4.1/5
Gold IRA Performance
Key Takeaway: Goldco Review
Goldco is a legitimate precious metals dealer based in Calabasas, California, founded in 2006 by CEO Trevor Gerszt. The company holds an A+ BBB rating (accredited since December 2011), maintains 4.81 stars from over 1,600 BBB customer reviews, and has no direct regulatory enforcement history. It is a solid choice for investors looking for a guided, white-glove Gold IRA rollover service. However, like all gold IRA providers, Goldco does not publish its pricing online. Investors should always request written quotes to verify dealer spreads before committing.
This is an honest Goldco review based on more than 1,600 BBB customer reviews analyzed across the BBB, Trustpilot, and independent editorial sources. Economic uncertainty, persistent inflation, and volatile equity markets have pushed many Americans to explore alternatives for retirement savings. A Gold IRA, which is a self-directed retirement account that holds physical precious metals, has become one of the more visible options. Goldco is among the larger companies in this space, offering managed rollover assistance and a buyback guarantee to investors looking to move funds from a 401(k) or traditional IRA into gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.
Goldco is a privately held precious metals dealer based in Calabasas, California, that has operated since 2006. In this Goldco review, we examine the company’s Gold IRA process, precious metals selection, fee structure, complaint history, lawsuit record, and how it compares to other gold IRA providers.
Explore more options in our full Gold IRA Buyer’s Guide: Compare Goldco with other top-rated Gold IRA companies
What Is Goldco?
Goldco Precious Metals is a privately held precious metals dealer headquartered in Calabasas, California, founded in 2006 by CEO Trevor Gerszt. The company specializes in Gold IRA rollovers, helping investors move funds from existing retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs that hold physical precious metals. Goldco coordinates with third-party custodians such as Equity Trust and IRS-approved depositories including the Delaware Depository.
Goldco built significant consumer awareness through celebrity marketing. Actor Chuck Norris previously served as the company’s national spokesperson and appeared in television and digital advertising campaigns; he passed away in March 2025. Goldco continues to operate under the same leadership and business model. The company’s current focus remains on its white-glove rollover process, $25,000 minimum investment, and buyback guarantee program.
Goldco Lawsuit History and Regulatory Record
Goldco has not been named in direct state or federal regulatory enforcement actions as of the date of this review. No SEC enforcement orders, FINRA sanctions, or state securities division actions appear in public records against Goldco Precious Metals or its parent entity, Goldco Direct LLC. The company has operated continuously since 2006 without a major public litigation record involving investment fraud or securities violations.
Consumer-level complaints filed with the BBB, totaling 78 over three years with 35 closed in the most recent 12 months, relate primarily to pricing transparency and communication delays, not fraud allegations. This complaint volume is within the range typical for a precious metals dealer of Goldco’s size and transaction volume.
The broader gold IRA industry has attracted regulatory attention from the SEC, CFPB, and state securities regulators for opaque pricing practices. Goldco has not been specifically named in any of these industry-wide investor alerts.
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Goldco Precious Metals: IRA-Eligible Products
Goldco offers IRS-approved precious metals for self-directed IRA accounts, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. According to IRS Publication 590-B, gold products must meet a minimum purity of 99.5% to qualify for IRA inclusion, with one statutory exception: American Gold Eagle Coins are permitted at .9167 purity under IRC Section 408(m)(3)(A).
IRA-eligible gold products available through Goldco include:
- American Gold Eagle Coins (IRS purity exception applies at .9167 fineness)
- American Gold Buffalo Coins (.9999 purity)
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins (.9999 purity)
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coins (.9999 purity)
- IRA-approved gold bars and rounds (99.5% minimum)
Silver must meet 99.9% purity for IRA eligibility. Eligible silver products include American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, and IRA-approved silver bars.
Goldco also offers “exclusive” coins, which are products with limited-edition or collector designations that carry higher dealer premiums than standard bullion. These are legally IRA-eligible but command markups above the spot price. Investors evaluating Goldco precious metals pricing should distinguish between standard bullion and exclusive coins, as the premium structure differs significantly between the two categories.
How Goldco Works
Goldco specializes in facilitating the addition of physical gold and silver to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. The company does not act as your IRA custodian or depository; instead, it coordinates with third-party custodians (such as Equity Trust) and IRS-approved depositories (such as the Delaware Depository).
Initial Consultation: The process begins with a phone call where a specialist evaluates your eligibility for a Gold IRA rollover from existing accounts such as a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or traditional IRA. This is also when the company discusses investment size and product options. You can reach their rollover specialists to evaluate your eligibility at no obligation.
Account Setup: If you proceed, Goldco helps establish a self-directed IRA through an approved custodian. The custodian handles account creation, compliance reporting, and IRS paperwork. Goldco coordinates the administrative steps to reduce friction.
