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Best Gold IRA Companies
Costs, Fees, Storage Options, BBB Ratings, Pros and Cons
Updated September 21st, 2023
Our list of the top gold IRA companies is ranked not just by the standard metrics such as fees, minimum investments, prices, and ratings. Because you are making an important, wealth protection investment decision and building a long-term relationship, you need information beyond these metrics. We will cover all of these details, in depth, in this article.
When choosing to secure your retirement savings, insights like company culture, trust, shared values, transparency, and, more importantly, long-term customer experience are crucial tools. Here is our list of the top gold IRA companies in four categories:
The Top 4 Gold IRA Companies
- Augusta Precious Metals: Best Overall - For High Income Earners, Pricing, and Education
- Birch Gold Group: Best for Trust and Conservative Retirees
- American Hartford Gold: Best Price Match Guarantee and Buyback Commitment
- Noble Gold Investments: Best for Beginning Investors and Independent-Minded Retirees
Economic volatility has been front of mind for all investors, particularly those on a fixed income. Record inflation, pandemic-related supply chain shortages, ill-timed monetary policies of central banks, an erratic stock market, geo-political instability, and another possible recession to come have thrown uncertainty and doubt into our IRA investing and retirement planning.
Fortunately, gold and precious metals have remained a stable asset class and store of value since time immemorial as any seasoned investor will attest. For these reasons, a growing number of retirement investors are looking to alternative investments like gold and silver for their retirement accounts to add an extra layer of protection and insurance against this continued economic instability. Safeguarding your hard-earned retirement savings is within your control with a simple IRA rollover into a precious metals IRA.
Compare the Top Precious Metals IRA Companies
Best Overall Gold IRA Company
For High-Income Earners, Best Pricing, Transparency, and Education
The best gold IRA company will vary based on the investor's very specific individual goals and needs.
Augusta Precious Metals remains the best gold IRA company for high-income earners and provides a combination of an ethics-centered approach to empower the customer, the best prices, superb customer service, and expert educational resources.
Augusta Precious Metals has a proven commitment to exceptional one-on-one customer experiences with its unique educational conference calls. With an initial minimum investment of $50,000, Augusta's main investors are, typically, higher-income retirees with larger portfolios. However, many of Augusta's clients agree, the level of excellent lifetime account service is worth the price of entry.
Augusta Precious Metals provides unmatched educational resources, a streamlined IRA rollover process, solid pricing, and a proven track record of positive customer feedback and industry ratings. Founded by CEO Isaac Nuriani in 2012, Wyoming-based Augusta Precious Metals has remained one of the best-rated gold IRA companies with the highest reviews across the industry, namely for lifetime account service satisfaction. The company centers its focus on a mission of integrity, education, and investor trust and empowerment resulting in a nearly ZERO negative customer review record.
Ethics-Centered Approach to Empower the Customer:
CEO Isaac Nuriani is a member of Ethics.net and founded the company with a vision of empowering people in retirement, professionals, and serious investors to take control and diversify their savings through IRA investing in gold and silver.
Augusta often warns against other companies' use of scare tactics, sales gimmicks, and free silver giveaways to lure customers. Augusta Precious Metals stands by an integrity-first model and upfront transparency to build long-term customer trust.
Best Prices:
Though the minimum investment is higher than most of their competitors, there is an advantage with investing with Augusta Precious Metals. Through Augusta, precious metals prices are locked in once your purchase order is confirmed. With the company's 7-Day Price Protection Program, if the price of your premium metals goes down in those 7 days, Augusta will reprice your purchase order at a lower price. Also, Augusta has one of the best buy-back guarantees in the gold IRA industry.
There is a 5% markup on top of market value for Augusta's services, which is well worth it given the quality of expertise and highly individualized service each customer receives.
Superb Customer Service:
Augusta Precious Metals offers a simple and streamlined IRA rollover process. The company's customer service processing team handles 95 percent of the paperwork, which frees your time to make sound decisions on your gold and silver investments. Augusta's experienced staff will educate and advise you on what is the best path for you to secure and grow your wealth based on your individual situation.
Expert Educational Resources:
Augusta Precious Metals realizes a satisfied customer is an educated customer. Augusta's unique approach includes a one-to-one video call with the firm’s Harvard-educated Director of Education Devlyn Steele. Devlyn discusses the importance of precious metals, IRAs, and the state of the economy, and is followed by a Q&A session.
Storage and Security:
Augusta Precious Metals serves as your personal guide through the process of storing your precious metals. Various IRS-approved vaults are offered for storage providing exceptional security and full insurance for the value of your account. Augusta offers 12 country-wide storage depositories spread over 10 states. Locations include Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Salt Lake City, Utah, South Fargo, North Dakota, Wilmington, Delaware, New York, New York, and Los Angeles, California. Each location is equipped with a secure vault protected and managed by a highly vetted and experienced staff of custodians, and a robust and stress-tested computer network.
