Updated September 2026

Best Gold IRA Companies 2026

We compared several providers on minimums, fees, transparency, and support. Below are five worth considering — with an honest look at the trade-offs of each.

Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you open an account through one of them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This can influence which companies appear and how they are presented. We only feature providers we believe offer genuine value, and we have not reviewed every company available — do your own research before investing.

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Quick pick guide

Match a provider to your situation. Verify all figures before you rely on them.

The Shortlist

Four providers, compared honestly

To help investors narrow down their options, Caracal Gold reviewed leading precious metals and Gold IRA providers based on factors including company reputation, customer experience, product availability, educational resources, account support, and overall value.

1

Augusta Precious Metals

Known for education & service

★★★★★

4.9/5

Annual fees

$200–$250

Minimum

$50,000

BBB Rating

A+

Why we rank them here

Best suited to investors who want a highly guided experience, extensive educational resources, and ongoing account support. Augusta Precious Metals is particularly suitable for larger retirement accounts due to its higher minimum investment requirement.

Read our full analysis

Why We Rank Augusta Precious Metals #1

Augusta Precious Metals earns the #1 position in our Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026 ranking because of its strong emphasis on investor education, personalized assistance, transparent precious metals purchasing process, and long-term customer support.

Rather than positioning a Gold IRA simply as another financial product, Augusta places considerable emphasis on helping prospective customers understand how self-directed IRAs, physical precious metals, custodians, depositories, fees, and IRA rollovers work before they make an investment decision. This education-first approach is one of the primary reasons Augusta stands out among the Gold IRA companies we evaluated for 2026.

The company is particularly well suited to investors who already have a meaningful amount of retirement savings and want hands-on assistance when considering a Gold IRA rollover or transfer. Its $50,000 minimum investment is considerably higher than the entry requirements of some competing precious metals IRA companies, which means Augusta will not be the right choice for everyone. However, investors with larger portfolios may find that its higher minimum is offset by a more guided customer experience.

Another factor contributing to Augusta’s position in our ranking is the company’s focus on ongoing investor education. Gold IRAs can involve several parties—including a precious metals dealer, self-directed IRA custodian and approved storage facility—making the process more complicated than purchasing conventional investments through a standard brokerage account. Augusta’s educational resources are designed to make these mechanics easier to understand.

For investors comparing the best Gold IRA companies in 2026, we believe this level of guidance is particularly important. A Gold IRA provider should not simply help someone purchase precious metals; investors should also be able to clearly understand the costs, rules, storage requirements, risks and practical implications associated with holding physical gold or other eligible precious metals inside a retirement account.

What Makes Augusta Precious Metals Stand Out?

One of Augusta Precious Metals’ biggest differentiators is its emphasis on a high-touch customer experience. Customers can receive assistance throughout different stages of establishing and funding a precious metals IRA, rather than being expected to navigate the process entirely on their own.

Its educational approach can be especially useful for people considering a Gold IRA for the first time. Moving retirement assets from an existing IRA or eligible employer-sponsored retirement plan into a self-directed IRA can initially seem complicated. Investors need to understand the rollover or transfer process, select an appropriate custodian, purchase IRA-eligible precious metals and arrange compliant storage.

Augusta’s model is designed around providing guidance through these stages while giving customers access to educational material before they make purchasing decisions.

The company also has a long-standing A+ profile with the Better Business Bureau, which we consider alongside other factors when evaluating Gold IRA providers. A BBB rating alone does not determine whether a company deserves a top ranking, but reputation, complaint history, transparency and longevity are useful components of a broader due-diligence process.

Augusta Precious Metals Fees and Minimum Investment

The biggest consideration for prospective Augusta customers is its $50,000 minimum investment requirement.

That threshold makes Augusta substantially more appropriate for investors with larger retirement portfolios than people who only want to allocate a relatively small amount to precious metals.

Investors should also understand that a physical Gold IRA can involve several types of expenses. Depending on the custodian, depository and account structure, these can include IRA setup fees, annual administration or custodial fees, precious metals storage costs and the dealer spread associated with purchasing or selling metals.

For our comparison, investors should generally anticipate approximately $200–$250 in recurring annual account-related fees, although exact costs can depend on the custodian, storage arrangement and current fee schedules. Prospective customers should request an up-to-date written fee schedule before opening an account.

Augusta has also promoted qualifying offers that may cover certain fees for eligible customers for an extended period. Such promotions can change, however, so they should be treated as an additional benefit rather than the primary reason for selecting a Gold IRA company.