Funding: You fund the account via a direct rollover or transfer from your existing retirement account. A direct rollover is a tax-free event when processed correctly under IRS rules.
Metal Selection and Purchase: After funds arrive, you select IRS-approved precious metals from Goldco’s inventory. This is the critical step where investors should request written pricing that clearly separates spot value from dealer premium before authorizing any transaction.
Depository Storage: Metals are shipped to a secure, IRS-approved depository. Storage options include segregated and commingled arrangements. Annual storage and administration fees apply.
Buyback Program: Goldco promotes a buyback guarantee, stating the company will repurchase your metals if you decide to liquidate. The buyback price is determined by the company at the time of sale. Investors should confirm buyback terms and any applicable spread in writing before purchasing.
Goldco Fees: What You Will Actually Pay
Understanding costs is essential for any long-term retirement investment. Goldco’s fee structure includes a one-time setup fee of approximately $50 and annual maintenance and storage costs typically ranging between $180 and $225 per year. The company frequently runs promotions where first-year storage fees are waived for qualifying accounts.
The most significant cost for investors is often not the annual fee but the dealer spread, which is the difference between the spot price of gold and what Goldco charges for its products. Because the company does not publish live pricing online, investors cannot independently verify these spreads without calling and requesting a quote. Investors should request an itemized price breakdown before committing funds.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-time setup fee | ~$50 | Paid at account opening |
| Annual custodian fee | ~$80 | Varies by custodian |
| Annual storage fee | ~$100–$150 | Often waived year 1 for qualifying accounts |
| Total annual cost | $180–$225/yr | Excluding dealer spread on purchase |
| Dealer spread (standard bullion) | 3%–8% above spot | Not published online; request written quote |
| Dealer spread (exclusive coins) | Varies (can be significantly higher) | Higher premiums, more limited secondary market |
For exclusive or commemorative coins, the spread can be substantially higher than what wholesale bullion dealers charge for standard products with equivalent gold content. Always request a written breakdown showing spot price, premium, and total cost per item before authorizing any purchase.
Goldco Complaints and BBB Rating
Goldco holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since December 9, 2011, marking over 14 years. As of May 2026, Goldco has 1,692 customer reviews on the BBB with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 stars. Over the three-year complaint window, the BBB shows 78 total complaints closed, with 35 of those closed in the most recent 12 months.
Consumer complaints about Goldco most commonly relate to three areas: dealer spreads above the spot price, difficulty obtaining itemized written price quotes before committing to a purchase, and communication delays during high-volatility market periods.
These concerns are not unique to Goldco. The gold IRA industry broadly has faced scrutiny from state securities regulators, the SEC, and the CFPB over pricing transparency practices. Investor alerts from these agencies consistently flag the gap between the spot price of gold and the actual price investors pay through a dealer, a spread that is standard across the industry but is rarely disclosed clearly before the point of sale.
Best practice for prospective investors: Request a written price quote that separately states the spot price and the dealer premium for each product before committing. Compare pricing on the same product (such as a 1 oz American Gold Eagle) with at least two other gold IRA dealers before making a final decision. If you have already invested and want to understand what warning signs to watch for, see our guide on the signs you were scammed by a gold IRA company.
Is Goldco a Scam? Is Goldco Legit?
Based on available evidence, Goldco is not a scam. The company is a registered precious metals dealer founded in 2006 by CEO Trevor Gerszt, holds an A+ BBB rating with 4.81 stars from over 1,600 customer reviews, and has not been named in direct regulatory enforcement actions by state or federal agencies.
What the evidence shows about Goldco specifically:
- No direct regulatory action: Goldco has not been named in state securities enforcement proceedings or federal regulatory actions from the SEC, FINRA, or CFPB.
- BBB accredited since December 2011: An A+ rating with 14 years of complaint resolution history documented publicly.
- 78 BBB complaints over 3 years: All show documented resolution attempts; volume is within the typical range for a precious metals dealer of this size.
- Buyback program in place: Reduces the risk of complete illiquidity, though repurchase prices are company-set at the time of sale.
- Pricing not published online: Investors cannot independently verify spreads without engaging the sales process. This is a transparency gap shared by most gold IRA providers, not evidence of fraud.
The appropriate conclusion is not that Goldco is fraudulent, but that any gold IRA investment involves pricing structures that differ from standard brokerage accounts. Independent verification of spreads, custodian fees, and buyback terms before purchase is essential regardless of which provider you are evaluating.
