Company IRA Gold: Your Trusted Guide to Gold IRA Companies, Precious Metals, and Long-Term Retirement Security

Welcome to Company IRA Gold, a comprehensive resource designed to help you navigate gold IRA companies, precious metals, and the process of building a diversified retirement account with physical gold and other precious metals. Whether you are exploring a self directed IRA for the first time or evaluating the best gold ira companies for an existing IRA rollover, our mission is to deliver clear guidance, transparent education, and practical insights so you can create a resilient investment strategy that stands up to global economic uncertainty. As investors reevaluate paper assets like mutual funds and traditional stocks in periods of economic uncertainty, many are turning to gold and silver IRAs as a safe haven asset complement to their retirement savings. With Company IRA Gold, you will learn how a precious metals IRA works, how to compare top gold IRA companies, how to minimize storage fees and annual fees, which IRS approved precious metals are eligible, and how to select secure storage options such as an IRS approved depository like Delaware Depository or other third party depositories.

A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds IRS-approved physical precious metals through a specialized custodian and depository. Investors compare gold IRA companies because the dealer, custodian relationship, fee stack, and storage network determine total cost, product quality, and how smooth a 401(k) or IRA rollover feels. Paper gold ETFs at a mega-broker are a different product; company comparison here focuses on physical metals IRAs.

Strong companies educate you on IRS rules, refuse non-qualifying numismatics for IRA purchase, publish fee ranges, and coordinate trustee-to-trustee transfers so you avoid accidental taxable distributions. Weak companies push high-premium collectibles, hide storage costs, or rush you past the difference between direct and indirect rollovers.

As you read rankings and reviews, keep a scorecard: setup and annual dollars, storage type, minimum investment, buyback policy, depository names, and whether support staff can explain Forms 5498 and 1099-R in plain language.

We publish rankings to answer “which gold IRA company fits my balance?” — not to sell a single brand. Every profile above should include minimums, fee bands, custodian partners, and storage type. If a sales call cannot put setup, storage, and buyback spread in writing within one business day, treat that as a red flag.

The IRS lets your gold IRA hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium only when those metals meet strict fineness and product rules under IRC §408(m). Gold bullion bars and most coins must meet .995 (99.5%) minimum fineness. Silver must meet .999 (99.9%). Platinum and palladium generally require .9995 (99.95%). Products from recognized refiners and government mints with proper hallmarks and assay documentation are the ones custodians accept.

American Eagle gold coins are the major exception: they are about .9167 fine (22-karat) yet Congress expressly allows them in IRAs under IRC §408(m)(3)(A). Canadian Maple Leafs, American Buffalo coins, Austrian Philharmonics, and many LBMA Good Delivery bars that meet fineness also commonly qualify. Your dealer and custodian should confirm eligibility before you place an order.

The IRS prohibits numismatic and collectible coins, rare proof sets marketed for “collector premium,” and jewelry inside an IRA, even if the metal content is high. Buying non-qualifying coins can cause the IRS to treat the purchase as a distribution, creating income tax and possible penalties. Stick to bullion-oriented, IRS-approved inventory and keep the paperwork that proves fineness and provenance.

Investors open a gold IRA by selecting a reputable company and custodian, funding the account, buying only IRS-eligible metals, and vaulting those metals at an approved depository.

1) Compare companies and custodians. Confirm fee ranges, minimums, BBB/complaint history, and depository partners (Delaware Depository, Brink’s, etc.).

2) Open the self-directed IRA. Choose traditional or Roth tax treatment. The custodian will handle IRS reporting on Forms 5498 and 1099-R over the life of the account.

3) Fund with a direct transfer or rollover. Prefer trustee-to-trustee movement from a 401(k) or existing IRA. Avoid casual indirect rollovers that start a 60-day clock. New annual contributions, if any, follow the 2026 $7,000 / $8,000 catch-up limits.

4) Buy approved metals only. Target .995 gold, .999 silver, and allowed government coins such as American Eagles; skip numismatics for IRA purchases.

5) Confirm storage class. Segregated vs. commingled storage changes both cost and how specific your bars remain. Home storage is not an IRA-compliant default path.

Below is an overview of several names frequently mentioned among the best gold ira companies. Company IRA Gold does not endorse a single provider; rather, we encourage comparing multiple options for the best fit. The best gold ira depends on your priorities, whether that is transparent fees, storage flexibility, educational resources, or concierge-level support.

Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta Precious Metals is often included in lists of top gold ira companies due to a focus on investor education and customer service. Augusta Precious Metals remains a favored choice for many who value detailed educational resources before buying. Augusta Precious Metals stands out with guided onboarding and clear explanations of storage fees, setup fees, annual fees, and account minimums. Many investors cite experienced support for rollovers from an existing ira and a wide range of gold and silver options that fit within IRS approved precious metals criteria.

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is commonly recognized for competitive pricing and accessible minimum investment thresholds. The company frequently appears in discussions of best gold ira companies thanks to a user-friendly setup, straightforward costs, and ongoing account support. For retirees or pre-retirees who want to hold physical gold with clear fee structures and secure storage options, American Hartford Gold can be a strong contender.

Birch Gold Group

Birch Gold Group, often referred to simply as Birch Gold, offers a robust selection of gold and silver, strong educational resources, and support across self directed IRA setups. Their approach emphasizes customer empowerment while maintaining careful attention to IRS rules and the nuances of precious metals storage. Birch Gold Group may appeal to investors who want a steady partner as they construct a diversified precious metals ira.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital is another recognizable name among gold ira companies, known for educational resources and availability of a broad array of gold and silver options. Many investors appreciate an emphasis on simplicity for those new to gold ira investment and the transparent discussions of storage fees and custodian relationships.

Fidelity Gold IRA

Some investors explore the fidelity gold ira pathway to keep their retirement accounts within a familiar institution. While offerings and availability may vary, the brand recognition can provide comfort. That said, investors should always compare IRA gold offerings and ensure features like competitive pricing, secure storage, and custodian flexibility are in place, especially if they desire third party depositories like Delaware Depository.

Expect roughly $200–$500 in first-year gold IRA costs and about $150–$350 per year ongoing, before dealer premiums on the metals themselves. Concrete ranges investors typically see:

• Account setup: $50–$150 one-time (sometimes waived with promotions)
• Annual custodian / admin: $75–$300 per year for recordkeeping and IRS reporting (Forms 5498 and 1099-R)
• Storage / insurance: often $100–$175 flat per year, or roughly 0.5%–1% of metal value at depositories such as Delaware Depository or Brink’s
• Dealer premium over spot: commonly 3%–8% on gold and higher on smaller silver pieces; buyback spreads also matter when you sell

Company minimums often run from about $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the dealer. A $50,000 first purchase can mean $1,500–$4,000 of combined first-year drag when you add premium plus fees—so compare total cost of ownership, not just the setup line item. Ask for a written fee schedule covering wire fees, transaction fees, termination fees, and storage type before you fund the account.

Company marketing often highlights “waived setup.” Recast that claim against ongoing admin, storage, and the premium you pay above spot. A low minimum ($10,000) helps smaller accounts; a higher minimum ($50,000) may come with deeper education—neither replaces a full fee table.

To hold physical gold inside a gold ira, you must use an IRS approved depository. Working with qualified third party depositories ensures secure storage, audited reporting, and proper insurance coverage. Delaware Depository is a widely recognized facility with comprehensive protocols. Depending on your custodian and preference, you can choose segregated storage for itemized holdings or non-segregated storage for pooled holdings. Each approach has cost and logistical trade-offs; ensure your selected gold ira companies clearly explain the implications so you can choose secure storage options aligned with your needs.

On a traditional gold IRA, you generally begin required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 73; taking money before age 59½ usually triggers ordinary income tax plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty unless an exception applies. You can satisfy an RMD by selling metal inside the account for cash or by taking an in-kind distribution of coins or bars. Either way, the fair market value counts as taxable income on a traditional account and appears on Form 1099-R.

Your custodian also files Form 5498 to report contributions, rollovers, and year-end fair market value—critical when metals are the underlying assets. Roth gold IRAs do not require RMDs for the original owner during life, and qualified Roth withdrawals can be tax-free if you meet the age and five-year tests.

Plan distributions early with your custodian so you do not miss an RMD deadline (missed RMDs can draw a steep IRS penalty). If you take metal in-kind, document the valuation date and retain depository release records; the IRS treats that FMV as the distributed amount even if spot moves the next day.

