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Best Gold IRA Companies in 2024

401k to gold

Last Updated: December 8, 2024   

With high inflation and the stock market teetering, it is no wonder so many investors from  Virginia are diversifying their portfolios. Those who have all their money tied up in the stock market could lose everything in the event of a crash.

One of the best ways to diversify your investment portfolio is to invest in precious metals like gold and silver. Many people are investing in gold IRAs because they offer a hedge against volatility in the stock market.

We have conducted extensive research and discovered the best gold IRA companies. Keep reading to learn this information and everything you need to know about investing in gold. Investing in a gold IRA allows you to secure your financial future and remove the stress you feel not knowing what will happen with the stock market in the coming years.

Our Research Approach

Before getting into our list of the best gold IRA companies, we feel it is only fair to inform you of our research efforts. We take a very conservative approach to research.
As we conducted our research, we knew stringent guidelines had to be in place so we could create a list of the best gold IRA companies available. The following details our strategic research process and how we listed each of the gold IRA companies in order.

With so many gold IRA companies rising, we wanted to be sure we picked the very best. We first listed high-profile companies, those talked about most on social media platforms, gold investment forums, and television.

Next, we researched gold IRA review sites and listed the ones we saw mentioned most favorably. Finally, we narrowed our list down to the top five companies to delve into deeply and learned as much as possible about each one.

The top consumer review sites are:

  • The Better Business Bureau
  • Business Consumer Alliance
  • Trustlink

Any company can look good on paper, but we wanted to see for ourselves how well each of these companies stood up to the reviews we had seen. We spent time talking to each company as mystery shoppers, working to gather more information and gauging how well each responded to our questions and concerns. We wanted to know how knowledgeable the representatives are.

Learning about a company requires dedicated research. In our approach, we surveyed each company’s website, delving as deeply as possible into their offerings. We wanted to see which companies stood out from the rest with unique selling points.

We conducted a thorough side-by-side comparison of each gold IRA company in our list. We read each review and compiled the numbers of negative reviews and complaints while comparing the numbers for each company.

We also identified those companies that had the highest number of positive reviews. We also identified any recurring issues listed in multiple complaints and poor reviews to get a better picture of the level of service each gold IRA company offers.

The following are some of the criteria we were looking for when determining our top five list

  • Highest customer service levels
  • Highest level of expertise
  • Highest mentions of ease of use

Fees are important to consumers. After all, none of us want to pay more than we have to for products and services. We conducted a systematic comparison and used the information we discovered as part of the ranking process.

When reading most consumer reviews, you will see a rating of 1 to 5 stars. Based on our research, we used this typical rating system to evaluate each company as a whole.

We Made a List of the Gold IRA Companies We Wanted to Evaluate

With so many gold IRA companies rising, we wanted to be sure we picked the very best. We first listed high-profile companies, those talked about most on social media platforms, investment forums, and television.

Next, we researched gold IRA review sites and listed the ones we saw mentioned most favorably. Finally, we narrowed our list down to the top five companies to delve into deeply and learned as much as possible about each one.

We Checked Each Company on the 3 Major Consumer Review Sites

The top consumer review sites are:
  • The Better Business Bureau
  • Business Consumer Alliance
  • Trustlink

We Made Phone Calls to Each Company as Potential Customers

Any company can look good on paper, but we wanted to see for ourselves how well each of these companies stood up to the reviews we had seen. We spent time talking to each company as mystery shoppers, working to gather more information and gauging how well each responded to our questions and concerns. We wanted to know how knowledgeable the representatives are.

We Researched Each Gold IRA Website

Learning about a company requires dedicated research. In our approach, we surveyed each company’s website, delving as deeply as possible into their offerings. We wanted to see which companies stood out from the rest with unique selling points.

We Conducted a Side-By-Side Comparison of the Fee Structures

We conducted a thorough side-by-side comparison of each gold IRA company in our list. We read each review and compiled the numbers of negative reviews and complaints while comparing the numbers for each company.

We also identified those companies that had the highest number of positive reviews. We also identified any recurring issues listed in multiple complaints and poor reviews to get a better picture of the level of service each gold IRA company offers.

The following are some of the criteria we were looking for when determining our top five list

  • Highest customer service levels
  • Highest level of expertise
  • Highest mentions of ease of use

Fees are important to consumers. After all, none of us want to pay more than we have to for products and services. We conducted a systematic comparison and used the information we discovered as part of the ranking process.

We Scored Each Gold IRA Company

When reading most consumer reviews, you will see a rating of 1 to 5 stars. Based on our research, we used this typical rating system to evaluate each company as a whole.

