11 Best Precious Metals IRA Companies [2023 Reviewed]

Review and Comparison of the top Precious Metals IRA Companies to store high-value precious metals like gold and silver to your name:

Is your retirement fast approaching? Are you looking for ways to protect and enhance the value of your life savings?

If so, then you are not alone. If recent events have proven anything, then it is the fact that our economy isn’t as safe and secure as we would like it to be. It can go belly-up anytime.

Owing to such uncertainty, people are now looking for investment opportunities that lay heavy emphasis on stability. They’ve found that sense of security in precious metals like gold and silver.

You now have the privilege to own them in bulk via an IRA, aka Individual Retirement Account. Think of IRAs as saving accounts that one can only use when they meet a certain age requirement.

Precious Metals IRA Companies Review

Best Precious Metals IRA Companies

A precious metal IRA operates on the same concept with one huge difference. While a normal IRA is meant to store paper assets like money, bonds, stocks, etc. a precious metal IRA is created to store high-value precious metals like gold and silver to your name.

precious-metal-ira

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There are tons of Precious Metals IRA Companies out there that’ll help you set up a precious metals IRA. However, it is important to note that the IRA company you ultimately go with will determine how much of your IRA you’ll be able to use.

So how do you find an IRA company that gives you maximum value? Well, this is a question you don’t have to ponder over for long as we’ve already answered it for you in this article. Below, you’ll find a long list of enterprises that are some of the best precious metal IRA companies you can get into business with today.

Market Trends: According to the quarterly retirement market data released by ICI, it was found that the total assets in Individual Retirement Accounts were worth $13.2 trillion in the first quarter of 2022. This represents a 5% decrease from the end of the fourth quarter of 2021.

Stats - ICI

Expert Advice:

  • To find the best IRA Company, the first suggestion is to consult people close to you like friends, family, and old colleagues who have an IRA account.
  • Hop onto the internet. A single search query will present you with a plethora of companies serving the purpose.
  • Vet the company by thoroughly going through the company’s official website. Establish their legitimacy before you move forward with the deal.
  • Refer to client testimonials, Google reviews, etc. to determine the quality of a company’s service.
  • Don’t stop at one. Shortlist multiple candidates. Pit them against each other and assess them based on their fee structure, service transparency, the minimum investment required, etc.
  • Also, familiarize yourself with basic precious metals IRA rules.

Benefits of Precious Metal IRAs

Many precious metal IRAs appeal to individuals seeking to protect their retirement savings.

Here are a few of its most prominent benefits:

  • Risks associated with such retirement accounts are low, thus making them safer.
  • You have more control over your precious metal investments.
  • Because precious metals are physical assets, they are easier to track.
  • Lessen the impact of volatility by diversifying an investment portfolio.
  • The growth potential of precious metals like gold and silver is enticing.

Suggested Reading =>> Best Investment Apps for Beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) Is Precious Metals IRA a good idea?

Answer: Before we answer that question, let us understand what is a precious metal IRA?

A precious metal IRA is just like a retirement savings account. Instead of paper assets, it stores high-value rare earth elements like gold and silver in the account holder’s name. Precious metal IRAs are both a privilege and a financial burden.

On one hand, they help you diversify your investment portfolio, are safe, and provide account holders with a level of control that other retirement solutions simply do not offer. On the downside, they are very expensive to manage and are subject to strict guidelines set by the IRS.

Q #2) How do you hold precious metals in an IRA?

Answer: As mentioned before, precious metal IRAs are subject to strict regulations and guidelines set by the IRS. To meet IRS’s regulatory standards, precious metal assets, in the form of bars or coins, should be held by an IRA trustee and not the IRA owner. We must only store precious metals in a depository that is approved by the IRS.

Q #3) How much does it cost to start a gold IRA?

Answer: The overall cost of starting a gold IRA, or any precious metal IRA account, will vary from company to company. On average, a one-time account setup could range anywhere from $50-$150.

Some companies will opt to waive the set-up fee if the initial deposit amount is high. You can also expect to pay an annual custodian or administrative fee. This will largely depend on the account size.

Q #4) Can I own physical gold in IRA?

Answer: To own physical gold coins or bars, first open a legit self-directed IRA precious metals account. This privilege is only offered by very few custodians. Remember, these precious metal IRA custodians are necessary as they are mandated by the IRS to ensure that bullions or coins fall under the possession of a custodian.

Simply put, you cannot use the money in your IRA to buy precious metals and store them.

Q #5) What precious metal is best to invest in?

Answer: Gold, is hands down, the best precious metal you can invest in today. It is valuable because of its ability to conduct electricity, its durability, and its shaping capability. What makes it really worth is the fact that it is used as a currency as well as to make jewellery.

