How a Gold IRA Rollover Works: Guide to Starting a Rollover

A Gold IRA rollover allows you to move funds from an existing IRA into a self-directed IRA that holds physical gold and other precious metals. This rollover guide on Focus on the User outlines the step-by-step rollover process of converting your traditional or Roth IRA into a Gold IRA.
Understanding the rollover process before you add gold to your IRA is crucial for maximizing the benefits of holding gold in a tax-advantaged account. A Gold IRA is an investment option to diversify retirement savings in more than one type of asset.
- A Gold IRA rollover is a way to invest retirement savings directly in physical gold.
- Gold cannot be invested in a regular IRA. Instead, a Self-Directed Individual Retirement Account investing in gold must be opened.
- Besides gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can be included in the rollover.
What is a Gold IRA Rollover?
A Gold IRA rollover is the process of moving funds from an IRA or retirement account to a Self-Directed Gold IRA. A Gold IRA is a type of retirement account that allows for the investment in physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium in the form of bullion coins and bars.
Rolling over an IRA or any other retirement account into Gold IRAs allow for practical diversification of retirement savings into more than one asset. Eligible accounts for a rollover include IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 401(k), TSP, 403(b), 457(b), Solo 401(k), and some pensions.
Physical precious metals such as IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can be added to a Gold IRA during the rollover. These gold assets will be part of your investment portfolio, just like stocks or bonds. Next we will explain how to perform a rollover with gold so you can prepare for this process.
5 Steps to Roll Over IRA to Gold

To start a Gold IRA rollover without penalty, you can expect 5 key steps in the rollover process. Focus on the User lists a clear checklist of the 5 steps below so you can get comfortable with the process in converting your IRA to gold:
1. Select a Reputable Gold IRA Company

Before starting the rollover process, first choose a Gold IRA company. It is important to compare these companies before investing your retirement savings with a rollover. Focus on the User has rated the best Gold IRA rollovers offered by companies, highlighting their unique features to help you find the one that best suits your investment needs. We've only compared the leading companies so you can easily compare them knpwing all are reputable. Each Gold IRA company features high ratings in BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews.
Partnerships With Custodians & Depositories
These companies have partnerships with IRS-approved Gold IRA custodians offering a wide range of approved gold products such as the American Gold Eagle and Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. They will help you move funds from your current custodian during the rollover, avoiding any potential penalties.
These Gold IRA firms also work with secure storage facilities like Brink's and Delaware Depository, adhering strictly to IRS regulations. They provide free educational resources and dedicated customer support to help you through the entire rollover process. These companies typically offer a free Gold IRA kit detailing their services.
Gold IRA Fees
Be sure to compare the fee structures of each company to avoid unexpected costs, and prioritize those offering flat-rate fees. Typical rollover costs are from $25 to $260, alongside the other fees in a Gold IRA.
Below are the Gold IRA fees you can expect:
Fee Type | Range | Details |
---|---|---|
Setup Fees | $50 to $300 | Covers the account creation. |
Annual Maintenance Fees | $80 to $300 per year | Charged for ongoing account management. |
Storage Fees | $100 to $500+ per year | Either segregated or non-segregated. |
Transfer/Rollover Fees | $25 to $260 | Incurred when moving your funds to a Gold IRA. |
You can expect a minimum investment requirement ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on who you choose to invest with.
Avoid untrustworthy companies, as they may have hidden rollover fees or engage in unethical practices. Knowing how to avoid these Gold IRA scams when opening a Gold IRA can help you plan carefully. Companies with transparent pricing and positive reviews is a good place to start in avoiding unstrustworthy firms.
Once you've selected a trustworthy company to help you open a Gold IRA, you'll need to consult with them to start the rollover process. They will explain their rollover process, answer any questions, help you understand your investment options, and guide you through the necessary paperwork to open your new Gold IRA account.
Which company is best? Focus on the User has ranked the top Gold IRA rollover companies, and highly recommends you compare each company first, based on your investment situation and strategy.

