The Best Gold IRA Companies 2023
Are you looking for a secure way to protect your retirement savings? With the current volatility in the stock market and concerns about inflation, many investors are turning to precious metals as a safe haven.
With so many precious metal companies to choose from, it can be hard to know who to trust. At Dalton Financial News we have carefully evaluated various companies in the industry and have handpicked the best Gold IRA companies that will help you secure your retirement accounts.
Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and recommend. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
The Top Gold IRA Companies In The US
Augusta Precious Metals
The Only Gold IRA Company with no BCA or BBB Complaints Since Inception
Goldco
Best Customer Service, Low Fees & Excellent Buyback Program
American Hartford Gold
Great Customer Service, Low Investment, Price Match Guarantee & Buyback Offer
Birch Gold Group
Gold, Silver & Platinum Accounts, Low Minimum Investment, Low Fees
Noble Gold
Low Investment Minimum, Great for Beginners, Industry Leading Customer Education
The above companies have earned recognition as the best due to their outstanding ratings from customers, as reported by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA), in regards to reliability, customer support, pricing and fees, transparency, investment options, compliance assistance, and educational opportunities.
1. Augusta Precious Metals
When it comes to choosing a gold IRA company, one important factor to consider is the pricing and fee structure. Augusta Precious Metals stands out for its transparency, offering fair and straightforward pricing that lets customers know exactly what they are paying for.
This builds trust and confidence in the company, which has a well-established reputation for integrity since its establishment in 2012.
Another benefit of working with Augusta is its 7-day price protection on premium coins and zero fees for up to 10 years, making it an attractive option for those seeking to protect their retirement savings.
Additionally, Augusta’s self-directed gold IRA accounts do not have any hidden management fees, so customers can be sure they are getting the best deal.
The company also has excellent customer service and a turnkey transaction process, with agents assisting customers with the paperwork. However, it is important to note that purchases cannot be made online. Additionally, Augusta requires a minimum investment of $50,000 to establish a gold IRA, making it less accessible for some investors.
Overall, Augusta Precious Metals is a great option for those looking for transparent pricing, ease of IRA rollovers, and a focus on gold and silver coins and bullion. The company has partnered with a highly reputable Delaware Depository for secure storage, and has received high consumer ratings for its exceptional customer service.
Augusta Precious Metals Reviews from Actual Customers
“I recently worked with Agusta Precious Metals to invest my self directed IRA into gold/silver. Every step of the process was explained fully and in a way to make sure I could understand.
They made it very easy to complete the process from beginning to end. I can tell that each person had a passion *** their job and wanted to truly assist and answer every question. In financial dealings, it is refreshing to feel like you are valued and that they are sincere in helping you” – Patricia S rated 5 stars on BBB (Better Business Bureau)
“Professional company to invest with. Conducts webinars regularly and very responsive to your questions. Was a new investor with precious metals and all my questions were answered. Very happy with their service” – Paulette J rated 5 stars on BBB
“Augusta Precious Metals is truly a professional and people oriented organization. They understand the concerns of customers and go above and beyond to mitigate those concerns” – Claudio P 5 Star review on BBB
Working with Augusta Precious Metals – “The knowledge of the industry and market was very helpful and the transaction was flawless” – Christian W. from Chester, CT at Trustlink
Rolling over retirement accounts – “I love working with Augusta Precious Metals. I have rolled over several retirement accounts thru them and have found them to be professional, courteous and effecient. They are customer oriented and always follow through. I would highly recommend them” – Ruth F. Gallatin, TN rated 5 stars on Trustlink
Excellent. “I really enjoyed the webinar. The info was up to date and informative. The staff at Augusta are very knowledgeable and friendly. Opening an account was straight forward. Highly recommend them” – Lois D. Inman, SC rated 5 stars on Trustlink
“I am very impressed with this company. They have a fantastic Workshop one on one with several Professional people in the organization to help you along the way with the process from the beginning to the end. They helped me get everything set up. I am currently almost to the end pending the IRA funding from my old employer to my new IRA. Once there I will have another conversation with the personal precious metal assistant for the purchase of my gold and silver.
