#1. Goldco

Goldco is our top choice if you're looking for a Precious Metals IRA company. They have been in the precious metals investment industry since 2006, and during their decade-and-a-half of experience have gained name recognition as a trusted company for those looking to set up a Precious Metals IRA. The company has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a Triple A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, and numerous positive reviews from happy clients.

As we shared above, Goldco is a trusted choice for individuals who would like to open a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA. Opening a Gold IRA with Goldco allows you to enjoy the tax benefits of an IRA while also diversifying your investment portfolio.

If you would like to open a new Gold IRA with Goldco, the best place to start is on their website. You can fill out a form indicating your interest and set up a transfer of the fund from a bank account.

If you would like to rollover an existing retirmenet account into a Precious Metals IRA, you can also start the process by submitting a form through the website. A member of Goldco's team will work with you to ensure all the paperwork is completed correctly and that the funds are transferred in accordance to IRS regulations.

Once the funds arrive to Goldco, you can begin to select the various coins and bars you'd like to hold in your account. If you are unsure about the specific mix of gold and silver coins and bars you'd like to hold in your account, don't worry; a member of Goldco's team can help you learn more about the different options and make the right choice for your investment goals.

IRS regulations limit the types of gold coins and bars that can be held in an IRA. Gold coins and bars must be at least 99.5% pure, and silver coins and bars must be at least 99.9% pure. While these are pretty strict regulations, Goldco is still able to offer their investors a nice selection of coins and bars.

Below are the IRA-approved coins and bars available through Goldco:

Gold Coins

Silver Coins

Silver Bars

Once you've selected the gold and silver coins and bars you would like to purchase for your IRA, Goldco takes care of all the necessary steps to have them shipped (with insurance) to an IRS-approved depository. Once you are ready to retire and begin taking disbursements from your account, you can choose to either have the physical precious metals sent to you, or have them sold for cash.

Goldco customers can also invest in other precious metals as a personal investment outside of an IRA. The advantage of purchasing additional precious metals is that it helps to further diversify your portfolio and keep in more balanced between stocks and precious metals. If you think you would like to add additional precious metals as a personal investment, reach out to a member of Goldco's team to learn more about what they offer.

#2. Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta Precious Metals has been in business since 2012. The company lays out seven of their ideals that they believe make them one of the best Precious Metals IRA companies to work with. These ideals are knowledge, commitment, respect, accessibility, transparency, selection, and coordination.

Augusta Precious Metals has also earned the highest rating from the Better Business Bureau, and A+, and the highest rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. Additionally, if you take a moment to read through Google, TrustLink, or other review sites, you'll see that their past clients and customers also have very positive things to say about the company.

When you set up a new Precious Metals IRA with Augusta Precious Metals, you'll work with one of their precious metals advisors. This team member will be able to help you understand the process, fill out any paperwork that needs to be filed, and select the specific mix of gold and silver coins and bars you'd like to hold in your account.

Your precious metals advisor can also help you through the process of determining whether an existing retirement account is eligible for a rollover and connecting you with a custodian to facilitate the transfer of funds from your account if it is eligible. Augusta Precious Metals works with GoldStar Trust, Equity Trust, and other reputable custodian agencies to help ensure the transfer goes through in accordance to IRS regulations.

Augusta Precious Metals' clients can choose from the following IRA-approved gold and silver coins for their new Precious Metals IRA:

Augusta Precious Metals will also help arrange for storage for your metals in an IRS-approved depository. There are multiple depositories around the country you can choose from, including:

Whichever depository you select, you can rest easy knowing your precious metals are safe and secure. Each depository uses the latest security technology to ensure your metals don't fall into the wrong hands.

If you are also interested in purchasing some gold or silver bullion or coins, Augusta Precious Metals offers a nice selection for their investors. One of the best things about purchasing gold or silver outside of your IRA is that you don't even need to consider IRS regulations. You'll be able to have your coins shipped directly to you and can store them however you wish.

Here are some of the various gold and silver bullion and coins available through Augusta Precious Metals:

Premium Gold

Common Gold Bullion

Premium Silver

Common Silver Bullion

#3. Birch Gold Group

Birch Gold Group has been in business since 2003. In the nearly two decades since this company was started, they have proved that they are one of the best options in the gold investment industry. Birch Gold Group makes a point to work closely with each of their clients and ensure their specific investment needs and goals are met.