Here's Our Top Recommended Gold IRA Providers For 2024

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold earned our #1 position because of their commitment to customer support. This company is not happy unless its customers are happy. They go the extra mile to be supportive and helpful in everything they do.

American Hartford Gold opened its doors in 2015, with Sanford Mann as the founder. Today, Mann is also the Chief Executive Officer. American Hartford focuses on helping its customers purchase precious metals for their IRAs.

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The president of American Hartford Gold is Scott Gerlis.

American Hartford Gold guides people through the process of investing in precious metals. They work to make things easy by handling much of the paperwork. Because they are partnered with the best custodians and depositories, you can rest assured your money is in good hands.

The company has built up a significant reputation in the industry, and you will probably hear people talking about them if you begin researching gold investments or talk amongst your friends.  You may also hear their name brought up as a top gold ira companies for seniors.

At the time of this writing, American Hartford Gold has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. With 361 reviews, American Hartford Gold has 4.94 stars out of five. They have an AA rating on Business Consumer Alliance.

American Hartford Gold is endorsed by big financial experts and celebrities, including Rick Harrison, Bill O’Reilly, and Lou Dobbs. These well-respected men do not endorse just any company.

  • Assistance in opening gold IRAs
  • Assistance in rolling over IRAs
  • Physical delivery of precious metals

When you begin researching a company, learning about the good and bad is critical for making a balanced decision. While no company can offer pure perfection, they should at least check all the boxes for what makes a great gold IRA company.

The following are the pros and cons of working with American Hartford Gold.

PROS
  • The company promises to match any competitor’s prices.
  • American Hartford Gold offers promotions throughout the year. You could be offered up to $3,500 in free metals.
  • The company offers a wealth of educational materials on its website.
  • American Hartford Gold seeks to provide the highest level of customer service.
  • The company offers a favorable buyback program.
CONS
  • American Hartford Gold does not provide pricing or fee information on its website. You will need to contact a customer representative to learn about the prices and fees.
  • At the time of this writing, the company does not ship precious metals outside of the United States.

If you are looking for a solid gold IRA company to help you with your investments, American Hartford Gold could be the right choice. American Hartford Gold seeks to provide the highest level of customer service and even offers a price match guarantee. We feel they deserve the #1 spot in our top five list of gold IRA companies.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, American Hartford Gold review.

Bottom Line on American Hartford Gold

If you are looking for a solid gold IRA company to help you with your investments, American Hartford Gold could be the right choice. American Hartford Gold seeks to provide the highest level of customer service and even offers a price match guarantee. We feel they deserve the #1 spot in our top five list of gold IRA companies.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, American Hartford Gold review.

Goldco

Goldco is our #2 choice because of its excellent level of customer service. We feel this company deserves the number one spot because they work so diligently to educate the public and provide consistent guidance to its customers.

Goldco is a gold IRA company specializing in educating the public about the benefits of diversifying their portfolios with precious metals. The company assists its customers in setting up new precious metal IRAs or rolling over their existing retirement plans into gold IRAs.

Founded more than a decade ago by Trevor Gerszt, the company has risen to great heights over the years, with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.

Goldco is headquartered in Calabasas, California. The company offers gold and silver IRAs, physical coins, 401(k) accounts, and various retirement products. With 1000+ 5-star reviews, Goldco routinely surpasses ethical standards in the industry.

Goldco is the only gold IRA company presently endorsed by trusted celebrities, such as Chuck Norris, Sean Hannity, Stew Peters, and Ben Stein. The company is on a mission to help Americans achieve a higher level of financial independence.

One of the reasons Goldco is so respected is because of its excellent customer service approach. When you decide to invest in precious metal, the company holds your hand every step of the way, making it as easy as possible to advance.

Goldco has been awarded countless honors, including being listed in Inc 5000's distinguished list of Fastest Growing Companies. The Los Angeles Business Journal has ranked Goldco in the top 25 fastest-growing companies in LA.

Signing up with Goldco is simple. Investor Kits typically ship within 2 to 3 business days. Once you decide to invest in gold, a Goldco IRA specialist will work one-on-one with you every step of the way.

A Goldco IRA representative will work directly with your custodian to transfer the funds to the new self-directed IRA. With their vast selection of IRS-approved precious metals, purchasing for your account is straightforward.

Goldco consistently offers promotions that are available for a limited time. The company provides these promotions because they want to help as many people as possible begin to protect their financial futures. Goldco sometimes offers a promotion that covers 100% of the fees for the first year.

It is also worth noting that Goldco has one of the most generous buy-back programs in the industry. They never refuse to buy back precious metals from their customers.

