Best Gold IRA Companies

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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What is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is like a typical IRA (Individual Retirement Account), except the assets are physical gold bars, coins, or other precious metal pieces. A typical IRA deals in paper assets, and a gold IRA is funded by gold. Rolling part of your retirement savings into a gold IRA can provide a reliable hedge against inflation and market uncertainty.

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Our Experience Testing Gold IRA Companies

To provide the most authentic buying guide for gold IRAs, the Retirement Living research team spent several days contacting gold IRA companies to learn about the investment process and product details. When available, we asked companies for starter kits we could analyze. We had to offer our name, email address, and phone number to receive a digital copy of a starter kit, but our requests were granted quickly.

For instances where companies did not offer an informational kit, we used the live chat feature. Each company asked for a name, email, and phone number to enter a live chat, but we found all company representatives very responsive and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions in full.

What Gold IRA Customers Say About Their Experience

To learn how customers rate their experience with gold IRA companies, we analyzed three years’ worth of customer reviews of gold IRA companies on our site. Are customers who invested in gold happy with their experience? According to the 195 reviews posted on Retirement Living, customers who have invested with the gold IRA companies on this list have an average satisfaction rating of 4.4 stars.

And while price does factor into customer satisfaction, other aspects like customer service, responsiveness, and investor education are referenced more frequently than we expected. In fact, 43% of reviewers mention a representative or account manager by name when detailing their experience (good and bad) with the company.

Key takeaways from our review analysis of gold IRA companies on Retirement Living include:

• Over 90% of gold IRA customer reviews are 4 stars or higher.
• Reviewers who mention communication are more likely to rate their experience as positive.
• Overall, the majority of customers are satisfied with the customer service they received throughout the investment process, such as one Orion Metal Exchange reviewer who said their experience was easier than expected. “I expected it to be more complex, but my rep helped me all the way through and was very knowledgeable on investing. They keep following up with me, which I didn’t expect but found very helpful.”

Only 9.5% of gold IRA customer reviews were less than 4 stars. Of the reviews that skewed negatively:

• 85% reference high premiums compared to the spot price (market value) of the coins and steep fees that limit investment potential, such as one California reviewer who claimed the fees were higher than expected. 
• 65% mention high-pressure sales tactics and a lack of consumer education before making an investment decision.
• 15% mention issues contacting customer service and delays in account maintenance requests.

Nearly all reviews on our site reference feeling nervous and worried about making large investments that can affect their retirement savings—though our data suggests that some companies are better than others at putting customers at ease.

We think gold IRA companies can improve their reputation by delivering high-touch, personalized service to all customers and committing to educating investors about fees, risk, and whether investing in alternative assets is right for their particular situation.

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Best Gold IRA Companies: Reviews

We thoroughly evaluated each company’s features, pricing, and reputation to identify the top ten gold IRA options. Our standout picks include American Hartford Gold, Patriot Gold Group, Goldco, and Birch Gold Capital—each of which distinguished itself from the competition.

For a detailed look at how we selected our top choices, skip to our methodology section.

Based in Los Angeles, American Hartford Gold specializes in gold and precious metals IRAs. To open a precious metals IRA, click on the website link to call a product specialist to complete the necessary paperwork. If you’re rolling over an existing account, American Hardfort Gold will transfer your funds within three days. The assets you buy will be stored in an IRA-approved vault.

The buyback commitment offered by American Hartford Gold is what stands out to us the most. This program guarantee lets customers sell their precious metals while avoiding additional fees during the liquidation process. They also offer customers more promotions than other gold companies, including free account setup, free insured shipping, and free storage.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
• Minimum investment: Not disclosed
• Fees: Flat annual storage
• Storage options: Delaware Depository, Brink’s Global Services, A-M Global Logistics (AMGL), and International Depository Services

We couldn’t download the 25-page investor kit without providing a name, email, and phone number, but we could access the company’s robust investor library, which gave us four eBooks explaining updated information for the year. This includes tips for preparing for a recession and a guide for opening a gold IRA.

