate tax-free until retirement. Also similar to traditional IRAs, however, are the penalties that are levied if withdrawals are made before age 59½.

Cons

  • Comes with storage fees: With a gold IRA, investors will find that they will need to send their gold to an authorized custodian. Custodians will charge fees to store your gold, which can eat into your profits.
  • Offers no passive income: While gold may be a good investment option for its long-term stability and absolute price appreciation, it does not yield any interest or dividend income.
  • Requires strict account handling: A gold IRA cannot be mixed with other types of investments, such as stocks or bonds. Additionally, gold IRA holders can only purchase gold through an authorized custodian for their gold IRA, which can be frustrating if investors already have gold on hand.

Are Gold IRAs Right for Me?

When considering if a gold IRA is the right fit for you, it's important to understand that these savings plans are more complicated than your traditional IRA. They involve a custodian, a dealer (or dealers), and a depository. Custodians and dealers both advertise gold IRAs and often have existing relationships they guide you to for the other services.

While investment professionals often allocate a certain percentage of their portfolios to gold as a hedge against inflation and a portfolio diversification strategy, some gold IRA companies do not prevent clients from putting 100% of their existing IRA into precious metals. When it comes to the less regulated physical precious metals market, it may be worth seeking the advice a fee-based financial advisor.

How to Choose a Gold IRA

Considering which gold IRA is best for you demands careful consideration and due diligence. Here are the key steps to follow when choosing the right gold IRA company that aligns with your investment objectives:

  1. Research and compare companies:Begin by researching reputable gold IRA companies. Look for firms with a solid track record, positive customer reviews, and industry accreditation. Compare fees, storage options, buyback policies, and the range of precious metals offered.
  2. Consider your investment goals:Assess your investment objectives. Are you seeking wealth preservation, portfolio diversification, or protection against economic uncertainty? Understanding your goals will help tailor your gold IRA strategy.
  3. Verify company reputation and security:Check the company's reputation through consumer advocacy sites, Better Business Bureau ratings, and industry associations. Ensure it adheres to IRS regulations and has robust security measures in place.
  4. Evaluate storage options:Research the company's storage methods. Ensure it offers segregated, insured, and IRS-approved storage options. Transparency in storage practices is crucial for safeguarding your precious metals.
  5. Review fees and costs:Compare fees, including any setup, annual maintenance, and storage fees. A reputable company will provide transparent fee structures without hidden costs. Balance costs with the quality of services offered.
  6. Understand the minimum investment requirements: The gold IRA companies covered here have minimum investment requirements of between $20,000 and $50,000. However, requirements across the entire industry can range from just a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Make sure to check the minimum investment requirement of the companies you're considering and choose one that aligns best with your investment goals.
  7. Assess customer service and support:Test the company's customer service. Are representatives knowledgeable, responsive, and willing to address your queries? Reliable customer support is vital for a smooth gold IRA experience.
  8. Understand buyback policies:Familiarize yourself with the company's buyback policies. A flexible buyback program ensures liquidity, allowing you to sell your precious metals when needed.

How to Open a Gold IRA

Investors seeking to open a gold IRA should understand that it is a more intricate process encumbered by many rules and regulations set by the IRS. However, gold IRAs offer many benefits that investors value.

Here are the steps needed to open a gold IRA:

  1. Select a gold IRA custodian: To open a gold IRA, investors must select an IRS-approved custodian. Investors can expect the custodian to help set up the account and complete the required paperwork to establish the IRA. Most gold IRA custodians handle the process from start to finish. This means the company can help facilitate the purchase of your gold and ship it to a depository to be stored. However, many investors can choose where they buy gold and where it is stored, so long as it's an IRS-approved company. So, it's important for investors to research each company's terms and processes that align with the investor's expectations and investing style.
  2. Fund your gold IRA: Once the gold IRA is set, investors will need to fund the account. Investors can wire or mail a check or roll over an existing IRA or 401(k) to fund the account. It's important to note that gold IRAs abide by the same contribution limits set by the IRS as traditional and Roth IRAs.For example, the gold IRA contribution limit for 2024, is $7,000, and $8,000 for investors over 50.
  3. Select a depository: Investors must choose where they intend to store their gold investments securely. Most custodians have either partnered with a depository to streamline the process for investors or will recommend one. However, investors can use a depository of their choosing so long as it’s an IRS-approved institution. Investors cannot hold their gold in its physical form or combine it with other IRA accounts that invest in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
  4. Purchase gold: Once your funds have settled in your gold IRA account, you can direct the custodian to buy gold on your behalf. Investors will have to buy from a dealer that sells IRS-approved gold. The most common types of gold investors choose are gold coins and gold bars. Once the custodian orders the gold and transfers payment to the dealer, the dealer then ships the gold to the depository, where your gold will be recorded for tax purposes and secured.