They have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Triple A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. These high ratings combined with the overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers should give you confidence that Birch Gold Group is a company worthy of your trust and business.

As with most other gold investment companies, Birch Gold Group can help you open up a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an eligible existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA. If you choose to rollover an account, a member of the team can help you determine eligibility and work with you to ensure the rollover is done according to IRS regulations. Birch Gold Group works with IRA custodians from businesses with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, such as Equity Trust and STRATA Trust.

Once the funds have been transferred from either your existing retirement account or your bank account to fund your new IRA, you can work alongside a member of the Birch Gold Group team to select the precious metals you want to hold in your account. They are available to answer any questions you may have or offer recommendations if you are sure what coins or bars you wish to hold in your account.

You'll find an extensive list of IRA-approved coins and bars available through Birch Gold Group. They offer gold, silver, platinum, and palladium pieces, so you won't be limited to just silver and gold as with many other companies. Here are the different coins and bars you can add to your new Precious Metals IRA account:

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

When you sign up for a new IRA or rollover an existing IRA with Birch Gold Group, you'll be offer two different secure storage options. Their clients can store their precious metals in the Delaware Depository or with Brink's Global Services. Both of these choices are IRS-approved storage facilities that offer impressive and advanced safety and security to keep investors' precious metals protected.

If you'd like to further diversify your portfolio by investing in precious metals as a personal investment, Birch Gold Group also allows clients to purchase gold, silver, platinum, or palladium coins and bars. Any of the IRA-approved choices listed above are available for purchase, but you can also add the following:

Gold

Silver

When you purchase precious metals as a personal investment, you can decide where you'd like to store them. IRS regulations don't apply, so you can store them in your home, a safe deposit box at a bank, or another location.

#4. Noble Gold

If you choose to work with Noble Gold to set up a Precious Metals IRA, you can benefit from their expertise and knowledge to add the right mix of metals to your account. Noble Gold offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars for Precious Metals IRAs to help their customers diversify their portfolios and prepare for retirement.

Noble Gold offers services for both setting up a new Precious Metals IRA and rolling over an existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA. You can submit a form on the website to indicate your interest. Then, a member of Noble Gold's team will get in touch with you to discuss the account options and help you set up to transfer funds out of an existing IRA, if needed.

Once the funds for the account are received by Noble Gold, you can select the gold and silver coins or bars you'd like to add to your account. As we shared above, Noble Gold offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium precious metals that meet the IRS regulations for purity levels.

Here are the IRA-approved coins you can choose from if you work with Noble Gold:

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

Another benefit of choosing to work with Noble Gold is that you'll also have the opportunity to invest in rare coins. They offer a few different coins and sets that are each independently graded and certified by the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). The rare coins that are available include the Four-Piece Indian Saint Gauden Set, the Morgan Silver Dollar, and the 1854 Kellogg $20 coin.

Precious Metals purchased for an IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository, per IRS regulation. Noble Gold works with the IRA clients to arrange for secure storage in one of the approved depositories.

However, if you're purchasing precious metals for a personal investment, IRS regulations don't apply, and you can store your metals wherever you'd like. Rather than taking the risk of storing your precious metals in your home or even a safe deposit box, Noble Gold also offers secure segregated storage in a Dallas, Texas facility. The metals you store in the facility are always held under your name and are kept separate from the holdings of other individuals.

You may also be interested in purchasing a Royal Survival Pack through Noble Gold. Purchasing a Royal Survival Pack can help you prepare for a financial emergency, such as loss of a job or a large medical expense. They can also help you start investing to reach a long-term savings goal.

There are eight different packs available through Noble Gold with values ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. They are:

Noble Gold has been in the precious metals investment industry for 20 years. When you work with them, you can feel confident that you are receiving expert advice and benefiting from their years of experience. Noble Gold is a member of the Business Consumer Alliance, TrustLink, and the Royal Canadian Mint. They also have many satisfied customers who have used Noble Gold to diversify their portfolio.

Noble Gold doesn't use any pushy tactics to pressure their customers into making a purchase or setting up an IRA. They want to make each customer does what is best to help them achieve their future financial goals.

#5. Regal Assets

Last, but certainly not least, Regal Assets is another Precious Metals IRA company you may want to closely consider. They are another highly-trusted company that has been ranked as #20 in the financial services category on the INC 500. Regal Assets offers very competitive precious metals prices and doesn't pressure clients into making any purchases that aren't right for them.