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

Investing with Patriot Gold Group is fast, easy, and affordable. We think Patriot Gold stands out from others because it makes getting started with a gold IRA easy with a 24-hour turnaround. They advertise no fees for life (if you have more than $100,000 in your account).

Patriot Gold is a dealer-direct company, which means you won’t pay typical fees charged for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion or coin purchases. This feature undoubtedly benefits the consumer, but the website lacks information about fee amounts, account minimums, and other details. You will have to contact them before signing up to learn more.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
• Minimum investment: $50,000
• Fees: Setup (depending on account balance), transaction, storage, and insurance
• Storage options: Brink’s Global Services and Delaware Depository, full list not disclosed

You can initiate a gold IRA account online by filling out their online form with your basic information and the best time to be reached. You can roll over an existing IRA into a gold IRA or start a new gold IRA from scratch. Patriot Gold Group has a five-star rating from ConsumerAffairs and AAA rating from the Business Council Alliance.

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

Goldco has recently made a big splash in the industry thanks to celebrity endorsements from Sean Hannity and Chuck Norris, among others. Specifically, we like this company’s buyback price guarantee: Goldco promises to buy back your metals at the highest possible price. This, and its silver coins promo for new accounts, allows us to confidently recommend Goldco for first-time buyers who are unsure how to begin investing wisely.

The modest $200 annual fee (waived the first year) is a bit higher than other companies but gives you the ability to see your assets at any time.

• Metals: Gold and silver bars and coins
• Minimum investment: $25,000
• Fees: Setup, maintenance, wiring, and storage
• Storage options: Not disclosed

Admittedly, we had a tough time finding information online about fees, account minimums, custodians, and storage options. However, representatives quickly responded to our questions when we reached out via the live chat feature. We also found Goldco’s in-depth blog, eBooks, and educational videos very helpful for potential investors.

To learn more, read our full Goldco review.

Since 2003, Birch Gold Group has been selling physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to fund IRAs or for physical possession. They’re recognized as an industry leader because of their efforts to educate consumers on the best way to turn precious metals into long-term investments.

Customers will have ongoing access to account executives who will educate you in person or online about how precious metals IRAs can diversify your portfolio, hedge against inflation and show strong growth potential. Birch Gold Group frequently offers promotional pricing, such as getting additional free precious metals, depending on the order amount.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
• Minimum investment: $10,000 recommended
• Fees: Setup, annual maintenance, transfer
• Storage options: Delaware Depository, Brink’s Global Services, Texas Precious Metals Depository, International Depository Services

In addition to its “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau, Birch Gold Group has won numerous awards including five stars with TrustLink touting their customer service and a “AAA” rating with Business Consumer Alliance.

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

Most of Lear Capital’s customers have existing retirement accounts they wish to diversify with gold and silver, but the company will assist anyone with an IRA or 401(k) rollover.

You’ll pay a $200 annual fee for Lear to manage your IRA. The fee covers storage costs, custodian management, and quarterly statements. There are no additional fees from Lear Capital for maintaining your IRA, although there may be costs associated with buying, selling, and transferring assets.

• Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum bars and coins
• Minimum investment: $25,000
• Fees: Setup, annual maintenance (including storage)
• Storage options: Delaware Depository

We contacted Lear Capital to request a gold IRA investor kit and learned firsthand how hard the company works to educate its customers about Gold IRAs. The kit and the website provide comprehensive retirement planning resources for customers to review and learn. Lear’s knowledge of the gold and silver markets is established in the private markets and translates well to their IRA management.

To learn more, read our full Lear Capital review.

Advantage Gold has specialized in helping customers protect their retirement with precious metals IRAs since 2014. To open a precious metals IRA, visit the company website to call a specialist who will assist with funding your account and selecting IRS-approved metals. If you’re rolling over an existing retirement account, Advantage Gold ensures a seamless, 100% tax-free transfer process. Your metals will be stored in an IRA-approved depository.