Who Is Augusta Precious Metals Best For?

We consider Augusta one of the strongest choices for investors who prioritize education and personalized support over having the lowest possible minimum investment.

It may be particularly appealing to someone transferring a larger amount from an existing retirement account who wants to understand the process before proceeding. Investors who are unfamiliar with self-directed IRAs may also appreciate having additional educational resources available to them.

Augusta may therefore be a strong option for:

  • Investors with $50,000 or more available for a precious metals IRA
  • Retirement savers researching their first Gold IRA rollover
  • Investors who value extensive educational resources
  • People who prefer personalized assistance rather than a primarily online purchasing experience
  • Investors seeking an established precious metals company with a long-standing BBB profile
  • People who expect to maintain their precious metals IRA over the long term

The $50,000 minimum, however, means investors with smaller accounts will probably find another company in our 2026 Gold IRA rankings more accessible.

What We Like About Augusta Precious Metals

✓ Strong focus on investor education

Education is arguably Augusta’s most recognizable strength. Instead of concentrating exclusively on selling precious metals, the company provides resources intended to help prospective customers understand precious metals IRAs and the economic arguments commonly associated with owning gold.

✓ Personalized customer support

Augusta offers a comparatively guided experience, which can be valuable for investors who don’t want to navigate custodians, transfers, precious metals purchases and storage arrangements without assistance.

✓ Established reputation

Its long-standing presence and A+ BBB profile provide additional information investors can consider when performing due diligence on precious metals companies.

✓ Suitable for larger Gold IRA rollovers

The company’s service model is particularly relevant to investors considering a significant retirement-account allocation to physical precious metals.

✓ Ongoing account support

Augusta’s customer relationship does not necessarily end after the initial purchase. Access to ongoing assistance can be important because Gold IRAs are generally designed as long-term retirement accounts.

✓ Educational resources before purchasing

We particularly like that prospective customers can learn more about the mechanics and potential risks of precious metals investing before deciding whether to proceed.

What to Watch Out For

✕ $50,000 minimum investment

This is Augusta’s most significant drawback. A $50,000 minimum immediately makes the company inaccessible to many smaller retirement investors.

Someone looking to invest $10,000 or $20,000 in a Gold IRA, for example, will need to consider another provider with a lower minimum.

✕ Not necessarily the best choice for small allocations

Even investors who technically have enough capital may not want to allocate $50,000 to precious metals. Portfolio allocation should be based on an investor’s individual financial circumstances, risk tolerance, objectives and retirement horizon rather than a company’s minimum investment requirement.

✕ Physical precious metals involve additional costs

As with other Gold IRA companies, investors need to account for custodial expenses, storage fees and the spread between precious metals purchase and resale prices. These costs make it important to evaluate a Gold IRA based on total long-term expenses rather than simply the advertised annual account fee.

Our Verdict on Augusta Precious Metals for 2026

Augusta Precious Metals is our #1 Gold IRA company for 2026 for investors seeking a highly guided, education-focused precious metals IRA experience. Its combination of investor education, personalized assistance, established reputation and ongoing account support makes it particularly compelling for people considering larger Gold IRA rollovers.

The trade-off is accessibility. With a $50,000 minimum investment, Augusta is clearly aimed at investors with larger retirement accounts and will not be suitable for everyone.

For investors who meet the minimum and place a high value on understanding the Gold IRA process before purchasing physical precious metals, Augusta deserves serious consideration. For investors starting with a smaller amount, one of the lower-minimum companies further down our ranking will likely be a better fit.

What we like

✓ Zero fees for up to 10 years*

✓ Strong reputation and extensive positive reviews

✓ Dedicated compliance department

✓ Long-standing A+ BBB profile

✓ Extensive investor education

✓ Lifetime account support

Watch out for

✕ $50,000 minimum investment

✕ May not be suitable for smaller retirement accounts

2

Goldco

Best for Product Selection

★★★★★

4.8/5

Minimum

$25,000

Setup

1–3 days

BBB

A+

Why we rank them here

Goldco Metals stands out for choice: a deep catalog of IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars, from American Eagles to Canadian Maple Leafs and accredited refiner bars. It’s one of the biggest names in the space, and the education-first approach, transparent pricing, and buyback program make it an easy entry point for first-timers who want real options rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

Read our full analysis

Why We Rank Goldco #2

Goldco earns the #2 position in our ranking of the Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026 because it combines a long operating history, extensive customer feedback, experienced rollover assistance, a clearly stated $25,000 minimum, published IRA fees and one of the better-known precious metals buyback programs in the industry.

