How To Choose A Gold IRA Company
Disclosure: we earn a commission if you use our Augusta links. See our disclosure. This is general information, not financial advice.
Short answer. Compare at least two written quotes on the same products, confirm the custodian and depository, and check complaint records yourself.
The Checklist
- Meet the minimum. See minimums by company.
- Get a written fee schedule: setup, custodian, storage, shipping.
- Get the spread on the exact products, in writing.
- Get buyback terms before you buy.
- Confirm the custodian and depository by name.
- Verify eligibility of every product. See IRS rules.
- Check complaints with your state attorney general and the FTC.
- Compare at least two companies.
- Walk away from pressure. See red flags.
Questions For The First Call
- What is my all-in cost in year one and year two?
- What does buyback pay today on these products?
- Which fees are flat, and which are percentages?
- What happens if I want to close or transfer the account?
- Can you send all of this by email?
Using This With A Specific Company
Apply the checklist to any quote you receive, including Augusta's. See our Augusta review and the company comparison.
The Process From Shortlist To Funding
- Decide whether a gold IRA suits you. Read the pros and cons and consider asking a fee-only adviser.
- Pick two or three companies that fit your balance and the metals you want.
- Request written quotes for the same product and quantity.
- Check complaints with your state attorney general and in more than one review source.
- Confirm the custodian and depository and look them up yourself.
- Compare total cost over three to five years, including buyback.
- Take your time. Move money only when every answer is in writing and every question has been answered.
A Quote Request You Can Copy
Send the same message to each company so the answers line up:
- I am considering a self-directed IRA to hold physical metals. My balance is approximately [amount].
- Please quote [product] in [quantity], showing the price per unit and the market value at the time of the quote.
- Please list every fee charged by you, the custodian, and the depository, with the amount and frequency.
- Please describe how buyback is priced today and any fees to sell.
- Please name the custodian and depository you work with.
A Simple Scoring Sheet
| Question | Company A | Company B |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum met? | ||
| Spread on identical product | ||
| Year-one total cost | ||
| Year-two total cost | ||
| Buyback terms clear? | ||
| Custodian and depository named? | ||
| Everything in writing? |
Fill in one column per company. The right choice is usually obvious once the blanks are filled in.
Decision Rules
- Eliminate any company that pressures you to act today.
- Eliminate any company that will not provide fees in writing.
- Eliminate any company that recommends collectible coins without a clear reason.
- If two companies are close, choose the one that explains its numbers best.
Thinking About Augusta?
If you have $50,000 or more to move (the minimum reviews report) and want physical gold or silver, you can request Augusta's free information kit from its site. Before you do, read the full review, and get fees and buyback terms in writing.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This opens Augusta's website in a new tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Quotes Should I Get?
At least two. Differences in spread and fees often show up only when quotes are side by side.
What If Only One Company Will Give Me A Written Quote?
That tells you something about the others. Choose among the companies that answer clearly, and be cautious of any that will not.