10 Best Gold IRA Companies To Look For [2024 TOP SELECTIVE]

Review and Comparison of the Top Gold IRA companies to invest in gold coins, bars, and bullions as per your requirements:

We all know how volatile and unpredictable the market surrounding us is. This uncertainty makes the task of protecting one’s retirement account all the more difficult. That being said, perhaps the best way to make sure your future is financially secure is to open a gold-based IRA. So this begs the question – What is IRA gold?

Also known as a precious metal IRA, a gold IRA refers to a self-directed retirement account that allows you to invest in precious metals like physical silver, platinum, and of course, gold.

Although very beneficial, setting up a gold IRA can be rather complex. This is precisely why many companies choose to rely on gold IRA companies to spearhead the process at their behest.

Gold IRA Companies – Review

However, it is essential to note that not all gold IRA companies deliver what they promise. This is where my insight could be helpful to you. In this article, you’ll find a concise review of some of the best gold IRA companies you can approach today.

From a quick account opening process to the efficient conversion of paper assets into gold coins and bullions, you can rely on the companies we’ve mentioned below to enhance the value of your retirement savings tenfold.

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What is a Gold IRA

A Gold IRA is a form of IRS-approved precious metal retirement account that operates in the exact same manner as any other typical individual retirement account. While a normal IRA limits your investment options to paper-based assets, bonds, and stocks, a Gold IRA allows you to invest in gold coins, bars, and bullions.

What is a Gold IRA Rollover

The concept of gold IRA rollover is very simple to comprehend. A typical gold rollover account allows individuals to transfer funds from their existing retirement account like a 401(K) into your newly opened IRA. A major reason why people gravitate towards IRA rollovers is the tax advantage that can be availed by doing so.

An IRA rollover allows you to preserve the tax-deferred status of your retirement assets. You don’t have to pay any urgent taxes or penalties for withdrawing early during the transfer.

Gold Bullion or Gold Coins, which one should you buy?

This is a question that gets asked a lot. However, you need to first understand that bullion can come in the form of a bar, ingot, or coin. What makes gold bullion different from a coin is its value.

Bullions are basically physical gold in their most pure form. They are sometimes considered legal tender and are often held by institutional investors or as reserves by the central bank.

Bullions in the form of a bar are cheaper as they are cheaper to manufacture. They are also ideal for long-term investment. However, a gold bullion bar is more difficult to melt and reshape than a gold bullion coin. Ultimately, whether to go for gold bullion or a gold coin will depend on individual preference.

Why Invest in Gold-Based IRA

There are three very good reasons to invest in a gold-backed IRA. They are as follows:

#1) Diversification: Diversification of one’s investment portfolio is a primary reason for many individuals who choose to open a gold IRA. Investing a portion of your retirement savings in physical gold has proven to be an effective way to protect retirement savings, especially if the market starts faltering or the economy destabilizes.

#2) Protect against Inflation: Inflation can erode the value of your investment over time. A gold IRA provides you with the opportunity to not only hedge against the effects of inflation but deflation as well. Suffice to say, a gold IRA is a great way to immunize your investment portfolio.

#3) Profit Potential: It has historically been proven that physical assets like gold and silver can turn immensely profitable in the long run. For instance, Gold in 2000 was only worth $200 an ounce. In 2017, its value surpassed $1200 an ounce. This makes the decision to invest in a gold IRA a wise one.

FAQs About IRA Gold Investment

Q #1) Are Gold IRAs a good idea?

Answer: Like any other precious metal IRA, opening a gold IRA can be more expensive than a traditional IRA. However, they are immensely beneficial in diversifying your investment portfolio. They are also very safe and hold less risk. The level of control you get over these IRAs makes these forms of retirement accounts more appealing.

So yes, Gold IRAs are a good idea if you don’t mind the strict IRS regulatory guidelines.

Q #2) How much does it cost to start a gold IRA?

Answer: The cost of gold IRA investing will vary from company to company. Normally, a typical gold IRA company will charge a set-up fee that ranges between $50 and $180. Some companies may charge administrative and management charges as well. These charges are usually waived off when the investment made is high.

We suggest contacting the company representatives to enquire about the fees.

Q #3) Who holds the gold in the gold IRA?

Answer: Gold IRAs, like other precious metal IRAs, follow the same principle of custody. Physical gold is held in the custody of the gold IRA Company for the benefit of the account holder. People choose this privilege for their peace of mind as these accounts are the safest place on the planet to store something as valuable as gold to own.

Q #4) How do I open a gold IRA account?