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List of the Top Precious Metals IRA Companies

A valuable list of precious metal IRA custodians:

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

Comparing Some of the Best Precious Metal IRA Custodians

NameFoundedService OfferedEmployee SizeFees
Goldco2011Gold and Silver IRAs, Wealth Protection, Self-directed IRA, Retirement Planning, 401(k) rollover.51-200A minimum purchase of $25000 is required. A $50 initial set-up fee and $80 annual administration fee is applicable
Birch Gold Group2003Gold and Silver IRAs, Self-directed IRA, Retirement Planning, Money management, and wealth protection.51-200A minimum purchase of $10000 is required. An initial set-up fee of $50 along with $30 wire-transfer fee is applicable.
Patriot Gold Group2016Personal Investment Assistance, Financial Services, Self-declared IRAs, Gold and Silver investment.10-50Minimum purchase of $25000 is required. The company charges a one-time set-up fee of $225,
Augusta Precious Metals2012Coin grading, gold bullion, gold coins, silver coins, retirement savings assistance, and self-directed IRAs.10-50Minimum investment of $50000 is required and an annual charge of $180 will be applicable.
Noble Gold2016Gold and Silver IRA, Investment assistance in gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and rare coins.10-50Minimum investment of only $2000 is required and a management fee of $80 per year will be applicable.

Detailed reviews:

#1) Goldco (Calabasas, California)

Best for specialty in Silver and Gold IRA.

goldco

Goldco is a widely trusted IRA company that specializes in offering brokerage services for precious metals. The company will also assist you in extending traditional retirement accounts into a precious metals IRA. This basically means that the company helps you transfer funds from your existing 403(b), 401(k), or TSP to a self-directed precious metal IRA.

Goldco assists their clients with the IRA rollover process from start to finish. They will take care of the paperwork and use their insight to help you select storage and custodial services that the IRS approves. The best aspect of Goldco is its customer service. You can count on it before, during, and after your IRA account has been established.

Features:

  • Buy Gold and Silver
  • Open Gold and Silver IRA
  • IRA Rollover Assistance
  • Retirement Planning

How to set up an IRA with Goldco:

  • Open your IRA by signing an agreement with Goldco.
  • Rollover assets from your existing retirement accounts to fund your IRA.
  • Once your IRA is funded, choose which precious metal to purchase.

Pros:

  • Specializes in Silver and Gold IRAs
  • Cost-effective
  • A+ BBB Rating
  • Insightful educational resources are offered.

Cons:

  • Seldom sells precious metals other than gold and silver.

Founded in: 2011
Headquarters: Calabasas, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 51-200
Services Offered: Gold and Silver IRAs, Wealth Protection, Self-directed IRA, Retirement Planning, 401(k) rollover.

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


#2) Birch Gold Group (Burbank, California)

Best for 20 years of IRA industry experience.

Birch Gold Group

With an impressive 20-year industry experience, Birch Gold Group is arguably one of America’s finest Precious Metals IRA Companies that deals in both gold and silver.

The company is known for shipping gold and silver all across the US. The company boasts a team of highly-experienced investment and precious metal experts who render services associated with wealth protection and management.

Once you get into business with Birch, they will make sure you get the assistance you need in setting up and funding your self-directed IRAs. Eventually, once your IRA has been set up, it will help you purchase whatever precious metal you set your eyes on. They’ll also help you understand the risks and benefits associated with your actions.

Features:

  • Extensive precious metal education resources.
  • Precious metal storage options are offered.
  • Buy Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium metals.

How to set up an IRA with Birch Gold Group:

  • Fill out the paperwork with the assistance of experts from Birch Gold Group.
  • Rollover your existing 401(k) or IRA.
  • Choose which precious metals to purchase.
  • Keep track of your annual contribution limits once the account is set.

Pros:

  • Multiple options are available for custodian companies and depositary facilities.
  • Good transparency, especially with regards to the fee structure.
  • Adequate product list for platinum and palladium.
  • Ideal for bulk and frequent purchases.

Cons:

  • The process wait time can last up to 1 month.

Founded in: 2003
Headquarters: Burbank, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 51-200
Services Offered: Gold and Silver IRAs, Self-directed IRA, Retirement Planning, Money Management, Wealth Protection.

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


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

Best for reliable assistance provided for precious metal investment.

Patriot Gold Group - Precious Metals IRA Companies

Patriot Gold Group is yet another company that we recommend to retirees seeking to protect their life savings by investing in gold and silver. The company assists its clients in buying, selling, and storing precious metals for potential investment. The company makes the process of opening a gold IRA appear very simple.

Plus, the company makes sure you get the tax advantage of a normal IRA while doing so. The company also assists in the storage and transportation of precious metals on your behalf. Adding to their overall appeal is a fantastic customer service team that is always responsive to address whatever queries you may have.

Features:

  • Self-declared IRA’s
  • Gold and Silver IRA
  • Personal Retirement Investment Assistance.