When their customers are ready to cash in, Goldco makes the process easy, offering a mutually beneficial transaction that gives their customers cash and the inventory necessary to continue selling precious metals. 

They can even help you rollover a 401k into gold with no penalty.

  • Precious metal IRAs
  • Buyers of gold and silver
  • Sells precious metal products, including coins, bullion, and jewelry
  • Database of knowledge
  • Precious metal IRAs
  • Buyers of gold and silver
  • Sells precious metal products, including coins, bullion, and jewelry
  • Database of knowledge

Research is critical when considering a gold IRA company, but not everyone has time to spend hours upon hours scouring the Internet for information. We have spent extensive time working to gather information to share with you.

A balanced view will help you decide which gold IRA company is right for you. Consider the pros and cons below.

PROS
  • White Glove Service
  • Top Customer Service Ratings
  • Unheard of Buy-Back Program
  • Customized Services
  • Premier Educational Opportunities
  • First Year Fee Possibly Waived
  • Specialized Storage Options
  • Offers Palladium & Platinum
CONS
  • Goldco requires $25,000 to get started.

We have researched countless gold IRA companies, and in our opinion, Goldco is great. They deserve the number two spot because of their consistent dedication to customer service. Although there are other good gold IRA companies, none of them reach the top bar Goldco has raised with their customer service rating.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Goldco review.

Bottom Line on Goldco

We have researched countless gold IRA companies, and in our opinion, Goldco is great. They deserve the number two spot because of their consistent dedication to customer service. Although there are other good gold IRA companies, none of them reach the top bar Goldco has raised with their customer service rating.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Goldco review.

birch gold logo

Birch Gold Group

Birch Gold Group earned our number 3 position. They offer one of the least pushy approaches to helping potential investors pursue gold IRA rollovers. However, they seem to lack the fee transparency of some other gold IRA companies.

Birch Gold Group was started in 2003 and is operated by some of the most knowledgeable names in the industry, including professionals from IBM and Citigroup. Each team member is ready, willing, and able to help customers start the process of investing and seeing greater financial success.

The company is headquartered in Burbank, California. The company also has offices in Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

Since its operations began, the company has risen to become one of the industry's most respectable gold IRA companies. Birch has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an AAA rating from Business Consumer Alliance. On Trustlink, they have the highest rating available, at 5 out of 5 stars.

Birch Gold Group specializes in helping new investors roll over their existing retirement accounts into gold IRAs. The company has partnered with some of the top custodians in the industry, including STRATA Trust and Equity Trust.

One of the many reasons Birch receives such glowing customer reviews is because they talk to their customers instead of trying to sell them. Birch has made it its mission to educate the public on the advantages of investing in precious metal IRAs.

To ensure they meet the educational needs of the public, Birch employs an expert panel that hosts The Market Report. This show analyzes daily news on the current state of the precious metal industry.

Like the other gold IRA companies on our list thus far, Birch Gold Group provides potential investors with a free information kit. They also offer new investors links to exclusive interviews and informative videos. Here, you will find an exclusive interview with former senator Ron Paul, the CEO of Forbes Inc.

The free kit is full of valuable information that new investors will find helpful. You will also find the answers to most of your questions in this kit.

The Birch Gold Group website offers a wealth of information to help new investors, including a ticker at the top that offers current information on the prices of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum.

Birch also sells gold, silver, palladium, and platinum coins and bars. Investors can purchase through a gold IRA or for their personal storage, depending on how they want to invest.

If investing in personal storage outside of a gold IRA, investors will send payment to Birch Gold Group. Those who want to invest through a gold IRA must work with a custodian.

The company offers excellent promotions, including the opportunity to get up to $10,000 in free precious metals with an approved purchase. Throughout their nearly two decades of service in the gold industry, Birch has acquired thousands of 5-star ratings from over 12,000 satisfied customers across the country.

The company has been endorsed by the likes of Ben Shapiro. Birch Gold Group waives the fees for all accounts over $50,000. Purchases of at least $10,000 come with free shipping.

  • Birch assists investors in rolling over their retirements to gold IRA
  • They sell precious metal products, including bullion and coins
  • Database of knowledge
  • Buyer of gold and silver

We cannot say it enough; a balanced approach to reviewing gold IRAs is essential. We have worked tirelessly to offer you all the information you need to make an informed decision on your gold IRA company. Consider the pros and cons of Birch Gold Group.

