- 04 Jul 2021
- Bonds
- Precious Metals
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Disclaimer: Many or all of the companies listed here may provide compensation to us. This is how we maintain our free service for consumers. Compensation, along with hours of in-depth editorial research, determines where & how companies appear below.
Are you frustrated with watching the stock market climb one day and fall the next? Would you like to diversify your retirement savings account to protect yourself from future stock market volatility? If so, then you might want to consider setting up a Precious Metals IRA.
A Precious Metals IRA allows you to invest in gold, silver, and other precious metal in your retirement account. This allows you to enjoy all of the advantages of investing in precious metals while also utilizing the tax benefits IRA holders receive.
Finding a company that can help you set up a Precious Metals IRA is easy; there are numerous companies that offer this service. However, finding the right company that offers the exact service, attention, and selection of precious metals that you desire is not so easy.
To help you make the right choice for your financial needs, we've reviewed 5 of the best Precious Metals IRA companies out there. Read through our reviews to discover which of these companies offers exactly what you're looking for to help you start investing in precious metals for your retirement account!
Precious Metals IRA Company Reviews
Regal Assets (NO LONGER RECOMMENDED)
#1. Goldco
Starting out our list of the best Precious Metals IRA companies is Goldco. Keep reading and you'll discover what made them special enough to earn the number one position in our review!
Goldco was founded by Trevor Gerszt in 2006 with the intention of creating a precious metals investment company to offer top-notch support and knowledge to each client to empower them to make the best possible financial decisions for their future. They have earned the highest ratings possible from the Business Consumer Alliance (Triple A) and Better Business Bureau (A+), so you should be able to feel confident that you're dealing with a legitimate and trustworthy company. Goldco's past customers have also left very positive and glowing reviews about the company and the support they have received.
One of the most requested services offered by Goldco is setting up a Gold IRA. Gold IRAs offer individuals the opportunity to set themselves up for a more comfortable requirement by investing in precious metals. IRA holders are offers tax benefits from the IRS, so they offer a better solution than simply purchasing gold or silver for a personal investment.
The team at Goldco can help you through the process of setting up a new IRA. They'll work with you to complete all the necessary paperwork and to set up a wire transfer to send the fund for the account.
Alternatively, you may be considering rolling over an existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA. Goldco can also assist you with this as well. They'll connect you with an IRA custodian who will facilitate the transfer of funds from your retirement account (if eligible) to Goldco.
Then, once the funds for your new (or rolled-over) IRS have arrived at Goldco, it will be time to add the gold and silver pieces to your account. IRS regulations state that gold must be at least 99.5% pure and silver must be at least 99.9% pure to be held in an IRA. Within these requirements, Goldco is still able to offer a comprehensive selection of gold and silver coins and bars. Below are the options you'll be able to choose from:
Gold
Silver
With a Precious Metals IRA, you aren't eligible to begin taking disbursements from your account until you're at least 59 ½ years old. At this point, you can choose whether to have the physical coins and bars sent to you or to have them liquidated and have cash sent to you.
Until you're old enough to retire, your precious metals will need to be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Goldco will handle packing up and shipping your metals, with insurance, to an IRS approved depository where they will remain safe and sound until you're ready to retire and hold your coins and bars (or the cash) yourself.
Another option you'll have if you work with Goldco is to purchase gold or silver as a personal investment. You can buy any of the gold and silver coins listed above and have them sent to your door. Contacting the company will help you learn more about the various coins and bars that are available for a personal investment.
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Our second most highly-recommended Precious Metals IRA company is Augusta Precious Metals. While they haven't been around as long as some other companies on our list, they still bring nearly a decade of experience to the table. Reviews from past customers speak highly about the company and the services they offer, and most reviewers are very pleased with their decision to work with them.
Review agencies, such as the Business Consumer Alliance and Better Business Bureau also list Augusta Precious Metals as a trusted company to do business with. The Business Consumer Alliance has awarded them their highest rating of Triple A, and the Better Business Bureau has provided them an A+ rating, their highest possible rating.
