4.3/5
Gold IRA Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway
Augusta Precious Metals earns 4.3 out of 5 for its unmatched educational approach, dedicated account support, and transparent flat-fee structure. The $50,000 minimum investment is the primary barrier for new investors. As verified directly from the live BBB profile, Augusta currently holds a “Not Rated (NR)” letter grade despite continuous BBB accreditation since February 17, 2015. BBB cites insufficient information to issue a rating, not a negative finding. For investors with $50,000 or more to roll over, Augusta remains among the most client-focused gold IRA companies in the industry.
Augusta Precious Metals (Beverly Hills, CA) is a gold and silver IRA company founded January 1, 2012 by CEO Isaac Nuriani. The company is best known for its one-on-one educational web conferences led by Devlyn Steele (Harvard Analytics Program member), its dedicated customer success program, and NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana as both customer and corporate ambassador since 2020. Augusta requires a $50,000 minimum investment, charges flat annual fees of approximately $200, and has maintained continuous BBB accreditation since February 17, 2015. Money magazine has named Augusta “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. This review covers Augusta’s fees, BBB status, complaint history, how it compares to Goldco, and whether it is the right fit for your retirement portfolio.
Augusta Precious Metals Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry-leading educational resources — free investor web conferences with a Harvard Analytics Program member | $50,000 minimum investment is one of the highest in the industry |
| Dedicated customer success agent assigned to every account for its entire lifetime | Limited to gold and silver — no platinum, palladium, or crypto options |
| Transparent flat-fee structure — no percentage-based fees that grow with your account | BBB letter grade shows “Not Rated (NR)” as of May 2026, despite continuous accreditation since 2015 — not A+ as widely reported |
| Lifetime customer support commitment with no exit or liquidation fees reported | Wire transfer is the only payment method accepted per BBB profile |
| Money magazine “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 + Joe Montana brand ambassadorship | Primarily IRA-focused — limited options for direct non-IRA precious metals purchases |
What Is Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta Precious Metals is a gold and silver IRA company headquartered at 8484 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 515, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3235. Founded on January 1, 2012 by CEO Isaac Nuriani, the company has been in operation for 14 years and has built one of the strongest customer review profiles in the gold IRA vertical. It was named Money magazine’s “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, four consecutive years.
Unlike companies that rely primarily on sales representatives, Augusta differentiates through education. Every prospective client participates in a one-on-one web conference with Devlyn Steele, a Harvard Analytics Program member on Augusta’s staff, before opening an account. The company frames this as a “conflict-of-interest-free” way for investors to understand the role of precious metals in retirement planning before committing funds.
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana serves as both customer and corporate ambassador. Augusta’s official press releases and the company’s BBB profile description both identify Montana as a customer and corporate ambassador. He appears in the company’s educational materials and promotional campaigns.
The company processes gold and silver IRA rollovers from 401(k), 403(b), TSP, IRA, and other qualified accounts. It works with IRS-approved custodians, primarily Equity Trust Company, and stores physical metals at approved facilities including the Delaware Depository and Brinks Global Services.
Augusta Precious Metals Lawsuit History
As of May 2026, Augusta Precious Metals has not faced any major regulatory enforcement actions, government penalties, or class-action lawsuit judgments. Consumer searches for “Augusta Precious Metals lawsuit” are extremely common and typically reflect investor due diligence rather than active litigation.
The company has held continuous BBB accreditation since February 17, 2015 under BBB of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley, with a BBB file opened February 6, 2014. The Better Business Bureau’s current “Not Rated” letter grade designation for Augusta reflects a data gap in their rating system, not a finding of wrongdoing. BBB explicitly states: “BBB does not have sufficient information to issue a rating on this business.”
No SEC, FINRA, CFTC, or FTC enforcement actions against Augusta Precious Metals appear in public records as of this review’s publication. Investors researching this topic should search the SEC Enforcement Actions page and the FTC Case Database directly to verify current status. Looking for legal help related to a gold IRA investment? Match with a securities attorney for a free consultation.