Is a Gold IRA a Good Investment in 2024?

For an investor to judge if a gold IRA is a good investment in 2024 solely depends on the investor's investment strategy and risk tolerance. Investors wishing to diversify their portfolios with precious metals and hold a hedge against inflation and market volatility will find that a gold IRA can be an excellent fit to meet their financial needs.

However, gold only rises in value through capital appreciation. Active traders and dividend-seeking investors will find a gold IRA a poor investment strategy due to a lack of liquidity and income generation. Investors who do not have a long-term investing strategy to reap the rewards of a gold IRA should look elsewhere.

What Is the Difference Between a Gold IRA and Traditional IRA?

To understand the differences between gold IRAs and traditional IRAs, start by understanding the ways in which they are alike.

Those features that they share have to do with tax rules. To begin with, you can contribute to either type of IRA regardless of your income level. There is no income eligibility cap or phaseout range. Next, contributions to both types of IRAs are with pre-tax money. That is, the money that you contribute is subtracted from your taxable income. You get a tax deduction for that amount. Next, once the money is inside either type of IRA, it grows tax-deferred–its earnings are not taxed year by year.

Another similarity that is also anchored in tax rules is this: both types of IRAs are available in Roth formats. You can set up a gold IRA so that you contribute to it with after-tax money. While you don’t get an upfront tax deduction using this method, you do get to withdraw contributions at any time free from tax or penalty. And you get to withdraw qualified earnings tax-free, too.

Additional Benefits to a Gold IRA

The benefits to a gold IRA do not end with tax advantages. Another valuable reason for using a gold IRA is that it diversifies your retirement savings portfolio.Typically viewed as a safe haven asset, gold has a long history of offering diversification in a well-rounded investment portfolio. That can be especially appealing to investors during periods of economic or geopolitical uncertainty.

“Gold is a non-correlated asset to equities, fixed income and cryptocurrencies,” said Paul Schatz, president of Heritage Capital and treasurer of the National Association of Active Investment Managers (NAAIM). “To some investors, that has broad appeal.”

Other Differences Between a Gold IRA and a Traditional IRA

The main distinction between the two varieties of IRAs stems from the fact that the gold IRA is specialized. Because of this, you must use a specialized custodian to open one.Only a specialty custodian or firm can handle the documentation and reporting for tax purposes necessary to maintain a gold IRA. The account itself is a variety of IRA known as a self-directed IRA, often referred to as an SDIRA. The custodian is usually a bank or a brokerage with expertise in overseeing these accounts as well as in the physical handling of precious metals.One important downside is that those specialty custodians customarily charge higher fees than ordinary IRAs because of their extra paperwork and the costs of purchasing and storing the actual metal.

Alternatives to a Gold IRA

If you want some of the portfolio effects of holding gold without having to hold physical gold, you can gain exposure through financial market instruments.

