4.5/5
Battalion Metals Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway
Battalion Metals is a Fargo, North Dakota-based precious metals company that launched in March 2024, co-founded by Tucker Carlson (through his holding company Last Country) and bullion dealer Christopher Olson, a U.S. Army Infantry veteran. The brand holds a BBB A+ rating with 0 complaints but is not BBB-accredited, and operates under parent entity Treasure Island Coins, Inc., which has been in business since 2001 with over $5 billion in gold and silver sold. Battalion Metals offers transparent direct purchase pricing at 2 to 5 percent above spot, plus self-directed precious metals IRAs with storage at Delaware Depository or the company’s own Battalion Bunker facility in Fargo. For investors comfortable with a newer brand backed by an experienced parent operation, Battalion Metals offers a structured gold IRA rollover process. However, its limited track record under the current brand is a real consideration when comparing against established providers with 10+ years of history.
Battalion Metals is a gold, silver, and platinum dealer and IRA company based in Fargo, North Dakota, launched in March 2024. The company is co-founded by Tucker Carlson (through his holding company Last Country) and Christopher Olson, a North Dakota bullion dealer and U.S. Army Infantry veteran whose family founded Treasure Island Coins, Inc. in 2001.
Battalion Metals operates as a brand under Treasure Island Coins, helping U.S. investors roll over 401(k) and IRA accounts into self-directed precious metals IRAs, using IRS-approved custodians and either the Delaware Depository or the company’s proprietary Battalion Bunker storage facility in Fargo. This review covers what we know about Battalion Metals’ legitimacy, BBB status, Tucker Carlson’s co-founder role, fee structure, and how the company compares to more established gold IRA providers.
Battalion Metals Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| BBB A+ rating with 0 complaints despite launching in March 2024 | NOT BBB Accredited, a separate and meaningful distinction from the A+ rating |
| Co-founded by Christopher Olson, a U.S. Army Infantry veteran with decades of bullion industry experience | Brand launched March 2024 with under two years of public operation |
| Transparent direct purchase pricing at 2 to 5 percent above spot for one-ounce gold coins, per Wall Street Journal | Zero BBB customer reviews available as of May 2026 |
| Two storage options: Delaware Depository and the company’s own Battalion Bunker facility in Fargo | IRA fees and minimum investment not publicly disclosed, requires a direct inquiry |
| Parent Treasure Island Coins, Inc. has BBB file since 2001 with over $5 billion in lifetime sales | Premiums may run higher on IRA-compliant products due to standard regulatory cost |
Tucker Carlson and Battalion Metals
Tucker Carlson is a co-founder of Battalion Metals, not just a spokesperson. According to the Wall Street Journal, Carlson partnered with North Dakota bullion dealer Christopher Olson to launch Battalion Metals in 2024. The partnership operates through Carlson’s holding company, Last Country, and Olson’s existing Treasure Island Coins, Inc. operation in Fargo, North Dakota.
Per Carlson’s own account to the Wall Street Journal, his motivation came after he was approached with a multi-million dollar advertising contract from another precious metals company. Investigating the offer, he uncovered what he described as industry-wide deceptive practices, including selling “collectible” bullion coins to retirees at nearly double the market spot price. Carlson reports he turned down a $20 million pitchman offer to instead co-found his own venture with a dealer he already trusted personally.
Christopher Olson, the operational co-founder, is a U.S. Army Infantry veteran who joined his father’s coin and bullion business, Treasure Island Coins, in 2001. He has built Treasure Island Coins into a regional bullion market maker, with reported lifetime sales of over $5 billion in gold and silver. Olson also operates Dakota Depository Company and North American Bullion Exchange. The BBB profile lists Christopher Olson as the registered Owner of Battalion Metals.
Investors who find Battalion Metals through Tucker Carlson’s association should still evaluate the company on its operational merits: BBB status, custodian relationships, fee transparency, storage facility credentials, and track record. Carlson’s role as co-founder rather than paid spokesperson is a meaningful distinction, but it does not by itself reduce the standard due diligence required for any retirement investment decision.
Is Battalion Metals Legit?
Yes, Battalion Metals appears to be a legitimate company, but with important caveats given its brief operating history under the current brand.
- Registered entity: Battalion Metals is a registered LLC in the United States, operating from Fargo, ND under Owner Christopher Olson. The state regulator is the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
- BBB A+ rating: The company holds a BBB A+ rating with 0 complaints on record. Note: this is distinct from BBB accreditation, which Battalion Metals has not obtained.
- IRS-compliant structure: The company uses IRS-approved custodians and depositories, which is standard and legally required for gold IRA operations.