2. Open a Gold IRA Account

After selecting a reputable Gold IRA company, the next step is to open your Gold IRA account to start investing. Your account manager will guide you through completing the necessary forms, such as the account application and any required rollover documentation. There are two types of rollovers, direct or indirect. If you are opting for a direct rollover, the funds will move directly from your existing retirement account (e.g., Traditional IRA, 401(k)) to the new Gold IRA without you taking possession of them.
For an indirect rollover, the funds are distributed to you first, and you must redeposit them into the Gold IRA within 60 days to avoid taxes and penalties. Your Gold IRA company will assist you in adhering to IRS regulations during this process.
As part of setting up the account, you’ll choose an IRS-approved custodian to oversee compliance and select IRS-compliant gold products, such as American Gold Eagles or Canadian Gold Maple Leafs. Once your account is finalized, the company will complete the rollover process and secure your gold in an IRS-approved depository, ensuring your retirement savings are secure and protected.
With your account set up and custodian selected, you are now ready to initiate the rollover itself for your Gold IRA. At this point, the company will coordinate the rollover of your retirement funds into your new Gold IRA.
3. Initiate Gold IRA Rollover Process

After setting up your Gold IRA account, the next step is to initiate the rollover process from eligible traditional retirement accounts such as a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), TSP, and 457(b)s.
The amount rolled over can be the full balance or a partial amount, depending on your retirement strategy. Your account manager will assist in allocating these funds into IRS-approved gold bullion coins and bars.
Once the rollover is complete, you’ll receive confirmation detailing the transaction, gold purchases, and updated account balance. The rollover will be to the IRS to maintain your tax-advantaged status. Completing the rollover within the required timeframes is crucial to avoid penalties, and consulting a tax advisor is recommended, especially if opting for an indirect rollover.
4. Purchase Physical Gold For IRA

After funding your Gold IRA, the next step is to purchase IRS-approved physical gold. Popular options include gold coins from reputable mints like the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and Austrian Gold Philharmonic, as well as gold bars from trusted refiners like Credit Suisse, PAMP Suisse, and Johnson Matthey. These gold products must meet 99.5% purity and a minimum fineness requirement of .995. If these purity standards are not met, the physical gold bullion is not allowed.
IRA-Approved Precious Metals
American Eagle Gold Coins

Mint:
U.S. Mint
Purity:
91.67% (22-karat)
Key Features:
Iconic design, most popular Gold IRA coin, recognized worldwide.
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins

Mint:
Royal Canadian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Key Features:
Known for purity and security features, widely accepted.
Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins

Mint:
Austrian Mint
Purity:
99.99% (24-karat)
Key Features:
Europe's best-selling gold coin, recognized worldwide.
Credit Suisse Gold Bars

Manufacturer:
Credit Suisse
Purity:
99.99% (.9999)
Sizes:
1 gram to 1 kg
Key Features:
Widely accepted, serial numbered, highly reputable.
During the rollover you also have the option to include other IRA-eligible precious metals like silver, platinum, or palladium. Common choices include silver coins, bars, and platinum and palladium bullion. You can work with your account manager to determine the best precious metal allocation strategy based on your risk tolerance and investment goals. Investors typically range in diversification amounts in a Gold IRA, from 5-20% of the investment portfolio.
The company will take care of the purchase itself, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations with the custodian.
5. Decide on Storage For Gold IRA

After purchasing physical gold bullion for your IRA, choosing the right storage is crucial. You have two storage options for storage in your Gold IRA:
- Segregated Storage: Your gold is stored separately and uniquely identified, ensuring exclusive access to your assets.
- Commingled Storage: Your assets are pooled with others but remain fully insured and accounted for.
When selecting a company for your Gold IRA, they will typically handle the storage arrangements of the Gold IRA for you, working with reputable custodians who will store your gold in IRS-approved depositories like Brink’s Global Services, Delaware Depository, and International Depository Services (IDS). These depositories offer advanced security features such as 24/7 surveillance, biometric access controls, and comprehensive insurance coverage underwritten by major insurers like Lloyd’s of London.
When you have the option to choose a custodian and storage, make sure to compare their fee structures and types of storage they offer. The custodians and depositories we mention here at Focus on the User are only the top accredited so you can compare easily. They all provide secure, insured storage solutions.
The fees in storage range from $100 to $500 per year, depending on who you choose and how much you invest. You may also be charged shipping or insurance starting at $50. Don't forget about the physical Gold IRA rollover fees that range from $25 to $260 as well.
Finally, you’ll receive regular account statements detailing your gold holdings’ performance, and your portfolio can be adjusted over time to meet your financial goals. You can now rest easy and enjoy your new retirement portfolio with the completion of the Gold IRA rollover.
Mistakes to Avoid During a Gold IRA Rollover