How to set up an IRA with Patriot Gold Group

  • Contact company experts and fill out a form with their help.
  • The company’s 401(K) and IRA rollover departments will then guide you through the transfer process.
  • Once your IRA is funded, buy and store your precious metals in it.

Pros:

  • Specializes in precious metal IRAs.
  • Insightful Gold IRA Investor Guide.
  • Excellent customer service.

Cons:

  • No accommodation for palladium or platinum IRAs.

Founded in: 2016
Headquarters: Seal Beach, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10-50
Services Offered: Personal Investment Assistance, Financial Services, Self-Declared IRAs, Gold and Silver Investments.

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


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

Best for excellent transparency and customer support.

Augusta Precious Metals - Precious Metals IRA Companies

If you seek transparency, reliable insight, and support from your IRA provider, then we cannot recommend Augusta enough. The company harbors experienced agents that possess the insight and expertise needed to get the most out of your investment in precious metals. These agents provide valuable insight into gold, silver, and the economy.

They also help in diversifying your retirement account with the help of a precious metal IRA. We really appreciate how organized the company is in rendering its services. It has excellent processes to help you buy gold and silver, both inside and outside the IRA, without any hassle.

We highly advise going with Augusta if you wish for physical gold and silver with the stamp of IRS approval.

Features:

  • Rollover existing retirement accounts.
  • Buy-back program.
  • Retirement savings assistance.
  • No commission or management fees.

Pros:

  • Good customer service.
  • Fast and efficient Precious Metal IRA opening.
  • High degree of transparency.

Cons:

  • A minimum investment of $50000 is required.

Founded in: 2012
Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10-50
Services Offered: Coin grading, gold bullion, gold coins, silver coins, retirement savings assistance, and self-directed IRAs.

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.

=> Visit Augusta Precious Metals Website


#5) Noble Gold (Pasadena, California)

Best for Golf IRA Guide offered free of charge.

Noble Gold

Noble Gold is an emerging player in the Gold IRA market. It has already made quite a splash in the industry with precious metal IRA offerings. The company does not serve as an IRA custodian itself. Instead, it offers IRA custodianship via partners.

As of today, Noble Gold offers both coins and bars in silver, gold, palladium, and platinum. There are also some rare coins on offer only for non-IRA use. If you are someone who seeks to stash physical bullions at home for use in an emergency, then Noble Gold has a range of Royal Survival Packs starting at $10000 that you might find handy.

Features:

  • Gold and Silver IRA
  • Secure Texas Depository
  • Gold and Silver Guide provided.
  • Home delivery of precious metals.

Pros:

  • Free Gold IRA Guide.
  • Low investment requirement of only $2000.
  • Free set-up.
  • IRS Approved storage in Texas.

Cons:

  • A higher premium is applicable on exclusive coins.

Founded in: 2016
Headquarters: Pasadena, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 10-50
Services Offered: Gold and Silver IRA, Investment assistance in gold, silver, palladium, platinum, and rare coins.

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

=> Visit Noble Gold Website


#6) Regal Assets (Beverly Hills, California)

Best for Zero Fee retirement fund transfer.

Regal Assets

If IRA rollovers are your biggest concern, then Regal Assets is the IRA Company you should approach. They are home to highly-experienced IRA professionals who will help with the IRA rollover of your existing retirement account. In fact, a majority of Regal Assets’ business pertains to offering IRA rollover services.

What makes the company even more appealing is the fact that it charges zero fees for this service. Another thing that makes Regal Assets one of the best precious metal IRA companies out there is its immaculate and transparent pricing structure. Its customer support is a cut above the rest with a good amount of educational resources provided free of charge.

Pros:

  • Good track record offering IRA rollover services.
  • Zero free charges for retirement fund transfer.
  • Great transparency.
  • Good customer support.

Cons:

  • No privilege is provided to make purchases online.

Founded in: 2010
Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 2-10
Services Offered: Precious Metals IRA, IRA Rollovers, Cryptocurrency IRA, Precious Metals IRA.

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 Group (Los Angeles, California)

Best for Investor Education Program.

American Hartford Group

American Hartford makes it to the list because of the wide selection of silver, gold, and platinum coins it offers at a reasonable price. After analyzing several customer reviews, we found that they love their investor education program. The staff there will provide you with the information needed to set up an IRA account yourself.

Its staff are very responsive and always by your side throughout the process of opening a precious metal IRA or buying gold. Another thing that makes the American Hartford Group a worthy candidate on my list is its flexible pricing structure.

This combination of excellent educational resources, good customer support, and a reliable pricing structure makes American Hartford a good precious metal IRA firm.

Pros:

  • Excellent investor education program.
  • Good customer support.
  • Wide selection of silver, gold, and platinum coins.
  • Reasonable price.

Cons:

  • Shipping is not available outside the US.
  • Transaction speeds can be slow.