Contribution room for new money in 2026 remains $7,000, or $8,000 if age 50+, shared across your IRAs. Companies should never imply that a rollover “uses up” that annual limit; rollovers sit outside the contribution cap when direct.

For 2026, the IRS allows you to contribute up to $7,000 to your IRAs combined—or $8,000 if you are age 50 or older under the catch-up provision. That annual limit applies across every traditional and Roth IRA you own, including a gold IRA; it is not $7,000 per account. Rollovers and trustee-to-trustee transfers from a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or existing IRA are not contributions and have no dollar cap when completed correctly.

SEP gold IRAs follow separate employer-contribution rules (generally up to 25% of compensation or the annual SEP dollar cap). Always verify the current IRS Publication 590-A figures before you write a check. If you exceed the annual contribution limit, the IRS can assess a 6% excess-contribution tax for each year the excess remains in the account—so track new money carefully even when you fund most of the gold IRA with a large rollover.

Funding hierarchy most investors use: (1) direct rollover of old plan balances for size, (2) annual $7,000/$8,000 contributions if earned income allows, (3) optional Roth conversion strategy only after you model the tax bill. Your gold IRA custodian reports contributions on Form 5498 each year so the IRS sees the correct contribution total.

With a self directed IRA, investors can choose from a variety of gold ira metals and other precious metals as permitted by IRS rules. Gold and silver IRAs commonly include gold bars, silver bars, and approved coins such as Canadian Maple Leafs. Some investors extend diversification with platinum and palladium if their custodian supports those. While an ira gold strategy emphasizes physical assets, you can also blend exposures by holding other accounts with traditional stocks or mutual funds to maintain balance across market cycles. The best gold ira is one component of a broader, long-term investment strategy tailored to your risk tolerance and retirement timeline.

When you move retirement money into a gold IRA, choose a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer (or direct rollover) over an indirect rollover whenever possible. In a direct transfer, your existing IRA or 401(k) plan sends cash or assets straight to your new self-directed IRA custodian. You never take personal possession of the funds, so the IRS does not treat the move as a taxable distribution, and the amount does not count against your annual contribution limit.

An indirect rollover is different: the plan issues a check to you (often after 20% mandatory federal withholding on employer plans). You then have exactly 60 days to deposit the full gross amount into your gold IRA. If you miss the 60-day window—or redeposit only the net check without replacing the withheld taxes—the IRS can treat the shortfall as a taxable distribution and apply a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59½. Most investors complete only one IRA-to-IRA indirect rollover per 12-month period under the once-per-year rule; direct trustee-to-trustee transfers are not limited that way.

For a former employer 401(k), 403(b), or TSP, request a direct rollover payable to the gold IRA custodian for your benefit. For an existing brokerage IRA, instruct a custodian-to-custodian transfer. Either path keeps the gold IRA transfer tax-free when you follow the paperwork and leave the money inside the IRA system.

When you score gold IRA companies, ask who prepares transfer paperwork, how long average trustee-to-trustee moves take, and what happens if a prior plan cuts a check to you. Firms that default you into indirect rollovers without explaining the 60-day and once-per-year rules create unnecessary tax risk.

While gold and silver can be powerful hedges, no investment is without risk. Prices for physical gold can fluctuate due to interest rates, currency movements, and global economic uncertainty. However, many investors view precious metals as a safe haven asset during periods of economic uncertainty, and they appreciate the stability that physical assets can add to a portfolio dominated by paper assets. The right balance for you will depend on personal factors. When in doubt, discuss how to buy physical gold as part of a diversified plan with a fiduciary advisor who can help integrate a gold ira investment with other accounts.

Most gold ira companies differentiate themselves with educational resources and customer service. Look for teams that take time to explain the differences between storage options, how precious metals storage works, what physical precious metals qualify, and whether the company offers lifetime account support. Companies that encourage informed decision-making will guide you on purchasing gold, understanding minimum investment and account minimums, assessing tax advantages, and clarifying how distributions work when you eventually pay taxes in retirement. Also check reviews at the Better Business Bureau and the Business Consumer Alliance to see how providers respond to service issues.

We publish rankings to answer “which gold IRA company fits my balance?” — not to sell a single brand. Every profile above should include minimums, fee bands, custodian partners, and storage type. If a sales call cannot put setup, storage, and buyback spread in writing within one business day, treat that as a red flag.

1) Which gold IRA company is best for beginners?

