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Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026

We compared 32 companies and chose the top gold IRAs

  • Best overall
    Preserve Gold
    5.0(313)
  • Best for IRA rollovers
    Patriot Gold Group
    5.0(1,173)
  • Best customer service
    Universal Coin & Bullion
    4.7(125)
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By: Ashley Eneriz
+3 more
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Edited by: Liz Bingler
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Reviewed by: David Moadel
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Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

Best Gold IRA Companies of 2026

Our picks for gold IRA companies generally offer an easy investment process, reasonable fees and ongoing support. The best companies in the industry stand out for their professionalism and transparency.

Preserve Gold is our top overall gold IRA company. When searching for a gold IRA, be sure to know what to look for when choosing a gold IRA company and the pros and cons of a gold IRA to help you make a confident decision.

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Our top 5 picks for gold IRA companies

  1. Best overall: Preserve Gold
  2. Best for IRA rollovers: Patriot Gold Group
  3. Best customer service: Universal Coin & Bullion
  4. Best for beginners: Lear Capital
  5. Best for low fees: American Hartford Gold

Gold and other precious metals are an investment and carry risk. Consumers should be alert to claims that customers can make a lot of money in these or any investment with little risk. As with any investment, you can lose money, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance results. Consumers should also get a clear understanding of the fees associated with any investment before agreeing to invest.

Our picks for the best gold IRA companies are based on customer reviews, selection and online shopping experience, among other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology to learn how we picked companies.

Many of the gold IRA companies require consultations before you know all of the costs. It is a good idea to find out which storage facilities each company uses — in addition to prices and customer service reputation for each.

All information accurate as of time of publication.
Best overall

Preserve Gold

Preserve Gold
5.0
313 reviews
IRA metal options
Gold, silver, platinum and palladium
Setup fee
$0
Annual fee
$200
Min. investment
$25,000
Read Reviews

We picked Preserve Gold as the best overall gold IRA company because it combines transparent fees with strong investor protections. New customers may qualify for waived setup fees, and the company offers price matching, fee-free buybacks and a 24-hour satisfaction guarantee.

Pros
  • 24-hour cancellation period after locking in a price
  • Price-match policy
  • No-fee buyback program
  • Three-day funding for IRAs
Cons
  • Must call or fill out form for metal pricing
  • Shorter operating history than some competitors

Preserve Gold reviewers highlight the company’s knowledgeable, patient representatives who guided first-time investors through IRA transfers into precious metals without pressure.

Ryan did a thorough job explaining the entire process of purchasing metals for a traditional IRA and answering all of my questions. He made recommendations, but did not pressure me to do anything, making it clear that each final decision was mine to make. The pricing methodology for physical metals can be confusing, considering the usage of terms such as ‘spread’ and ‘melt price’, so Ryan’s explanations in this area were particularly appreciated.”
Dave Green Bay, WI
I had a great experience working with Nick and Aaron of Preserve Gold. Nick was my initial point of contact, upon understanding my needs, he scheduled me with Aaron, Preserve Gold Senior Director. I found Aaron to be professional, polite, and very knowledgeable; he educated me about precious metals as an investment class. He helped me transfer my variable rate annuity (IRA) to a precious metals IRA. At age 60, I am more confident, after working with Aaron at Preserve Gold, that my retirement assets are now better allocated for growth considering the declining dollar and raising rate of inflation.”
Dennis Fort Walton Beach, FL
We highly recommend Preserve Gold for your precious metals needs. As a family owned Christian company, their professional and integrity shines brightly. We are working with James. He is incredibly knowledgeable and thorough. He answered all of our questions more than satisfactorily and assisted us in transferring our traditional IRA to a different (Equity Trust) IRA housed in precious metals and directed us to the oldest and most reputable depository in Delaware. We find James and Preserve Gold to be most trustworthy and highly recommend them.”
Heather Myrtle Beach, SC

Preserve Gold is a family-owned precious metals dealer that helps customers buy gold, silver, platinum and palladium for home delivery or through a self-directed precious metals IRA. It supports rollovers from many retirement accounts, with approved IRA transfers typically completed within three days. IRA customers use Horizon Trust Company as custodian.