- Established parent operation: Battalion Metals operates as a brand under Treasure Island Coins, Inc., whose BBB file dates to July 25, 2001, providing 24 years of corporate history despite the new Battalion brand name.
- Public ownership disclosure: Both co-founders (Christopher Olson and Tucker Carlson, the latter through holding company Last Country) are publicly named in mainstream media coverage including the Wall Street Journal.
- No regulatory actions: No SEC, CFTC, FTC, or FINRA enforcement actions against Battalion Metals or Treasure Island Coins appear in public records.
The primary legitimacy risk is not evidence of fraud. It is the absence of evidence either way under the current brand. With under two years of public operation as Battalion Metals and 0 verified BBB customer reviews, there is not enough independent customer feedback yet to fully assess long-term reliability. The 24-year parent operation history under Treasure Island Coins partially mitigates this, but investors should still apply thorough due diligence.
Battalion Metals BBB Status
Battalion Metals holds a BBB A+ rating but is NOT BBB Accredited. Our direct verification of the live BBB profile on May 15, 2026 confirms this status.
| BBB Data Point | Verified Value (May 15, 2026) |
|---|---|
| BBB Accredited | No, NOT BBB Accredited |
| BBB Letter Grade | A+ |
| BBB Customer Reviews | 0 |
| BBB File Opened | July 25, 2001 (parent: Treasure Island Coins) |
| Business Started Locally | March 20, 2024 (Battalion Metals brand) |
| Owner | Christopher Olson |
| Alternate Name | Treasure Island Coins |
| Type of Entity | Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
| Registered Address | PO Box 9121, Fargo, ND 58106 |
| Local BBB | BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota |
| State Regulator | Minnesota Department of Commerce |
The difference between a BBB A+ rating and BBB accreditation matters. A rating reflects the BBB’s assessment of how a business handles complaints and meets their criteria. Accreditation requires the business to actively apply, pay membership fees, and agree to BBB standards. Many legitimate companies hold high BBB ratings without pursuing accreditation.
How Battalion Metals Works
Battalion Metals structures its gold IRA process in four steps:
- Consultation: A Battalion Metals specialist discusses your financial goals, explains the benefits and risks of precious metals investing, and answers your questions without high-pressure sales tactics.
- Account Setup: The team assists with paperwork to open a new self-directed IRA (SDIRA) with a qualified custodian compliant with IRS regulations for alternative assets.
- Funding: Your existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or IRA is rolled over into the new SDIRA via a direct transfer. Battalion Metals coordinates with both custodians to avoid tax penalties.
- Metal Selection and Storage: With the account funded, you select IRS-approved gold, silver, or platinum products. Metals are shipped to either the Delaware Depository or the company’s own Battalion Bunker facility in Fargo, North Dakota. You receive documentation confirming your ownership.
Battalion Metals Fees
Battalion Metals offers transparent direct purchase pricing for physical bullion but does not publicly disclose its full IRA fee schedule. Per Wall Street Journal reporting, one-ounce gold coins are priced at 2 to 5 percent above futures spot price, which is competitive with industry benchmarks like Kitco. The company’s IRA fees follow standard industry categories, but exact amounts require direct inquiry.
| Fee Type | Typical Industry Range | Battalion Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Purchase Premium (1oz gold coins) | 2 to 8 percent above spot | 2 to 5 percent above spot (per WSJ) |
| Account Setup (one-time) | $50 to $250 | Not disclosed |
| Annual Custodian Fee | $75 to $200/yr | Not disclosed |
| Annual Storage Fee | $100 to $300/yr | Not disclosed |
| Minimum Investment | $10,000 to $50,000 | Not disclosed |
Always request a full written fee disclosure, including coin premiums above spot price and all custodian and storage fees, before opening any account. Some companies waive first-year fees for larger investments; ask Battalion Metals directly about available promotions.
When evaluating any new precious metals company, ask for three things in writing before proceeding: (1) the full fee schedule including all custodian and storage costs, (2) the names of the IRS-approved custodians and depositories they work with, and (3) their buyback policy in writing. Established companies provide these without hesitation. A company that is reluctant to provide written disclosures is a red flag regardless of spokesperson or celebrity association.
Battalion Metals vs Top Gold IRA Companies
| Company | Brand Founded | BBB | Min. Investment | BestGuide Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battalion Metals | 2024 (parent 2001) | A+ (not accredited) | Not disclosed | 3.5 / 5 |
| Goldco | 2006 | A+ Accredited | $25,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Augusta Precious Metals | 2012 | Accredited, NR | $50,000 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Noble Gold Investments | 2016 | A+ Accredited | $20,000 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Birch Gold Group | 2003 | A+ Accredited | $10,000 | 4.1 / 5 |
See our full comparison at Best Gold IRA Companies.
