Updated September 19th. 2025
American Hartford Gold Review
Best Gold IRA Company in Price Match, Buyback Commitment and Low Minimum Investment
Costs, Fees, Storage Options, BBB Ratings, Pros and Cons
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American Hartford Gold, founded in 2015, is a top-rated, family-owned Gold IRA company based in Los Angeles. It stands out for its price match guarantee, industry-leading buyback program, low minimum investment ($10,000 for IRAs, $5,000 for cash deals), and strong customer support. Backed by A+ BBB and 5-star Trustpilot ratings, it’s known for transparency, educational resources, and secure storage options.
Table of Contents
- Is American Hartford Gold Legit?
- How Does American Hartford Gold Work?
- Self-Directed IRA Rollovers
- Cash Purchases (Non-IRA)
- Precious Metals Selection (Gold, Silver, Platinum)
- Minimum Investment Requirements
- IRA/401(k) Rollovers
- Cash Deals
- Fees and Costs
- Account Setup & Annual Fees
- Storage Fees (Segregated vs. Non-Segregated)
- Promotions & Free Shipping
- Storage Options
- Delaware Depository
- Brink’s Global Services
- American Hartford Gold Buyback Program
- Pros and Cons of Investing with American Hartford Gold
- Gold IRA Company Comparisons
- Summary
- FAQs
Is American Hartford Gold Legit?
Who Owns American Hartford Gold?
American Hartford Gold is one of the fastest-growing, family-owned gold IRA companies in the marketplace. Founded in 2015 by CEO Sanford Mann and owned by former President Scott Gerlis, this Los Angeles, California-based company has been helping retirees and investors create a safe haven for their retirement assets through 401k and IRA rollovers.
American Hartford Gold's new Max Becker brings continued value to this highly respected gold IRA company. Also, earlier this year, the company experienced a 400% increase in sales. Due to this growth, they have expanded to a state-of-the-art facility at Landmark 1 Building, Floor 11 at 11755 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. to accommodate this growth. The company plans to expand its workforce to over 200 employees.
American Hartford Gold holds an A+ rating from the BBB, top ratings from Consumer Affairs, a 5-star rating from Trustpilot, and has ranked #1 Gold Company by the Inc 5000. With strong celebrity endorsements from such names as Bill OReilly, Rudy Giuliani, and Rick Harrison, American Hartford Gold has solidified its name as a trusted company for your gold and silver investments.
How Does American Hartford Gold Work?
American Hartford Gold provides its customers’ retirement accounts with a broad range of IRA investment products, including both IRA rollover and non-IRA related investment services. American Hartford will guide you through the process and clear up any confusion along the way. Whether you are interested in gold, silver, or platinum investments, the company can expedite this process with ease and transparency.
American Hartford Gold's self-directed IRA is a type of retirement account where the account holder makes the investment decisions, specifically where to invest and how much. You have a greater level of control and flexibility over your investment decisions than a conventional IRA. You are not restricted to the most common of assets such as stocks, bonds, CDs, and mutual funds.
Simply set up a new account with the online form or by phone. You will be contacted by a company associate to assist in setting up the self-directed IRA. This setup process is fee-free. Transfer money into your new gold IRA account or initiate an IRA rollover from an existing account.
American Hartford Gold IRA Rollovers
If you have an existing traditional or simple IRA, SEP IRAs, SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k), or TSP(Thrift Savings Plan plan), you can roll it into a Gold IRA. Your dedicated specialist at American Hartford Gold can provide you with information and even make recommendations based on your current situation and investment positions. Just specify which IRA eligible gold, silver, or platinum product you want and how much money you want to invest and American Hartford does the rest of the heavy lifting.
American Hartford Gold Prices
Price Match Guarantee
Ensures Price Transparency
Customers are fully informed of any costs or fees involved prior to purchase. The company's pricing is among the best in the industry and changes regularly to reflect the best possible deals for gold and silver investors. Live, up-to-the-minute pricing is available on their site with the live gold price chart. Full transparency and trust are built into the process.
The Best Buyback Guarantee in the Gold IRA Industry
Building Trust
It is encouraged by America Hartford Gold that clients contact the company first if they wish to sell their precious metals investments. The company may offer better prices if sold directly back to them.
If a buyback is agreed upon between the customer and the company, clients will enjoy a fast and easy 3-step liquidation process that is simple, convenient and reduces fees. Once the shipment of precious metals is arranged and sent back to the company, American Hartford Gold makes a payment.
American Hartford Gold Minimum Investment
IRA Rollovers
American Hartford Gold provides investors and retirees with one of the lowest investment minimums in the industry. The initial minimum investment for IRA/401k rollovers or establishing a new IRA is $10,000.
For a company of this quality and caliber, this lends a huge advantage to beginning investors for which investment minimums have been obstacles before. American Hartford provides a low barrier to entry into the gold and precious metals investment market.
Educational Resources
Customer Empowerment
The company offers up-to-the-minute data and unbiased perspectives on the gold and precious metals markets as well as historical market educational resources
With easy access to regular news publications, video content, and live gold, silver, and platinum price charts, you can feel confident and well-informed about your precious metals investments.
Unparalleled Customer Support
American Hartford Gold has your back
It will become quite clear from the many positive customer testimonials the level of commitment and dedication American Hartford Gold shows their clients. Their long and consistent track record is shown in their stellar ratings with consumer advocates and watchdog groups.
