How Much Does a Gold IRA Cost?
The average cost to apply for a gold IRA in 2025 is $175, and the average combined annual fee is $390.
Updated: June 13, 2025
At a glance:
- The average application cost for a gold IRA ranges between $50 to $300.
- The average annual maintenance cost of a gold IRA is $80 to $300. Many gold IRA companies also charge storage fees ($100 to $300 annually), or 0.5 to 1% per year, depending on the value of the precious metals.
- Wiring and transaction fees are also common, ranging between $25 and $260 each.
When you want to turn physical gold into an effective retirement savings, a gold IRA is the perfect investment. A gold IRA, or gold Individual Retirement Account, holds gold and other approved precious metals in a tax-advantaged account. Forget the market volatility of traditional IRAs, held up in stocks or bonds, and instead take comfort in tangible assets that act as a hedge against inflation and instability.
To help you determine how much your gold IRA will cost, both to set up and annually, we compiled a comprehensive cost analysis. We also included estimates on various gold IRA fees, so you can be prepared for anything.
How Much Does a Gold IRA Cost: The Basics
The average gold IRA requires an application fee between $50 to $300 and annual fees between $180 and $600—including storage and maintenance fees. However, the overall cost is highly variable and based on several potential fees and factors.
If you’re a senior looking to open a precious metals IRA as a form of retirement planning and savings, here is a comprehensive cost breakdown:
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost | About the Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $50-$300 | One-time cost to open and establish your gold IRA. |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | $80-$300 per year | Charged annually by the custodian for account maintenance. |
| Storage Fee | $100-$300 per year, or 0.5%-1% of asset value | Cost for storing your metals in an IRS-approved depository. |
| Transfer or Rollover Fee | $25-$260 per transaction | Charged when you move funds from another retirement account. |
| Transaction Fee | $10-$100 per trade | Charged when buying or selling gold within the IRA. |
| Shipping & Insurance | Starting at $50 | Covers the safe transportation of precious metals. |
| Wire Transfer Fee | Starting at $30 | Fee for sending funds via bank wire transfers. |
| Liquidation Fee | Varies (flat fee or % of value) | Charged when selling metals, either a flat fee or a percentage of value. |
| Termination Fee | $50+ partial / $225+ full closure | Cost to fully or partially close your gold IRA. |
Gold IRA Cost Calculator
You can effectively compare and contrast the cost of gold IRA plans using three simple steps.
1. Understand Common Fees
Using the chart above, you can start your cost calculation by understanding typical price ranges. Every provider is different, and you can save extra money by looking for companies that waive setup or maintenance fees for larger accounts.
2. Estimate Your Total Costs
We’ve provided a sample of what your first year could cost with a $50,000 gold IRA rollover. Remember that the actual cost will also largely depend on the investment size and storage preferences:
| Cost Type | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $50 | $300 |
| Annual Maintenance | $80 | $300 |
| Storage | $100 | $500 |
| Precious Metals Markup (5%) | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimated First-Year Total | $2,730 | $3,600 |
3. Compare Providers Side by Side
Once you know what to expect, start reaching out to gold IRA companies for full fee disclosures. We recommend reaching out to at least three to compare:
- Upfront and ongoing costs
- The type of storage—segregated or commingled
- Promotional offers or waived fees
- Buyback policies or minimum investment requirements
All of these factors make a big difference in how much a company can help you save. Research is essential for choosing a cost-effective investment, as the best gold IRA accounts will be upfront and honest about costs and ideal investment strategies.
What Are Gold IRA Rules and Regulations?
Like traditional IRAs, gold IRAs also have rules and regulations that can impact the total cost. These include:
Custodian and Depository Requirements
Every gold IRA account must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and stored in an approved depository. Your IRA custodian is responsible for making sure your account complies with federal and local laws, managing record-keeping, transactions, and IRS reports. Remember that it isn’t legal to hold the metals at home, as doing so can disqualify the IRA and incur tax penalties.
Gold IRA Minimum Purchase
Gold IRA investing usually requires a minimum purchase to open an account. The amount you need to invest typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000, but each company is different, so it’s worth asking about before you dive in. You should also keep in mind that the more you invest, the smaller the expense ratio, as the flat fees will become less burdensome.
Ban on Collectibles
Gold IRA accounts can only store specific gold and precious metal products, as the IRS prohibits holding gold coins, antiques, and jewelry. Any gold held in the account must meet a purity standard of at least 99.5%. For example, traditional bullion bars (gold bars) and the American Gold Eagle coin both meet this standard.
Distributions and Early Withdrawal
After your account setup, you can start making distributions and withdrawals. However, prior to age 59½, you’ll be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty and standard income tax. Gold IRA accounts also require Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)—the amount of money you must withdraw each year—starting at age 73. The amount you need to withdraw depends on the account balance divided by the life expectancy factor.
Taxes on Gold IRAs
Your gold IRA comes with the same tax benefits as traditional options. Whether or not contributions are tax-deductible depends on your income, with gains tax-deferred until you withdraw. If you have a Roth IRA, you may be eligible for tax-free withdrawals.
