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What gold IRA companies charge in markups, setup, custodian and storage fees, which most do not publish, plus the CFTC warning on 30% to 300% spreads and lower-cost gold ETFs.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published December 18, 2025Updated October 27, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
The best gold IRA company is the one that shows you its full price in writing: the markup on the metal, the one-time setup fee, and the yearly custodian and storage fees. Augusta Precious Metals publishes flat fees ($285 the first year, $235 after) but requires $50,000; US Gold Bureau (from $99 per order on direct purchases) and Battalion Metals (allocated storage in its Battalion Bunker) suit buyers who want more storage choices, though neither publishes an IRA minimum. Before you roll over retirement money, compare the total cost against a low-cost gold ETF and read the CFTC’s warning on precious metals IRA markups.
Our top picks
Best for storage at a state-run depositoryUS Gold BureauThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Minimum purchase$99
Best for published flat IRA fees on accounts of $50,000 or moreAugusta Precious MetalsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.Minimum purchase$50,000Annual account fees$50
Best for free silver promotions on large ordersGoldcoThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.1 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
This guide is for savers thinking about moving part of an IRA or 401(k) into physical gold or silver. In this category the advertised price rarely matches what you pay, so we focus on cost and on what each company actually publishes.
Three things matter most: the markup on the metal compared with the spot price, the yearly custodian and storage fees, and the buyback terms when you want to sell. Most of our picks do not publish all three, which is why written quotes matter.
Below you will find each company's minimums, fees, storage and buyback terms side by side, how a gold IRA works under IRS rules, the CFTC's red flags, and lower-cost alternatives such as gold ETFs.
Best for storage at a state-run depository: US Gold BureauThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.7/5
Minimum purchase
$99
Storage
Recommends the Texas Bullion Depository
Why we picked it. US Gold Bureau points buyers to the Texas Bullion Depository, which the company describes as the only U.S. precious metals depository with state government oversight that is open to the public. Its site also explains custodians, depositories and RMDs in more detail than most rivals.
More details, pros and cons
Shipping
Free on orders of $99 or more
Pros
State-run depository option in Texas
Low $99 minimum for direct purchases
Published buyback guarantee program
Broad catalog of IRA-eligible coins and bars
Cons
IRA account fees are not published on its site
IRA minimum not published
Catalog includes graded proof coins, which usually carry higher premiums than bullion
Skip it if: You want every IRA fee in writing before your first call.
More about US Gold Bureau
US Gold Bureau is a Texas-based dealer operating since 2003, offering exclusive access to the Texas Bullion Depository, the only state-administered precious metals storage in the nation. Best for conservative investors who want maximum storage security with state-level oversight.
Best for published flat IRA fees on accounts of $50,000 or more: Augusta Precious MetalsThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.3/5
Minimum purchase
$50,000
Annual account fees
$50
Storage
IRS-approved depository arranged with your custodian
Why we picked it. Augusta is the only pick here that publishes its full set of yearly IRA fees, and those fees are flat, so they do not rise as your account grows. Its FAQ is also unusually frank that buyback prices are set at its discretion.
More details, pros and cons
In business since
2012
Pros
Complete, flat fee schedule published
IRA processing team handles most rollover paperwork
Clear disclosure on buyback limits
Self-reported A+ BBB rating
Cons
$50,000 minimum rules out smaller savers
Metal and buyback prices are set at Augusta's discretion
Published fees cover the account only, not the markup on the metal
Skip it if: You have less than $50,000 to invest or want a small starter position.
More about Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is an education-first gold and silver IRA dealer, known for one-on-one investor web conferences and a transparent flat annual fee of around $200. BBB-accredited since 2015, though currently Not Rated. Best for investors rolling over the $50,000 minimum or more.
Best for free silver promotions on large orders: GoldcoThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.1/5
Storage
Bullion depository through your IRA custodian
Why we picked it. Goldco says it has helped place over $3 billion in gold and silver, and it lists an A+ BBB rating and AAA from the Business Consumer Alliance. Its free-silver offers apply to premium coins, so compare the coin's price per ounce against plain bullion before you take the deal.