PROS
  • One of the Lowest Minimum Gold IRA Investments
  • Waived Fees and Free Precious Metals (On qualifying accounts and purchases)
  • Opportunities to Purchase Precious Metals for Personal Storage
  • Extensive Educational Opportunities
  • Free Investor Kit
CONS
  • Birch Gold Group lacks the fee transparency of some other gold IRA companies.
  • Doesn't Guarantee a Buyback
  • Only Serves US Investors

Birch Gold Group offers one of the lowest investment minimums for gold IRAs, making investment more accessible to new investors. They have earned a solid spot in our top five list of the best gold IRA companies. What they lack in fee transparency on their website, they make up for in low investment options.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Birch Gold Group review.

Bottom Line on Birch Gold Group

Birch Gold Group offers one of the lowest investment minimums for gold IRAs, making investment more accessible to new investors. They have earned a solid spot in our top five list of the best gold IRA companies. What they lack in fee transparency on their website, they make up for in low investment options.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Birch Gold Group review.

noble gold logo

Noble Gold

Noble Gold comes in at #4 our top five list at position number five. We placed them here because they are a reasonably new company compared to others on our list, and they do not have as long of a track record.

The company opened its operations in 2016. However, the company has a low investment minimum, making them more accessible to new investors without much working capital. They offer the lowest gold IRA investment minimum of $2,000. You will be hard-pressed to find another gold IRA company with such a minimum.

The president and CEO of the company is Collin Plume. He has over 15 years of experience in precious metal investments. After realizing the need to help people secure their financial futures, he joined a precious metals firm and quickly rose to become one of the top brokers in the United States.

Noble Gold believes trust is everything in the gold IRA industry. Without trust, there is nothing. The company is accredited by both the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs Alliance.

The goal of Noble Gold is to ensure their customers have the information they need to make wise gold IRA investment moves. Unlike some precious metal investment companies, Noble Gold does not take a hard-sell approach to help customers roll over to gold IRAs. They are a smaller, family-owned and operated company.

The company also provides a solid no-qualms buy-back program. Once you decide to cash in, they will buy back your precious metals with no hassles. The company guarantees they will offer the highest buy-back prices.

Noble Gold has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. The company was honored with the Company of the Year Award in 2021.

One of the reasons Noble Gold has such a glowing customer rating is because of its dedicated approach to helping its customers invest in gold IRAs. They make the process so easy even the newest investors will find it simple.

Although the company has not been around long, you will find its name consistently pops up in gold IRA investment circles.

  • Gold and silver IRAs
  • Precious metal storage for non-IRS products
  • A wide array of precious metal products
  • Buyers of gold and silver

While we understand no gold IRA company will check every box for every person, they should offer consistency and a high level of customer service. Below, you will find Noble Gold’s pros and cons to give you the information you need for pursuing a gold IRA investment.

PROS
  • Excellent Customer Service
  • One-on-One Guidance
  • Guaranteed Best-Price Buy-Back Program
  • Free Gold IRA Guide
  • Fair Non-IRS Precious Metal Storage
CONS
  • Their website is not very forthcoming regarding their fees
  • They are a much newer company compared to others we researched

Noble Gold is one of the new kids on the block and is a smaller operation than some of the more prominent gold IRA companies, but that does not mean they lack knowledge and a solid approach. The company has already achieved glowing customer reviews while being in business for less than ten years.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Noble Gold review.

Bottom Line on Noble Gold

Noble Gold is one of the new kids on the block and is a smaller operation than some of the more prominent gold IRA companies, but that does not mean they lack knowledge and a solid approach. The company has already achieved glowing customer reviews while being in business for less than ten years.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Noble Gold review.

augusta precious metals logo

Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta is a gold IRA company that we listed in our number 5 spot. Its ease of setup and transparency is great. Through our research, we and many others have discovered Augusta does around 95% of the work for you, making their approach much easier than some companies.
Augusta is headquartered in Casper, Wyoming. From the very beginning, the company has focused on transparency, offering precious metal IRAs. Augusta's celebrity ambassador is Joe Montana, and he is also a customer.

The company was founded in 2012 by Isaac Nuriani. Augusta is a family-owned and operated business offering a customer-centric approach to gold IRAs. The company's goal is to make investing as easy as possible for its customers.

Since its opening, Augusta has taken the gold IRA industry to new heights, garnering an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, and Trustlink's highest rating.

Unlike some gold IRA companies, Augusta receives some of the highest marks in customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google Reviews. While no company can please everyone, Augusta has undoubtedly made it its mission to exceed customer expectations.

Augusta partners with some of the best custodian companies in the industry, including Kingdom Trust, Equity Trust, and GoldStar Trust. This partnership helps customers determine if their gold IRA is eligible for a rollover.