On Augusta Precious Metal's website, you can find out more about the company's seven key standards that they feel distinguish them from the many other companies in their industry. These include respect, commitment, knowledge, coordination, accessibility, transparency, and selection.
If you're looking to rollover an existing retirement account into a new Precious Metals IRA or would like to set up and fund your own Precious Metals IRA, we think you'll be happy with your decision to work with Augusta Precious Metals. They offer a knowledgeable and helpful team who will help you through each step in the process of getting your account setup, funded, and filled with the precious metals of your choice.
Some of the IRA-approved gold and silver pieces you can add to your account include:
Augusta Precious Metals also offers investors several different IRS-approved depositories to choose between. Some of these available locations include:
Augusta Precious Metals will handle shipping your gold and silver coins and bars to the IRS-approved depository. Everything will be fully-insured during shipment to protect your investment and make sure your precious metals arrive safely. All of the IRS-approved depositories feature state-of-the-art security to keep your precious metals safe until you're ready to retire and begin taking disbursements from your account.
Augusta Precious Metals also offers investors the opportunity to purchase gold and silver as a personal investment. They offer an impressive selection of coins, some which can be held in an IRA as well. These gold and silver coins include:
Common Gold Bullion
Premium Gold
Common Silver Bullion
Premium Silver
If you purchase gold or silver from Augusta Precious Metals, they include free shipping and free transit insurance to get your metals to you quickly and safely. Each order is also discreetly packaged to protect your privacy and prevent anyone else from knowing what is being delivered to your home.
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#3. Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold Group is another top contender if you're looking for the best Precious Metals IRA company. They have been in business since 2003 and put a high emphasis on making sure the needs of each client are addressed and that each client feels prepared to make the right financial decisions for their future. Seven standards are outlined on the website the express the company's values and goals. These include: customer empowerment, education, empathy, transparency, efficiency, and ethics.
Birch Gold Group's customers feel the difference and have awarded the company with positive reviews and high price. Review organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau and Business Consumer Alliance, have also given Birch Gold Group top marks.
Birch Gold Group works to make the process of opening a Precious Metals IRA as simple and straightforward as possible. If you're looking to rollover an existing retirement account or open a new IRA, you'll be able to work closely with a member of the team to ensure the process goes smoothly and follows all of the regulations outlined by the IRS.
With Birch Gold Group, you can add gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to your IRA. Each year, individuals under 50 years old can contribute up to $6,000, and individuals over 50 years old can contribute up to $7,000. That is a lot of precious metals you'll be able to accumulate between now and the time you retire.
You'll find that Birch Gold Group offers an extensive selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins that you can add to your account. These include:
Gold
Silver
Platinum
Palladium
Secure storage is key with a Precious Metals IRA; you want to feel confident that the gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars in your account will be safe and secure until you're ready to retire. Birch Gold Group realizes how important this is too, and offers its clients the choice to store the metals in either the Delaware Depository or with Brink's Global Services. Both of these storage facilities are approved by the IRS and utilize the latest in security measures to keep your investments secure.
Birch Gold Groups will take care of shipping your metals to the IRS-approved depository you select. Everything will also be fully insured during shipment for added peace of mind.
If you'd like to purchase some additional precious metals outside from what you're adding to your Precious Metals IRA, you can also do this with Birch Gold Group. And, since the same IRS regulations don't apply to personal investments, you'll be able to store your precious metals wherever you'd like, and you'll enjoy a greater selection of coins to choose from.
In addition to all of the IRA-approved coins listed above, Birch Gold Group offers additional options for its customers looking to make a personal investment. These include:
Gold
Silver
Wondering if Birch Gold Group may be for you, but still not sure? Visit their website to request a free copy of the Precious Metals Information Guide. This kit goes into greater detail about the process of setting up a new Precious Metals IRA, rolling over an existing retirement plan, and adding gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to your account.
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#4. Noble Gold
Noble Gold mustn't be overlooked when you're searching for the right Precious Metals IRA company to work with. They are one of the most experienced companies in the industry and have been helping clients invest in precious metals for more than 20 years. You'll find that their team of precious metals experts is knowledgeable and able to help answer any questions you have about investing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium or setting up a new Precious Metals IRA.
