Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026

Gold and other precious metal IRAs are an investment and carry risk. Consumers should be alert to claims that customers can make a lot of money in these or any investment with little risk. As with any investment, you can lose money, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance results. Consumers should also obtain a clear understanding of the fees associated with any investment before agreeing to invest.

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A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that can hold IRS-approved physical gold and other precious metals. These accounts can provide another way to diversify retirement savings, but they also involve account fees, storage costs, dealer premiums, and other considerations.

This guide includes gold IRA reviews of our top companies and explains what to consider before opening an account. To learn how we selected our top picks, see our methodology below.

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Best Gold IRA Companies: Side-by-Side Comparison

Company	Precious Metal Options	Minimum Investment	Storage	Rating
American Hartford Group	Gold & silver	$10,000	Delaware Depository or Brink’s	4.7/5
Patriot Gold Group	Gold & silver	Varies; minimum depends on qualifying account	Approved U.S. depositories, including Brink’s and Delaware Depository	4.6/5
Orion Metal Exchange	Gold, silver, platinum, & palladium	Not publicly disclosed	Approved commercial depositories	4.5/5
Sanctuary Metals	Gold, silver, & platinum	Varies by account and metals selected	Approved, insured depositories	4.0/5
Goldco	Gold, silver, platinum, & palladium	$25,000	Bullion depository	4.5/5
National Gold Group	Gold, silver, platinum, & palladium	Around $10,000	IRS-approved, insured depositories	4.4/5
Lear Capital	Gold, silver, & platinum	$10,000	Approved depository	4.6/5
Augusta Precious Metals	Gold & silver	$50,000	Approved depository	4.8/5
Monetary Gold	Gold, silver, & platinum	Not publicly disclosed	Approved depository	4.4/5
Priority Gold	Gold, silver, platinum, & palladium	$25,000	Approved depository	4.4/5

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Best Gold IRA Companies: Reviews

American Hartford Gold stands out for its buyback support and retirement-account assistance. The company says it does not charge additional liquidation fees when customers sell their metals. It also offers rollover help for several retirement account types.

Current promotions may include up to $5,000 in free silver and up to three years without IRA transfer, storage, or maintenance fees. Promotions can change, so confirm the current offer before opening an account.

• IRA minimum: $10,000
• Storage: $100 nonsegregated or $150 segregated annually
• Buyback: No additional liquidation fee; repurchase is not guaranteed
• Rollover support: Traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457s, TSPs, and other eligible accounts

To learn more, read our full American Hartford Gold review.

Patriot Gold Group offers a fee structure that can become more attractive as account balances increase. Customers with balances above $100,000 may qualify for fee and storage benefits for the life of their IRA. The company also assists with rollovers from accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and TSPs.

The tradeoff is limited pricing information. Investors need to contact Patriot to confirm current account requirements, fees, and available options. That makes upfront cost comparisons harder than with companies that publish detailed fee schedules.

• Fee-for-life threshold: $100,000+ account balance
• Rollover support: Traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and TSPs
• Storage: Segregated storage through approved U.S. depositories

To learn more, read our full Patriot Gold Group review.

Orion Metal Exchange publishes live purchase prices for its precious metals, letting investors see current asking prices before contacting a representative. The company also lets customers confirm and guarantee a transaction price before funding, which can make the purchase process easier to understand.

Orion also offers a commission-free buyback policy and a dedicated IRA department. Its team helps with account setup, rollovers, custodian selection, and required paperwork.

• Pricing: Live product prices available online
• Buyback: No commission charged at liquidation
• Storage: Brinks, DDSC, IDS, and other IRS-approved depositories

To learn more, read our full Orion Metal Exchange review.

Sanctuary Metals takes an education-first approach to precious metals investing. Its specialists help investors understand IRA options, select eligible metals, and set up accounts without high-pressure sales tactics. 

The main limitation is pricing transparency. Sanctuary does not publish a fixed IRA minimum or detailed fee schedule online. Investors must request current terms based on their account and selected metals.

• IRA setup: Typically completed within a few business days
• Storage: IRS-approved, fully insured depositories; segregated storage available
• Rollover support: IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and other qualified accounts

To learn more, read our full Sanctuary Metals review.

Goldco focuses heavily on helping investors move existing retirement assets into precious metals IRAs. Its specialists support rollovers from 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, TSPs, IRAs, and similar accounts. The company says it can open a completed account within one business day after it receives the required paperwork.

Goldco also offers a buyback program and publishes its IRA fee structure online. That makes the account costs easier to evaluate before you commit, although the metal’s purchase price and dealer premium are separate from the account fees.

• IRA minimum: $25,000
• Setup fee: $50 one-time
• Annual administration: $125
• Storage: $100 nonsegregated or $150 segregated annually

To learn more, read our full Goldco review.

National Gold Group helps investors set up precious metals IRAs and roll over eligible retirement accounts through third-party custodians. Its buyback program is a useful differentiator for investors who want a straightforward way to sell their metals later.

Its main limitation is that it doesn’t publish the full fee structure upfront. Investors should confirm account, custodian, and storage costs before opening an IRA.