Goldco is particularly strong in customer service. The company says it has helped thousands of Americans place more than $3 billion in gold and silver and has accumulated more than 8,000 five-star customer ratings across review platforms. It also holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. 

The company’s $25,000 minimum investment makes it more accessible than Augusta Precious Metals, which generally requires $50,000. However, it remains less accessible than companies accepting accounts of $10,000 or less.

Goldco also publishes specific information about its basic IRA fees. According to the company’s current fee page, investors should expect a $50 one-time setup fee, a $125 annual administration fee, and annual storage costing either $100 for non-segregated storage or $150 for segregated storage. 

Where Goldco falls slightly behind our #1 choice is pricing transparency at the product level.

Goldco provides an extensive online catalog, but it does not display live retail prices, dealer premiums or current buyback quotes for individual coins. The catalog also includes numerous specialty products in addition to conventional bullion coins. That means investors must speak with a representative and obtain a written quote before they can properly compare Goldco’s pricing with competing dealers.

For investors who understand the importance of comparing premiums and resale values, Goldco remains one of the strongest Gold IRA companies available. Its established reputation, guided rollover process and extensive customer-service record earn it the #2 position in our 2026 rankings.


What Makes Goldco Stand Out?

The biggest factor distinguishing Goldco from many smaller Gold IRA providers is the scale of its customer-service operation.

Opening a self-directed precious metals IRA can involve multiple organizations and several administrative steps. Investors may need to open an account with a custodian, arrange a transfer or rollover, select appropriate metals and authorize delivery to an approved depository.

Goldco’s representatives help coordinate those steps.

The company assists customers who want to transfer or roll over funds from eligible accounts such as:

  • Traditional IRAs
  • Roth IRAs
  • SEP IRAs
  • SIMPLE IRAs
  • 401(k) plans
  • 403(b) plans
  • Thrift Savings Plans
  • Certain other qualified retirement accounts

Eligibility depends on the existing account and plan rules. Investors should confirm rollover eligibility with their current plan administrator and tax professional before initiating a transaction.

Goldco is not the IRA custodian, and it does not personally store IRA-owned metals. Instead, the company functions primarily as the precious metals dealer and rollover facilitator. It helps customers connect with an appropriate self-directed IRA custodian and an approved precious metals depository.

This distinction is important.

Goldco sells the precious metals and assists with the process.

The custodian administers the retirement account.

The depository stores the IRA-owned metals.

Goldco’s representatives guide customers through these different relationships, which can make the process easier for investors completing their first Gold IRA rollover.


Goldco Minimum Investment

Goldco currently states that it generally requires a minimum investment of $25,000 to open a precious metals IRA.

The company explains that this minimum is designed to prevent annual account and storage fees from consuming an excessive percentage of a smaller account. At $25,000, the company’s estimated $225 in ongoing annual fees would represent approximately 0.90% of the account’s initial value. 

That makes Goldco more accessible than Augusta Precious Metals, which generally requires $50,000, but less accessible than providers with minimums of $10,000 or below.

The $25,000 threshold makes Goldco best suited to investors who have already accumulated meaningful retirement savings and want to move only a portion of those assets into physical precious metals.


Goldco Fees

Goldco publishes more useful fee information than many precious metals companies.

According to its current Gold IRA cost page, the basic charges are:

Goldco IRA expenseCost
One-time account setup$50
Annual account administration$125/year
Non-segregated storage$100/year
Segregated storage$150/year
Typical ongoing total with non-segregated storage$225/year
Typical ongoing total with segregated storage$275/year
Estimated first-year total275–325

Non-segregated storage means that an investor’s coins or bars may be stored alongside equivalent products belonging to other customers. The investor still owns the appropriate type and quantity of metal, but the specific pieces are not necessarily placed in an individually separated space.

Segregated storage means the investor’s specific metals are stored separately and individually identified. This option generally costs more.

As always, investors should request a current written quote and compare the actual price of the metals—not simply the annual IRA administration fee—before making a purchase.


Goldco Promotions and Free Silver Offers

Goldco has historically advertised promotions involving bonus silver or fee-related incentives for qualifying purchases. The exact promotion may vary according to the investment amount, advertising channel and date of the transaction.