Noble Gold is a member of the Business Consumer Alliance, Royal Canadian Mint, and TrustLink. They also have a plethora of positive reviews from past clients who felt all of their needs and expectations were sufficiently met when they worked with Noble Gold.
Visit Noble Gold's website and complete the IRA setup form if you're ready to open a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an existing retirement plan into an IRA. You'll receive a call from a member of the team who will work with you to complete any paperwork and initiate the transfer process.
If you need to transfer fund from an eligible IRA account for a rollover, Noble Gold will facilitate the transfer with the IRA custodian to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Noble Gold's selection of IRA-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium is rather impressive. Below are the various coins and bars you can add to your new Precious Metals IRA. These coins and bars all meet the IRS' regulations for purity levels (99.5% pure for gold, 99.9% pure for silver, and 99.95% pure for platinum and palladium).
Gold
Silver
Platinum
Palladium
Noble Gold's investors may also decide to purchase additional coins and bars for a personal investment. Since the IRS regulations don't apply to personal investments, individuals can choose from all of the coins and bars listed above, as well as a few other rare coins offered by Noble Gold. The rare coins available to investors include the Four-Piece Indian Saint Gauden Set, the Morgan Silver Dollar, and the 1854 Kellogg $20 coin.
All of the rare coins offered by Noble Gold are independently graded and certified by the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Each coin is also carefully packaged and sealed to protect its condition and preserve its value.
Coins and bars purchased for an IRA are required to be held in an IRS-approved depository until you reach the age of retirement. However, the same requirement is not true for coins and bars you purchase for a personal investment.
Noble Gold understands just how important it is to their clients to feel confident that their investment is secure. This is why they opened a special storage facility in Dallas, Texas that offers segregated storage.
You can always check on your portfolio or visit your precious metals in person, and the metals are stored under your name and remain in your ownership for the entire time they are stored.
A final aspect that sets Noble Gold apart from many other precious metals investment companies is their Royal Survival Packs. There are eight different packs to choose from with a starting investment of $5,000 up to $500,000 to help individuals protect their future by saving for a large expense or preparing for an unforeseen emergency.
These packs include:
Noble Gold offers prospective clients a free Gold IRA guide. Request this guide if you'd like to learn more about setting up a Precious Metals IRA with Noble Gold.
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#5. Regal Assets (NO LONGER RECOMMENDED)
As a final choice, you should also closely consider using Regal Assets to help set up your new Precious Metals IRA. Regal Assets has established themselves as one of the most trusted companies in the precious metals investment industry. They have earned the #20 spot in the financial services category on the INC 500.
Regal Assets works hard to avoid using high pressure sale techniques and tries to put each customer's needs first. They are also able to offer very competitive pricing and strive to be upfront with the fees and commissions they will charge. Due to this transparency and the quality of service, Regal Asset's clients have awarded them with overwhelmingly positive reviews.
As with most other precious metals investment companies, Regal Assets can help you set up a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an existing IRA into a Precious Metals IRA. However, they also offer something that other companies don't: a special Regal IRA.
A Regal IRA is similar to a Precious Metals IRA in that it can hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. However, unlike a standard Precious Metals IRA, you can also add cryptocurrencies to your new Regal IRA.
Adding cryptocurrencies gives you to the opportunity to diversify your portfolio even more and take advantage of the growth we've been seeing in cryptocurrencies recently.
Below are the different precious metals and cryptocurrencies you can add to your new Regal IRA:
Gold
Silver
Platinum
Palladium
Cryptocurrencies
If you're looking to make a personal investment in precious metals and cryptocurrencies, you'll definitely want to consider one of Regal Assets' special investment packages. There are six packages ranging from a $5,000 investment to a $250,000 investment. Investing in one of these packages can help you prepare for the unexpected, such as medical bills or losing a job, or save for large future events, such as a wedding, travel, or retirement.
