Precious Metals In A Retirement Account
Short answer. IRAs can hold approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Each behaves differently and carries its own costs.
The Four IRA Metals
| Metal | Common IRA use | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Most common; broadest dealer support | Gold IRA guide |
| Silver | Lower price per ounce; bulkier | Silver IRA |
| Platinum and palladium | Less common; fewer dealers | Platinum and palladium IRA |
Choosing Between Them
Keep In Mind
All precious metals fluctuate in price, pay no income, and add fees and spreads. See pros and cons.
How The Metals Differ
| Metal | What drives demand | Typical price behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Investment, central bank buying, jewelry | Generally steadier than the others |
| Silver | Investment and industrial use | Generally more volatile than gold |
| Platinum | Industrial use, especially autos, and jewelry | Can swing sharply |
| Palladium | Industrial use, mainly autos | Can swing sharply |
What Matters More Than Which Metal
- How much of your savings you put in metals at all.
- The spread and fees you pay.
- Whether the products are eligible and the quote is in writing.
- How you will sell or take distributions later.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a metal because of a hot price headline.
- Buying collectibles that carry high premiums.
- Skipping the buyback questions before purchase.
Reading Order
Start with the gold IRA guide. Then read gold vs silver and approved coins and bars. Platinum and palladium are covered in their own guide if you want them.
Three Terms Worth Understanding
- Spot price: the current market price per ounce before any markup.
- Premium: the extra amount a dealer charges over spot for a specific coin or bar.
- Buyback: the price at which a dealer will repurchase from you, which is usually lower than what you paid.
The gap between your purchase price and the buyback price is the real cost of getting in and out, so ask about both.
How Much To Hold
No formula fits everyone. Some planners suggest a small share of a portfolio, and others suggest none. Your age, income needs, and tolerance for risk all matter, so ask a fee-only planner what suits you before you size a position.
In This Section
- Silver IRAsHow a silver IRA works, which silver qualifies, how it compares with gold, and the costs and risks.
- Gold vs Silver IRAGold versus silver in an IRA: volatility, storage, purity rules, and how to decide, or whether to hold both.
- IRS-Approved Coins and Bars for a Gold IRAWhich gold and silver coins and bars commonly qualify for an IRA, which don't, and how to confirm before buying.
- Platinum and Palladium IRAsHow platinum and palladium IRAs work, purity rules, risks, and why not every gold IRA dealer offers them.
Ready To Compare Companies?
Use our checklist to get written quotes, then see how gold IRA companies compare. If you have $50,000 or more, our Augusta review covers the strengths and drawbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metal Should I Choose?
That depends on your goals and which products your dealer offers. There's no universally right answer.
Do I Have To Pick One Metal?
No. Many accounts hold a mix, if the dealer and custodian support it.