Best for IRA rollovers

Patriot Gold Group

Patriot Gold Group
5.0
1,173 reviews
IRA metal options
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Setup fee
$0
Annual fee
$225
Min. investment
$50,000
Get Started Read Reviews

Patriot Gold Group stands out for making large IRA rollovers straightforward and potentially less expensive. Customers receive help from a dedicated rollover specialist, while qualifying accounts of $250,000 or more may be eligible for the company’s “No Fees for Life” program.

We like that Patriot Gold will reimburse or pay the rollover fees, storage and insurance fees. Plus, you can set up your account within 24 hours.

Pros
  • Lifetime fee waivers available for qualifying large accounts
  • Dedicated support for IRA rollovers and transfers
  • 24-hour turnaround for new accounts
  • Multiple storage options
Cons
  • No online purchases
  • High $50,000 minimum for gold IRAs
  • Annual fees may be costly for smaller accounts

Patriot Gold Group reviewers like the company’s no-pressure sales approach, helpful representatives and smooth IRA rollover process.

I had the best experience with Patriot Gold Group. They could not have made my 401K rollover process any easier. They explained everything to me clearly (as I am not a financial guru) and were very professional along the way. I would 100% recommend them to anyone!”
Julie Denver, CO
I am fairly new to the Patriot Gold Group. I transferred my traditional IRA in February of 2025. I was drawn to this Group by the “no fee for life” guarantee which I could not find anywhere else. Andy was very knowledgeable and instrumental in establishing the rollover into the new IRA and made the procedure relatively quick and easy. At first I felt that the premiums on the precious metals were a bit high, but considering the no fees for life I considered them reasonable. I must say that I am more than happy with the results so far as I have seen the value of my investments increase by some 16% in seven months. I only wish I had done this sooner.”
Landon Hudson, FL
Great process, very clear, good communication throughout transaction. Very good with deal with metals IRA. I bought during the silver buying frenzy and although delayed they kept me in the loop. At all times I felt and was treated by a solid company.”
Michael Fort Myers, FL

Patriot Gold Group helps customers roll eligible retirement savings into a self-directed gold or silver IRA. The company handles the metals purchase, while a separate custodian manages the account and an approved depository stores the assets. Before buying, ask for a written breakdown of all fees and dealer markups.

Best customer service

Universal Coin & Bullion

Universal Coin & Bullion
4.7
125 reviews
IRA metal options
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Setup fee
$50
Annual fee
$260
Min. investment
None
Read Reviews

We picked Universal Coin & Bullion for its personalized, relationship-focused service. Customers work directly with experienced account representatives, and the company’s expertise in both bullion and rare coins may appeal to investors looking for more specialized guidance.

Pros
  • Personalized service from dedicated account representatives
  • Extensive experience with bullion and collectible coins
  • Strong customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
  • Collector and proof coins may have higher markups
  • IRA rollover process may be less streamlined than some competitors

Reviewers of Universal Coin & Bullion praise the company’s knowledgeable reps. Though, some say that overly persistent sales calls can get annoying.

Ryan was very helpful in stepping me through the process of rolling money from my 401k over into a Gold IRA. He followed through on every step and stayed in touch with me to make sure the money left the 401k account till it was delivered at the Gold IRA account and then assigning the gold coins to the account. Curt was also very helpful in working with me through the rollover.”
Tim Reserve, LA
My Agent, Adam, has been a pleasure to work with. I put my faith in him and his company. He educated me on how to change my IRA into gold and the value has only gone up since. This is the only retirement I have so I desperately needed a lifeline. My recommendation is do your research and find someone you trust to do business with.”
Cheryle Beaumont, TX
I have been very satisfied with my dealings with Universal Coin and Bullion. Besides buying coins, they helped me set up my precious metals IRA … Besides buying precious metals for the ‘just in case’ scenarios, they have appreciated in value. They have become valuable investments.”
David Versailles, MO

Universal Coin & Bullion is a U.S.-based dealer that has sold precious metals and rare coins since 1994. It offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars, along with collectible U.S. coins and products from several major international mints. Customers can buy online or by phone, and the company also helps set up self-directed precious metals IRAs.