Two of the packages are specifically designed to help individuals prepare for emergencies. They are meant to ensure that investors have quick access to cash by selling the precious metals in their account. These packages include:
The other four packages are more designed for long-term portfolio growth and savings. These packages include:
If you're choosing one of these investment packages, it is likely that you won't want to take the risk of holding all of your precious metals in your home. That is simply asking for trouble and putting a lot of your wealth on the line. While you may be considering using a safe deposit box at a local bank, you may also want to consider one of the secure storage options offered by Regal Assets.
They offer segregated storage in facilities through various storage providers in both United States and around the world. Segregated storage helps ensure that your collection of precious metals doesn't get mixed in or confused with anyone else's and helps prevent any mistakes from getting made. The storage partners used by Regal Assets charge flat storage fees, which can work out more favorably for you than other companies that may charge a percentage of your holdings.
Regal Assets can also help you invest in special Franck Muller watches. These timepieces feature stunning designs constructed with precious metals and diamonds. But, possibly more impressive than the way they look, is that they are able to double as a Bitcoin wallet.
You can check your current Bitcoin balance or add new Bitcoins to your account using the watch. The watch can also be used to complete transactions, which is pretty amazing.
Regal Assets offers a free Precious Metals investment kit. You can request your free copy through the website if you think you may be interested in working with Regal Assets.
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Key Considerations
As you're deciding which Precious Metals IRA company you'd like to work with, keep in mind that each company is slightly different. You'll want to consider the company's reputation, experience, support and service, fees, and precious metals selection before choosing a company to work with.
💼 Experience
Since setting up a Precious Metals IRA is such a big decision, look for an experienced company that knows what they're doing. You'll be much more likely to receive sound advice and helpful support from an experienced company than one that is just getting started. Additionally, experienced companies bring the added peace of mind that the company is well-established and isn't likely to try to scam you out of your money.
🏅 Reputation
The company's reputation in the precious metals industry should also be examined. Look up reviews from past customers and review organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau and the Business Consumer Alliance, to confirm that individuals haven't had negative experiences with a particular company.
📞 Support and Service
Next, when setting up a Precious Metals IRA, you'll want someone knowledgeable to help walk you through the necessary steps, ensure the proper paper work if filled out, and make sure that everything is done according to IRS regulations. For this reason, finding a Precious Metals IRA company that offers excellent customer service is a must.
💰 Fees
Another important factor to compare between the various companies you're considering is the fees you'll be charged. Fees are unavoidable when setting up and IRA and having it managed, but you'll find that different companies may charge different amounts.
📋 Precious Metals Selection
Finally, don't forget to also assess the precious metals selection available through each precious metals company. Look for a company that offers a good variety of coins and bars. You should also determine whether you'd prefer to just invest in silver and gold, or if you'd also like to hold platinum and palladium in your IRA. Since only some companies also offer platinum and palladium, this may help you narrow down your search.
Top Pick
Goldco is our top pick for the best Precious Metals IRA company. There is a lot to like about Goldco, and we think they would be a great choice when you're looking to set up a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover your existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA.
The company has been in business since 2006, making them an experienced leader in the gold investment industry. They aim to help each client make investment decisions that are right for their specific needs and goals.
Goldco's selection of gold and silver IRA-approved coins and bars is diverse and will let you have a say in the specific metals you hold in your account. A member of their team can assist you throughout the entire process of setting up your Precious Metals IRA, transferring funds, and choosing the gold and silver pieces you'd like to invest in.
Goldco also offer the opportunity to purchase gold and silver pieces as a personal investment. If you're looking to hold gold and silver at home to create an emergency fund, Goldco can help with this as well.
As you can see, there really is a lot to like about Goldco. We think you'll find that they're a great fit for your needs. However, if something really stood out to you about one of the other companies we reviewed, you really can't go wrong with any of the five Precious Metals IRA companies in this article! Choose your top choice and get your precious metals investment journey started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Gold IRA and a traditional IRA?
Gold IRAs and traditional IRAs are both accounts designed to help individuals save for retirement. IRA account holders receive tax benefits that aren't awarded to other investors, so they can be a great way to accumulate wealth and save for retirement.