What sets Advantage Gold apart is its strong focus on investor education. The company provides extensive resources to help clients make informed decisions, including a free gold IRA guide and a library of educational materials. First-time buyers also receive discounts, and Advantage Gold guarantees at least spot price when buying back metals purchased from the company.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
• Minimum investment: Not disclosed
• Fees: Flat annual storage fees (details not listed on the website)
• Storage options: Brink’s Global Services (Los Angeles & Salt Lake City), Delaware Depository

While Advantage Gold does not disclose fees on its website, customers can contact a specialist for full details. The company has a strong reputation, earning five-star ratings from over 800 Google reviews, with clients praising its knowledgeable agents and seamless rollover process.

To learn more, read our full Advantage Gold review.

To open a self-directed gold IRA, you’ll need to invest at least $20,000. Call Priority Gold and speak to a specialist who will guide you through the process. 

Since 2015, Priority Gold has helped new and seasoned investors make responsible, educated investments. Specialists have more than 20 years of combined experience facilitating gold IRA rollovers into gold and silver, collaborating with Preferred Trust Company to provide custody services.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
• Minimum investment: $20,000
• Fees: Setup, annual maintenance, and storage (waived for certain investments)
• Storage options: Brink’s Global Services and Delaware Depository

Customers praise Priority for its customer service and guidance throughout the investment process. Its website is also full of educational information, including an investment glossary of terms and a real-time price chart you can use to compare the current price of gold to the U.S. dollar, S&P 500, Oil, or Dow Jones to learn how gold is performing.

To learn more, read our full Priority Gold review.

Orion Metal Exchange offers transparent pricing and over 50 years of precious metals investment service. While Orion is based in Los Angeles, it has options for investors in all 50 states to fund IRAs with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

One of the reasons we placed Orion at the top of our list is that they made it easy for us to access educational resources quickly and request a free investor kit to learn more about buying gold and silver through them.

The kit was sent to our email. It provided us with several easily implemented tips for choosing the right gold IRA company and avoiding rookie mistakes, which we found really helpful in empowering our decision. We also had many opportunities to contact an experienced account representative. Once connected, we found the expert knowledgeable and friendly as they explained the process of opening an IRA.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins and bars
• Minimum investment: $5,000
• Fees: Storage (only after three years)
• Storage options: Works with all IRS-approved gold IRA custodial institutions

The company displays its list of IRS-approved coins on its website. Transparent product pricing is important to ensure you get the best deal. Orion Metal Exchange gold IRA charges fewer fees than its competitors. For example, there is no setup or transfer fee, and the company will pay your storage fees for up to three years.

Orion recommends you store precious metals at a local Brinks or Delaware Depository location. Although home storage is an option, Orion does not recommend it because such methods are not IRS-compliant.

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

Sanctuary Metals helps retirement investors diversify their financial portfolios with physical assets like gold and silver. A trusted provider of precious metals investment solutions through direct cash purchases or self-directed individual retirement accounts (SDIRAs), the company empowers clients to take greater control over their financial futures. Sanctuary Metals specializes in high-purity coins for U.S. and international clients, providing a secure way to protect their wealth against market fluctuations.

A core strength of Sanctuary Metals lies in its commitment to personalized service. Clients benefit from metals specialists, asset managers, and experienced experts. Sanctuary Metals offers free shipping, whether delivered to a home address or securely stored in an IRS-approved facility. 

Sanctuary Metals is accredited by the BBB and has an A- rating. The company has a reputation for transparency, reliable products, and client education. Through Sanctuary Metals, customers can learn the benefits and risks of investing in precious metals to help them make confident and informed investment decisions.

• Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum
• Minimum investment: none
• Fees: 1% on cash purchases and metals purchased through Gold IRA accounts
• Storage options: Brink’s Global Services, Delaware Depository, and International Depository Services

Through its tailored approach to wealth preservation and retirement planning, Sanctuary Metals stands out as a dependable partner for those looking to protect their assets with time-tested, tangible resources.

To learn more, read our full Sanctuary Metals review.