Augusta Precious Metals Fees
Augusta Precious Metals uses a flat-fee model — annual fees do not scale with your account balance, which is a meaningful advantage for larger accounts compared to percentage-based fee structures.
| Fee Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup | $50 | One-time |
| Custodian Fee (Year 1) | $100 | One-time |
| Annual Custodian Fee | $100 | Annual |
| Annual Storage Fee | $100 | Annual |
| Total First-Year Cost (approx.) | ~$350 | |
| Ongoing Annual Cost | ~$200 | Annual |
For a $100,000 gold IRA, $200/year in flat fees equals 0.20%, well below the 0.50–1.00% charged by many IRA custodians on an assets-under-management basis. For a $250,000 account, the effective annual fee rate drops to 0.08%. This fee advantage grows significantly as account size increases.
Augusta does not publicly advertise specific coin premiums or spread percentages above spot price. As with all precious metals companies, the cost of metal itself includes a markup above spot. Investors should request a full price breakdown before completing any purchase. Note: per Augusta’s BBB profile, wire transfer is the only accepted payment method.
Augusta Precious Metals BBB Status
Augusta Precious Metals is BBB-accredited — but its current letter grade is “Not Rated (NR),” not A+. Many review sites, including Augusta’s own marketing materials, have claimed an A+ rating. Our direct verification of the live BBB profile on May 15, 2026 confirms the company’s letter grade status as “Not Rated,” with BBB’s official explanation: “BBB does not have sufficient information to issue a rating on this business.”
| BBB Data Point | Verified Value (May 15, 2026) |
|---|---|
| BBB Letter Grade | Not Rated (NR) |
| BBB Accredited | Yes — since February 17, 2015 |
| Local BBB | BBB of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley |
| BBB File Opened | February 6, 2014 |
| Business Started (per BBB) | January 1, 2012 (14 years in business) |
| Business Incorporated | June 29, 2021 |
| Type of Entity | Corporation |
| Principal Contact | Isaac Nuriani, CEO |
| Payment Methods | Wire Transfer |
| Registered Address | 8484 Wilshire Blvd Ste 515, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3235 |
The NR designation is not the same as a negative rating. It indicates that BBB’s rating formula could not produce a letter grade — often because the business has not provided all required documentation or because complaint volume data is incomplete. Augusta’s continuous accreditation status (11 years and counting) demonstrates the company has met BBB’s accreditation standards continuously. Investors should weigh this alongside Augusta’s strong performance on third-party platforms such as Trustpilot and Google.
Augusta Precious Metals vs Goldco
The most common comparison shoppers make is Augusta vs. Goldco. Both companies consistently rank among the top three gold IRA providers, and both attract searches from investors doing serious due diligence. Here is how they compare on the dimensions that matter most:
| Criteria | Augusta Precious Metals | Goldco |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| BBB Status | Accredited, Not Rated (NR) | A+ Accredited since 2011 |
| Annual Fees | ~$200 flat | ~$260–$360 flat |
| Educational Resources | Industry-leading — free 1:1 economist web conference | Strong — guides, videos, investor kit |
| Products | Gold, Silver | Gold, Silver (+ silver promo offers) |
| Storage | Delaware Depository, Brinks | Delaware Depository, Brinks, others |
| Brand Ambassador | Joe Montana (customer & ambassador since 2020) | Chuck Norris (spokesperson since March 2021; d. March 19, 2026) |
Bottom line on Augusta vs. Goldco: Choose Augusta if the one-on-one educational experience and dedicated agent model matter most to you, and if you are rolling over $50,000 or more. Choose Goldco if you want a lower entry point, a stronger BBB letter grade, or more flexible storage options.
Is Augusta Precious Metals Legit?
Yes — Augusta Precious Metals is a legitimate company with a 14-year operating history. Here is the evidence investors typically look for:
- BBB Accreditation: Continuously accredited since February 17, 2015 (11 years) under BBB of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley. BBB accreditation requires companies to meet standards for transparency, honest advertising, and responsive complaint handling.
- Money magazine recognition: Named “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 — four consecutive years.
- Third-party review scores: Augusta holds high ratings on Trustpilot and Google Reviews, with a large volume of verified customer reviews.