With Regal Assets, you can set up a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an existing retirement account into an IRA. 401(k)s, 403(b)s, TSPs, and SEPs are some of the account types that may be eligible for a rollover, but a member of the Regal Assets team can assist you on a case-by-case basis to help you determine your account's eligibility.

A member of the team will also be able to help you set up the transfer of funds from your existing account or your bank account to fund your new Precious Metals IRA. You can also consult with the representative to determine which precious metals you'd like to add to your account.

Regal Assets offers many IRA-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Some of these options include:

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Palladium

If you're looking for what really makes Regal Assets stand out against most other precious metals investment companies, it's their Regal IRAs. A Regal IRA is a special Self-Directed IRA where you can hold cryptocurrencies along with precious metals in the same account. Investing in cryptocurrencies can help to further diversify your portfolio, and, as you've likely noticed, cryptocurrencies have been gaining a lot of popularity lately.

Another advantage of working with Regal Assets is that you can invest in one of their precious metals and cryptocurrency packages. These special packages include a mix of different precious metals and cryptocurrencies to help individuals prepare for job loss, medical bills, and other unexpected solutions. There are also larger packages that are ideal for those looking to increase their investment portfolio's holding of precious metals and cryptocurrencies.

The six packages you can choose from include:

Factors Consideration

Now that you've read through all of these reviews, you may be wondering how you should go about making a decision between these five companies. There are a few different factors you can consider and weigh against one another that can help make it easier to decide which Precious Metals IRA company is right for you. Read through the next few sections to identify key considerations to keep in mind to help you select the right company.

Reputation

Setting up a Precious Metals IRA is a big investment. You'll also likely be working with the company you choose over the next several years to manage your account and add addition precious metals to it to continue to grow your investment. It is very important to choose a trust-worthy and reputable company to give your business too.

Before making a decision about which company to choose, consult ratings from rating agencies like the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. An A+ rating is the highest rating awarded by the Better Business Bureau, and an AAA rating is the highest possible rating a company can earn from Consumer Affairs.

Customer Service

As you're working to set up a Precious Metals IRA, you'll likely have a number of questions about the process and which metals to add to your account. For this reason, you should look for a company that offers top-notch customer service. Having experienced and helpful representatives that can walk you though the steps to set up or transfer an IRA will help alleviate a lot of the stress associated with the progress.

The IRS also has very strict rules regarding rolling over or transferring and IRA account, and you could face penalties if you don't properly follow the steps. A customer service agent should be able to help you make sure all the necessary paperwork is filed in a timely fashion and that the funds are transferred in the allotted time to avoid any penalties.

Fees

It will also be important to research the fees that each company charges for setting up a Precious Metals IRA and managing the account for you. Most companies will charge a set yearly fee, but the exact amount may differ between companies.

Precious Metals Selection

Last, but certainly not least, you should also closely look at the selection of precious metals offered by each company. Start by thinking about which precious metals you would like to hold in your portfolio and look for a company that offers those metals.

Many Precious Metals IRA companies only offer gold and silver, so if you're interested in also investing in platinum or palladium, you may need to be more selective in your choice.

In addition to considering the different types of precious metals that are available, you will also want to assess the selection within each type of precious metal. For example, some companies may only offer a handful of IRA-approved coins or bars, while others may have a much more extensive collection to choose from.

Top Pick

As you can tell by reading through our reviews, there are some excellent Precious Metals IRA companies out there. Any of the five companies we reviewed can help you diversify your portfolio and set up a new Precious Metals IRA or rollover an existing retirement account into a Precious Metals IRA. However, if pressed to pick the 'best' company, we'd have to go with Goldco.

With their decade-and-a-half experience, Goldco has proven to be a top choice for those looking to set up a Precious Metals IRA. The company has earned high reviews from customers and review agencies alike and is staffed with a team of dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced precious metals experts who can help you address any concerns or questions that may come up as you set up your Precious Metals IRA.

Goldco offers a lot of different gold and silver coins and bars that you can add to your IRA account. They help you though each step of the process and will also take care of securely shipping your metals to an IRS-approved depository.

When you work with Goldco, you can be confident that you're getting a fair price and top-notch customer service. Visit their website today to begin diversifying your portfolio and setting yourself up for a comfortable retirement.

FAQ

What is a Gold IRA?