Augusta Precious Metals is a trusted name in the gold IRA industry, known for its commitment to transparency, personalized service, and investor education. For seniors looking to diversify their retirement savings with physical gold and silver, Augusta offers a straightforward, low-pressure process backed by a knowledgeable team that walks you through every step.

Augusta focuses on forming long-term relationships through one-on-one guidance, lifetime customer support, and detailed educational resources that make complex financial decisions easier to understand. Its onboarding process includes a free web conference with Harvard-trained economists who explain how precious metals can fit into a retirement portfolio.

Augusta is transparent with its fees. There are no hidden costs, and it offers a flat, predictable pricing structure ideal for retirees on fixed incomes who value financial clarity and peace of mind. It partners with reputable custodians who handle most of the paperwork, making the rollover or transfer process smooth and hassle-free.

• Metals: Gold and silver
• Minimum investment: Not disclosed
• Fees: Depository storage and custodian account setup fees
• Storage options: Delaware Depository

With strong ratings from the BBB and TrustLink, Augusta Precious Metals has built a solid reputation for customer satisfaction and integrity. For seniors interested in preserving their wealth against inflation and market volatility, Augusta is a reliable and educational partner in the journey toward a secure retirement.

Read our comprehensive Augusta Precious Metals review.

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Additional Gold IRA Companies

Freedom Gold USA is a precious metals dealer based in Los Angeles, CA. Read our comprehensive Freedom Gold USA review to learn more.

All American Assets offers affordable gold and silver products from the U.S. Mint. Browse live pricing online or work with a full-service IRA team to invest. Read our comprehensive All American Assets review to learn more.

Red Rock Secured is a gold IRA provider offering gold, silver, and other investment tools. Read our comprehensive Red Rock Secured review to learn more.

Lexi Capital helps customers convert their existing IRA, 401(k), annuity or other retirement accounts. Read our comprehensive Lexi Capital review to learn more.

The Gold Financial Group explains gold investing and the precious metals each client is interested in. Read our comprehensive Gold Financial Group review to learn more.

American Precious Metals Exchange is one of the largest precious metals dealers specializing in precious metals for gold IRA accounts. Read our comprehensive APMEX review to learn more.

JM Bullion buys and sells precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum. Read our comprehensive JM Bullion review to learn more.

Noble Gold representatives simplify setting up an IRA or rollover IRA. Read our comprehensive Noble Gold review to learn more.

Oxford Gold Group is a gold IRA company offering gold and other precious metals. Read our comprehensive Oxford Gold Group review to learn more.

VaultUS Gold is a reputable precious metals dealer that creates custom investment portfolio suggestions based on your budget, risk tolerance, and investment goals. Read our comprehensive VaultUS Gold review to learn more.

Premier Gold is a precious metals dealer specializing in gold IRAs and physical gold and silver investments. Read our comprehensive Premier Gold review to learn more.

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How We Chose the Best Gold IRA Companies

To identify top gold IRA providers, we analyzed 10 data points to give you a well-rounded review of each provider. We sourced feedback and reviews from real consumers and consulted with finance experts. We also considered these features:

• Licensure and credentials
• Fees, such as transfer and setup, annual management, and storage costs
• Access to educational information and investment resources
• Customer service and support availability
• Industry reputation
• Storage options
• Minimum investment requirements
• Options for precious metals

We also requested starter kits, as most companies allow interested investors to call for a starter kit or more information. We wanted to narrow down the list to those that would answer your questions right away, either with a live chat rep, or an easy-to-use request form. Companies that responded within a few days (or quicker) stayed on our list.

We followed our own buying tips to uncover the best providers. Companies that obscured their prices, had difficult or confusing policies and procedures, and/or limited investment and storage options were eliminated. The result of our analysis is the best gold IRA companies for you, a friend, or a family member to consider.

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What to Look for in a Gold IRA Company

When selecting a Gold IRA provider, prioritize companies with strong reputations, transparent operations, and excellent customer support. Check reviews on platforms like Retirement Living, the BBB, and Trustpilot‌ to assess customer experiences. Choose providers offering easy account setup, a wide range of IRS-approved metals, and a transparent fee structure to ensure you maximize your investment.