The setup process could not be more straightforward with Augusta. There are only three steps to take, and the company handles most of your paperwork. Like many other gold IRA companies on our list, Augusta offers a free Gold IRA Investor Kit.

Augusta also offers a very fair buy-back program for its customers who decide to sell their gold and silver. The company offers competitive prices for all its buy-backs.

Augusta's website contains a wealth of information to help new gold IRA investors get started. The company's goal is to educate the public on the value of investing in a gold IRA for a better financial future. Augusta continuously adds new information, and each customer is assigned their own account manager.

After you finalize your gold purchase, your new assets will arrive at your chosen facility within 7 to 10 days. Their storage facilities are located throughout the United States, including Salt Lake City, Utah, Springfield Gardens, New York, and Jackson, Ohio.

The company also sells precious metals outside of IRAs. Unlike some companies, Augusta offers its customers 100% insured shipments at no extra cost. Upon purchasing, your precious metals are shipped securely to your home, though Augusta does advise its customers against storing their precious metals at home.

Augusta is one of the few that sets up a personalized web conference for each interested potential customer. The company is also committed to providing a lifetime of support once you make your first transaction.

  • Gold and silver IRAs
  • Sells precious metal products, including coins and bullion
  • Buyers of gold and silver
  • Database of knowledge

This would not be a very balanced review if we did not deliver all the details, including the good and bad. The following are the pros and cons of Augusta's services so you can make an informed decision.

PROS
  • Simple Process
  • High Level of Customer Service
  • Competitive Buy-Back Program
  • Account Managers
  • Extensive Database of Information
  • Where it says Account Managers, have it say Non Commissioned Account Managers
CONS
  • Augusta requires a minimum investment of $50,000, which may not be attainable for some people, especially if they are new to investing in precious metals.
  • Doesn't Offer Platinum or Palladium

Through careful research, we have discovered Augusta is a trustworthy company that fully deserves the number five position. The company is committed to a high level of customer service, working to remain transparent in its operations. We really like the personalized approach Augusta takes to helping its customers invest in gold IRA.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Augusta Precious Metals review.

Bottom Line on Augusta

Through careful research, we have discovered Augusta is a trustworthy company that fully deserves the number five position. The company is committed to a high level of customer service, working to remain transparent in its operations. We really like the personalized approach Augusta takes to helping its customers invest in gold IRA.

Want more details? Check out our recent, in-depth, Augusta Precious Metals review.

Why Should You Invest in a Gold IRA?

We have all felt the sting of volatile markets. What happens when the stock market begins to rise and fall erratically, especially if all your investments are tied up there? If you are like most people, your heart races a little faster, and you begin to panic. So is gold a good investment?

When the country hits a recession and inflation rises to astronomical heights, you will need an investment that hedges the dangers. We have all seen it happen over and over, such as the recession that hit the US economy in 2007. 

If the dollar gets overly inflated, it rapidly becomes less valuable. A less valuable dollar is the bane of every investor tied up in the stock market. Diversifying your portfolio is one of the key reasons you should consider investing in a gold IRA. 

Historically, gold and precious metals never go down in value like the dollar. In fact, precious metals typically rise in value when the country's economy is struggling. 

As the dollar grows weaker, it stands to reason you need to consider other investment strategies, including investing in a gold IRA. In 2020, gold was at its all-time high, prompting investors to roll over their existing retirement accounts to gold IRA.

Before we give you the steps involved in starting your self-directed gold IRA, there are a few things you need to consider. 

  • Know the type of account you want to open.
  • Know the contribution limits.
  • Know where you will store your gold.
  • Know the fees.

Reasons You Should Invest in Gold IRA Now

  1. Gold offers an inflation hedge that will protect your investment.
  2. Gold has risen in demand over the last few years. 
  3. Gold is protected against deflation, unlike the US dollar.
  4. Gold limits your exposure to times of economic uncertainty.
  5. Gold diversifies your investment portfolio, allowing you to remain in greater control.

Types of Self-Directed Gold IRAs

Many investors these days are investing in precious metals and for a good reason. An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is an investment account that offers substantial tax advantages to investors. Gold IRAs are self-directed, meaning they allow for alternative investments for your retirement savings. 

As a new investor, you have options for gold IRAs. Knowing your options is critical for helping you make wise decisions that will positively impact your investment strategy. Each of these offers valuable benefits to investors.

The most common type of gold IRA you will discover is the traditional gold IRA. With a traditional gold IRA, you can contribute money to your account and deduct the amount from your income when filing your taxes with the IRS. 

During each year you contribute, you will reduce your tax burden. Once you decide to withdraw, you will pay income tax on the total amount you withdraw. 