Goldco’s main public website does not currently present one universal bonus percentage and qualification schedule that should be assumed to apply to every customer. Therefore, investors should not rely on an older advertisement or third-party review when calculating the value of a current offer.

Request the complete promotion terms in writing before transferring money.

Investors considering a Goldco bonus should confirm:

  • The minimum purchase required
  • The amount and type of silver included
  • Whether the silver is placed inside or outside the IRA
  • Whether the promotional value is taxable
  • Whether the bonus requires a holding period
  • Whether account fees are deducted from the advertised benefit
  • Whether accepting the promotion affects product pricing
  • What happens to the bonus if the account is liquidated or transferred
  • The immediate resale value of the promotional silver

Most importantly, investors should not evaluate Goldco—or any other precious metals company—primarily according to the advertised amount of free silver.

A $5,000 promotional benefit may not represent genuine savings if the customer pays substantially higher premiums on the underlying purchase. The proper comparison is the total amount paid, the actual metal received and the estimated amount the investor could recover through an immediate resale.

Promotions can provide value, but only when the underlying transaction is competitively priced.


Precious Metals Available Through Goldco

Goldco primarily focuses on:

Gold

Silver

The company offers precious metals for both self-directed IRAs and direct cash purchases.

Its educational materials discuss widely recognized IRA-eligible products such as:

  • American Gold Eagles
  • American Gold Buffalos
  • Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
  • Austrian Gold Philharmonics
  • American Silver Eagles
  • Gold and silver bars meeting applicable purity standards

Goldco also lists an unusually large selection of specialty gold and silver coins sourced from sovereign and private mints around the world.

Examples appearing in its catalog include products manufactured by:

  • Perth Mint
  • New Zealand Mint
  • Royal Dutch Mint
  • Scottsdale Mint
  • Bulmint
  • The East India Company

Specific products displayed by Goldco include the Gold Washington Monument, Gold Australian Sea Turtle, Gold Phoenix, Silver Liberty Bell, Silver Wright Flyer, Silver USS Texas, Silver American Bald Eagle and various military- or history-themed coins. Many are listed as IRA eligible and typically contain either one-quarter ounce of gold or one ounce of silver. 

This gives customers more product choices than a dealer offering only a handful of standard bullion coins.

However, a large catalog also makes product-level due diligence particularly important.


Goldco Buyback Guarantee

Goldco promotes what it calls its Highest BuyBack Guarantee.

According to the company, customers who purchase eligible precious metals through Goldco can contact the company when they eventually want to sell. Goldco then provides a repurchase offer and coordinates the liquidation process.

The buyback program is valuable because selling metals inside an IRA can involve more administration than selling ordinary stocks through a brokerage account. An established dealer willing to repurchase the metals can make the process more convenient.

However, the term “buyback guarantee” should not be confused with a guaranteed investment return.

It does not mean:

  • Goldco guarantees the investor will make a profit
  • Goldco will repurchase metals at the original purchase price
  • The customer will recover the original dealer premium
  • Goldco will necessarily pay the prevailing retail price
  • Gold or silver prices cannot decline
  • Every product will produce the same resale result

The amount offered will depend on market conditions, the product, metal content, dealer demand, prevailing spreads and the timing of the sale.

Before purchasing, investors should ask Goldco to provide both the retail price and the same-day buyback price for the proposed metals. The difference between those two figures shows how much the value would need to rise before the customer could potentially break even.

Goldco’s public website describes its program as a buyback offer “guaranteed at the highest price,” but customers should request the written terms explaining how that comparison is determined and whether any conditions apply.


Goldco’s Specialty Coins and Product Pricing

Goldco’s product catalog contains both familiar bullion products and specialty coins featuring historical, patriotic, military and nature-related designs.

Specialty coins may appeal to buyers who appreciate their design, limited production or specific theme. However, investors purchasing metals primarily for retirement diversification should understand how premiums affect the economics of the transaction.

A coin can satisfy IRS eligibility requirements without necessarily being the most cost-efficient way to acquire gold or silver.

For example, two coins may contain the same quantity and purity of gold but carry very different retail prices. The more expensive product may have a special design, a smaller production run or a higher dealer markup. That additional premium may or may not be recovered when the coin is eventually sold.

Goldco does not display retail prices or premiums directly beside the products in its online catalog. Consequently, customers cannot completely compare individual products without requesting a quote.