Answer: The process of opening a gold IRA account will largely depend on the company you approach. Normally, this is a three-step process.

• You must first get into an agreement with the IRA Company of your choice and open a self-directed IRA.
• Then roll over your 401(K) and other assets from your existing retirement account into your freshly opened IRA.
• Once the transfer is done, buy and store gold coins, bars, and bullions.

The same procedure works for buying gold in Roth IRA as well.

Q #5) Can I store my gold IRA at home?

Answer: Well, you can open an LLC to control your IRA purchases. That being said, you still won’t be able to store gold at home. The gold is supposed to be stored in a secure depository location under the LLC’s name. A good example of this would be storing gold in a safety deposit box.

Q #6) What are the types of gold that you can hold in a precious metals IRA?

Answer: You can use a precious metal IRA to hold gold coins, bars, and bullions along with other metals like silver, platinum, and palladium. The gold you store, however, should be IRS-approved.

List of Top Gold IRA Companies

Some popular Gold IRA investing companies list:

1. Augusta Precious Metals
2. Goldco
3. Birch Gold Group
4. Noble Gold
5. Patriot Gold Group
6. Regal Assets
7. American Hartford Gold
8. Advantage Gold
9. Oxford Gold Group
10. Lear Capital

Comparing Some of the Best Gold Investing IRA Companies

Detailed reviews:

#1) Augusta Precious Metals (Beverly Hills, California)

This family-owned company has been around for more than a decade now. In that period, it attracted a loyal customer base that raves about its competitive and transparent pricing structure. As such, it was a no-brainer that Augusta would make it to my list. It enjoys a high rating from the BCA.

From setup, purchasing gold to storing it, you’ll have absolutely no problem doing either of these with Augusta by your side. For storage, Augusta uses the reliable Delaware Depository, a company with storage vaults located all over the US.

How to set up a gold IRA with Augusta Precious Metals:

• Get in touch with company account managers to open the account.
• Do as you’re instructed when transferring funds from your existing retirement account.
• Once the account is open, proceed to buy and store precious metals in it.

Features:

• Coin grading
• Gold bullion and coins.
• Retirement savings assistance.

Pros:

• No management fees.
• Transparent pricing structure.
• Fast IRA account opening process.
• High rating from BCA.

Cons:

• Very high minimum investment.

Founded in: 2012
Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10 – 50

Fees: Minimum investment of $50000 is required and an annual charge of $180 will be applicable. We suggest calling the representatives directly to enquire about fee waivers.

#2) Goldco (Calabasas, California)

Best for great customer support and educational resources.

Goldco makes it to the very top of the list for a simple reason. This company has stood tall in the gold IRA industry because of its superior customer support. It is home to a skilled staff of IRA experts who present you with investment options in the most comprehensive and organized way possible.

The company is ideal if you are seeking to open a self-declared gold or silver IRA. Goldco also specializes in offering 401(k) and existing IRA rollover services. The staff will stay with you right from the moment the fund transfer process begins to the moment you buy the physical gold.

There are also a plethora of e-books, videos, and other forms of educational material offered by them to help you get a better understanding of how gold IRAs work. This makes Goldco the best gold IRA company out there.

How to set up a gold IRA account with Goldco:

• Contact Goldco representatives to sign an agreement and open a self-directed IRA account.
• Transfer funds from your existing retirement account to your newly opened IRA.
• Buy and store gold coins, bullions, and bars.

Features:

• Gold and Silver IRAs
• Wealth protection
• Self-directed IRA
• Retirement planning, 401(k) rollover

Pros:

• Excellent educational resources.
• Good customer support.
• Easy 3-step account opening process.
• A+ BBB Rating

Cons:

• It rarely offers precious metals other than silver and gold.

Founded in: 2011
Headquarters: Calabasas, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 51 – 200

Fees: A minimum purchase of $25000 is required. A $50 initial set-up fee and an $80 annual administration fee are applicable. We suggest calling their representatives for an accurate quote.

=> Visit Goldco Website

#3) Birch Gold Group (Burbank, California)

Best for a wide selection of precious metals.

Birch Gold Group has been thriving in the IRA industry for almost 2 decades now. This alone should convince you of its caliber. The company provides you with a satisfying selection of precious metals. This includes silver, platinum, palladium, gold bars, coins, and palladium. You can choose to purchase precious metals directly from the company.

Alternatively, you can opt to open an IRA account via them. The process for opening a gold IRA is very simple and you can rely on the guidance of its team of IRA experts to make sure the entire experience is as hassle-free as possible.

