Precious metals held inside an IRA must remain under the control of a qualified trustee or custodian and be stored through an eligible depository arrangement. Zaner’s website supports precious-metals IRAs, and its IRA pathway has directed users to New Direction Trust Company, but clients should verify the current custodian and storage partners before opening an account. 

Zaner does not clearly publish the depository name, the choice between segregated and commingled storage, or insurance limits. Investors should request the custody agreement and confirm where the metals will be held, how holdings are recorded, what insurance applies and what happens when taking an in-kind distribution. Personal possession or home storage of IRA-owned bullion can jeopardize the account’s tax treatment.

Our review process examines the costs that affect long-term value, the breadth and IRA eligibility of the product catalog, the clarity of custody and storage arrangements, access to knowledgeable support, and evidence of an established reputation. 

Fees and transparency receive substantial weight because spreads, annual charges and liquidation costs can materially affect returns. Product selection, storage safeguards, service quality and track record are then scored using the same framework across providers. When information is not publicly disclosed, we do not replace it with an unverified estimate; the lack of transparency is reflected in the relevant score.