Not sure Battalion Metals is the right fit?
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Frequently Asked Questions: Battalion Metals
Is Battalion Metals legit?
Yes, Battalion Metals appears to be a legitimate company. It is a registered LLC, holds a BBB A+ rating, and uses IRS-approved custodians and depositories. The company operates as a brand under Treasure Island Coins, Inc., which has been in business since 2001 with over $5 billion in lifetime gold and silver sales. However, the Battalion Metals brand launched in March 2024 and has 0 public customer reviews, which makes it harder to assess long-term reliability under the current brand.
What is Tucker Carlson’s role at Battalion Metals?
Tucker Carlson is a co-founder of Battalion Metals, not just a spokesperson. Per Wall Street Journal reporting, Carlson partnered with North Dakota bullion dealer Christopher Olson to launch Battalion Metals in 2024. The partnership operates through Carlson’s holding company Last Country and Olson’s Treasure Island Coins, Inc. Carlson reports he turned down a $20 million pitchman offer from a competitor before co-founding Battalion Metals.
Where is Battalion Metals located?
Battalion Metals is located in Fargo, North Dakota. The BBB-registered address is PO Box 9121, Fargo, ND 58106, under the jurisdiction of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. The state regulator is the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Is Battalion Metals BBB accredited?
No. Battalion Metals holds a BBB A+ rating but is NOT BBB Accredited. Accreditation requires the business to actively apply and meet BBB standards, a separate process from the letter grade. Battalion Metals has not completed that process as of May 2026.
When did Battalion Metals start?
Battalion Metals began operating locally on March 20, 2024, per BBB records. It is under two years old as a public-facing brand, though the parent operation, Treasure Island Coins, Inc., has a BBB file dating to July 25, 2001.
What are Battalion Metals fees?
For direct bullion purchases, Battalion Metals charges 2 to 5 percent above spot price for one-ounce gold coins per Wall Street Journal reporting, which is competitive with Kitco benchmarks. For IRA accounts, Battalion Metals does not publicly disclose its fee schedule. Investors should expect standard gold IRA costs: a one-time setup fee ($50 to $250), annual custodian fees ($75 to $200), and annual storage fees ($100 to $300). Request a full written disclosure before opening any account.
What is the minimum investment for Battalion Metals?
Battalion Metals does not publicly disclose a minimum investment requirement. Industry minimums typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. Contact a Battalion Metals specialist directly to confirm current minimums.
Who owns Battalion Metals?
According to BBB records, Christopher Olson is listed as Owner. The business operates under parent entity Treasure Island Coins, Inc. Tucker Carlson is co-founder of Battalion Metals through his holding company Last Country, in partnership with Olson. Olson is a U.S. Army Infantry veteran who joined his father’s coin and bullion business in 2001.
What storage options does Battalion Metals offer?
Battalion Metals offers two storage options: the Delaware Depository, a standard IRS-approved third-party depository, and the company’s own Battalion Bunker facility in Fargo, North Dakota. Metals are fully insured and stored separately from the company’s own assets.
Can I roll over my 401(k) to Battalion Metals?
Yes. Battalion Metals specializes in 401(k) to gold IRA rollovers and assigns a rollover specialist to coordinate the direct transfer with your existing plan administrator, avoiding tax penalties.
How does Battalion Metals compare to Goldco and Augusta?
Battalion Metals as a brand is newer than Goldco (founded 2006) and Augusta Precious Metals (founded 2012), though its parent Treasure Island Coins has been in business since 2001. Goldco holds A+ BBB accreditation with thousands of verified reviews. Augusta has 14 years of operation. Battalion Metals offers transparent direct purchase pricing (2 to 5 percent above spot per WSJ) and a unique Battalion Bunker storage option in North Dakota, but cannot yet match the track record of established competitors under its current brand.
Does Battalion Metals have any complaints?
As of May 2026, Battalion Metals shows 0 customer reviews and 0 complaints on the BBB. This could reflect either a satisfied early customer base or simply a limited number of completed transactions given the company’s March 2024 launch.
Does Battalion Metals serve Canadian investors?
Battalion Metals’ gold IRA services are structured for American investors under IRS regulations. The company’s core services (IRA rollovers and self-directed IRAs) are specific to the US retirement system and are not designed for Canadian retirement accounts. Direct purchases of physical bullion may be available to international customers, subject to shipping and import regulations.