Gold IRAs, also referred to as Precious Metals IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), are a form of a Self-Directed IRAs. Self-Directed IRAs were first allowed in the 1970s when the IRS revised the rules for what assets could be held in a retirement savings account. With Self-Directed IRAs, individuals are allowed to hold other assets aside from the stocks and bonds that were allowed with traditional IRAs.

Precious Metals IRAs allow individuals to invest in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to save for retirement. Oftentimes, a Precious Metals IRA is set up alongside a traditional IRA. Individuals can contribute up to $6,000 each year total (between how ever many IRAs they hold). Once individuals reach the age of 50, the maximum yearly contributions are raised to $7,000.

Should I set up a Precious Metals IRA?

The decision on whether a Precious Metals IRA is right for you is a personal choice. However, many individuals have found that by setting up a Precious Metals IRA they are able to diversify their portfolio and make sure some of their money is held in other forms of investment. Precious Metals IRAs also allow you to enjoy the tax benefits of an IRA alongside the advantages associated with investing in gold and other precious metals.

Is a Gold IRA better than a traditional IRA?

This is a matter of opinion. Both Gold IRAs and traditional IRAs offer their own set of benefits. Luckily, you don't have to choose just one or the other. You may choose to set up both a Gold IRA and a traditional IRA to take advantage of the benefits of holding each type of account.

You'll be able to contribute a total of $6,000 between both accounts each year until you reach the age of 50. After this time, you can invest up to $7,000 each year between both accounts.

What is the difference between a Gold IRA and a Precious Metals IRA?

Technically, a Gold IRA would hold only gold, while a Precious Metals IRA may hold a mix of precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. However, both names are often used to mean the same thing and refer to an IRA that holds precious metals.

Gold IRAs and Precious Metals IRAs are both forms of a Self-Directed IRA where the assets held are precious metals.

How do I choose a Precious Metals IRA company?

Before choosing a Precious Metals IRA company, it is important to do your due diligence and research the company. Find out about their philosophy, reputation, customer service, and the types of precious metals they offer for investment. Make sure the details you uncover about each company align with your investment goal and philosophy.

What is the best time to invest in gold?

The best time to invest in gold is often when you feel ready and have the funds available. Timing the market can be tricky and may often backfire. However, in general, the price of gold tends to be lower when the stock market is over performing, so you may be able to make a safe best and invest when you notice the market is soaring. Additionally, the price of gold tends to be a bit lower in January, March, and April.

What percentage of my portfolio should include precious metals?

The percentage of your portfolio that you should invest in gold can vary on a case-by-case basis. Your income, net worth, age, retirement goals, and comfort levels can all play a role in determining how much of your portfolio should hold precious metals.

Generally speaking, if you're nearing the age of retirement, you likely won't want to have a huge portion of your portfolio invested in gold. Gold can be a bit riskier for short-term investments than the stock market. On the other hand, if you still have a while left before you reach the age of retirement, investing a slightly larger portion of your portfolio in gold could prove lucrative by the timer you're ready to retire.

Are gold coins or gold bars a better investment?

In most cases, investing in gold coins is a better financial decision than investing in gold bars. The value of coins may increase more over time, especially if they are rare. This could out-pace the value of the gold bar, which would be valued solely based on its weight.

Sovereign gold coins are also very easy for investors to recognize. They are seen as a valuable asset, and when it comes time for you to sell your gold for cash, you'll likely have an easier time getting cash for gold coins than you would for gold bars.

Can I keep my precious metals for a Gold IRA in my home?

No, precious metals purchased for Gold IRAs must be store in an IRS-approved depository. The IRS has strict regulations, and in nearly all cases home storage is not an option. If you hold your own coins or bars, you'll be subject to large penalties from the IRS.

The good news, however, is that the IRS-approved depositories all offer state-of-the-art security to ensure your investment remains secure. There are a variety of approved depositories located across the country, so you may be able to find one that is close to your home if you ever wish to view your investment.

When you retire, can you keep the gold in a Gold IRA?

Yes, once you are old enough to retire and begin taking disbursements from your Gold IRA, you will have the option to either have the coins or bars sent to you or sold for cash. The choice is yours; if you need the cash to pay for your retirement, most gold investment companies will take care of selling the precious metals for you, and you just keep the cash.

If you are not in a position where you need the cash from the coins and bars, you may choose to have the physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium pieces shipped to you. You could store the precious metals for later or pass them on to a loved one.