I am retired and was concerned about the state of our economy and felt this was a good idea. I picked this company for their open transparency and their education as I knew nothing about investing in precious metals. Plus, they are available to assist me down the road with any questions or concerns. That was very reassuring to hear that I am not alone in this” – Marilyn S rated 5 stars on Google
If you’re interested in discovering more about Augusta and what they offer, you can check out our full Augusta Precious Metals review. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of their services, pricing, customer service, and other important factors that may impact your decision to choose Augusta as your gold IRA provider.
#1 Augusta Precious Metals
Pros
- Secure fair pricing for all purchases.
- Named “Best Overall” Gold IRA Company by Money magazine.
- Impressive A+ BBB rating and AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.
- Clear cost structure with no hidden fees.
Cons
- No option for online purchases.
- $50,000 Minimum investment requirement.
2. Goldco
Goldco stands out among gold IRA companies due to its exceptional customer support. The company and its precious metals specialists go above and beyond to provide potential and existing customers with all the information needed to make an informed investment decision.
Established in 2006, Goldco has built a reputation for its focus on the customer experience. From account setup to recent transactions, customers receive personalized “white-glove” service with direct access to a specialist to guide them every step of the way.
To further educate its customers, Goldco offers an extensive education center on its website, including a detailed blog covering a range of topics, as well as videos and e-Books. This focus on customer education has helped Goldco earn high ratings from the BCA and BBB, and almost perfect reviews on Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.
For more information on account minimums, fees, storage, and custodians, you can reach out to Goldco, who will also offer you a free guide with your name, email, and phone number. Setting up an account with Goldco is easy and quick, mostly done online, and the company also offers 401k and IRA rollovers to transfer existing retirement funds.
Goldco Reviews from Real Customers
“A very smooth process – The process was very smooth. Jace was excellent in explaining everything to me. From the steps we would go through to make the move from my traditional 401k to the process of buying precious metals and how the new account would be set up and work. I appreciated his input. The others that assisted in the process were very polite and professional” – D Brown, rated 5 stars on Trustpilot
“Great customer service! All my questions were answered by a knowledgeable representative!
Easy trransaction! I’m fully satisfied and happy with the exchange! I will recommend Goldco to my friends!” – Diana Anderson – rated 5 stars on Trustpilot
“Goldco did a great jib in helping me diversify my IRA and get into a gold and silver IRA. Everyone was very helpful” – Daniel M – 5 stars at BBB
“My interaction with Goldco was very smooth; they were very informative of the process of setting up a Precious Metals IRA, and made things very easy. All I really needed to do was decide how much to roll over. And they confirmed many things that I was already aware of with regards to metals, which was also reassuring that I was dealing with knowledgeable folks. In these volatile economic times, I am happy to be protecting some of my wealth, and Goldco was most helpful with this. Anyone who wants similar protection should greatly consider doing this” – Randy M, rated 5 stars at BBB
Also, make sure to check out our detailed Goldco review for a better understanding of the company’s services and offerings.
#2 Goldco
Pros
Cons
- Extensive Educational Resources.
- Low Annual Fees
- 100% Free IRA Rollover
- Best Gold and Silver deals in the industry
3. American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold is a precious metals investment company located in Los Angeles, California. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has rapidly achieved significant success. American Hartford Gold specializes in creating physical precious metals IRAs for investors seeking long-term protection against market fluctuations and also assists clients in making individual purchases of gold and silver to be delivered discreetly to their door.
The company places a strong emphasis on education and provides clients with access to its Data Center, live precious metals charts, and a dedicated account representative. Their customer service team is available to assist with any questions and make the acquisition of gold and silver simple and stress-free.
