Gold IRA costs and risks, stated plainly.
Before you move retirement money into gold or silver, know what it costs, what can go wrong, and what to get in writing. These guides cover the rules, the fees, and how to compare companies without the sales pressure.
Where to start
- Gold IRA guideWhat a gold IRA is, how it works, the IRS rules, and the honest pros and cons.
- RolloversMove a 401(k) or IRA without surprise taxes: direct transfers, Roth conversions, deadlines.
- MetalsGold, silver, platinum and palladium, and which coins and bars qualify.
- Compare companiesReported minimums and what to verify before you trust a quote.
- Planning contextDiversification, inflation, self-directed IRAs, and gold funds versus physical metal.
- Scams and red flagsPressure tactics, rare-coin upsells, and how to protect yourself.
What a gold IRA really costs
Annual fees are the visible part. The dealer spread, the gap between what you pay and what the metal is worth, is often larger and rarely advertised. See every cost layer before you request a quote.
- Setup and custodian fees
- Storage at an approved depository
- Dealer spread when buying
- Buyback pricing when selling
If you have $50,000 or more
Augusta Precious Metals focuses on physical gold and silver IRAs. Reviews report a $50,000 minimum and gold-and-silver-only selection. Read the strengths and drawbacks first.
We have an affiliate relationship with Augusta and may earn a commission. See our disclosure.
How we approach this
We haven't opened accounts or tested these companies, and we don't claim to. We summarize company sites and published reviews, flag where sources disagree, and tell you to confirm every figure. More about us.