  • Gold and precious metal ETFs: These funds offer the same hedging qualities as physical gold but provide additional benefits that investors may appreciate. For example, Gold and precious metal ETFs have a wide variety of diversification; investors will find that most major brokerage platforms will have these funds available. Also, unlike physical gold, ETFs are traditionally more liquid, meaning when an investor is ready to sell their shares, they will find it easier to do so than physical gold, as physical gold is considered an illiquid investment.
  • Gold futures: Futures are legal contracts that bind the buyer and seller to fulfill a commodity order where the price and date are agreed upon between the two parties.
  • Gold options on futures: For a premium, investors can place calls or put options on futures contracts. Doing so will allow the investor the right but not the obligation to purchase the futures contract. This will protect the investor in case the price of the futures contract is not profitable. The investor can let the contract expire worthless without significant loss to their portfolio.
  • Gold mining stocks: This alternative does not directly involve investing in gold but rather in the operation of extracting it. Although investors may have to consider gold's price volatility and the profitability of the gold mining companies in which they look to invest, these investments are still worth considering for their outsized growth potential and available dividends.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Does a Gold IRA Work?

    A gold IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account that allows individuals to invest in physical gold in their IRA instead of typical assets like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Unfortunately, the two accounts cannot be combined and must be separate. Investors looking to establish their gold IRA should do so from an approved financial institution that offers the gold IRA service known as a custodian.

    You must also establish an IRS-approved third-party depository. Once the depository is set, you can buy gold from a precious metal dealer and have it sent to your depository, where it will be kept safe and documented for tax purposes. The value of your gold IRA will increase and decrease according to the gold market.

  • What Does a Gold IRA Cost?

    Generally, there are three sets of fees charged with a gold IRA. A one-time account setup fee can range from $50 to $150. There's also an annual administrative or custodial fee, ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the account's size. Storage fees are charged by the depository ranging from $50 to $300 annually, depending on the amount of gold being stored. It is important to understand that dealer, custodian, and depository fees may all be separately charged rather than a single account fee from one entity. Your custodian, for example, may charge an overall percentage fee based on assets under management along with processing and other fees. Before transferring assets into a gold IRA, it is important to get a full picture of the fees being charged by all entities involved.

  • Do You Pay Taxes on a Gold IRA?

    Yes, you do have to pay taxes on investments made in your Gold IRA. These self-directed accounts offer investors the same tax benefits as ordinary IRAs, allowing long-term investments to accumulate tax-free until retirement. Contributions may be tax deductible, and are deferred until distributions are taken after you turn 59½. Also similar to traditional IRAs, taxes also apply if you take an early distribution (before age 59½), at which time a 10% early withdrawal penalty will also be levied.

  • Should I Buy Gold Bullion or Gold Coins?

    While bullion and coins are essentially valued in the same way—per ounce based on the spot price of gold—sovereign coins may be the safer choice. Generally, well-known sovereign coins, such as the American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf, are easily recognizable and easier to buy and sell, and they tend to sell at higher premiums than bullion bars. Small bullion bars (1 oz) are harder to sell back, and themarkups are higher.

  • Where Should I Store My Gold?

    You must store the gold in a gold IRA in an IRS-approved depository; you can’t keep it in a safety deposit box, home safe, or under your mattress. A gold IRA company's role is to facilitate setting up the IRA and purchasing the gold coins or bullion. The investor must still find a custodian and a secure depository for their gold. Many gold IRA companies partner with a custodian, and either the custodian or the gold IRA company might select a depository.

  • Are Gold IRA Companies Trustworthy?

    While the looser regulations around precious metals may indeed attract more bad actors, there are good and bad companies in every industry. Gold IRA companies are actually a combination of three companies in that there is a custodian, a dealer, and a depository that may be affiliated but operate independently with their own practices and fees. Reputation matters a lot in finding a good set of companies to setup and maintain a gold IRA, so that is why we weigh BBB ratings and time in the business so highly. There are few standard disclosures to help investors in this space and plenty of borderline practices like offering something free to get customers in the door and using high pressure tactics to sell. The use of commissioned sales agents under vague titles like metals specialist or financial service agent is also not uncommon. Whether these tactics make a company untrustworthy is a personal opinion.

  • Does Fidelity Have a Gold IRA?

    Yes, Fidelity offers a gold IRA that allows investors to hold the precious metal in their retirement portfolio, but there are limitations. Due to federal laws and restrictions, investors can only purchase Gold American Eagle and Gold American Buffalo coins for their Fidelity Gold IRA. It's important to note that the gold you own in your Fidelity Gold IRA is stored with a third-party custodian called FideliTrade, which ensures its safekeeping. Determining if you should get a gold IRA depends on your investment objective and level of risk tolerance.