American Hartford Gold offers transparent pricing and reasonable IRA fees. While they do not charge any IRA fees themselves, self-directed IRA institutions may charge around $180 per year. The size of your order may determine if American Hartford Gold will cover these fees for you.
For individual cash purchases, AHG can discreetly deliver the products to your doorstep. For IRA purchases, clients can choose from a list of several IRS-approved depositories located across the country that American Hartford Gold can deliver directly to. Opening an account is easy and can be done online in just a few minutes with the help of an account representative. The funds can be transferred over in as little as three business days.
The minimum investment required is $10,000, which is among the lowest for precious metals IRAs and a suitable option if you only want to transfer a portion of your IRA into physical precious metals.
To learn more, read our comprehensive American Hartford Gold review.
#3 American Hartford Gold
Pros
Cons
- Endorsed by Bill O’Reilly and Rudy Giuliani
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Named on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies
- Low minimum investment of $10,000
- No pricing information available on the website
- Limited options for international shipping
4. Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold Group has been a trusted name in the physical precious metals industry for nearly two decades. Their skilled team can help you diversify your portfolio with silver, gold, platinum, and palladium.
With their extensive knowledge and experience in the tech and finance sectors, Birch Gold Group brings a level of expertise that makes the gold IRA process a breeze.
The company values customer empowerment, empathy, transparency, education, efficiency, and ethics. They are always responsive and ready to answer any questions you may have.
You’ll be paired with a dedicated precious metals specialist who will get to know your financial goals and dreams. Together, you’ll build a relationship based on trust and continuity.
Customers have placed their trust in Birch Gold, as evidenced by the positive testimonials and ratings. The company is committed to putting you first, from sharing resources to protecting your privacy.
Birch Gold has a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company’s customer relations team will always follow up to ensure your complete satisfaction.
To learn more, be sure to check out our complete Birch Gold Group review.
#4 Birch Gold Group
Pros
Cons
- Offers investment opportunities in silver, gold, palladium, and platinum
- Comes with a free information kit that helps you understand the process of setting up a Gold IRA
- Offers the option to purchase precious metals for personal investment along with IRA-approved coins
- Has a minimum investment requirement of only $10,000, which is one of the lowest available
5. Noble Gold
Noble Gold has earned a spot as one of the best gold IRA companies for small investors because of its low minimum investment requirement and comprehensive educational resources. Although Noble Gold is a newer company, having been established in 2016, it has quickly become a popular choice for beginner investors. The company has received positive ratings from customer review agencies, such as a 5-star rating from Consumer Affairs, an A- rating from the BBB, and an AA rating from BCA with zero complaints in the past three years.
Noble Gold offers a complimentary initial consultation to understand their clients’ goals, needs, and preferences, as well as a wide range of educational resources. Customers are then paired with a specialist who guides them through the process without high-pressure sales tactics. The fees are competitive, with no setup fee but an annual service fee of $80 and an annual storage fee of $150. The good news is that these fees are all flat, regardless of account size, and the storage fees even cover the cost of segregated storage.
With a large network of suppliers and partners, Noble Gold provides competitive pricing on gold purchases and a “no-questions-asked” buy-back service. The company uses Equity International as its custodian and International Depository Services (IDS) for storage, with locations in the US and Canada and insured by Lloyd’s of London.
Potential customers can visit Noble Gold’s website to access educational content and gather information before reaching out to a representative to open an account. The registration process can be started online, but a representative is required to complete it. For more information, read our complete Noble Gold review.
#5 Noble Gold
Pros
Cons
- Flat fees for service and storage, regardless of account size
- Extensive educational resources available
- Low minimum investment requirement
- Annual fees may be comparatively high for those with lower account balances
Investing in Gold
Gold has been a steady and growing investment compared to the stock market, which can be more unstable. Because of this, more and more retirement investors are turning to gold IRAs to diversify their portfolios and protect themselves against inflation and market ups and downs.
