Best Gold IRAs for 2025
We’ve reviewed the top Gold IRA companies so you can quickly compare fees, services, and benefits—all in one place. Find the right company, understand the process, and start building a more secure financial future today.
Augusta Precious Metals
- Only 15 minutes to get started
- A+ rating at the BBB with more than 1,000 5-star ratings
- 4-Time “Best Gold IRA” – Voted #1 by Money Magazine
Goldco
- Up to $10,000 instant match in bonus silver
- Over 7,000 5-star customer reviews
- Highest industry buy back guarantee
Birch Gold Group
- Over 37,000 customers
- 20+ years of exprience
- Buy-back program at market rates
American Hartford Gold
- Over 37,000 customers
- 20+ years of exprience
- Buy-back program at market rates
Current National Debt
Source: U.S. Treasury Department
Recent Headlines About Gold
“Gold Rally Can’t Be Stopped”
Barron’s
February 25, 2025
“Gold is proving its worth as the ultimate safe haven for investors.”
Business Insider
April 22, 2025
“Gold has become the world’s refuge from uncertainty.”
Financial Times
June 13, 2025
“It’s becoming a core asset class.”
MarketWatch
July 17, 2025
Gold IRA Company Comparison
|
Company |
Setup Fee |
Wire Transfer Fee |
Annual Maintenance Fee |
Storage Fee |
Account Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$50 |
$30 |
$100 |
$150 (non-segregated) |
$10,000 | |
|
$50 |
$30 |
$100 |
$100 (non-segregated) |
$25,000 | |
|
$0 |
$0 |
$180 |
Included in maintenance |
$10,000 | |
|
$50 |
N/A |
$100 |
$100 (non-segregated) |
$50,000 |
What Is a Gold IRA?
A Simple Guide to Adding Precious Metals to Your Retirement Plan
A Gold IRA is a type of self-directed Individual Retirement Account that lets you invest in physical gold—and sometimes other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium—instead of only traditional investments like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
It works much like a regular IRA, offering tax benefits for retirement savings, but with extra rules about what you can buy, how it’s stored, and who manages it.
How a Gold IRA Works
With a Gold IRA, you don’t keep the gold at home. Instead:
- Your account is managed by an IRS-approved custodian (such as a trust company, bank, or specialized IRA company).
- The gold must meet IRS purity standards (usually at least 99.5% pure).
- All metals are stored in a secure, IRS-approved depository for safekeeping.
You can fund a Gold IRA in two main ways:
- Rolling over money from an existing IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account.
- Making new contributions (subject to the annual IRA contribution limits).
Why Open a Gold IRA?
Many investors add gold to their retirement portfolio for reasons such as:
- Diversification – Gold often moves differently from stocks and bonds, which can reduce overall risk.
- Inflation protection – Gold has a history of holding its value when the cost of living rises.
- Tangible value – Gold is a physical asset that has been considered valuable for thousands of years.
Things to Keep in Mind
While a Gold IRA has benefits, it also has considerations:
- Higher fees – You’ll pay for storage, insurance, and custodian services.
- Rules on withdrawals – Like any IRA, taking funds before age 59½ may mean taxes and penalties.
- Long-term growth – Gold is more about preserving wealth than rapidly growing it.
The Bottom Line
A Gold IRA can be a smart addition to a retirement plan, especially if you’re looking for stability and protection against inflation. But it’s best used as part of a balanced portfolio, not as your only investment.
Most experts suggest limiting gold and other precious metals to 5–10% of your retirement savings so you still have room for assets with higher long-term growth potential.