Beginners often favor providers with extensive educational resources and high marks at the Better Business Bureau and the Business Consumer Alliance. Augusta Precious Metals remains popular among first-time buyers because of white-glove support and clear explanations. American Hartford Gold and Birch Gold Group are also frequently praised for approachable onboarding. Ultimately, the best gold ira companies for you will depend on minimum investment requirements, fee transparency, and your comfort with their advisor team.

2) How do fees compare across providers?

Fees typically include setup fees to open the account, annual fees for custodial administration, and storage fees for depository services. Some companies offer competitive pricing on metal purchases but higher storage rates, and vice versa. Seek providers with transparent fees written clearly in their agreements. If you see promotions like free gold, verify the terms and confirm whether higher account minimums apply. Over time, modest differences in fees can affect performance, so ask direct questions before funding your ira account.

3) Can I keep gold at home in a gold IRA?

No. To maintain tax advantages and comply with IRS rules, you must store IRA metals in an IRS approved depository. Facilities such as Delaware Depository and similar third party depositories provide secure storage, insurance, and chain-of-custody procedures. Home storage for IRA assets typically violates the rules and can trigger taxes and penalties.

4) What metals can I hold in a precious metals IRA?

Gold and silver are most common, and certain platinum and palladium products may be eligible. All items must meet fineness standards and be included on the list of IRS approved precious metals. Examples of qualifying products often include bullion bars and well-known coins like Canadian Maple Leafs. Ask your custodian for a current list of precious metals allowed before purchasing gold.

Determining how much to allocate to a gold ira depends on your timeline, objectives, and appetite for volatility. Many investors use gold and silver IRAs to complement equities and fixed income, smoothing out returns during market stress. A diversified approach can include an ira gold slice alongside traditional IRAs and a roth ira, helping protect retirement savings through multiple economic environments. Focus on fundamentals: define goals clearly, evaluate risk, understand fee structures, and commit to periodic reviews. Gold and silver can help you hold physical gold as a strategic anchor when markets become uncertain.

Verify eligibility: Confirm every coin and bar is an IRS approved precious metal.

Document fees: Ensure setup fees, annual fees, and storage fees are spelled out in writing.

Confirm depository: Choose secure storage options at an IRS approved depository such as Delaware Depository or comparable third party depositories.

Check ratings: Review Better Business Bureau and Business Consumer Alliance profiles. Look for patterns of customer satisfaction.

Balance your portfolio: Consider how a precious metals IRA fits with other assets so you can weather global economic uncertainty.

Understand taxes: Plan ahead for distributions and when you may pay taxes based on your account type.

We publish rankings to answer “which gold IRA company fits my balance?” — not to sell a single brand. Every profile above should include minimums, fee bands, custodian partners, and storage type. If a sales call cannot put setup, storage, and buyback spread in writing within one business day, treat that as a red flag.

Your gold IRA custodian must place IRS-approved metals in a qualified depository—investors cannot store IRA gold at home or in a personal safe-deposit box without risking a prohibited transaction. Leading depositories used in the industry include Delaware Depository and Brink’s (and similar vault operators). The custodian ships metal from the dealer straight to the vault so chain of custody stays inside the IRA structure.

Segregated (allocated) storage keeps your specific bars and coins identified—often by serial number—separate from other clients’ metal. Commingled (non-segregated / unallocated) storage pools like-kind bullion; you own a claim on weight and type rather than a particular bar. Segregated storage usually costs more; commingled storage is cheaper but may deliver equivalent metal, not the exact serials you bought, at distribution.

Confirm insurance coverage, audit frequency, and whether storage is domestic. When you later take an in-kind distribution or sell, the depository and custodian coordinate release or liquidation. Keep annual statements that list holdings, storage class, and fees so your personal records match Form 5498 fair-market-value reporting.

When companies advertise promotions such as free gold or discounted storage for the first year, scrutinize the fine print. Often these offers require a higher minimum investment. Ask about account minimums and written buyback policies. While most gold ira companies offer buyback programs, the terms can vary. Favor companies with transparent fees, written guarantees where applicable, competitive pricing on both purchase and sale, and clear timelines for processing transactions.