More details, pros and cons
Promotion: Up to 5% back in free silver on $50,000 to $99,999 of premium coins, 10% on $100,000 or more, as listed October 2026
Pros
Large, established firm
Self-reported A+ BBB and AAA BCA ratings
Thorough education on gold IRA rules and rollovers
Free silver offers on large orders
Cons
Minimum and fees not published on its site
Promotions tied to premium coins, which carry higher markups than bullion
Buyback terms not shown on the pages we checked
Skip it if: You want to buy only low-premium bullion bars or need published fees.
More about Goldco
Goldco offers managed Gold IRA rollovers, a buyback guarantee, and IRA-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and has operated since 2006. Pricing is not published online — request itemized written quotes before committing.
Preserve Gold enforces a strict no-liquidation-fee policy, meaning investors pay nothing extra when selling metals back. Best for retirees and long-term holders who want to know their exit costs upfront.
We compared each company on published minimums, IRA account fees, storage options, buyback terms, refund policies and promotions, using each company's official site and checking IRS rules on IRA metals and 2026 contribution limits and the CFTC's precious metals fraud guidance, all in October 2026. Where a company does not publish a fact, we say so. We did not buy or sell metals. This is not investment advice. Read our full methodology.
How much a gold IRA costs
A gold IRA has two kinds of cost, and most companies only advertise one.
Account fees: a one-time setup fee, an annual custodian fee, and annual storage and insurance. Augusta publishes $50 setup, $125 custodian and $110 storage, or $285 the first year and $235 after. Most others say fees depend on the custodian.
The markup (spread) on the metal: the difference between what you pay and the spot price, and between what you pay and what a dealer will pay you back. This is usually the larger cost, and it is rarely published.
The CFTC warns that the spread on metals sold into IRAs can range from 30% to 300% or more. Ask every company for the price per ounce, the spot price at that moment, and its current buyback price for the same product, all in writing.
How a gold IRA works
Open a self-directed IRA with a custodian that allows physical metals.
Fund it with a direct transfer or rollover from an existing IRA or 401(k), or with new contributions up to the yearly limit ($7,500 in 2026, $8,600 if you are 50 or older).
Buy eligible metals through a dealer. IRS rules exclude most collectibles, but allow certain U.S. coins and gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion of required fineness.
Store them with a trustee. The IRS requires the bullion to be held by a bank or approved non-bank trustee. You cannot keep IRA gold at home.
Required minimum distributions still apply to traditional gold IRAs, so plan how you will take them, either by selling metal or taking it in kind.
How to choose a gold IRA company
Get every fee in writing, including markup, setup, custodian, storage and any wire or liquidation fees.
Ask what you are buying. Bullion coins and bars carry lower premiums than proof or “premium” coins.
Check the buyback terms. No dealer can guarantee a future price, so ask how prices are set.
Confirm the custodian and depository by name and verify them independently.
Check complaints with the BBB, the Business Consumer Alliance and your state securities regulator.
Compare against a gold ETF in your existing IRA, which usually costs far less to hold and sell.
Red flags: gold IRA scams and high-pressure sales
The CFTC warns that fraudsters target retirees and pre-retirees with gold and silver IRAs, often posing as “IRA experts”. In one case the CFTC cites, a dealer and custodian charged nearly $150,000 in commissions and fees on a $300,000 rollover. Watch for:
Claims that gold is “safe” or cannot lose value
Pressure to move your whole retirement account
“Free silver” offers tied to premium coins with no price comparison
Refusal to state the markup or buyback price in writing
Advice to store IRA metals at home
Alternatives to a gold IRA
Gold ETFs or mutual funds in a regular IRA or 401(k): low cost, easy to sell, no storage fees.
Buying bullion outside an IRA: no custodian fees, though gains are taxed as collectibles.
Advice from a fee-only fiduciary: worth paying for before you move a large share of retirement savings into one asset.