Before authorizing a Goldco purchase, investors should ask for:

  • The exact name of every coin or bar
  • Metal content and purity
  • Quantity being purchased
  • Current spot price
  • Per-unit purchase price
  • Total dealer premium
  • Current wholesale or liquidation value
  • Goldco’s same-day buyback price
  • Whether the product is widely purchased by other bullion dealers
  • Whether a less expensive bullion alternative is available

This does not mean investors should automatically avoid specialty coins. It means they should understand exactly how much of the purchase price represents metal value and how much represents the product premium.

For many retirement investors, widely traded bullion coins and bars may be easier to compare and value.

Goldco Reputation

Goldco has one of the largest customer-review profiles in the Gold IRA industry.

The Better Business Bureau currently lists Goldco as an accredited business with an A+ rating. The BBB states that the current company entity began operating and was incorporated on October 26, 2011, and has been BBB accredited since December 9, 2011. 

Goldco commonly traces its broader history to 2006. Because the BBB lists the current LLC as beginning in 2011, investors may encounter both dates in company profiles. A precise description is that Goldco traces its origins to 2006, while its currently listed corporate entity and BBB accreditation date from 2011.

Goldco’s own review page currently reports:

  • A+ BBB business rating
  • 4.8/5 BBB customer-review rating
  • 4.9/5 Google review rating
  • More than 8,000 five-star reviews across platforms

Goldco has also received a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance and was named Money.com’s Best Customer Service Gold IRA company for 2026. 


Who Is Goldco Best For?

Goldco is best suited to investors who want an established precious metals company with extensive experience assisting with retirement-account rollovers.

We believe Goldco is especially worth considering for:

  • Investors with at least $25,000 available for a Gold or Silver IRA
  • People completing their first precious metals IRA rollover
  • Retirement savers who want substantial assistance with paperwork
  • Investors who value a large number of customer reviews
  • Customers who prefer telephone guidance over a self-service online platform
  • Investors interested in both conventional bullion and specialty coins
  • People who want segregated or non-segregated storage options
  • Customers who value access to an established buyback program
  • Investors moving funds from an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), TSP or another eligible account
  • People who want to purchase physical gold or silver outside an IRA
  • Investors willing to compare written product prices and premiums before buying

Its relatively low minimum can also make GoldenCrest an interesting alternative for someone who likes Augusta Precious Metals’ personalized approach but does not want—or cannot meet—Augusta’s substantially higher investment minimum.


What We Like About Goldco

✓ Established Industry Presence

Goldco has considerably more operating history than many newer Gold IRA providers. The current company entity has been BBB accredited since 2011, while Goldco traces its broader origins to 2006.

✓ $25,000 Minimum Investment

The minimum is high enough to prevent flat annual fees from consuming an excessive portion of most accounts but remains below the $50,000 minimum required by some premium competitors.

✓ Published IRA Fees

Goldco currently publishes a $50 setup fee, $125 annual administration fee and storage charges of $100 or $150, depending on the arrangement selected.

✓ Extensive Customer Feedback

The company has accumulated thousands of reviews across the BBB, Google, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs and other platforms.

✓ A+ BBB Rating

Goldco is BBB accredited and currently holds the organization’s highest business rating.

✓ AAA Business Consumer Alliance Rating

The company also holds the highest rating available from the Business Consumer Alliance.

✓ Guided Rollover Assistance

Goldco’s representatives help customers coordinate the account-opening, rollover, metal-selection and storage process.

✓ Gold and Silver IRA Specialization

The company focuses heavily on physical gold and silver, making it particularly relevant to investors seeking either a Gold IRA or Silver IRA.

✓ Large Product Catalog

Customers can choose from conventional IRA-eligible bullion and a wide range of specialty coins from international mints.

✓ Two Storage Options

Goldco offers access to non-segregated and segregated storage, allowing customers to choose between lower costs and individually separated holdings.

✓ Established Buyback Program

Goldco provides a convenient route for customers who eventually want to liquidate qualifying metals.

✓ Direct Precious Metals Purchases

Investors who do not want a self-directed IRA can purchase gold and silver directly.

✓ More Than $3 Billion in Placements

Goldco states that it has helped customers place more than $3 billion in gold and silver, demonstrating substantial transaction experience.



Our Verdict on Goldco for 2026

Goldco earns the #2 position in our Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026 ranking and is our preferred option for investors seeking an established Gold IRA provider with extensive customer feedback, guided rollover support and a $25,000 minimum.