A gold ira investment should fit into a holistic plan that includes emergency reserves, growth-oriented assets, and income sources. For many, combining gold and silver IRAs with diversified equity and bond exposure provides a balanced approach to long term retirement security. You can also consider a roth ira version to potentially enjoy tax-free distributions later, depending on your situation. Because financial needs evolve, revisit your allocation periodically, especially during periods of global economic uncertainty. As you approach retirement, liquidity and stability may become more important, and physical precious metals can serve as a stabilizing foundation alongside other holdings.

Lack of transparency: If a provider cannot clearly explain fees, storage options, or IRS rules, consider other choices.

Pressure tactics: A reputable firm respects your timeline and encourages thorough research.

Confusing custodial relationships: Ensure you understand who the custodian is, where metals are stored, and how to access statements.

Vague promotions: Offers like free gold should include detailed terms. If not, proceed cautiously.

Clarify goals: Are you hedging inflation, seeking diversification, or aiming to protect purchasing power during economic uncertainty?

Set a budget: Define a minimum investment that aligns with your cash flow and savings plan.

Compare three providers: Analyze Augusta Precious Metals, American Hartford Gold, Birch Gold Group, Lear Capital, and perhaps a fidelity gold ira option or others to find the best fit.

Confirm depository: Choose Delaware Depository or another IRS approved depository with robust security.

Understand taxes: Confirm whether you will pay taxes on distributions and how a roth ira differs from a traditional gold ira.

Document everything: Keep records of purchases, storage, custodian details, and all fee agreements.

For 2026, the IRS allows you to contribute up to $7,000 to your IRAs combined—or $8,000 if you are age 50 or older under the catch-up provision. That annual limit applies across every traditional and Roth IRA you own, including a gold IRA; it is not $7,000 per account. Rollovers and trustee-to-trustee transfers from a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or existing IRA are not contributions and have no dollar cap when completed correctly.

SEP gold IRAs follow separate employer-contribution rules (generally up to 25% of compensation or the annual SEP dollar cap). Always verify the current IRS Publication 590-A figures before you write a check. If you exceed the annual contribution limit, the IRS can assess a 6% excess-contribution tax for each year the excess remains in the account—so track new money carefully even when you fund most of the gold IRA with a large rollover.

Funding hierarchy most investors use: (1) direct rollover of old plan balances for size, (2) annual $7,000/$8,000 contributions if earned income allows, (3) optional Roth conversion strategy only after you model the tax bill. Your gold IRA custodian reports contributions on Form 5498 each year so the IRS sees the correct contribution total.

A gold IRA must avoid prohibited transactions under IRC §4975. If you take personal possession of IRA metals or use them as loan collateral, the IRS can treat the account as distributed — creating ordinary income tax on the full balance plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. You become a disqualified person when you self-deal with IRA property.

So-called “home storage gold IRAs” and checkbook LLC schemes marketed as personal vaulting frequently fail IRS standards. Your custodian must arrange shipment to an IRS-approved depository (examples used in the industry include Delaware Depository, Brink’s, and IDS). Keep assay/hallmark documentation with custodian records.

Related filings: custodians report contributions and year-end fair market value on Form 5498 and distributions on Form 1099-R.

Use a direct trustee-to-trustee (custodian-to-custodian) transfer whenever possible. Funds move between institutions without passing through your personal account, generally avoiding the 60-day deposit deadline and the one-rollover-per-12-months limit that applies to many indirect IRA rollovers.

An indirect rollover sends a check to you. You typically must redeposit 100% within 60 days or the shortfall becomes taxable. Employer plans (401(k)/403(b)) may withhold 20% on eligible rollover distributions paid to you — another reason direct transfers are preferred.

SIMPLE IRA note: many SIMPLE plans impose a two-year participation rule before certain tax-free rollovers to non-SIMPLE IRAs. Confirm with the plan administrator before initiating paperwork.

On a $50,000 account, first-year all-in costs commonly land near $600–$1,200 before metal price moves — depending on setup fees, custodial schedules, storage, and dealer spreads.

Ask every company for a written fee schedule and buyback spread before you transfer funds.

IRC §408(m) treats most collectibles as distributions, with a bullion exception for specified fineness levels produced by approved refiners/mints.

Generally prohibited: jewelry, most numismatic/collectible coins, and many proof products without qualifying bullion status. Confirm product eligibility with your custodian before purchase.

Your gold IRA stores metals at an IRS-approved depository under custodian control. Segregated (allocated) storage keeps your bars/coins identified separately — usually higher cost. Commingled storage pools like metals and is often cheaper.