Any confusion, questions, or complaints are quickly acknowledged and resolved. American Hartford Gold's record of unwavering customer support makes up the bedrock of this company's reputation within the gold IRA and precious metals industry.
American Hartford Gold IRA Fees and Minimums
American Hartford Gold IRA Fees and Minimums
Minimum Investment:
- For Gold IRA Rollover, the minimum: $10,000
- Cash deal's minimum: $5,000
Fees:
- $180 annual fee,
- $0 fees on first-year trades and free shipping for orders over a certain amount
- No Buy-Back Fees
Storage Fees:
- $150 - Segregated Storage
- $100 - Non-Segregated Storage
Promotion: Up to $5,000 in Free Silver & Up to 3 years of waived IRA fees
Storage and Security
American Hartford Gold offers its clients three well-established IRS-approved storage options for storing and securing their IRA precious metals. American Hartford Gold primarily works with Brinks Global Services and Delaware Depository Service Company. Both companies have a valued reputation and have locations throughout the U.S.
Storage fees charged by the depository will vary. All companies assume liability for any loss or damage that occurs to your stored assets. You can trust that your gold, silver, or platinum investments will be safe and secure with American Hartford's chosen partners.
American Hartford Gold's wide selection of IRA-approved coins includes but is not limited to:
Gold Investments
- Saint Helena Sovereign Gold
Silver Investments
- Saint Helena Sovereign Silver
-
Canadian Buffalo 2021
- Canadian Maple Leaf
- Canadian Polar Bear & Cub
- Valcambi Combibar
Tap the Banner Below Request Your American Hartford Gold 25-page Information Guide
Pros and Cons of Gold Investing with American Hartford Gold
Pros
✓Competitive
✓Buyback program is the best in the industry
✓Excellent customer support and client retention
✓Wide range of precious metals available
✓Complete cost disclosure before the final sale.
Cons
✓Price list not available online
✓No overseas depository options
Gold IRA Company Comparisons
American Hartford Gold vs. Other Gold IRA Companies
- Annual Fee: $180
- Minimum Investment: $50,000
- Promotion: See official site
- Annual Fee: $225 - 250
- Minimum Investment: $10,000 for direct transfers, $20,000 for IRA/401k rollovers
- Promotion: 1st-year fees waived for qualifying IRAs
- Annual Fee: Fees vary
- Minimum Investment: $10,000
- Promotion: 1st year fees waived (over $50k accounts)
Summary
American Hartford Gold continues to be a well-respected market leader in the gold IRA and precious metals investment industry. The company is the trusted choice for educated, conservative retirees and preparation-minded investors. The company’s proven track record for competitive pricing, a trustworthy buyback policy, and sustained long-term relationships with its customers through the life of their portfolios make up the bedrock of the company’s well-earned reputation.
American Hartford Gold’s mission is focused on a commitment to the empowerment and support of its customers. The company will advise you on the best choice at any point in time.
Their highly talented and experienced team will work with you to develop a custom financial plan that serves your long-term goals, and preferences. With the company’s wide range of precious metals investment products, you are sure to find the option that meets your needs. To get started, simply request a free kit here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who owns American Hartford Gold and how long has it been in business?
American Hartford Gold is a family-owned company founded in 2015 by Sanford Mann, with Scott Gerlis serving as a former president. It’s based in Los Angeles, California.
2. Is American Hartford Gold legit & how is its reputation?
Yes. It holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, has top ratings from Consumer Affairs and a 5-star rating on Trustpilot. It’s also ranked #1 gold company by the Inc. 5000.
3. What are its standout features (price match, buyback, etc.)?
- They offer a price match guarantee—if you find a better deal elsewhere, American Hartford Gold will match it.
- They also provide what they call one of the best buyback guarantees in the Gold IRA industry, with a streamlined 3-step process.
4. What is the minimum investment required?
- For IRA/401(k) rollovers or creating a new IRA with American Hartford Gold, the minimum is $10,000.
- For “cash deals” (non-IRA investments), the minimum is $5,000.
5. What are the fees & storage costs?
- Annual fee: ~$180
- Storage fees: ~$150 for segregated storage, ~$100 for non-segregated storage.
- First-year trades may have no fees; free shipping sometimes available for larger orders.
6. What precious metals & products are IRA-approved?
They offer gold, silver, and platinum products. The metals must meet purity/fineness requirements (e.g. gold ≥ 99.5%, silver ≥ 99.9%), with exceptions like U.S. American Eagles. Products include coins and bars from recognized mints/refiners.
7. How does the self-directed IRA rollover process work?
You can roll over existing retirement accounts (traditional/simplified/SEP/Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, etc.) into a Gold IRA with American Hartford. They provide assistance through specialists to help with transfers, selecting products, etc.
8. What are the pros & cons of investing with American Hartford Gold?
Pros:
- Competitive pricing and price-match policy
- Strong buyback program
- Wide selection of metals / good customer support
Cons: - The detailed price lists are not always available directly online
- No overseas depository options are mentioned.
9. Who might American Hartford Gold be best for?
They seem well suited to retirees or people who are conservative investors, those who want low minimums, transparent policies (like price matching / buyback), and want reliable customer support.
10. How is storage handled?
They use IRS-approved storage partners such as Brink’s Global Services and Delaware Depository Service Company. Security, insurance, and liability for loss or damage are covered.
FAQs
Adam ONeill
Author, lifelong investor, and creator of PreciousMetalsInvestmentPortfolio.com.