The company’s strongest advantages are its reputation and customer-service infrastructure.

Goldco holds an A+ BBB rating, a AAA Business Consumer Alliance rating and thousands of positive reviews. It has also helped customers place more than $3 billion in gold and silver, giving it a much deeper transaction history than many newer precious metals dealers.

Its published fee structure is another positive. Customers can expect approximately $50 to establish the account, $125 annually for administration and either $100 or $150 annually for storage. The resulting ongoing annual cost is approximately $225 with non-segregated storage or $275 with segregated storage.

Goldco’s primary disadvantage is limited product-level pricing transparency.

Although the company displays an extensive catalog, customers must contact a representative to learn the actual purchase price, dealer premium and current buyback value. This is especially important when evaluating specialty coins, which may carry substantially different premiums from standard bullion.

We recommend that prospective customers obtain an itemized written quote and compare Goldco’s proposed metals with at least one competing dealer. Investors should look beyond account fees and calculate the total premium and purchase-to-buyback spread.

For investors prepared to complete that due diligence, Goldco remains one of the strongest companies in the precious metals IRA industry.

Its combination of a long track record, extensive customer feedback, rollover assistance, published account fees, secure third-party storage and an established repurchase program makes Goldco our #2 Gold IRA company for 2026.

What we like

✓ Wide selection of IRS-approved coins and bars

✓ Over 8,000 positive reviews

✓ Responsive, no-pressure support team

✓ One of the best educational resources on gold IRA

Watch out for

✗ Limited to the US

✗ Min. Requirement is $25,000

3

Lear Capital

Best for Experience and Precious Metals Selection

★★★★☆

4.7/5

Minimum

$10,000

Fee waivers

Qualifying accts

BBB

A+

Why we rank them here

Lear Capital has been in the precious metals business since 1997 — one of the longest track records in the industry. It pairs that experience with a broad range of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium options, so investors aren’t boxed into a narrow product menu. A low $10,000 minimum, IRS-approved Delaware Depository storage, and fee waivers on qualifying accounts make it a natural fit for savers who value longevity and choice.

What we like

✓ One of the lowest minimums here ($10,000)

✓ Fee waivers on qualifying accounts

✓ Established depositories

✓ Broad metals selection — gold, silver, platinum, palladium

Watch out for

✗ Pricing isn’t listed online — quotes come by phone consultation

✗ Fewer educational resources

4

Preserve Gold

Best for Accessibility

★★★★☆

4.6/5

Minimum

$20,000

Storage

TX depository

BBB

A+

Why we rank them here

Preserve Gold offers precious metals IRAs across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, with a lower barrier to entry than the $50,000-minimum providers. Investors can pick from IRS-approved depositories — including the Texas Precious Metal Depository — and lean on lifetime account support, a no-fee buyback, and a 24-hour cancellation window. That combination makes it an accessible on-ramp for savers who want real guidance without a high-pressure pitch.

What we like

✓ Choice of IRS-approved depositories, including Texas

✓ Physical-delivery bundles

✓ No-fee buyback with price-match

✓ Strong, consistent service ratings

Watch out for

✗ Fewer product options

✗ Site could be more detailed

Quick comparison

Augusta (#1)Goldco (#2)Lear Capital (#3)Preserve Gold (#4)
Best forOverall / educationProduct selectionExperience & selectionAccessibility
Editorial rating★★★★★ 4.9/5★★★★☆ 4.8/5★★★★☆ 4.7/5★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Founded2012202119972022
Track recordEstablishedPopularLongest in fieldNewer entrant
BBBA+A+A+A+

FAQ

Common questions

What is a Gold IRA?

A Gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that holds physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of paper assets. It carries the same tax treatment as a conventional IRA but adds storage and custodian costs.

How much do I need to start?

Minimums vary by provider — roughly $10,000 to $50,000 among the companies here. The right one depends on your budget and whether you are funding by rollover or cash.

What fees are typical?

Annual fees generally run about $175 to $300 and cover storage, insurance, and account maintenance. Some providers waive fees on larger accounts. Always request a full fee breakdown in writing.

Can I roll over a 401(k)?

Yes. A direct trustee-to-trustee rollover from a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or existing IRA is not a taxable event when done correctly, and most providers handle the paperwork for you.

Where is the gold stored?

IRA metals must be held at an IRS-approved depository — home storage is not allowed. Common facilities include Delaware Depository and Brink’s.