Fees and Minimums:
The initial, one-time, setup fee for a gold IRA account is $50. The storage fee at Augusta's depository is $100 with an additional custodian fee of $80 which is in line with Augusta's competitors. The initial minimum investment is set at $50,000, which may be high for beginning investors. But the return is excellent lifetime client support, unmatched education, and a wide range of gold IRA rollover services.
Summary:
With the company's impressive track record in Gold IRA education, a streamlined setup process, the best prices in the industry, and consistent positive ratings from consumer advocate groups, Augusta has proven to be a leader in the precious metals IRA investment market. Want to read a more in-depth review of Augusta Precious Metals and its excellent services? Read a Full review here.
Pros
✓Best prices and price transparency
✓Unique educational resources
✓They have simplified the IRA rollover process.
✓Offers a buy-back program to its clients if their circumstances change.
✓Free one-on-one web conference with Harvard-trained economist Devlyn Steele
✓They offer numerous storage locations across the country.
✓No high-pressure tactics
✓Potential to have fees waived for 10 years
Cons
✓No online orders.
✓Platinum or palladium is not offered.
Best for Trust and Conservative Retirees
Birch Gold Group remains the best gold IRA company for conservative retirees by providing a combination of trusted customer service and support, shared conservative values, an understanding of the needs and concerns of their customers, and, finally, robust storage and security.
Birch Gold Group holds an impressive and wide variety of IRA eligible and approved precious metals including platinum and palladium products. This sets Birch Gold Group apart from other precious metal investment companies. For almost two decades, Birch Gold has built a well-established reputation of solid expertise and great educational resources.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Birch Gold Group offers a vast array of IRA-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium investment products which gives them an edge over their competition. Founded in 2003 by CEO Laith Alsarraf, the company’s longevity and broad product catalog have made them a mainstay within the industry. The company shows its high rankings with the BBB, Google Business, Consumer Affairs, and a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.
Trusted Customer Service:
Birch Gold prides itself on its time-tested excellent customer service. Birch Gold is made up of experienced professionals from high-profile companies such as Citigroup and IBM.
As Birch's client, you are guided through the account setup, IRA rollover process, initial investment, and management of your portfolio by an assigned financial adviser. With a Birch gold IRA, you have more flexibility and control of 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. Birch Gold Group's aim is client empowerment.
Shared Values:
With an impressive group of partners and endorsements from Ben Shapiro, Ron Paul, and Hugh Hewitt, Birch Gold Group is a trusted Gold IRA investment company among conservative-minded investors who share common values and are looking to protect and grow their retirement savings.
Birch Gold Understands The Needs of Their Customers:
Birch Gold understands the pains and concerns of retirees seeing their hard-earned retirement savings being eaten up by forces out of their control.
Birch Gold IRAs provide a hedge against dollar devaluation and protection from stock market volatility through portfolio diversification. With the company's nearly two decades of well-earned trust, retirees from numerous industries and professions have realized the benefits of investing in gold with Birch Gold Group.
Robust Storage and Security:
Birch Gold Group offers its clients two IRS-approved storage options for their precious metals held in an IRA. Birch works with Brink’s International Depository Services and Delaware Depository. Brink's has a valued reputation in the bank security industry and is headquartered at a number of locations in major U.S. cities.
Both companies assume full liability for any loss or damage that occurs to your stored assets. You can trust that your gold, silver, platinum, and palladium will be safe and secure.
Fees and Minimums:
Outdoing Birch's competitors, the initial setup fee for a gold IRA is a mere $50 with an additional money transfer fee of $30. The annual storage and custodial fees will vary. Please see the site link for details below. Note, that these fees can be waived with an initial deposit of up to $50,000.
In terms of initial investment minimums, Birch Gold's is quite less than its competitors, which is $10,000. This definitely gives Birch Gold the edge along with their broad selection of precious metals outside just gold and silver.
Summary:
Due to the company's long-established presence in the gold IRA industry, Birch Gold Group is a trusted choice among conservative retirees and investors. The company’s proven track record for sustained long-term relationships with its customers through the life of their investment accounts makes up the bedrock of the company’s trusted reputation. Want to read a more in-depth review of Birch Gold Group and how they can assist in your IRA rollover? Read a Full review here.
Pros
✓Ranked #1 for customer service
✓Best for Fee Transparency
✓Platinum and palladium precious metals are available.
✓Wide range of gold IRAs with metals from around the world.
✓An excellent one-on-one customer-focused process.
✓You can also purchase precious metals as a personal investment in addition to the IRA-approved coins
Cons
✓No overseas depository options
✓Some initial setup fees aren’t clearly displayed
Best Price Match Guarantee and Buyback Commitment
American Hartford Gold leads the way as one of the best gold IRA companies by providing unparalleled customer support, price match guarantees, the best buyback guarantee in the industry, and educational resources.