This type of gold IRA is for those who are self-employed. This gold IRA type operates in much the same way as traditional gold IRAs. Unlike traditional gold IRAs, SEP gold IRAs allow business owners to contribute to their own accounts or employees' accounts.

You also have the option of investing in a Roth gold IRA. This type of IRA is the direct opposite of traditional gold IRAs. Instead of paying income taxes only when you withdraw, you pay them each time you contribute to your IRA. 

When you decide to withdraw the money, you do not have to pay any income taxes because you paid when contributing. While other IRAs restrict withdrawals, Roth IRAs do not. 

Steps for Starting a Self-Directed Gold IRA

Let's discuss how to buy a gold IRA? Investing in a gold IRA is easier than many people realize. Investments will become critical for avoiding financial stress if you are working on planning for your retirement. 

Before we give you the steps involved in starting your self-directed gold IRA, there are a few things you need to consider. 

  • Know the type of account you want to open.
  • Know the contribution limits.
  • Know where you will store your gold.
  • Know the fees.

The first step toward opening a gold IRA account is to find a gold IRA company. You will find the above overviews helpful in determining which company will offer the services you need.

Gold IRA companies help investors start their IRA accounts, transfer funds, purchase precious metals, and ensure their precious metals are shipped securely to an approved depository.

Because gold is becoming more of a popular investment, gold IRA companies are rising in numbers exponentially. You must take care when selecting a gold IRA company. Take your time with the research process, or you could end up being scammed.

Once you have selected a gold IRA company, you must fill out the paperwork to open your IRA account. Most gold IRA companies will help you every step of the way.

Once you open your gold IRA account, you will need to fund it. You will be able to purchase precious metals once you fund your account. You have three options for funding a gold IRA account, including the following.

Cash Contributions

You have the option of funding your gold IRA account with cash, check, or a money wire. Remember that your bank may charge a fee for a money wire. Ask about the fees before you send any money.

Rollovers

If you have an existing retirement account, you can easily roll over to a gold IRA account. All you need to do is contact your current retirement account administrator. The administrator will help you initiate the process of rolling over your account.

If you choose, you can take a cash distribution from your existing retirement account and fund your old IRA account. Keep in mind you must deposit the money within 60 days or face a 10% penalty.

Transfer

You also have the option of account-to-account transfer. You will need to fill out a form given to you by your current account administrator. You may find your gold custodian reaching out to your administrator. These transfers can take up to five days, but they are tax-penalty-free.

Once your gold IRA account has been funded, you will need to select your precious metals. The IRS only allows certain precious metal investments. Be very careful with what you purchase. The following are the IRS Fineness Standards for Gold IRA.

  • Gold must be 99.5% pure or higher.
  • Silver must be 99.9 percent or higher in purity.
  • Platinum and palladium must be 99.95% pure or higher. 
  • All bars, coins, and rounds must come from a certified list of refiners, including the National Government Mint, ISO 9000, LBMA, NYMEX, NYSE/Liffe, TOCOM, LPPM, COMEX, and LBM. 

The process of purchasing precious metals for your gold IRA will vary according to the company that holds your account. Gold IRA firms sell IRS-approved precious metal products.

With some companies, you may need to purchase your precious metals from another retailer. You will direct your custodian to purchase the precious metal investments on your behalf.

Finally, you will be able to monitor the performance of your precious metal investments. Some custodians have a dashboard that makes it simple for investors to track their account performance. Before selecting a custodian, ensure you know what to expect from their updates and insights into your account.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Gold IRA Company

One of the most significant decisions you will make when investing in a gold IRA is to choose the right company. Gold IRA companies help customers through each step in the process of how to invest in a gold IRA

When you select the best gold IRA company, you will have greater peace of mind. The following are some of the criteria you should consider when choosing a company.

One of the first factors to consider when selecting a gold IRA company is the amount of experience they bring to the table. Learn how long the company has been in business. The greater the time in business, the better the expert help you will receive. 

Ideally, you should choose a gold IRA company that has been in business for at least five years. You need to ensure the company has been around long enough to have developed a reputation to gauge the service level you will receive. 

Survey the precious metal selection of the company to learn as much as possible. You need to know about the selection offered to ensure the options are IRS-approved. 

Before selecting a company, peruse their website and look for information on their selection. Many gold IRA companies offer free investment kits that ship right to your door. With these kits, you can learn more about the precious metal selection and other pertinent information to help make your decision.

When working with a gold IRA company, you can generally expect to see at least three fees, though this number can vary according to the company. Learning about the fees you will be charged is paramount when deciding on a gold IRA company. 