  • How Do I Start a Gold IRA?

    Anyone who has earned income, or is the spouse of a wage earner, is eligible to open a precious metals IRA. Unfortunately, opening a self-directed IRA and investing in precious metals is not as straightforward as opening atraditional orRoth IRA. The steps required to do so are as follows:

    1. Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian

    2. Identify a Precious Metals Dealer

    3. Select Which Form of Physical Gold You Want to Purchase

    4. Find a Depository

    5. Complete the Purchase

    Once these steps have been completed, your IRA custodian will take care of the payments, and your dealer will ship the physical investments to the depository.

How We Picked the Best Gold IRA Companies

There are many factors to consider when choosing a gold IRA company. With your future financial security at stake, the most crucial consideration is the reputation and integrity of the company you entrust to facilitate your gold purchase. We reviewed 18 companies based on their consumer ratings, using the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Consumer Affairs, and selected companies with the highest ratings from each (A+ with BBB and five stars with CA).

Guide to Gold IRAs

Learn more about Gold IRA companies:

  • What Is a Gold IRA?
  • Should You Get a Gold IRA?
  • How to Invest in Gold and Silver
  • How to Buy Gold With Your 401(k)
  • How to Open an IRA
  • Best Roth IRA Accounts
  • Best Self Directed IRA Companies
  • Best Mutual Funds for Roth IRAs
  • Best Bitcoin IRA Companies

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

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  24. Patriot Gold Group. "Get The FREE 2023 Gold IRA Kit Americans Are Using to Protect Their Retirement Savings."

  25. U.S. Code. "26 USC §408(m): Investments in Collectibles Treated as Distributions."

  26. Internal Revenue Service. "Issue Snapshot—Investments in Collectibles in Individually-Directed Qualified Plan Accounts."

  27. American Bullion, Inc. "Facts Concerning 'Home Storage IRA'"

  28. Fidelity. "Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Trading."

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Related Terms

Life Expectancy Method: Overview, Types, and Example

The life expectancy method calculates IRA payments by dividing the balance of a retirement account by the policyholder’s anticipated length of life.

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Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS): What It Is, How It Works

The CSRS provided the retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for most U.S. civilian service employees working for the federal government.

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After-Tax Contribution: Definition, Rules, and Limits

An after-tax contribution is a deposit into a retirement account of money that has been taxed in the year in which it was paid into the account.

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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): What Is Is and How It Works

The thrift savings plan (TSP) is a retirement investment program open only to federal employees and members of the uniformed services.

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72(t) Rule: Definition, Calculation, and Example

Rule 72(t), issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), allows for penalty-free withdrawals from an IRA account and other certain tax-advantaged accounts.

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Cliff Vesting in Estate Planning: What It Means, Examples

In cliff vesting, employees receive full benefits from their retirement plan account at a certain date, versus becoming vested gradually over time.

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5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024 (2024)

FAQs

5 Best Gold IRA Companies for September 2024? ›

A reputable company will provide transparent fee structures without hidden costs. Balance costs with the quality of services offered. Understand the minimum investment requirements: The gold IRA companies covered here have minimum investment requirements of between $20,000 and $50,000.

What is the most trustworthy gold IRA company? ›

The 10 best gold IRA companies
  • Allegiance Gold. ...
  • Lear Capital. ...
  • Orion Metal Exchange. ...
  • American Bullion. ...
  • Birch Gold Group. ...
  • Apmex. ...
  • Goldco. Goldco is a privately held company based in California. ...
  • American Hartford Gold. American Hartford Gold was founded in 2015, and it's based in California.

How to choose a gold IRA company? ›

A reputable company will provide transparent fee structures without hidden costs. Balance costs with the quality of services offered. Understand the minimum investment requirements: The gold IRA companies covered here have minimum investment requirements of between $20,000 and $50,000.