- No regulatory enforcement actions: No SEC, FINRA, FTC, or CFTC enforcement actions appear in public records as of this writing.
- Transparent ownership: CEO Isaac Nuriani is publicly named and serves as the BBB Principal Contact. He appears regularly in company communications and media.
- IRS-compliant structure: Augusta uses IRS-approved custodians and depositories for all IRA accounts.
- NFL Hall of Fame ambassador: Joe Montana has served as customer and corporate ambassador since 2020 (PRNewswire, Feb 2020 partnership; July 2020 formal title).
The most common complaints about Augusta in reviews relate to the high $50,000 minimum and the aggressive outbound follow-up some prospects receive after inquiring. Neither is unusual in the gold IRA industry, and neither rises to the level of a legitimacy concern.
Before opening any gold IRA, request the full fee schedule in writing — including coin premiums above spot price, wire transfer fees, and buyback terms. Augusta’s flat annual fees are competitive, but the spread on gold and silver products is not publicly listed, and wire transfer is the only payment method accepted per the BBB profile. A one-page written disclosure of all costs protects you and is standard practice at reputable companies.
Augusta Precious Metals vs Top Competitors
How does Augusta stack up against the other leading gold IRA companies?
| Company | Min. Investment | BBB | Annual Fees | BestGuide Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | Accredited, NR | ~$200/yr | 4.3 / 5 |
| Goldco | $25,000 | A+ Accredited | ~$260–$360/yr | 4.4 / 5 |
| Noble Gold Investments | $20,000 | A+ Accredited | ~$225/yr | 4.2 / 5 |
| Birch Gold Group | $10,000 | A+ Accredited | ~$200/yr | 4.1 / 5 |
| Advantage Gold | $5,000 | A+ Accredited | ~$195/yr | 4.0 / 5 |
See our full comparison at Best Gold IRA Companies 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions – Augusta Precious Metals
Is Augusta Precious Metals legit?
Yes. Augusta Precious Metals is a legitimate gold IRA company founded January 1, 2012 by CEO Isaac Nuriani in Beverly Hills, CA, where it remains headquartered. The company has been continuously BBB-accredited since February 17, 2015 under BBB of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley, and is consistently rated among the top gold IRA companies on Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Money magazine has named it Best Overall Gold IRA Company in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Has Augusta Precious Metals ever faced a lawsuit?
As of May 2026, Augusta Precious Metals has not faced any major regulatory enforcement actions or class-action lawsuit judgments. Consumer searches for “augusta precious metals lawsuit” reflect due diligence, not active litigation against the company.
What fees does Augusta Precious Metals charge?
Augusta charges a one-time setup fee of $50, a one-time custodian fee of $100, and annual fees of approximately $200 ($100 custodian + $100 storage). Total first-year cost is approximately $350. Annual ongoing cost is approximately $200 — a flat fee that does not grow with your account balance. Note: per Augusta’s BBB profile, wire transfer is the only accepted payment method.
What is Augusta Precious Metals’ minimum investment?
Augusta requires a $50,000 minimum investment. This is one of the highest minimums in the industry and makes the company best suited for investors rolling over existing retirement accounts.
What is Augusta Precious Metals’ BBB rating?
As verified directly from the live BBB profile on May 15, 2026, Augusta Precious Metals holds a “Not Rated (NR)” letter grade — not A+ as widely reported. BBB cites: “BBB does not have sufficient information to issue a rating on this business.” Augusta IS BBB-accredited and has been continuously since February 17, 2015 under BBB of Los Angeles & Silicon Valley. The NR designation means BBB cannot issue a letter grade due to a data gap — it is not a negative finding.
How does Augusta Precious Metals compare to Goldco?
Augusta requires a $50,000 minimum vs. Goldco’s $25,000. Augusta’s strongest differentiator is its one-on-one educational web conference with a Harvard Analytics Program member. Goldco has a stronger BBB letter grade (A+) and a lower entry point. Both are reputable companies for gold IRA rollovers.
Who is the spokesperson for Augusta Precious Metals?