The fees you may be charged include the following. 

  • A one-time account setup fee that averages between $50 to $150. (Some gold IRA companies waive the fee for larger initial deposits, so ask about the fees.)
  • Companies will also charge annual administrative fees ranging from $50 to $150. The size of your account will determine this fee. 
  • You will also pay fees to the depository holding your precious metals. The fees for depositories range from $50 to $300 a year. 

The IRS requires you to store your precious metals in a third-party depository. You cannot keep them in your home. Some gold IRA companies offer depository services, while others partner with IRS-approved depositories to arrange for the seamless storage of their customers' precious metal investments. Learn about the storage options before you jump on board.

Whether you are new to investing in gold IRAs or have been doing it for years, you will need guidance at some point. A gold IRA company that does not offer a high level of intuitive customer service will become a problem. 

We highly recommend calling each company and talking with representatives at length to gauge their responsiveness. If the company seems rushed to get off the phone or does not take the time to answer your questions, look elsewhere for your gold IRA needs. 

Every gold IRA company on our list offers a high level of customer service, but Goldco is rated number one specifically for its level of customer service attention. Make sure you select a company that will be there for you every step of the way. 

Investing in a gold IRA can be overwhelming when you first start. Poor advice can lead to hefty penalties from the IRS and many headaches. 

You need a company that is an expert in retirement funds. Researching the company, learning its background, and checking customer reviews are essential for gauging the level of expert service you will receive.

As you pursue a gold IRA company, you will need to know about the setup process before signing up. Most gold IRA companies have worked to streamline their setup processes. 

If the process is overly complicated, you will find it stressful getting started, especially if no real expert help is involved. Check out the simplicity of the setup process and choose accordingly. 

Once you decide to cash in your gold for retirement, you are going to need a buyer. Most gold IRA companies offer fair buy-back programs, though some are fairer than others. 

Out of our list, Noble Gold offers one of the best buy-back programs because they guarantee they will provide the best price. We have seen very few gold IRA companies making that same guarantee.

When choosing any business, customer reviews offer valuable information. Customer reviews are especially essential factors to consider for gold IRA companies because investors are usually quick to inform others if they have been scammed or treated improperly by a company. 

For starters, check with the Better Business Bureau, the Business Consumer Alliance, and Trustlink. You should also check out Google Reviews, Facebook, and other avenues for reviews. 

If the company has a poor reputation among customers, you should steer clear. Although you cannot expect every review to be 100% positive, there should be more positives than negatives. 

Check for cohesiveness in the reviews. If negative reviews consistently mention certain aspects, take notice and weigh your decision carefully. 

Remember that you are investing in your future. This is not a decision you want to take lightly.

Gold has always been a popular investment option, but it has grown in demand over the last decade. As the stock market becomes more and more volatile, people are looking for ways to diversify their investment portfolios, so they avoid losing it all. 

As of 2021, 10.8% of households in the United States have gold as an investment. These numbers will undoubtedly rise as inflation rises and the stock market remains shaky. 

The interest in gold IRAs has increased because people do not want to put all their eggs in one type of basket. Although fears of another Great Depression seem distant, every time the economy stumbles, the fears grow a little more. 

You can always turn gold into cash, no matter what country you visit. Gold continues to be highly valuable because it is used in so many industries, including jewelry, microchips, and industrial applications, among many others. 

As a new investor in a gold IRA, you need to stay informed about the current precious metal prices, so you do not pay more than the current value. There are scammers out there, so stay on your toes and be careful when selecting a gold IRA company to work within your investment pursuit.

How to Select a Precious Metal Depository

Once you have decided to invest in a gold IRA, you will need to select an IRS-approved depository. Depositories are the companies that store precious metals for investors.

When you open up a self-directed IRA, the IRS requires you to store your gold with an approved depository. When you purchase precious metals, they are shipped directly to the depository.

Depositories are physically secure, offering you a safe place to keep your gold until you decide to cash it in. Depositories are also generously insured to protect your investments.

There are a few things you are going to need to consider when selecting a depository. We recommend checking the following factors. It is important to note that many gold IRA companies partner with depositories, making it easier for you to make a selection.

One of the first things you must consider when selecting a gold depository is their storage options. The most secure option for storing gold in a depository is in a segregated account. 

When you store your gold in a segregated account, this means it is stored separately from other investors' gold. When you go to withdraw your gold, you get the exact same coins, bars, and other gold items you bought. 

There are also unallocated storage options. Unallocated means the depository stores all precious metals together. Although you will not get your exact coin back when you withdraw, you will get the same type back.