While many people invest in traditional assets like bonds, stocks, and mutual funds, did you know you can also invest in precious metals like gold and silver through a special kind of IRA account? Not many people are aware of this option because financial advisors often steer them towards mutual funds that they earn fees from.
Setting up and managing a gold IRA account is a bit different than a traditional IRA account, which can usually be done easily with the help of a custodian.
It’s a type of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that allows you to invest in precious metals, like gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Just like with traditional IRAs, you can contribute to a Gold IRA on a pre-tax basis and grow your money in a tax-deferred way.
While traditional IRAs hold assets like stocks, bonds, or cash, a Gold IRA gives you the option to diversify your retirement portfolio with something a little different. However, it’s important to note that these IRAs have some extra rules and regulations to follow. For example, the precious metals you choose need to meet strict standards set by the IRS and must be stored in an approved depository.
Keep in mind that Gold IRAs are usually more complex to manage and may come with higher fees and commissions than traditional IRAs. But, the benefit is that they can protect against inflation and offer a way to diversify your retirement savings. If you’re interested, it’s best to work with a highly qualified Gold IRA company to make the most of these alternative investments.
Why should you invest in a Gold-Based IRA?
Investing in a gold-based IRA can be a smart choice if you’re seeking alternative investments. Despite fluctuations in the price of gold, it has a tendency to increase in value during periods of uncertainty and instability. This provides a sense of security when planning for retirement.
While all investments come with risks, including gold IRAs, gold investing has a more stable history. The main advantage of a gold IRA is the opportunity to diversify your retirement portfolio.
While you won’t receive dividends like you would with stocks, gold IRAs offer some protection against inflation and recession, as the value of gold tends to rise as the value of paper assets decrease.
However, some experts are cautious about precious metals IRAs, including gold IRAs, due to the more stringent regulations from the IRS, the complex nature of these accounts, and the higher fees associated with them. They suggest that if you want to own physical gold or other precious metals, you should simply purchase gold or silver bars instead.
If you don’t hold these assets in an IRA, you won’t need to worry about depository requirements and complicated rules.
Despite these concerns, a gold IRA can be a great option if you’re looking to diversify your retirement portfolio and safeguard yourself against economic volatility. It’s recommended to invest no more than 10% of your funds in this alternative investment.
When using a rollover to start your gold IRA, you won’t be limited by the annual contribution maximums set by the IRS ($6,000 for under 50, $7,000 for over 50). A financial advisor can help determine if gold is the right investment for you, and a specialized gold IRA company can guide you in making gold purchases.
Investing in options that provide financial security in retirement is a wise decision, especially as you approach retirement age. IRA plans, including gold IRAs, are a good option to consider as part of your financial security plan.
What is an IRA?
An IRA, or individual retirement account, is a type of personal savings plan designed for retirement, offering tax benefits and various investment options. It’s a popular choice for many investors, particularly those with 401k, 403b, or employer-sponsored plans, as it offers additional tax advantages to increase their savings and portfolio flexibility. Once contributions to employer-sponsored plans have been maximized, an IRA may be the next step in saving for retirement, as it provides a wider range of investment options than a 401k.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are different IRA options available, each with different contribution, tax, and withdrawal rules. The three main types of IRAs are Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and Rollover IRA.
Traditional IRA: This type of IRA allows you to contribute if you have earned income, with the possibility of tax-deductible contributions. This means you get an immediate tax break, but you’ll have to pay income taxes on the savings when you make withdrawals in retirement. You must also take RMDs (required minimum distributions) annually once you reach 72 years old.
Roth IRA: With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax income instead of getting an immediate tax benefit. The savings are tax-free and you’ll enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Although Roth IRAs are subject to RMDs, you can leave the money in the account for future needs or pass it down to your heirs. However, you must have an income below a certain contribution limit to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA.