Top tips:

• Be a skeptical investor; only work with reputable companies that are committed to customer education
• Make sure you buy IRS-approved and IRA-approved coins from a reputable company
• Understand potential tax penalties for selling and home storage options

Before investing in gold, you should know exactly what you’re getting. For starters, you should understand some basic gold statistics, how much gold is in the world, and why it’s a good investment. When considering a gold IRA company, ask lots of questions and do your due diligence. Going into a transaction of this magnitude unprepared or without the right knowledge could cost you money in the long run.

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Gold IRA Best Practices

Following these best practices ensures your gold IRA remains compliant, secure, and beneficial for your retirement goals.

Buy IRA-approved metals

Per IRS rules, you can hold only certain types of gold and precious metals in an IRA. To be IRS-eligible, gold must have a 99.5% purity, silver 99.9% purity, and platinum and palladium 99.95% purity. (The IRS makes an exception to the fineness rule for American Gold Eagle coins, which must only be 22 karats or 91.67% pure gold.) Metals must also meet other qualifications pertaining to their condition (near perfect), weight, and authenticity.

IRA accounts only accept gold bullion, not collectibles, so save your numismatic coins for your display case and fund your gold IRA with tangible bullion instead.

Store it properly

Gold purchased for a gold IRA must be stored with a reputable, IRS-approved storage facility. While many IRAs offer you the ability to keep your gold in separate storage away from the metals of other investors in the same facility (known as comingled storage), beware of any company that provides an option to store it at home in a safe or bank deposit box. This is not an IRS-approved method and would result in the removal of the metals from your IRA and potentially incur a withdrawal tax penalty.

Hold your gold until maturity

If you need access to your IRA funds, you can take distributions from your gold IRA like a traditional IRA. In most instances, you can opt to receive the actual bullion or the cash value of your precious metals. But remember that early withdrawals before 59 1/2 attract a 10% penalty, and the dollar value withdrawn is added to your income and subject to ordinary income tax.

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Gold IRA Fees

When considering a gold IRA, first consider the cost of the investment. Gold is always worth more than silver, but the gold-to-silver ratio can inform you when each is a peak investment. In addition to the cost of the metals themselves, you’ll need to budget for other fees related to establishing and maintaining a gold IRA.

• Setup fees: An application fee to process a new account or initiate an IRA/401k rollover. These fees range from $50 to $275, but some custodians wave this expense for larger accounts.
• Transaction fees: A flat fee to purchase or sell metals within the account. Fees are typically about $40 per transaction.
• Account maintenance fees: Annual fee to maintain your account. These fees can vary from $75 to a few hundred dollars per year, though some custodians may offer discounts based on account size.
• Wiring fees: IRA custodians will charge a wiring fee of about $25 for each outgoing wire.
• Storage fees: A percentage of your investment or a flat fee paid in exchange for holding and securing your metals in an approved depository. Some custodians may include insurance costs in their storage fees.
• Shipping fees: A flat fee to move your metals to and from the depository.

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How is the Gold Stored?

When deciding where to store your gold investments, your options are limited in an IRA. The IRS has only a few approved depositories for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Examples of IRS-approved depositories include Delaware Depository Service Company, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, and CNT Depository.

Under IRS law, you cannot store your investments at home or in a safe deposit box — without incurring a fee, at least. If you store them at home, the IRS will consider it a withdrawal and levy taxes (if it’s a traditional gold IRA) and/or penalties (if the withdrawal takes place before age 59 1/2).

Many gold IRA companies partner with a third-party storage firm or secured depository. When researching companies to invest with, ensure they’ve partnered with reputable facilities and ask how they handle transportation and insurance coverage. Then, determine how they’ll be stored.