You will find segregated storage is going to be the most expensive. If you are on a tight budget, consider unallocated. 

You need to carefully research the legal separation structure of the gold depository. If the depository does not take legal ownership of your precious metals, this means they are not liable for any claims brought against them. 

You must make sure the depository has a hefty insurance policy. Many depositories carry a billion or more in insurance coverage. Check the level of coverage before agreeing to store your gold.

You will be required to pay fees to the depository for their services. You can expect to pay an annual storage fee. As noted above, you are going to pay more for segregated storage. You may also be required to pay fees to have your gold shipped to the depository. 

Inquire about the fees before you select a gold depository. Know how much you will have to pay so you can budget accordingly.

FAQs About Gold IRAs

As a new gold IRA investor, we understand you have many questions. We are here to answer your questions so you can better understand what to expect from investing in a gold IRA.

A gold IRA is an Individual Retirement Account that allows account holders to invest in physical gold and other precious metals. A traditional gold IRA is a self-directed IRA. 

This type of IRA offers tax incentives because all contributions are tax-deductible, though you will be required to pay income taxes on the total amount of your withdrawal when the time comes.

Gold IRAs offer sound investment opportunities because gold does not bow to inflation and stock market crashes. Gold IRAs allow you to diversify your investment portfolio, offering greater peace of mind. With gold rising in popularity, now is an excellent time to see about rolling over your retirement account into a gold IRA.

There are many benefits to investing in a gold IRA, including the following.

  • Precious metal IRAs offer diversification.
  • Investing in a gold IRA is like having a life insurance policy.
  • These IRAs keep you in control.
  • There is great growth potential with gold IRAs. 
  • There are tax advantages to gold IRAs.

The immediate projected value of gold shows it will continue to rise, despite economic troubles with inflation and stock market volatility. Though gold prices sometimes fall, it remains a solid investment option for people who want to diversify their investment portfolios. 

Gold remains a hedge during times of economic crisis. If you talk to gold experts, they will tell you the best time to purchase is when the country is in an economic crisis. The value of gold tends to rise significantly during these times.

One of the easiest ways to invest in gold is by rolling over an existing retirement account. You will not have to worry about hefty IRS penalties, and you do not have to store the gold yourself. 

Some people also purchase gold and store it at home, though this is not approved by the IRS for gold IRAs and could be a risk for your personal investment strategy.

Depending on your financial situation and tolerance for risk, you should keep your gold percentage to around 5% to 10% of your portfolio. Feel free to go higher if you feel comfortable.

Gold IRAs allow you to purchase physical gold, but the gold must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Physical gold includes bullion, coins, and bars. 

You should consider investing in a gold IRA because it will diversify your investment portfolio and allow you to hedge your investments with protection that will not be affected by economic troubles.

If you have a self-directed retirement account, you can roll over your account to a gold IRA. You will need to inform the administrator of your retirement account. 

  • Bars and coins minted from gold, silver, palladium, and platinum
  • Exchange-traded funds
  • Stock in gold mining companies
  • Precious metal mutual funds
  • Precious metal commodity futures

At the end of the IRA term, you can take physical possession of your gold. Once you are at least 59 ½, you can sell your precious metals and get cash.

  • Find a gold IRA company
  • Fund your gold IRA account
  • Select your precious metals
  • Monitor the performance

If you have a traditional gold IRA, you will not have to pay taxes on contributions. You will only pay taxes when you withdraw. A Roth IRA requires you to pay taxes when you make contributions, but none are charged when you withdraw.

You can expect to pay fees to the gold IRA company and the depository. You will pay account setup fees and administrative costs to the gold IRA company. You will also pay annual fees to the gold depository. These fees vary significantly among companies, so research carefully.

You have the following options for funding your gold IRA.

  • Cash contributions
  • Rollovers
  • Transfers

You will need to store your gold in an IRS-approved depository. Working with the right gold IRA company will ensure you have help in selecting a depository.

You cannot take a distribution from your gold IRA until you are 59 ½ without a penalty of 10% for early withdrawal.

Any of the companies listed in our review will be good for you. Goldco is our top choice because of their level of customer service. 

  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • Palladium

It takes roughly 60 days to transfer a 401(k) to a gold IRA. If you wait too long, beyond 60 days, you are subject to paying taxes.

Final Thoughts

We hope this report on the best gold IRA companies will help shape your decision-making process. As a new investor, we urge you to practice caution and choose a gold IRA company wisely. 

Gold and other precious metals will help diversify your investment portfolio and help you avoid problems resulting from economic troubles. The right gold IRA company will make the process of investing in gold much easier.