Other gold dealers we reviewed
GoldClub Direct is a small online bullion dealer: BBB records show GoldClub Direct, LLC started November 6, 2020, holds an A+ rating without accreditation and has 2 complaints in the last three years, and its Trustpilot profile has no reviews at all. It shows live product prices online, ships free and insured on orders of $199 or more, charges no membership fee, and routes gold IRAs through Digital Trust as custodian and Transcontinental Depository Services in Las Vegas, with initial IRA orders over $795. It is not in the ranked picks because the public track record is thin, it publishes no IRA custody fee schedule of its own (Digital Trust lists storage at $150 to $240 a year and closure at $150 to $300), and canceled or returned orders cost $35 plus any market loss, with market gains kept by the dealer. Compare the all-in price per ounce with a larger dealer before you buy. Read our GoldClub Direct review.
Terms to know
Self-directed IRA
An IRA that can hold alternative assets such as physical metals, administered by a specialized custodian.
Custodian
The IRS-approved firm that administers your IRA, keeps records and reports to the IRS.
Depository
The secure facility that stores your IRA metals.
Spot price
The current market price for bulk metal, before dealer premiums.
Spread (markup)
The difference between the price you pay and the spot price or the dealer’s buyback price.
Segregated storage
Your specific coins and bars stored separately from other customers’ metals.
Rollover
Moving money from an existing retirement account into a new IRA without paying tax on the transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gold IRA company?
The best company is the one that gives you every fee and its markup in writing and fits your budget. Augusta publishes flat fees but needs $50,000, while US Gold Bureau and Battalion Metals offer storage choices that others do not. Compare at least three written quotes.
How much do I need to open a gold IRA?
It depends on the company. Augusta lists a $50,000 minimum. Most others on our list do not publish an IRA minimum, so ask before you start a rollover.
What are typical gold IRA fees?
Augusta’s published flat fees are a $50 setup fee, $125 a year for the custodian and $110 a year for storage and insurance. The markup on the metal is a separate and often larger cost.
Can I keep gold from my IRA at home?
No. IRS rules say IRA bullion must be held by a bank or approved non-bank trustee. Home storage can be treated as a distribution, which may trigger taxes and penalties.
How much can I contribute to a gold IRA in 2026?
The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older. Rollovers from existing retirement accounts are not limited by the annual contribution cap.
Is a gold IRA a good investment?
We cannot give personal investment advice. Gold can diversify a portfolio but pays no income, and high markups and storage fees reduce returns. Talk to a fee-only fiduciary adviser before moving retirement money.
Do gold IRA companies buy back metals?
Most offer buybacks, but none can guarantee a future price. Augusta says buyback prices are set at its discretion.
What metals can go in a gold IRA?
You can hold certain U.S. Mint coins and gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion that meet IRS fineness rules. Most collectible coins are not allowed.
Are free silver promotions worth it?
Be cautious. Promotions are often tied to premium coins with higher markups, so compare the price per ounce against spot with and without the promotion.
Sources (20)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
U.S. Gold Bureau: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
U.S. Gold Bureau: Frequently Asked Questions (accessed October 11, 2026)
U.S. Gold Bureau: Buy Back Guarantee Policy (accessed October 11, 2026)
Thor Metals Group: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Thor Metals Group: FAQ (accessed October 11, 2026)
Augusta Precious Metals: FAQ (accessed October 11, 2026)
Augusta Precious Metals: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Goldco: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Goldco: Gold IRA guide (accessed October 11, 2026)
Battalion Metals: Battalion Bunker (accessed October 11, 2026)
Battalion Metals: About (accessed October 11, 2026)
IRS: Investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts (accessed October 11, 2026)
IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500 (accessed October 11, 2026)
CFTC: Precious Metal Frauds (accessed October 11, 2026)
CFTC: The Truth Behind Gold and Silver IRA Scams (PDF) (accessed October 11, 2026)
GoldClub Direct: precious metal IRAs (accessed October 13, 2026)
GoldClub Direct: refunds, returns and exchange policy (accessed October 13, 2026)
BBB: GoldClub Direct, LLC (Las Vegas) (accessed October 13, 2026)
Digital Trust: fees (accessed October 13, 2026)
Trustpilot: GoldClub Direct (accessed October 13, 2026)
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