• Allocated storage means your bullion will be stored alongside the metals of other investors. Upon withdrawal, you may not receive the exact same bullion that you purchased, but rather an equivalent type. This is a less expensive form of storage and is acceptable for most people who don’t need to receive their exact individual pieces of bullion. 
• Commingled or segregated storage keeps your investments separate from assets held by other investors in an individual storage box or vault.

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What to Consider Before Investing in a Gold IRA

There are pros and cons to investing in a gold IRA.

Pro: It helps diversify your portfolio

Gold individual retirement accounts‌ (IRAs) offer an excellent opportunity to incorporate diversification into your retirement portfolio. While traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate are essential components, gold IRA investing provides a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. By including precious metals alongside other asset types, investors can create a more balanced and resilient portfolio.

Most retirement experts have recommended that you allocate 5% to 10% of your total portfolio to precious metals, but making finite suggestions can be challenging since investment preferences are highly personal.

Pro: It’s a proven way to grow your investments

The price of gold has risen steadily over time, reaching its highest price ever in 2020. In 2024, gold prices spiked to new all-time highs, and it currently hovers near record-breaking levels.

While gold doesn’t depreciate like paper currency or perishable goods, its market price can still fluctuate over shorter periods.

Historically, gold has proven itself as a reliable investment by keeping up with inflation despite long periods of both underperformance and overperformance. It has also served well during periods of high turmoil due to its perception as a “safe haven” asset. In 2020, during a period of high turmoil, gold outperformed the S&P 500.

Con: It comes with contribution limits and higher fees

As with traditional retirement accounts, gold individual retirement accounts come with contribution limits, which the IRS sets annually.

The cost to have a custodian to store and insure and buy, ship, and transport your assets is pretty steep, so choosing an investment company with a transparent fee structure is essential to avoid hidden costs. You’ll also have to budget for annual custodial fees, which tend to be higher than traditional IRA management costs.

Con: It is subject to an early withdrawal penalty

Ideally, you’ll hold gold in your IRA until you retire, but if you withdraw funds before age 59 1/2, you’ll pay a 10% penalty. You’ll need to start taking mandatory distributions at age 72, or you could face additional taxes.

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How to Open a Gold IRA

Setting up a gold IRA is pretty straightforward. Follow these six steps, and you’ll be set up in a matter of days:

1. Identify a reputable and secure company.
2. Fill out the complete application.
3. Fund your account with direct cash, a rollover, or a transfer.
4. Pick your IRS-approved gold.
5. Decide on storage from an approved depository.
6. Track and adjust your account as needed.

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Comparing Gold IRAs to Other Investment Vehicles

When evaluating gold IRAs, it’s important to compare them with other options like ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and mutual funds. While ETFs and mutual funds offer liquidity and low fees, gold IRAs provide unique tax benefits, such as the potential for tax-free gains in Roth IRAs. Each option has pros and cons, so consult a financial advisor to determine the best fit for your financial goals.

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Gold IRA FAQ

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding gold and precious metals IRAs. Review them to understand how an account can be started to help you build wealth in retirement.

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Top Gold IRA Companies in 2025

• Great ongoing promotions – American Hartford Gold Group
• No-fee-for-life IRA – Patriot Gold Group
• Great for customer service – Goldco
• Great online education – Birch Gold Group
• Great service – Lear Capital
• Great education – Advantage Gold
• Great free storage – Priority Gold
• Competitive pricing – Orion Metal Exchange
• Great customer support – Sanctuary Metals
• Great customer service – Augusta Precious Metals
• Great buyback program – Preserve Gold
• Great customer reputation – National Gold Group
• Great mobile app – OneGold
• High Business Alliance rating – Rosland Capital
• Great flat fee structure – Allegiance Gold
• Great investor workshops – Monetary Gold

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Concluding Thoughts on Gold IRAs

Investing in a Gold IRA is one of many ways to plan for retirement, and if you choose to do so, you should be aware of the way to do it wisely. There is likely a company out there that represents your values in price, customer service, product, and storage.

Bottom Line:

Gold IRAs can be a smart investment, and you have options for choosing a Gold IRA company.