The company is also in business with several reputable depositories to ensure secure storage of your purchased gold.

How to set up an IRA with Birch Gold Group:

• Open an IRA by filing paperwork with the assistance of Birch Gold professionals.
• Transfer your existing 401(k) funds to a new IRA.
• Choose and invest in gold coins, bars, or bullions.

Features:

• Gold and Silver IRAs
• Self-directed IRA
• Retirement Planning
• Money management

Pros:

• Suitable for bulk and frequent precious metal purchases.
• Wide selection of precious metals to choose from.
• Transparent fee structure.
• Multiple custodians and depository options are at your disposal.

Cons:

• Long IRA process time.

Founded in: 2003
Headquarters: Burbank, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 51 – 200

Fees: A minimum purchase of $10000 is required. An initial set-up fee of $50, along with a $30 wire-transfer fee, is applicable. These fees are waived if the initial investment is above $50000.

=> Visit Birch Gold Group Website

#4) Noble Gold (Pasadena, California)

Best for free Gold IRA guide.

Although new to the gold IRA game, Noble Gold has made quite a splash in this market. It instantly wins customer hearts with its extensive gallery of educational resources and low investment requirements. It also enjoys high ratings from agencies like Consumer Affairs, BCA, and other such customer rating agencies.

Noble Gold assigns a dedicated account manager to you right from the get-go. The initial consultation covers everything you need to understand what the entire gold IRA process will entail. Another compelling aspect of their service is the buy-back they offer without any questions asked.

Features:

• Gold and Silver IRA.
• Investment assistance in gold.
• Home delivery of precious metals.
• Gold and Silver Guide provided.

Pros:

• High ratings from consumer agencies.
• Low investment requirement of $2000.
• IRS Approved
• Free Gold IRA Guide.

Cons:

• A high premium is applicable with gold.

Founded in: 2016
Headquarters: Pasadena, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10 – 50

Fees: Minimum investment of only $2000 is required and a management fee of $80 per year will be applicable.

=> Visit Noble Gold Website

#5) Patriot Gold Group (Seal Beach, California)

Best for Investor Direct Pricing.

Patriot’s track record of excellent customer service makes it impossible for me to not mention it so high on my list. The company’s service is a perfect blend of good customer service and competitive pricing. The company enjoys an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance and a solid 5-star rating from Consumer Affairs.

Customers of Patriot Gold Group benefit from it being a dealer-direct company. This basically means that you don’t have to pay fees that are typically associated with the purchase of gold coins or bars. Account managers are always available to guide you. They will help you with everything from account setup to purchasing gold.

Features:

• Self-declared IRAs.
• Gold and Silver investment.
• Financial Services
• Personal Investment assistance.

Pros:

• Investor-direct pricing.
• Great customer support.
• A comprehensive guide on gold IRA is available.

Cons:

• People interested in precious metals other than gold and silver will be disappointed.

Founded in: 2016
Headquarters: Seal Beach, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10 – 50

Fees: Minimum purchase of $25000 is required. The company charges a one-time set-up fee of $225, which is waived if the investment by you is over $30000.

=> Visit Patriot Gold Group Review

#6) Regal Assets (Beverly Hills, California)

Best for specialization in IRA rollovers.

Regal Assets is a widely reputed name when it comes to gold IRA rollovers. Just like every other company on this list, Regal Assets also enjoys a good reputation in the industry, owing to the high rating it enjoys from several consumer agencies. It currently boasts an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.

The company also features a transparent fee structure. Although a minimum investment is required to open a gold IRA account with Regal Assets, it charges a flat annual fee for their services and storing of gold at your behest. Its customer support is also noteworthy.

Features:

• Precious Metal IRA
• IRA Rollovers
• Cryptocurrency IRA

Pros:

• Good IRA rollover track record.
• Zero transfer and rollover fees.
• High ratings from several consumer agencies.
• Good customer support.

Cons:

• No online payment privileges.

Founded in: 2010
Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 2 – 10

Fees: A yearly administration fee of $100 and an annual precious metal storage fee of $150 fee is applicable. Contact the representatives to learn more about minimum investment.

=> Visit Regal Assets Website

#7) American Hartford Gold (Los Angeles, California)

Best for a good selection of gold, silver, and platinum.

American Hartford Gold is preferred by many customers precisely because of its wide selection of gold, silver, palladium, and platinum bars and coins. However, where it truly shines is in the customer service department. It harbors a team of highly-skilled IRA experts who possess the insight and experience needed to guide you throughout the process.

Another area where American Hartford Gold also excels in my opinion is in the investor education program it hosts. The program is comprehensive and ideal for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the basics of opening a gold IRA.