• IRA minimum: Around $10,000 for qualifying fee waivers
• Buyback: No-fee buyback program
• Rollover support: Self-directed IRAs funded through eligible retirement-account rollovers
• Storage: IRS-approved, insured depositories through third-party custodians

To learn more, read our full National Gold Group review.

Lear Capital is one of the more transparent providers when it comes to gold IRA costs. It publishes its application, wire, maintenance, and storage charges before investors open an account. It also provides a 24-hour purchase guarantee, giving investors time to review an order and cancel without a fee.

Lear’s published schedule makes it easier to estimate ongoing costs, although dealer premiums on the metals are separate from IRA fees. Lear also reimburses fees on qualifying purchases of $25,000 or more.

• IRA minimum: $10,000
• First-year fees: $315 nonsegregated or $365 segregated
• Annual fees after year one: $235 nonsegregated or $285 segregated
• Storage: $110 nonsegregated or $160 segregated annually

To learn more, read our full Lear Capital review.

Augusta Precious Metals takes an education-first approach that can help first-time gold IRA investors understand the account process before buying. The company also provides lifetime account support and says its IRA processing team handles about 95% of the paperwork.

The $50,000 minimum makes Augusta less accessible to investors with smaller retirement allocations. Its published fee sheet gives an example using Equity Trust, with $50 for the custodian application, $125 for annual custody, and $100 for storage.

• Education: Free one-on-one web conference
• Sample setup cost: $275 through Equity Trust
• Sample annual cost: $225 through Equity Trust

Read our comprehensive Augusta Precious Metals review.

Monetary Gold has operated since 2000 and helps investors use physical precious metals in retirement accounts. The company supports IRA transfers and rollovers and provides guidance during the account-opening process. Monetary Gold says new IRA accounts typically take 48 to 72 hours to open after processing begins.

The company also offers free educational workshops and consultations. However, it does not publish a complete IRA fee schedule or minimum investment on its current website. Investors should request current costs and account requirements before opening an account.

• Fee promotion: IRA fees covered for qualifying accounts of $250,000+
• First-time buyers: Free shipping

To learn more, read our full Monetary Gold review.

Priority Gold assigns an IRA specialist to help with the account application, rollover paperwork, metal selection, and coordination with the custodian. The company currently works with custodians including Equity Trust and STRATA Trust and can also accommodate other custodians.

Its current materials also advertise no buyback fees and free precious metals storage for qualifying purchases. Terms depend on the account and purchase, so confirm the offer before opening an IRA.

• IRA minimum: $25,000 for qualifying IRA rollovers
• Buyback: No buyback fees
• Rollover support: Traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and TSPs
• Storage: Brink’s, Delaware Depository, IDS, and other approved depositories

To learn more, read our full Priority Gold review.

Additional Gold IRA Companies We Considered

• Advantage Gold
• All American Assets
• Allegiance Gold
• APMEX
• Birch Gold Group
• Bishop Gold Group
• JM Bullion
• Freedom Gold USA
• Gold Financial Group
• GoldSilver
• Lexi Capital
• Noble Gold
• OneGold
• Premier Gold
• Preserve Gold
• Rosland Capital
• Thor Metals Group
• Universal Coin & Bullion
• U.S. Money Reserve
• VaultUS Gold

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Methodology: How We Evaluated the Best Gold IRA Companies

We evaluated 30 gold IRA companies using criteria that affect cost, account access, service, and long-term ownership.

Our review considered:

• Fees and pricing: Setup, annual, storage, and other fees, plus dealer spreads and pricing clarity.
• Investment minimums: How much you need to open or fund an account.
• Reputation and service: Customer feedback, complaints, company history, and support.
• Precious metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet IRS requirements.
• Storage and custodians: Depositories, storage options, and self-directed IRA custodians.
• Buybacks: How clearly companies explain their buyback policies and pricing.
• Education: Resources that help investors understand gold IRAs and precious metals investing.

We used these factors to assign each provider an editorial rating and identify the companies that best fit different investor needs. We also considered whether companies clearly disclose important costs and account terms. Rankings reflect information available at the time of our review, so check current terms before opening an account.

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How to Open a Gold IRA: A Step-By-Step Guide

Opening a gold IRA generally involves choosing a provider and custodian, completing the account paperwork, funding the IRA, and selecting eligible metals.

1. Choose a gold IRA company and custodian. Compare fees, storage options, buyback policies, and available custodians before opening an account.
2. Open a self-directed IRA. Complete the application and provide the information your custodian requests.
3. Fund the account. You can make a new contribution if eligible or move existing retirement funds through a transfer or rollover. For 2026, the annual contribution limit for traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,500, or $8,600 for investors age 50 or older. Rollover contributions are not subject to this IRA contribution limit. A trustee-to-trustee transfer moves IRA funds directly between financial institutions. A direct rollover moves eligible retirement-plan funds directly to an IRA.
4. Select IRS-approved metals. Work with the provider to choose and buy gold or other precious metals that meet IRS requirements.
5. Arrange storage. The IRA’s metals must remain in the custody of the IRA trustee or custodian and be held in an approved arrangement rather than kept at home.
6. Complete the purchase. Once the account is funded, the provider purchases the selected metals and arranges delivery to the approved depository.