Industry facilities frequently used with self-directed IRAs include Delaware Depository, Brink’s, and IDS. Request insurance coverage details and whether storage is allocated or unallocated before you fund the account.

Traditional gold IRAs grow tax-deferred; withdrawals are ordinary income. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) generally begin at age 73 under current rules. Withdrawals before 59½ usually add a 10% early-withdrawal penalty unless an exception applies.

Roth gold IRAs use after-tax funding; qualified withdrawals can be tax-free and the original owner typically has no lifetime RMDs.

An in-kind distribution ships metal to you and is taxed on fair market value at distribution — reported on Form 1099-R. Beneficiaries should confirm designation forms with the custodian; rules differ for inherited IRAs.

The best gold IRA company depends on your balance — not a universal ranking. Skip to your bracket: $10K starter → Birch Gold or American Hartford Gold; $25K–$50K → Goldco for buyback strength and education; $50K+ concierge → Augusta Precious Metals; prioritize written fee schedules and named custodians over TV ads.

We weighted six criteria from May–July 2026 mystery-shopper calls: fees (25%), minimum (15%), buyback spread (20%), custodian quality (15%), BBB/BCA record (15%), education (10%). Affiliate compensation does not change rankings.

Use these verifiable fact blocks — always reconfirm current schedules in writing.

Named custodians you will actually see on paperwork: Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, Kingdom Trust, and Preferred Trust handle a large share of precious-metals IRAs. The dealer sells metal; the custodian files Form 5498 (FMV) and Form 1099-R (distributions) and holds legal title.

Pricing language to demand: “spot + premium” quotes, dealer spread, wire fee, and allocated vs unallocated (segregated vs commingled) storage — not a single “all-in” marketing number.

Expect $50–$180 setup, $80–$300 annual custodial, and $100–$300 annual storage — total 5-year overhead commonly $1,200–$2,300 excluding metal premiums and bid/ask spreads.

Gold IRAs often cost 3–10× more annually than a stock index IRA and pay no dividends. Plan a multi-year hold; short trading inside physical IRAs erodes returns via the dealer spread.

Only a small set of non-bank IRS-approved custodians handle most precious-metals IRAs — Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, Kingdom Trust, and Preferred Trust appear most often on adoption agreements.

Your gold IRA company (dealer) typically partners with one of these custodians. The custodian — not you — holds title, arranges depository storage, runs an FDIC-insured cash sweep for uninvested cash when offered, and reports fair market value on Form 5498. Confirm the exact custodian name before you initiate a trustee-to-trustee transfer.

Physical gold sold outside an IRA can face the federal collectibles capital-gains rate (up to 28%); gold held inside a Traditional IRA is taxed as ordinary income only when you take a distribution — not at the 28% collectibles rate on sale inside the account.

Roth gold IRA qualified withdrawals can be tax-free. An in-kind distribution ships metal to you and is valued at fair market value on Form 1099-R. Non-IRA gold may also lack step-up simplicity depending on estate facts — coordinate with a CPA.

Gold IRA companies introduce five structural frictions: (1) no yield, (2) higher fees than brokerage IRAs, (3) 3–8% buy/sell dealer spreads, (4) multi-day liquidation, (5) prohibited-transaction risk if you attempt home storage or checkbook LLC self-dealing under IRC §4975.

• No dividends or interest — opportunity cost vs equity IRAs.
• Premiums and spreads — “spot + premium” pricing plus wider bid-ask than GLD/IAU ETFs (expense ratios ~0.25–0.40%).
• Storage & custody stack — annual invoices even in flat markets.
• Product pressure — some sales desks push high-premium numismatics that fail IRC §408(m) or raise spreads.
• Complexity — RMDs at 73 on Traditional accounts; beneficiary designations must be updated with the custodian.

Gold IRAs are legal under IRC §408(m)(3) when metals meet fineness rules, a qualified trustee holds title, and an IRS-approved depository stores the bullion. They become problematic when a firm pushes home-storage “checkbook LLC” schemes, unapproved collectible coins, or refuses written fee schedules.

Cross-check BBB/Consumer Affairs/Trustpilot complaint themes, demand COMEX/LBMA-refiner bars (PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint hallmarks), and require the custodian’s legal name on every transfer form.