On this page13 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- GoldenCrest Metals vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- GoldenCrest Metals legitimacy and licensing
- GoldenCrest fees and minimums
- Free silver and free storage offers
- Ben Shapiro and other endorsements
- GoldenCrest complaints and how to avoid problems
- The rules that protect you
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
GoldenCrest Metals is a legitimate but young precious metals dealer: the BBB lists it as started in November 2023, accredited since January 2024, rated A with one complaint in three years. Unlike many gold IRA dealers, it publishes its minimums ($25,000 for an IRA, $10,000 for a direct purchase), estimated custodian and storage fee ranges, and a no-fee buyback. What it doesn't publish is the premium over spot built into each coin, which is the biggest cost. With only 17 Trustpilot and 8 BBB reviews, its track record is thin, and its celebrity endorsers are paid.
- Company
- GoldenCrest Metals LLC, 24151 Ventura Blvd, Suite 220, Calabasas, California; started November 18, 2023; CEO and owner Rich Jacoby3
- Minimums
- $25,000 for a gold or silver IRA; $10,000 for a direct purchase2
- Estimated IRA fees
- Setup about $0 to $100; custodian about $75 to $300 a year; commingled storage about $100 to $150 a year2
- Metal premium
- Built into the coin or bar price; amount not published2
- Promotions
- Up to 10% in free silver (maximum $25,000); free storage 5 years on $50,000 to $100,000 and 10 years above $100,0001
- Buyback
- No buyback or liquidation fee; buyback price not guaranteed1
- Custody
- Entrust Group as custodian and Delaware Depository for storage1
- BBB
- A, accredited since January 12, 2024; 1 complaint in the last 3 years3
Pros
- Publishes IRA and direct purchase minimums
- Publishes estimated custodian and storage fees
- No buyback or liquidation fee
- Up to 10 years of free storage on larger accounts
- BBB A and accredited with one complaint
Cons
- Founded in late 2023, so little track record
- Premium over spot not published
- Only 17 Trustpilot and 8 BBB reviews
- Celebrity endorsers are paid
- Promotions require $50,000 or more and can change at any time
Best for: Retirement savers with $25,000 or more who want posted minimums and fee estimates and a single specialist to guide a rollover.
Skip it if: You want a dealer with a long public record, or you have less than $25,000 to put in an IRA.
GoldenCrest Metals vs. competitors
| Company | Minimum purchase | Published IRA fees | Fee or bonus offer | BBB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoldenCrest Metals | $25,000 IRA; $10,000 direct | Estimates: $0 to $100 setup, $75 to $300 custodian, $100 to $150 storage a year | Up to $25,000 free silver; 5 to 10 years free storage on $50,000+ | A, accredited, 1 complaint in 3 years |
| Goldco | Not published | Not published | Up to 10% free silver on premium coins, $50,000+ | A+, accredited, 72 complaints in 3 years |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | $50 setup, then $235 a year ($125 custodian, $110 storage) | Up to 10 years of custodian and storage fees paid | A+, accredited, 1 complaint in 3 years |
| Birch Gold Group | $5,000 | Example: $80 one time, $235 a year | First year of fees paid on $50,000+ | A+, accredited, 9 complaints in 3 years |
GoldenCrest Metals pricing at a glance
GoldenCrest Metals published costs, as listed October 20262
| Cost | Amount | Who charges it |
|---|---|---|
| IRA minimum | $25,000 | GoldenCrest |
| Direct purchase minimum | $10,000 | GoldenCrest |
| Account setup | About $0 to $100, one time | Custodian |
| Annual custodian fee | About $75 to $300 | Custodian (Entrust Group) |
| Commingled storage | About $100 to $150 a year; free 5 years on $50,000 to $100,000, 10 years above $100,000 | Depository (Delaware Depository) |
| Premium over spot | Not published; built into the coin price | GoldenCrest |
| Buyback fee | $0 | GoldenCrest |
Fee figures are GoldenCrest's estimates for third-party custodian and storage costs. Free silver and free storage require a qualifying purchase, carry minimums and written terms, and can change or end at any time.
GoldenCrest Metals, step by step
Request the guide or call
A GoldenCrest specialist reviews your accounts and goals by phone; one specialist stays with you through the purchase.
Open a self-directed IRA
Paperwork goes to the custodian, Entrust Group, which charges its own setup and annual fees.
Transfer funds
Move money from an IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or TSP by direct transfer to avoid taxes and penalties.
Approve your metals and price
Pick IRS-eligible coins or bars at a price you approve. Ask for the premium over spot per ounce in writing first.
Storage and selling
Metals ship insured to Delaware Depository in your name. GoldenCrest buys back with no liquidation fee, at its quoted price.
GoldenCrest Metals legitimacy and licensing
Yes. GoldenCrest Metals LLC is a precious metals dealer at 24151 Ventura Blvd in Calabasas, California, run by CEO and owner Rich Jacoby. The BBB says the business started on November 18, 2023, has been accredited since January 12, 2024, and rates it A with one complaint in three years. Trustpilot shows 4.3 out of 5, but from only 17 reviews.