What IRA custodian specializes in gold investments? ›

Summary: The Best Gold IRAs
CompanyForbes Advisor RatingLEARN MORE
Silver Gold Bull3.2Learn More Via partner site
American Hartford Gold2.3
Rosland Capital2.1Learn More Via partner site
Birch Gold Group2.1Learn More Via partner site
5 more rows
Aug 29, 2024

Are gold backed IRAs a good idea? ›

Pros of a Gold IRA

During times of inflation and volatile markets, some investors use gold to hedge against uncertainties. “Gold IRAs can be a great way to diversify your retirement portfolio and protect your savings,” Ryan said. Precious metal investments may also be used as part of a long-term savings strategy.

What is the most reputable online gold dealer? ›

Best Online Gold Dealers
  1. Best for Transparent Pricing: American Hartford Gold Group. ...
  2. Best for Fast Account Opening: Priority Gold. ...
  3. Best for a Variety of Investment Options: Advantage Gold. ...
  4. Best for Experience Precious Metals Investors: Preserve Gold. ...
  5. Best for Diverse Options: American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX)
Sep 6, 2024

How much are gold IRA fees? ›

In general, you should expect to pay about $50 for application fees. Account fee: With a gold IRA, you'll have to pay an annual account fee to cover the cost of bookkeeping and administrative expenses. Fees vary based on how much money you have in the account, but it can range from $75 to hundreds of dollars per year.

Which is better Patriot Gold Group or Goldco? ›

Both offer services to enhance your financial portfolio with gold and silver. Goldco appeals with no setup fee, while Patriot Gold Group, despite higher fees, excels in customer service and quality. Your decision should be informed by their offerings, fees, and your personal investment objectives.

How much money do you need to start a gold IRA? ›

You don't need as much as you might think to start a gold IRA. For newly established accounts, there's a minimum of $5,000. This minimum doubles to $10,000 for transfers or rollovers from other IRAs. These requirements ensure investors are getting a worthwhile return on their investment.

Does Fidelity have a gold IRA? ›

IRAs are subject to federal laws and restrictions governing their investments in precious metals. The only precious metals permitted to be purchased in a Fidelity IRA are: Gold American Eagle (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/ 10 oz) Gold American Buffalo (1 oz)

Is there a free gold IRA kit? ›

To start investing in a Gold IRA, choose a reputable gold investment company that offers a free gold IRA kit. This kit typically includes detailed information on Gold IRAs, the benefits of precious metals as an investment, and how to start your investment.

How do you cash in a gold IRA? ›

The process to sell Gold IRAs is as follows:
  1. Contact the Certified Gold Exchange at 800-776-7253.
  2. Request a portfolio buyback value.
  3. Provide all necessary information and documentation.
  4. Review the purchase valuation and confirm it's fair.
  5. We'll complete the required paperwork for you to sign.
Mar 19, 2024

Do you pay tax on gold IRA? ›

Investors who are under age 59 1/2 and make a withdrawal from their IRA will pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Investors over age 73 who use pretax and SEP-IRAs must take required minimum distributions (RMDs). Gold IRA owners who make qualified withdrawals from a gold IRA are also subject to capital gains tax.

Can I store my gold IRA at home? ›

The idea is that investors can open a self-directed IRA and keep the gold at home, rather than store it elsewhere. While that may sound like a strategy that saves money and gives investors more control over their assets' location, it's not allowed, according to Internal Revenue Service rules.

Does Schwab have a gold IRA? ›

While Charles Schwab does not offer Gold IRAs, their customers can still add some precious metals exposure to their portfolio or retirement account. However, it will look quite different than actually opening a Gold IRA where you'll be able to hold physical gold and silver bars and coins.

What is the safest gold investment? ›

Instead, the average gold investor should consider gold-oriented mutual funds and ETFs, as these securities generally provide the easiest and safest way to invest in gold. Larger investors seeking direct exposure to the price of gold can buy gold directly through bullion.

What is the safest IRA to have? ›

Fidelity is the best all-around full-service broker thanks to its combination of IRA account types, investment offerings, research, and customer support. For investors who need help with their IRAs, Charles Schwab is the best IRA for beginners, while Merrill Edge provides the most access to human advisors.

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