Goldco vs. Augusta Precious Metals
Goldco and Augusta Precious Metals are the two most frequently compared gold IRA providers in independent reviews. Both hold A+ BBB ratings and use similar custodian and depository structures. The key differences come down to minimum investment, sales approach, and pricing transparency.
| Factor | Goldco | Augusta Precious Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| BBB Rating | A+ (since Dec 2011) | A+ (since 2012) |
| Annual Fees | $180–$225/yr | $180–$200/yr |
| Sales Approach | Managed, phone-based | Education-first, lower pressure |
| Live Pricing Online | No | No |
| Buyback Program | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Investors starting at $25K who want a managed process | Investors at $50K+ who prefer an educational approach |
Neither company publishes live buy/sell pricing online, so price comparison requires direct engagement with both before deciding. Read our full Augusta Precious Metals review for a complete breakdown.
How Goldco Compares to Other Gold IRA Companies
| Company | Minimum | BBB Rating | Annual Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldco | $25,000 | A+ | $180–$225 | Managed rollover process |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | A+ | $180–$200 | Education-first approach |
| Noble Gold | $20,000 | A+ | ~$225 | Lower minimum entry point |
| Birch Gold Group | $10,000 | A+ | ~$200 | Low minimum, broad selection |
| Advantage Gold | $5,000 | A+ | ~$225 | Lowest minimum in category |
Goldco Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Managed Process: Rollover process handles most of the administrative paperwork for 401(k) and IRA transfers. | High Minimums: Minimum investment of $25,000 (best promotions require $50,000 or more). |
| Strong BBB Record: A+ rating accredited since December 2011, with 4.81 stars from over 1,600 BBB reviews over 14 years of operation. | Opaque Pricing: Pricing is not published online; all quotes are phone-based, making independent verification difficult. |
| Buyback Guarantee: Buyback program provides a defined exit path for metals holdings. | Hidden Spreads: Dealer spreads above the spot price are standard in the industry but are not disclosed upfront. |
| Wide Selection: Diverse inventory of IRA-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. | Exclusive Coins: Exclusive coins carry higher premiums than standard bullion with a more limited secondary resale market. |
| Promotions: Promotional fee waivers may reduce first-year costs for qualifying accounts. | Company-Set Buybacks: Buyback prices are determined by the company, not independently matched at spot. |
Goldco: Final Verdict
Most credible Goldco reviews from independent sources agree on two points: the company is operationally legitimate, and investors should independently verify pricing before committing. Goldco has operated since 2006 under CEO Trevor Gerszt, holds an A+ BBB rating with 4.81 stars from over 1,600 customer reviews, and has not been subject to direct regulatory action, which is a meaningful baseline for a sector that has attracted regulatory attention broadly.
The platform’s managed rollover process and buyback guarantee make it a reasonable option for investors who want administrative support and a defined exit path for their metals holdings. The key limitation, shared by most gold IRA providers, is the lack of transparent pricing online, which means the total cost of ownership cannot be independently verified without engaging the sales process.
For investors who understand the gold IRA fee structure, compare dealer spreads before purchasing, and request written buyback terms upfront, Goldco is worth evaluating alongside other providers. For investors primarily focused on minimizing spreads and maximizing pricing transparency, comparing at least two or three gold IRA companies before deciding is advisable.
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Reviews
Scott Rice
Goldco made setting up a precious metal IRA a breeze. Everything fully explained up front. No room left for error. Ryan Polston was very professional and answered every question I had which ...
Goldco made setting up a precious metal IRA a breeze. Everything fully explained up front. No room left for error. Ryan Polston was very professional and answered every question I had which were very few as he covered everything up front with precision. I was totally comfortable with the whole process. I also want to mention Stephanie McKee was also very professional and super easy to work with. Overall just a good experience that left me with no worries. I highly recommend Goldco.
Carl Poris
Getting into Goldco was seamless. That was 2022. Getting out is a little more stressful. While it took persistence calling Goldco (and Equity Trust, the depository) back, transferring to a d...
Getting into Goldco was seamless. That was 2022. Getting out is a little more stressful. While it took persistence calling Goldco (and Equity Trust, the depository) back, transferring to a different Trust raised a few more questions. I will also mention that precious metal awareness to the public has become extremely heightened and I understand that Goldco and other dealers have been extremely busy in 2025. That said, my biggest beef is not with transferring out but literally selling metal back to Goldco which I originally purchased from them. The response time and process, in my mind, is brutal. After calling several times, I was then sent an email asking me what I wanted to sell. Then, they will respond 24-48 hours later with a quote as to what they will give me. It’s not an instantaneous process like buying a stock online, Whatever the quote is might be effective when I sent the email or when someone looks at the email, or when they desire to lock it in. I don’t know. Then, they will send a shipping label and I will box it up. I’m sure I will receive money 2 weeks after they receive the metals. All that said, with the right phone call, you can probably get a quote immediately. I’m sure the issue is staffing because it shouldn’t be a hassle for an existing customer to get relatively immediate service. I’d really rate Goldco a 4.6 on the way in and a 2.6 on the way out.