1. Choosing the Wrong Gold IRA Company
Selecting a company without thoroughly vetting their reputation, security measures, and IRS compliance can jeopardize your investment. Ensure they are experienced with Gold IRAs, have strong partnerships with trusted custodians and depositories, and offer transparent reporting and robust customer support. Choosing an experienced Gold IRA company ensures the rollover process is easy. Most of the time, rollover companies will help you through the process from start to finish.
2. Not Considering Fees and Costs
Overlooking the full cost structure can erode your returns. Pay attention to account setup fees ($50-$300), annual maintenance fees ($80-$300 per year), storage costs ($100-$500 per year), and transaction fees ($10-$100). Opt for companies with flat-rate fees to avoid escalating costs as your investment grows. Fees can vary between the types of IRAs and investment amounts.
3. Failing to Consult with Financial Advisors
Skipping a consultation with a financial advisor can lead to suboptimal investment choices. A qualified advisor can help you align your Gold IRA with your overall retirement strategy, assess risks, and ensure tax efficiency. Financial advisors can help you with the process specific to you, ensuring all rollover rules are followed.
4. Rushing the Process
Hastily moving through the rollover process can result in mistakes, such as missing key deadlines when making a self-directed IRA account or selecting inappropriate gold products. While you may want to get the precious metals investment done quickly, take the time to understand each step, consult with your account manager, and ensure all paperwork is accurately completed. Remember, a rollover is a big investment decision and doing it right will ensure you reach your retirement goal.
5. Failing to Diversify
Holding only gold in a retirement portfolio can result in exposure to market fluctuations. Precious Metals IRAs provide an option to include silver, platinum, or palladium in addition to gold, offering a broader range of assets. Other precious metal coins and bars have their own unique benefits besides diversification when added to gold individual retirement accounts.
Rollover FAQ
Gold IRA rollovers allow you to diversify your retirement portfolio in more than one asset by adding physical gold. Diversification helps acts as a hedge against economic downturns, while the tax benefits of a rollover ensure your investments can grow tax-deferred until retirement. By incorporating gold in your IRA, you enjoy retirement tax benefits gold's tangible value.
Yes, you can roll over your existing retirement account, such as an IRA or 401(k), into a Gold IRA. This process involves transferring your funds into a self-directed IRA that allows you to hold physical gold and other IRS-approved precious metals as part of your retirement portfolio. These physical assets must be held specifically in a Gold IRA.
You can invest in IRS-approved types of gold only. Eligible gold assets include:
- Gold Bullion Coins: Popular options include the American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and Austrian Gold Philharmonic. These coins must meet specific fineness standards, usually .995 or higher.
- Gold Bullion Bars: These bars, produced by recognized refiners like PAMP Suisse and Credit Suisse, also must meet a minimum fineness of .995.
- Other Approved Coins: Certain other gold coins, such as the South African Krugerrand or American Gold Buffalo, are also eligible, provided they meet IRS purity requirements.
The minimum investment required to start a Gold IRA ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. Gold IRA companies have varying minimums to start Precious Metal IRAs.
Rollover fees for a Gold IRA range from $25 to $260 to complete the process.
Gold has historically been used as a hedge against inflation and market fluctuations, as its value has moved differently from equities during certain economic conditions. While stocks and bonds can be impacted by market shifts, interest rates, and company performance, gold is a tangible asset stored in IRS-approved depositories under regulated conditions. Investors commonly consider all factors, including risk tolerance and financial goals, when evaluating different retirement options.
Transfers are a more straightforward and secure way to move funds into a Gold IRA compared to rollovers. In a direct Gold IRA transfer, your current IRA custodian directly sends the funds to your new Gold IRA custodian, ensuring a seamless process without you ever taking possession of the money. This method avoids any potential tax penalties and can be done multiple times a year without restrictions. Rollovers, on the other hand, involve withdrawing funds and redepositing them into a Gold IRA within 60 days, which can be more complex and carries the risk of taxes and distribution penalties if not handled properly. Before you open a Gold IRA, just make sure to compare rollovers to transfers to make sure you are picking the right one.
Rolling over your IRA to a Gold IRA allows for tax-deferred growth, avoiding immediate taxes and penalties when done as a direct rollover or trustee-to-trustee transfer. Indirect rollovers must be completed within 60 days to avoid taxes or penalties. Early withdrawals before age 59½ incur a 10% withdrawal penalty unless rolled over correctly, and distributions from Traditional Gold IRAs are taxed as income upon withdrawal. Contributions and their growth stay untaxed until withdrawal at retirement age, with annual contribution limits set at $7,000 for individuals under 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and older in 2025. This structure helps individuals minimize the tax impact of their gold assets, as distributions are subject to ordinary income tax rates.
How Focus on the User Simplifies the Rollover Process
Focus on the User makes the Gold IRA rollover process easy in just 5 steps by helping you find the right Gold IRA company that perfectly fits your investment needs. This ensures your gold rollover process is stress-free and a complete success. Let Focus on the User be your guide through this conversion process.
Wait! Don't Invest In a Gold IRA Just Yet..

Our free eBook helps you plan your Precious Metals IRA, and avoid penalties and hidden fees.