Rollover IRA: This type of IRA allows you to transfer money from an old employer-sponsored retirement plan into an individual retirement account. The idea behind a Rollover IRA is to “roll over” your savings, preserving the tax-deferred status of your retirement assets and avoiding early withdrawal penalties or current taxes during the transfer. The tax benefits will depend on the IRA type you choose and whether or not you’re RMD eligible.
Why should you invest in an IRA?
Investing in an IRA is important for your financial security in retirement. With an estimated 85% of pre-retirement income needed for living expenses during retirement, relying solely on an employer-sponsored 401k plan may not be enough.
By contributing to both a 401k and an IRA, such as a Fidelity IRA, you can supplement your retirement savings and gain access to a wider range of investment options. Additionally, IRAs offer potential tax benefits, either through tax-deferred or tax-free growth of your savings.
It’s recommended to contribute the maximum amount allowed to maximize the benefits of your IRA. Regularly monitoring your investments and making necessary adjustments can help ensure that your savings align with your retirement goals as they approach.
What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you are required to withdraw from your IRA account, as per federal tax regulations. This applies to Traditional IRAs and some tax-deferred retirement accounts and must begin when you reach the age of 72 years.
How is the RMD Calculated?
The RMD amount is calculated based on your account balance at the end of the previous year and the life expectancy factor provided by the IRS through the ULT (uniform lifetime table). The calculation of the RMD is subject to change each year based on these two factors.
Additionally, if you have contributions and earnings credited to a 403b retirement plan prior to 1987, you may be exempt from RMDs until you reach 75 years of age.
It’s important to note that withdrawals made before reaching the RMD age or withdrawals that exceed the required amount will first reduce the balance from contributions and earnings prior to 1987 before any other impact is made.
When Do You Have to Withdraw Funds from Your Traditional IRA?
Traditional IRA holders must start taking an annual distribution from their account by April 1st of the year following their 72nd birthday, regardless of their employment status. For example, an IRA holder must start taking distributions by April 1st, 2022 if they turned 72 years old in the previous year.
Roth IRAs are exempt from minimum distribution rules during the holder’s lifetime. However, these rules may apply to beneficiaries who inherit the Roth IRA.
It’s important to note that the exception for lifetime RMDs does not apply to Roth-sourced amounts in your retirement plan. RMDs apply to designated or select Roth accounts such as accounts funded by before-tax contributions.
Gold is often used as a hedge against an over-financialized world and is considered a safe financial asset.
What Makes Gold a Valuable Currency?
Gold possesses several characteristics that make it a desirable form of currency, including:
Durability: Currency should be a solid and enduring commodity that can withstand normal use and not disintegrate or evaporate over time.
Divisibility: Money must be easily divided into smaller or larger amounts without losing value during transactions.
Consistency: Currency must have a recognizable appearance, with each coin or bill being uniform in design and value.
Convenience: Good money must be portable and have significant value in its compact form. The ease of transportability is important because money should hold its value regardless of size.
Inherent Value: Money must be something that people need in their daily lives and must have a perceived value. Gold is widely accepted as a means of financial exchange, and its value is recognized by many.
Advantages of Holding Physical Gold
Safe Investment Option
Gold has been a form of investment for centuries, with a rich history of being used for both decorative and monetary purposes. This longevity as a valuable commodity has made it a favored investment among individuals who view it as a safe haven. Despite fluctuations in the value of bonds, stocks, and other assets, gold has consistently maintained its worth throughout history. Many experts predict that gold will only continue to increase in value as a result of its perceived stability during times of uncertainty.
Inflation Protection
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of currency, causing prices of goods and services to rise over time. This can be attributed to increased production of fiat money by central banks, such as when more U.S. dollars are printed. This devalues the currency, driving investors to seek out assets they believe will retain value during periods of inflation. Although gold can be expanded through mining, this is a costly and time-consuming process, and the available supply of gold on the planet is limited.