American Hartford Gold is one of the fastest-growing gold IRA companies in the marketplace. Since it’s founding in 2015 by CEO Sanford Mann, 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.
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.
American Hartford Gold Unparalleled Customer Support:
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 Price Match Guarantee:
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.
American Hartford Gold Best Buyback Guarantee:
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 Educational Resources:
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.
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
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 works with International Depository Services (IDS), Brinks Global Services, and Delaware Depository Service Company. All three 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.
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 its 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.
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
Best Precious Metals IRA Company for Storage and Product Diversity for Independent-Minded Investors
Noble Gold remains the best gold IRA company for independent-minded Investors Nobel Gold provides this with a combination of: diverse IRA options, easy website navigation and account setup, unconventional gold and silver investment products, and the best domestic storage and security.
Launched in 2016 by Charles Thorngren and Colin Plume, Noble Gold Investments is one of the newer gold IRA companies in the industry. Their executive staff, however, has over 20 years of combined experience in the precious metals industry. Originally founded as an offshoot of Regal Assets, Noble Gold has grown at a rapid pace in this highly competitive market.
Noble Gold provides beginning investors greater access to entry into the gold investment market as well as appeal to independent-minded investors that seek greater control over their gold investments.
Noble Gold Investments is touted for its exceptional user-friendly online interface, fiercely independent and unique product offerings well as overwhelmingly positive customer service feedback. Noble Gold is an accredited business with an A+ rating from the BBB, Consumer Affairs Alliance, TrustLink Business-Consumer Alliance, and the BBB.
Minimums: Noble Gold's investment minimum varies based on the product. $10,000 for direct transfers, $20,000 for IRA/401k rollovers
Fees: There is no IRA setup fee, but storage costs are slightly higher than Noble’s competitors. Segregated storage is $150 per year at their prized Texas depository, but with a very competitive custodial fee is just $80 annually. First-year fees are also waived for qualifying IRAs.
Easy Website Navigation and Account Setup:
For investors eager to get started, Noble Gold Investments provides a simple online IRA setup form that can be filled out in a matter of minutes. Once submitted, a Noble Gold agent will reach out to assist in completing the process by assigning you a custodian.
The heavy lifting of processing the transfer of your funds is done by Noble by working directly with your precious metals custodian. Your 401(k) or IRA rollover is processed to your Noble Gold account quickly so you are freed up to make your precious metals selection.
Unconventional Gold and Silver Investment Products
For the more independent-minded investors looking for more control, Noble Gold provides Royal Survival pacts for quick access to gold and silver. Particularly, in the event of catastrophic economic collapse and national emergency.
Precious metals can be exchanged for goods and services. They are real money with real worth. Not fiat. The world has never looked more volatile and unstable than now. Noble allows you to be prepared for the unknown.
Noble Gold offers a range of Royal Survival Packs priced from $10,000 to $500,000 plus. Delivered to your door and stored in your home, you have ultimate control over your gold investments. Peace of mind.
Best Domestic Storage and Security
Noble Gold stores your gold and precious metals in a registered secure depository facility. Your gold and silver can now be stored safely without it ever leaving the Republic of Texas. Why store in Texas? Texas maintains and protects its state rights fiercely.
Noble Gold Investments has secured a partnership with IDS (International Depository Services) in Dallas. This provides the first and only private secure depository facility in the south for gold and precious metals storage needs. Before this, the only depositories available with Noble Gold in the U.S. was Delaware. Delaware and New York no longer have the monopoly on precious metals storage.
Rest easy knowing your gold and silver investments are guarded well. Visit the storage facility to see your gold and physical precious metal investments at your convenience.
Customer Service:
Noble Gold Investments offers a safe and easy process for IRA rollovers and gold IRA investing to help you build retirement security and peace of mind. Along with Noble Gold’s full-service, dedicated support team, and education materials, this gold IRA company is unique in its various product offerings that appeal to a more independent-minded investor. Noble’s Royal Survival Packs provides private bullion ownership for adverse event preparation, giving you more financial security in the event of a disaster.
Summary:
Noble Gold's proven track record of customer service, seamless online setup process, expansive selection of precious metals, well-vetted storage services, and alternative investments outside the standard gold IRA sphere make up the bedrock of the company’s trusted reputation and unique approach to the precious metals investment market. The benefits of investing with Noble Gold Investments are quite clear. Want to learn more about Noble Gold Investments? Read Full Review here.
Pros
✓Gold and Silver IRAs available in the form of a Roth or Traditional IRA
✓User-friendly online navigation to easily start investing
✓Secure Texas state-segregated storage
✓Platinum and Palladium investments available
✓Perfect for independent-minded investors who want more control of their investments.
√First year fees are also waived for qualifying IRAs.
Cons
✓Fees are not very transparent on the company website
Gold IRA and Precious Metals Diversification
Gold IRA Customer Reviews
Adam ONeill
Author, lifelong investor, and creator of PreciousMetalsInvestmentPortfolio.com.