If you receive the funds yourself, a 60-day rollover generally requires you to deposit the money into another eligible retirement account within 60 days. Employer-plan distributions paid to you are generally subject to 20% federal withholding. You may need to use other funds to deposit the full amount you received into the new account.

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Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Invest In a Gold IRA?

Investing in a gold IRA may be worth considering if you:

• Want physical gold or other eligible precious metals in a retirement account
• Already have diversified retirement investments
• Have a long-term retirement horizon
• Are comfortable with gold price fluctuations and market volatility
• Understand and can afford the account, storage, and transaction costs

If you’re a first-time investor, look for a beginner-friendly company that explains the process clearly, offers useful educational resources, and doesn’t pressure you to invest more than you’re comfortable with. Providers with low minimums may also be easier to consider if you’re starting with a smaller allocation.

A gold IRA may not be a good fit if you:

• Need frequent or easy access to your retirement funds
• Want investments that generate dividends or interest
• Are looking for maximum long-term growth rather than diversification
• Have a small retirement balance that may be significantly affected by account fees
• Prefer investments without physical storage and dealer-related costs

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What to Look For In a Gold IRA Company

Choosing a gold IRA company involves more than comparing the minimum investment. You also need to consider the ongoing costs, how your account is managed, where your metals are stored, and how easily you can sell them later. A provider should clearly explain these terms before you open an account.

• Fee transparency: Look for clear setup, annual, storage, and transaction fees. Ask about dealer spreads and metal pricing, too.
• Reputation: Check the company’s BBB rating and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also review customer feedback on Trustpilot and other independent platforms. Look for patterns in complaints and responses rather than relying on one rating.
• Minimum investment: Check the account minimum and any minimum purchase requirements before opening an IRA.
• Custodian vs. dealer: The dealer sells the precious metals, while the IRA custodian administers the retirement account and handles its records and transactions. A separate depository stores the physical metals. Check which companies provide each service and what fees they charge.
• Storage: Confirm that the metals will be held at an approved depository. Check whether segregated or commingled storage is available and how much each option costs.
• Buyback policy: Check whether the company offers a buyback program and whether it provides a buyback guarantee. Ask how the buyback price is determined and whether the company guarantees that it will repurchase your metals.
• Customer support: Look for representatives who explain the process clearly and answer questions without pressure.
• Education: Choose a provider that offers useful information about gold IRAs, eligible metals, fees, and risks.
• Metal selection: Confirm that the company offers IRS-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet applicable purity standards. For example, gold generally must be at least 99.5% pure, while silver must be at least 99.9% pure. Certain U.S. coins have separate eligibility rules. Not every coin or collectible qualifies for an IRA.

When comparing providers, don’t look only at annual account fees. Ask for the current spot price, your purchase price, dealer markup or spread, and buyback price. Review these costs together to understand the potential total cost of owning the metals.

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Gold IRA Costs and Fees

Gold IRAs can cost more than traditional IRAs because you pay for account administration, physical storage, and metal transactions. Fees vary by custodian and provider, so compare total costs rather than a single annual fee.

Common costs include:

• Setup fees: One-time charges to open and fund the account.
• Annual account fees: Custodian or administration charges for maintaining the IRA.
• Storage fees: Annual fees to hold your metals at an approved depository. Charges may be flat or vary based on the storage arrangement, and insurance may be included.
• Transaction or wire fees: Charges for buying, selling, transferring, or wiring funds.

Another cost to consider is the dealer spread or markup. Dealers typically sell precious metals for more than the current spot price and may buy them back for less. The difference between the dealer’s purchase and buyback prices is the spread. A wider spread can increase the amount gold must rise before you break even. Dealer premiums and spreads are separate from the account fees listed above.

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How Is Gold Stored In a Gold IRA?

IRS regulations require all precious metals held in a gold IRA to be stored in an approved depository. Home storage is generally not permitted and may result in taxes and penalties.

• Commingled storage: Your metals are stored alongside other investors’ holdings while ownership records remain separate. This option is generally less expensive.
• Segregated storage: Your metals are stored separately from other investors’ assets, ensuring you receive the exact items originally purchased. This option usually costs more.

When comparing providers, ask which storage options they offer, whether your assets are fully insured, and what annual storage fees apply.

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Gold IRA FAQs

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Concluding Thoughts on Gold IRAs

A gold IRA lets retirement investors hold physical precious metals in a tax-advantaged account. It also comes with costs, storage requirements, and investment risks that differ from traditional investments.

The best gold IRA company depends on your account size and priorities. Some providers stand out for lower minimums or rollover support, while others offer stronger educational resources, fee transparency, or buyback policies.

Before opening an account, compare current fees, metal pricing, storage arrangements, custodian options, and buyback terms. Review the provider’s current terms and make sure you understand the costs and risks before moving retirement funds.