Low Long-Term Market Volatility
Investors face the risk of market volatility, especially when investing in stocks that can experience swings in value. While diversifying one’s portfolio and investing in index funds can help mitigate this volatility, stock investments still have the potential to lose value in the short or medium term. In contrast, gold has shown lower volatility over the long term when compared to other investment securities such as silver. This makes it an attractive option for investors seeking a more stable investment.
Diversification of Portfolio
Diversification is an important aspect of any investment strategy, as investing all one’s money in a single company exposes the investor to the risk of substantial loss if the company fails. By investing in multiple assets, individuals can hedge against losses and strengthen their portfolio. Adding gold and other valuable metals to a portfolio can help offset potential losses in other assets, as the metal holdings increase in value.
Tangible Asset
Many people prefer to invest in tangible, visually appealing assets. While modern investment options such as bonds, stocks, ETFs, and bonds are electronic and represented by numerical figures, gold, silver, and other precious metals are physical objects that can be held and stored. This tangible aspect of these metals appeals to investors who are skeptical of investing in paper-based options.
Augusta Precious Metals - The Best Gold IRA Company
Augusta Precious Metals and its experts strive to ensure that both existing and prospective customers have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. They are the top choice for IRA investments and purchasing physical precious metals
Gold Preserves Wealth
A declining U.S. dollar means gold has a global price in U.S. dollars. This relationship has two reasons. To buy gold, investors (i.e. central banks) will need to sell their U.S. dollars.
Global investors are seeking to diversify from the dollar, which ultimately leads to a lower U.S. dollar. Second, investors who have other currencies can find gold more affordable due to a weakening dollar. Investors who have currencies that have appreciated relative the U. S. Dollar will be in higher demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best gold IRA company?
Augusta Precious Metals
Is gold IRA a good investment?
The answer to whether a gold IRA is a good investment is subjective and depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Some people view it as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations, while others consider it a speculative investment.
What is the best company to buy gold from?
The best company to buy gold from depends on your specific needs, such as storage options and customer service. Some popular companies are Augustas Precious Metals, Goldco and Birch Gold Group.
What are the fees for a gold IRA?
The fees for a gold IRA typically include an initial setup fee, an annual maintenance fee, and a fee for buying and selling the gold. The fees can vary between companies, so it’s important to compare and evaluate the costs before making a decision.
What are the cons of gold IRA?
The cons of a gold IRA include the potential for the value of the gold to fluctuate, the possibility of theft or loss if you store the gold physically, and the fees associated with setting up and maintaining the account.
Can I store my gold IRA at home?
No, you cannot store your gold IRA at home. IRS rules require that the gold be stored in an approved depository, and it must be insured.
Will the value of a gold coin Increase?
The value of a gold coin can increase or decrease, depending on various economic and political factors. The price of gold is influenced by supply and demand, as well as market sentiment, central bank policies, and geopolitical events. There is no guaranteed outcome, so investing in gold carries risk.
When is the best time to make gold purchases?
The best time to make gold purchases can vary depending on the current market conditions and an investor’s financial goals. Some investors buy gold during periods of economic uncertainty or market volatility, while others wait for dips in the price.
How can I invest in gold?
There are several ways to invest in gold, including physical gold, gold ETFs, and gold mining stocks. The choice will depend on your investment goals and risk tolerance, as well as the costs and complexities of each option.
Establishing a Gold IRA is a great method of investing in gold. It is a type of Self-Directed IRA, where investments are made in gold instead of traditional stocks and bonds. Setting up a Gold IRA offers a great opportunity to invest in gold and other precious metals while minimizing tax concerns.
How much of my portfolio should I hold in gold?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how much of your portfolio should be held in gold. It depends on your individual financial situation and risk tolerance, as well as your overall investment strategy. Some financial advisors recommend allocating a small percentage, such as 5-10%, to gold as a diversifier. However, it’s important to seek professional advice and consider all factors before making an investment decision.