With each account type, you can invest up to $6,000 each year. Once you reach the age of 50, the amount you're able to contribute each year increases to $7,000. Once you reach 59 ½, you become eligible to begin taking disbursements from your account.
The key difference in a Gold IRA and traditional IRA is the types of assets you're able to hold in them. Traditional IRAs hold stocks and bonds, while Gold IRAs, also called Precious Metals IRAs, can hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.
Gold IRAs are a type of Self-Directed IRA. This type of IRA, first introduced by the IRS in the 1970s, allow individuals to hold alternative assets in their retirement
What is the difference between a Gold IRA and a Precious Metals IRA?
The terms Gold IRA and Precious Metals IRA are often used interchangeably. They are both terms that refer to a type of Self-Directed IRA where account holders can invest in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium rather the stocks and bonds. The term Gold IRA is sometimes used to refer to a Precious Metals IRA that holds only gold coins and bars, while Precious Metals IRA is a broader term.
Should I open a Precious Metals IRA?
The decision about whether to open a Precious Metals IRA is a personal decision. However, it is important to note that many financial experts stress the need to diversify your portfolio and protect you against stock market volatility.
Precious metals also make a good investment simply by their own rights. They are highly coveted across the world, and since they are in limited supply, it can cause their value to consistently increase. Precious metals, specifically gold and silver, have been used as the basis of currency for many different economies, which also adds to their value.
Additionally, more and more uses for gold and silver are being discovered. These precious metals, particularly silver, are being used in new technologies, which will only help the demand for them and their value to increase.
Can I store the precious metals for my IRA in my home safe?
No, the IRS does not allow for home storage for Precious Metals IRA. This is because individuals are prohibited from being the custodian for their own IRA, and if the metals were in your own home, you would be the default custodian.
Rather, precious metals purchased for an IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. There are quite a few IRS-approved depositories that are located in various parts of the country. Each depository utilizes many security measures to ensure your precious metals remain protected until you're ready to begin taking disbursements from your account.
When is the best time to purchase gold?
It can be a challenge to try to predict what the price of gold will do. However, there are some patterns that can help you try to pick the best time to make a purchase. Often, the price of gold is lower in January, March, and April.
Gold also tends to be lower when the stock market is over performing. Ultimately, when you have the funds ready and want to get started investing in gold will be the right time for you to make a purchase.
How do I choose which Precious Metals IRA company to use?
As you're looking for the best Precious Metals IRA company, consider the number of years the company has been in business and confirm that they aren't a newer company that may be more likely to scam you. Additionally, it is important to do research and look up reviews from past customers, as well as review organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Business Consumer Alliance.
And, since you're looking to invest in precious metals, there may be a few specific coins or bars that you wish to hold in your account. As you're deciding which company to work with, also consider the selection of coins and bars they offer (and whether you can also invest in platinum and palladium), to help ensure you'll be able to add the metals you want to your account.
How much of my portfolio should be invested in precious metals?
There is no set answer for how much of your portfolio should hold precious metals. Generally speaking, precious metals are seen as a riskier investment, which can be ideal for those who have many years left for retirement. This gives their investment a long time to grow and increase in value.
However, if you are getting close to retirement age, you may not want to be as risky with your investments, so you might choose to hold a smaller percentage of your portfolio in precious metals.
After I retire, do I have to sell all the precious metals from my IRA?
No, when you retire, you are not required to sell the precious metals from your IRA. You will have the option to have the metals themselves shipped to you when you become eligible to begin taking disbursements from your account. This will give you the freedom to hold the coins and bars at home, sell them at a later date, or pass them down to your children, grandchildren, or other heirs.
Of course, if you'd prefer just to have the cash sent to you, that is an option as well. Most gold investment companies will offer either option.
Are gold bars or gold coins a better investment?
Both gold bars and gold coins can make a good investment. But many see gold coins as a better investment since in addition to their value increasing with the price of gold, they may have a higher intrinsic value. This is due to the rare status and collective nature that gold holds.
When you're ready to sell your gold, you may also have an easier time selling gold coins than gold bars. Investors and gold dealers can quickly recognize sovereign coins and may be more willing to purchase them than gold bars.