Other Factors That May Influence Your Gold IRA Price
From management fees to secure storage, we’ve covered the most common fees and expenses required by gold IRA providers. However, there are additional fee structures you should look out for, including:
- Administrative Change Fees: When custodians charge fees for making changes to your account, like updating beneficiaries or contact information.
- Loan Processing Fees: Fees associated with processing loans within your gold IRA.
- Check Fees: Charges you when you issue a check from the account.
- Expedited Processing Fees: A charge for speeding up transactions or account set up.
- Overnight Mail Fees: Additional cost for shipping documents and precious metals faster.
- Paper Statement Fees: An additional fee may be charged when you opt for physical statements over electronic ones.
- Reallocation Fees: Charged if you reallocate your physical precious metals within the account.
- Inactivity Fees: A fee that triggers when there has been no activity on your account for a set period.
Some companies may charge other fees not listed here. Always ask the potential gold IRA provider for a full fee schedule, so you can avoid hidden fees and gauge how beneficial the account will be.
Are Gold IRA Costs Worth It For Seniors?
For seniors seeking a stable, high-return retirement investment, gold IRAs offer several key benefits. From diversification to protecting yourself from inflation, here are some of the ways a new account can be worth it:
1. Inflation Protection
Historically, gold has always outpaced inflation. For example, within the last century, the S&P 500 saw real annual compounded returns of 4.9%, compared to 6.8% for gold. That means that while typically, inflation lowers the value of your retirement savings, gold IRAs can actually raise the value. If you’re a senior living on a fixed income, you get to enjoy more purchasing power, even during hard times.
2. Portfolio Diversification
Imagine you have your entire retirement portfolio invested in one place, and market volatility causes that investment to tank. You’d lose your entire savings. Instead, investing in a gold IRA gives you more protection from market trends. Even a small allocation of 3-10% is enough to safeguard wealth from rapid market shifts, as gold lacks the same volatility. After all, precious metals have been valuable for thousands of years.
3. Tax-Advantaged Growth and Contributions
Benefit from the same tax advantages given to traditional and Roth IRA accounts, without the same level of volatility. Ask the potential provider if you qualify for tax deductions on contributions and tax-deferred investment growth until retirement.
4. Liquidity and Fees
Gold is always in demand, making it easy to liquidate when you need quick cash. However, you should also be aware of any storage, insurance, and custodial fees associated with liquidating your investment.
Gold IRA Cost FAQs
Gold IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are a form of self-directed IRA that can be used as a retirement account. The account holds physical gold and other approved precious metals, instead of traditional assets like stocks and bonds. While you can make withdrawals and liquidate your account, the investment (gold) is stored in an IRS-approved depository and managed by a custodian to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
The average cost to apply for a gold IRA account is between $50 to $300, depending on the provider. Some companies may waive this fee if you invest a certain amount.
Most gold IRA companies need a minimum investment of $10,000 to $25,000 to open an account, but you may be able to find lower entry points with careful research.
Annual fees for your account vary greatly, but typically range from $180 to $600 a month when you include maintenance, storage, and administrative costs. Every provider and account is different, so ask your potential provider about annual fees before you invest.
A gold IRA rollover is the process of transferring funds from a traditional, Roth, SEP, or SIMPLE IRAs and other retirement accounts into a gold IRA without triggering tax penalties. Typically, your custodian will work with you to help move funds and get approvals.
Yes, you can roll over your 401(k) or traditional IRA into a gold IRA—a process that’s tax-free when done by a custodian.
No. The IRS requires all physical precious metals attached to a gold IRA to be stored in IRS-approved depositories. At-home storage may disqualify your IRA and risk tax penalties.
Yes, gold IRAs are generally considered a safe investment because they’re backed by tangible assets, and gold happens to be an asset that gains value during periods of inflation. However, all investments carry a risk, and we always recommend diversified investments.
You can store IRS-approved gold products with a purity of 99.5% or higher. Only buy gold in reliable forms, including American Gold Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins, and gold bullion bars.
Yes, you will pay taxes on your gold IRA, but how much you pay depends on several factors, such as the type of account, the amount of gold stored, and more. Luckily, many gold IRAs are also tax-deductible, and gains grow tax-deferred.
When you retire, you can start taking distributions from your gold IRA. These are tax-free starting at age 59½. Please note that by age 73, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start.
While gold IRA fees aren’t necessarily hidden, it’s easy to get caught off guard by additional fees like wire transfers, liquidation, paper statements, or inactivity fees. Always ask for a complete fee schedule when choosing a gold IRA provider.
There are several top gold IRA providers to mention in 2025. These include: American Hartford Gold, Patriot Gold Group, Goldco, Birch Gold Group, Lear Capital, Advantage Gold, Priority Gold, Orion Metal Exchange, Sanctuary Metals, and Augusta Precious Metals. All of these providers are known for transparency and low fees. We still recommend exploring fees, reviews, and storage options in more detail before making your choice.
Help us improve our cost data! Email your latest gold IRA quote to [email protected]. Rest assured, your personal details will remain completely confidential.