Features:

• Gold Bullion and Silver Bullion.
• Gold and Silver Investment Assistance.
• Gold IRA
• IRA rollover

Pros:

• Good selection of precious metals.
• Good customer support.
• Affordable fees
• Investor education program.

Cons:

• Slow transaction speeds.
• Shipping is not available outside the US.

Founded in: 2015
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 50 – 200

Fees: An annual maintenance charge of $180 is applicable. Contact representative to learn about additional contacts.

=> Visit American Hartford Gold Website

#8) Advantage Gold

Best for low minimum fee requirements.

Advantage Gold is ideal for customers who seek a low-investment, low-cost gold IRA account opening service. It offers excellent customer support along with a comprehensive education program that covers everything there is to know about opening a gold IRA. The rating from the BCA is AAA.

It may be a fairly new company, but it still harbors a team of highly-experienced IRA professionals.

Another thing worth noting about Advantage Gold is its liberal buy-back policy. They offer you the privilege of repurchasing at an ongoing market price. Advantage Gold uses custodians like STRATA Trust Company and Delaware Depository to safely store your purchased gold.

Features:

• Precious Metal Investment.
• Gold and Silver IRA.
• Buy Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Palladium coins and bars.
• Gold IRA Guide.

Pros:

• Low fees
• Good customer support.
• Liberal buy-back policy.
• AAA BCA Rating.

Cons:

• No online purchase is available.

Founded in: 2014
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 11 – 50

Fees: Customers of Advantage Gold have a choice between two custodians. They are STRATA trust and Equity Trust. The price will depend on which custodial service you choose. Both charge a set-up fee of $50. STRATA charges an annual maintenance fee of $95, whereas the fee is variable at the Equity Trust and starts at $225.

=> Visit Advantage Gold Website

#9) Oxford Gold Group (Los Angeles, California)

Best for an informative website.

The very best thing about Oxford Gold Group is its website, which is studded with relevant information about precious metals and the IRA. In fact, the website was like a crash course on gold IRAs for me. The process of opening an IRA is as easy as a walk in the park.

Oxford specializes in purchasing and storing gold in the form of bars, bullions, and coins on your behalf. If you wish to withdraw your gold, then Oxford will even make sure that your gold is home-delivered to you safely.

Features:

• Gold IRA Rollover.
• Silver IRA
• Silver and Gold Coins were purchased.
• Gold Investment IRA.

Pros:

• Flexible fee structure.
• A simple IRA account.
• Great informative website.

Cons:

• The pricing can be costlier.
• No option other than gold and silver.

Founded in: 2017
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 2 – 10

Fees: An annual fee of $325 will be charged for the first year of account set-up. After that, a flat fee of $180 will apply every year.

=> Visit Oxford Gold Group Website

#10) Lear Capital (Los Angeles, California)

Best for easy gold purchasing.

Lear Capital offers its GOLD-backed IRA services all across the country. The company will walk you through the entire gold IRA opening process. Once you’ve opened a self-directed gold IRA account, you can count on Lear Capital to both store and transport the gold you’ve invested in.

Similar to Oxford Gold Group, Lear Capital also home-delivers your purchased gold if you wish to withdraw it.

Features:

• Gold and Silver investment.
• IRA Rollovers
• Gold and Silver IRA.
• Investor education.

Pros:

• Flat fees
• A+ rating better Business Bureau.
• Home delivery of purchased gold.

Cons:

• Customer support leaves a lot to be desired.
• Limited options when it comes to purchasing precious metals.

Founded in: 1997
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Public
Employee Size: 50 – 200
Fees: $260 for the first year and $180 per year afterward.

=> Visit Lear Capital Website

Conclusion

Gold has recently emerged as a stable source of investment. So it only makes sense to use this precious metal to secure your life’s savings for a more comfortable future. Over the years, we’ve seen many people gravitating towards gold IRA companies to protect their retirement savings from market volatility and inevitable inflation.

All of the above companies offer excellent customer support, enjoy good ratings from most consumer agencies, and feature a transparent and straightforward pricing structure.

As for my personal recommendation to invest in a gold IRA, we would suggest approaching Goldco or Birch Gold Group because of their reputation in the industry, comprehensive educational resources, and excellent gold IRA assistance.

Suggested Read =>> Gold Backed Cryptocurrency Review

Research Process:

• We spent 15 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which Gold IRA Companies you should approach.
• Total Gold IRA Companies Researched: 25
• Total Gold IRA Companies Shortlisted: 10