Service Providers:
Companies, Custodians, Depositories, Bullion Mints, & Dealers in Gold IRAs
There are a wide variety of companies, dealers, and institutions that operate in the precious metals industry for investment in Gold IRAs. Focus on the User provides the top reviews, pros/cons, and facts about companies, custodians, storage depositories, bullion mints, and precious metal dealers you'll face in a Self-Directed Gold IRA.
Gold IRA Companies

Gold IRA Custodians
Bullion Mints
Gold IRAs as a Service
These companies offer Gold IRAs as a service, however it isn't their primary business. Types of companies vary from precious metal dealers, investment firms, numimsatic dealers, and more.
Other Precious Metal Companies
Precious Metal Companies
Numismatic Grading Companies
Cryptocurrency IRA Companies
Types of Precious Metals Offered by Companies
Precious metal companies typically offer a variety of assets that cater to both collectors and investors. For retirement-focused investments, IRS-approved options include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins and bars. In Precious Metal IRAs, these metals must meet strict purity standards, such as 99.5% for gold, 99.9% for silver, and 99.95% for platinum and palladium.
Popular investment choices from each type of precious metal include:
- Gold: American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic.
- Silver: American Silver Eagle, Australian Silver Kangaroo, and various bars from accredited refineries.
- Platinum & Palladium: American Platinum Eagle and Credit Suisse Palladium bars.
Some companies also cater to collectors by offering numismatic and semi-numismatic coins, though these may not qualify for tax-advantaged accounts like Gold IRAs.
Common Fees Charged by Precious Metal Companies
Investing in precious metals comes with costs, especially in Gold IRAs. Before buying precious metals you should just keep in mind the types of fees you may come across.
Typical precious metal fees include:
- Setup Fees: Charged to establish your account, ranging from $50 to $300.
- Annual Maintenance Fees: For ongoing account management, typically $80 to $300 per year.
- Storage Fees: Costs to secure your metals in an IRS-approved depository, which range from $100 to $500 annually, depending on the storage type (segregated or commingled).
- Transaction Fees: Fees for buying or selling metals, usually between $10 and $100 per transaction.
- Rollover or Transfer Fees: Applied when moving funds into a Self-Directed IRA, ranging from $25 to $260.
Make sure to compare fee structures between companies as they can vary based on your investment needs. Flat-rate fees can be more cost-effective for larger portfolios if strategically planned, while scaling fees might suit smaller investments.
Red Flags to Watch Out For in Precious Metal Companies
Before you choose just any company, keep an eye out for common scams and unethical practices in the precious metals industry and Gold IRAs.
Don't forget to review reputable companies with transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and third-party endorsements. Avoid those that hesitate to provide documentation or have a history of complaints.
Top red flags to avoid:
- Fake Gold IRAs: Companies falsely advertising Gold IRAs while failing to meet IRS compliance standards.
- Nonexistent Purchases: Fraudulent firms taking payment without delivering metals or holding them in a legitimate depository.
- Inflated Bullion Prices: Overcharging for metals by misrepresenting market value, especially for numismatic coins.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Aggressive methods designed to push you into unwise purchases without fully understanding the investment.
- Shaved Coins: Selling coins with slightly reduced weight, which diminishes their actual value.
Steps to Start Investing with Precious Metal Companies
Getting started with precious metals isn't as complicated as it may seem. The general rules you can expect are as follows:
- Research Trusted Companies: Start by comparing the top-rated companies featured on Focus on the User.
- Choose Your Investment Asset: Decide whether you’ll focus on gold, silver, or a mix of precious metals to diversify your portfolio. Consider your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
- Open a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA): If you’re investing through a retirement account, set up an SDIRA with a trusted Gold IRA Company and custodian to ensure compliance.
- Fund Your Investment: Transfer or roll over funds from an existing retirement account, or use cash contributions for non-IRA investments.
- Select Storage Options: Work with your chosen company to secure your metals in an IRS-approved depository. Compare segregated and commingled storage options based on your preferences.
Focus on the User simplifies the process by offering comprehensive guides, reviews, and resources to help get you off to the right start investing in precious metals through retirement.
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