The company is new, so there is little history on how it handles buybacks or problems over time. Its site says it is a dealer, not an investment adviser, broker-dealer or IRA custodian, and that coin prices include a premium over spot, so you’ll usually get less when you sell than you paid.
GoldenCrest fees and minimums
GoldenCrest publishes a $25,000 minimum for a gold or silver IRA and $10,000 for a direct purchase. It estimates the custodian’s setup fee at about $0 to $100, annual custodian fees at about $75 to $300, and commingled storage at about $100 to $150 a year. Those are charged by Entrust Group and Delaware Depository, not GoldenCrest.
The cost GoldenCrest doesn’t post is the premium over the spot price built into each coin or bar. That markup usually matters more than the annual fees, so ask for the spot price and your price per ounce on the same day, in writing.
Free silver and free storage offers
GoldenCrest advertises up to 10% in free silver, capped at $25,000, on qualifying purchases, plus free storage for 5 years on accounts of $50,000 to $100,000 and 10 years above $100,000. Its disclosures say these offers require a qualifying purchase, have minimums and written terms, and can change or end at any time. Free metal is only a good deal if the price of what you buy is close to bullion prices.
What customers say about GoldenCrest Metals
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Knowledgeable specialists who explain IRA rollovers
- Patient, low-pressure calls
- Clear explanations of options and fees
Common complaints
- A report of pushback when asking for written quotes on premiums and buyback spreads
- Too few reviews to judge long-term service
Ben Shapiro and other endorsements
GoldenCrest’s site says Ben Shapiro, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, AJ Gentile of The Why Files and Kevin Harrington are paid endorsers, and that it sponsors the Striking Gold radio show with Kenny Michaels. Endorsers are not financial advisers to you. Treat ads on shows you trust as ads, and compare quotes from more than one dealer.
GoldenCrest complaints and how to avoid problems
Complaints are few: the BBB lists one in three years, and Trustpilot has one negative review, which describes pushback when the customer asked for written premiums and buyback spreads. The company replied with a retraining plan. To protect yourself:
- Ask for a written quote with the spot price, your price per ounce and today’s buyback price.
- Prefer widely traded bullion coins over premium or proof coins.
- Read the promotion terms before you rely on free silver or storage.
- Use a direct transfer between custodians, not a 60-day rollover.
The rules that protect you
The IRS allows IRAs to hold certain gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bullion that meet purity rules, held by a trustee or custodian; metals in an IRA can’t be kept at home. The CFTC warns retirees that some gold IRA sellers push high-markup coins and use fear-based pitches. Metals in an IRA aren’t covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance.
Alternatives to GoldenCrest Metals
- Gold ETF in your existing IRA Gold price exposure without coin premiums, custodian or storage fees, and you can sell any trading day.
- Augusta Precious Metals A longer track record and a published fee schedule for buyers with $50,000 or more. Read review
- Birch Gold Group A lower $5,000 minimum and an example fee schedule, an A+ BBB rating and a longer history. Read review
- Goldco A larger, older dealer with thousands of reviews if a long record matters more to you than posted fees. Read review
GoldenCrest Metals reviews
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Frequently asked questions
Is GoldenCrest Metals trustworthy?
Yes. It's a California precious metals dealer accredited by the BBB since January 2024 with an A rating and one complaint. It was founded in late 2023, so its track record is short.
What is the GoldenCrest minimum investment?
$25,000 for a gold or silver IRA and $10,000 for a direct purchase of metals.
What fees does GoldenCrest charge?
It estimates custodian setup at about $0 to $100, custodian fees at $75 to $300 a year and storage at $100 to $150 a year. The premium over spot on each coin isn't published.
Who owns GoldenCrest Metals?
The BBB lists Rich Jacoby as CEO and owner.
Is Ben Shapiro paid by GoldenCrest?
Yes. GoldenCrest's site discloses that Ben Shapiro, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, AJ Gentile and Kevin Harrington are paid endorsers.
Where does GoldenCrest store IRA metals?
At Delaware Depository, with Entrust Group as the IRA custodian, according to GoldenCrest's site.
Does GoldenCrest buy back gold?
Yes, with no buyback or liquidation fee, according to the company. The price isn't guaranteed and will usually be below what you paid because of the premium.
What is GoldenCrest's BBB rating?
A, as of October 2026, with accreditation since January 12, 2024 and one complaint in the last three years.
Does GoldenCrest offer free silver?
It advertises up to 10% in free silver, capped at $25,000, on qualifying purchases. Terms and minimums apply and the offer can change.
Is a gold IRA a good idea?
It can add diversification but costs more to buy, hold and sell than a gold fund, and pays no income. Consider a fee-only adviser before moving a large share of savings.
Sources (7)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- GoldenCrest Metals: Home page, promotions and disclosures (accessed October 12, 2026)
- GoldenCrest Metals: Gold IRA fees and minimums (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: GoldenCrest Metals LLC (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: GoldenCrest Metals reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFTC: Federal and state regulators warn retirees about gold and silver investment scams (March 20, 2024) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- IRS: Investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts (accessed October 12, 2026)
- CFPB: Consumer complaint database search (accessed October 12, 2026)
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