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana serves as both customer and corporate ambassador for Augusta Precious Metals. The partnership was announced via PRNewswire in February 2020 and formalized with the “Augusta Gold IRA Ambassador” title in July 2020. He appears in the company’s educational videos, promotional campaigns, and on the company’s BBB profile.
Where is Augusta Precious Metals located?
Augusta Precious Metals is headquartered at 8484 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 515, Beverly Hills, CA 90211-3235. This is the company’s registered address per the live BBB profile. The company was founded on January 1, 2012 and has maintained its Beverly Hills address as its primary business location.
What storage options does Augusta Precious Metals offer?
Augusta uses IRS-approved depositories including the Delaware Depository and Brinks Global Services. Clients choose between segregated storage (your metals physically separated from others) and non-segregated storage at different price points.
Does Augusta Precious Metals have a buyback program?
Yes. Augusta offers a buyback program for metals purchased through the company. They facilitate the liquidation process at prevailing spot prices. Customer reviews indicate Augusta has not charged liquidation fees in practice.
What is Augusta Precious Metals’ refund policy?
Per Augusta’s BBB profile: for first-time customers, Augusta extends the cancellation period for premium gold and silver coin transactions for up to 7 calendar days after the date a transaction is confirmed (unless state laws provide otherwise). All subsequent orders are final upon completion of the recorded confirmation call. All bullion and semi-premium orders are final upon confirmation.
Can I roll over my 401(k) to Augusta Precious Metals?
Yes. Augusta specializes in 401(k) to gold IRA rollovers and guides clients through the direct rollover process to avoid tax penalties. The minimum rollover amount is $50,000.
What custodians does Augusta Precious Metals work with?
Augusta primarily works with Equity Trust Company and other IRS-approved self-directed IRA custodians. The custodian holds the IRA account legally while Augusta facilitates the purchase and storage of physical gold and silver.
Is Augusta Precious Metals a good investment?
Augusta is a reputable company for gold and silver IRA diversification. Whether it suits your situation depends on your financial goals, time horizon, and account size. Physical gold can hedge against inflation but does not generate dividends or interest. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making IRA decisions.
Reviews
Wolfgang Kainz
My experience with Augusta Precious Metals has been exceptional from start to finish. The quality of information and training they provide is excellent—clear, comprehensive, and genuinely ...
My experience with Augusta Precious Metals has been exceptional from start to finish. The quality of information and training they provide is excellent—clear, comprehensive, and genuinely educational. The online Zoom meeting offered an impressive depth of insight, and it was evident that the team is highly knowledgeable. I consistently had the impression that Augusta operates with integrity. Their communication is transparent, their guidance straightforward, and their responses to my email questions always arrived within 24 hours. The staff is friendly, professional, and clearly experienced. A particular highlight was the support I received during my TSP conversion. With Augusta’s guidance, the process was smooth and uncomplicated—something I genuinely appreciated.
Walt S.
My wife and I decided to transfer a portion of my 401k to a self-directed precious metals IRA in 2025. Augusta Precious Metals (APM) walked us through every step, from contacting my existing...
My wife and I decided to transfer a portion of my 401k to a self-directed precious metals IRA in 2025. Augusta Precious Metals (APM) walked us through every step, from contacting my existing 401k plan administrator and arranging the funds transfer, to the final purchase of the metals into our account with Augusta. The Augusta team members were extremely professional and the entire transaction could not have been smoother. I was particularly impressed with the information provided prior to making our transfer and metals purchase. Clearly, APM is dedicated to ensuring their customers understand every step of the process. Would highly recommend APM for administering a self-directed precious metals IRA.
Matt M
Spent a fair amount of time researching the Best Gold IRA and every reference I found took me back to Augusta and for good reason I believe. The presentation they provide before the applicat...
Spent a fair amount of time researching the Best Gold IRA and every reference I found took me back to Augusta and for good reason I believe. The presentation they provide before the application was incredibly informative and valuable to assist me in making the final choice. I will be going with Augusta based on their fees, buy back policies and overall support process. It was very very professional and while I had pretty much decided already, this was icing on the cake that this was the correct choice! Thank you Augusta for a great call and support in making this transition as seamless as possible!!!!