Founded in: 2015
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 50-200
Services Offered: Gold Bullion, Silver Bullion, Gold and Silver Investment Assistance. Gold IRA and IRA rollover.

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

=> Visit American Hartford Gold Website


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

Best for comprehensive educational resources available.

Oxford Gold Group

Oxford Gold Group is another trustworthy company that offers gold and IRAs, which allow you to take benefit of tax benefits associated with retirement accounts. If you choose Oxford Gold Group to open a precious metal IRA, then all you’ll need to do is choose the metal you wish to invest in.

Oxford Gold Group will manage your purchases and store those metals on your behalf. The company will ship the metal to you when you want to eventually withdraw it. Aside from precious metal IRAs, you can also approach them to buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars or coins from countries across the globe.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive fee structure.
  • Great selection of precious metals available.
  • Comprehensive educational resources are available.
  • Opening an IRA is quick and efficient.

Cons:

  • The annual initial fee is relatively costlier.

Founded in: 2017
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 2-10
Services Offered: Gold IRA Rollover, Silver IRA, Silver and Gold Coins purchase, IRA Gold Investment.

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


#9) Advantage Gold (Los Angeles, California)

Best for affordable fees and good customer support.

Advantage Gold - Precious Metals IRA Companies

With almost a decade of experience and an AAA BCA rating to boast, Advantage Gold is another precious metal IRA company you can approach. In fact, we would recommend this company to first-time buyers because of the limitless resources and education material it offers on gold and other precious metals.

In addition to this, the company is also home to a team of highly-skilled investment and IRA professionals. You can count on them to assist from start to finish to simply an otherwise complicated IRA opening process.

Pros:

  • Affordable annual fees.
  • Good customer support.
  • Comprehensive Education resources.

Cons:

  • Online purchases are not offered.

Founded in: 2014
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 11-50
Services Offered: Precious Metal Investment, Gold and Silver IRA, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Palladium coins and bars.

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


#10) Lear Capital (Los Angeles, California)

Best for precious metal storage and transportation.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital helps investors across the USA with precious metal IRAs. The company specializes in managing self-directed IRAs pertaining to precious metals like gold and silver. They take care of their purchases, transportation, and storage on your behalf.

To own a precious metal IRA, you’ll have to set up an account with Lear Capital, put cash into it and then instruct the company to purchase the precious metal. Lear Capital can handle the sale of precious metal and even deliver the metal directly to your doorstep if required.

Pros:

  • Flat fee charges.
  • Account opening is efficient and fast.
  • Precious metal Transportation and storage assistance.

Cons:

  • Very limited options to invest in metals other than gold and silver.
  • Customer support response is slow.

Founded in: 1997
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Public
Employee Size: 50-200
Services Offered: Gold and Silver Investments, IRA Rollovers, Gold and Silver IRA, Investor education.
Fees: $260 for the first year and $180 per year afterward.

=> Visit Lear Capital Website


#11) Orion Metal Exchange (Los Angeles, California)

Best for flexible pricing depending on the investment.

Orion Metal Exchange - Precious Metals IRA Companies

This is another company whose services I recommend if you wish to protect your retirement funds. The company allows you to open a precious metal IRA without much effort.

The highly-qualified staff of Orion Metal Exchange will help you buy, sell, and store precious metals in your IRA. Simply contribute cash to your account and the Orion Metal Exchange will do the rest.

Pros:

  • Invest in gold, silver, palladium, and platinum.
  • Variable annual charges depend on your investment.

Cons:

  • You’ll only be able to buy coins.
  • It’s a relatively new company.

Founded in: 2017
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Employee Size: 11-50
Services Offered: Self-directed IRA’s, Investment Assistance in Silver, Gold, Palladium, and Platinum Coins.
Fees: Will range between $150 and $225 based on the investment made.

=> Visit Orion Metal Exchange Website


Conclusion

Choosing an IRA company demands a good amount of thought and due diligence. After all, your future financial security is at stake here. Finding a company you can trust to open precious metals IRA accounts can seem daunting.

Fortunately, you don’t have to look any further than the list we’ve provided above to find an IRA company that best suits your requirements.

These are the top Precious Metals IRA Companies that enjoy a very good reputation in the industry. As such, you can rest assured when entrusting these Precious Metals IRA Companies with the responsibility of protecting and enhancing the value of your life savings.

As per our recommendation, either go with Goldco or Birch Gold Group to open an IRA account without hassle.

Further Reading =>> Bitcoin IRA Companies – A Complete Review

Research Process:

  • We spent 18 hours researching and writing this article so you can have summarized and insightful information on which Precious Metals IRA Companies you should approach.
  • Total Precious Metals IRA Companies Researched: 25
  • Total Precious Metals IRA Companies Shortlisted: 11
=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.