Best for beginners

Lear Capital

Lear Capital
4.8
1,638 reviews
IRA metal options
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Setup fee
$80
Annual fee
$235
Min. investment
$10,000
Read Reviews

Lear Capital is a strong choice for first-time precious metals investors because it offers educational resources and step-by-step support. Customers can access real-time price tools, detailed fee information and guidance on choosing IRS-approved coins and bars.

Pros
  • Educational resources for first-time investors
  • Real-time precious metal pricing and tracking tools
  • Promotional fee waivers available for qualifying accounts
  • 24-hour cancellation period after locking in a price
Cons
  • Website can be hard to navigate
  • Only one depository option

Lear Capital reviews say account representatives make IRA rollovers and precious metals purchases straightforward. One recurring complaint involves undisclosed markups — sometimes reported at 28% to 36% above market value.

Working with Joanne was an outstanding experience from beginning to end. She was professional, knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to explain every step of the rollover process in a way that was easy to understand. She answered all of my questions thoroughly and made me feel comfortable and confident with my decision. Thanks to Joanne’s guidance, the entire process of rolling over my 401(k) to Lear Capital was smooth, straightforward, and stress-free. … ”
Angela Moses Lake, WA
My experience with investing with Lear Capital went very smoothly. The folks there were informative, knowledgeable, honest, and helpful. I made two transactions. An IRA rollover and a cash investment. In both cases, everything went smoothly. Their professional attention to detail was amazing. The right people at the right time.”
Dave West Boylston, MA
Everyone I have spoken to has always been incredibly helpful, thorough, detailed, patient, and professional. This is the most informed and connected I’ve ever felt about any investment process. The team make sure you are empowered with education, understanding, and security.”
Brittany Vancouver, WA

The Lear Advantage IRA, which is a self-directed IRA, can be backed by gold, silver and platinum. It offers waived setup and storage fees depending on your investment amount. Invest or roll over $75,000 or more and you will get your first three years of storage fees waived.

All buyers get a 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee, meaning you can review and cancel your order within 24 hours of purchase — no questions asked or fees charged.

Best for low fees

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold
4.8
1,183 reviews
IRA metal options
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Setup fee
$0
Annual fee
$235
Min. investment
$10,000
Get Started Read Reviews

We picked American Hartford Gold for its promotional fee waivers and relatively accessible investment minimums. Qualifying customers may receive up to three years of waived storage and administrative fees, and the company does not charge additional fees through its buyback program.

Pros
  • Relatively low minimum investment requirements
  • Promotional storage and administrative fee waivers
  • No additional fees through its buyback program
Cons
  • No prices on online catalog
  • Does not publish live prices or markups online
  • Promotional offers depend on the amount invested

American Hartford Gold reviews describe the staff as knowledgeable, patient and helpful during IRA rollovers and precious metals transfers.

The team at American Hartford Gold has made the transition to a traditional IRA based on metals much easier to accomplish. Thanks to Matthew, Adam, and Natalee, my needs were honored in how my accounts were set up to align with my short-term and long-term goals.”
Sonja Greenwood, SC
I had a fantastic experience with American Hartford Gold rolling over my prior 401(k) into a Gold IRA. The team made the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and kept me updated every step of the way. I now feel confident my retirement savings are secure and well-diversified. Highly recommend their professionalism and personal care!”
Melissa Jackson, MS
Not knowing what I could/should do with my retirement money I checked into purchasing gold and silver. Cody is the representative who contacted me and was a delight to work with helping me not only understand how this move to a gold IRA can benefit me but helped figure out the best way to prepare my portfolio. Lisa was an extra benefit verifying I understood what I was signing up to do. I would highly recommend this business!”
Terry Hinckley, MN

American Hartford Gold sells gold and silver for direct purchase and helps customers open self-directed precious metals IRAs. Customers can fund a new account or roll over an eligible retirement account, then work with a representative to choose IRA-approved metals.

The company offers a buyback commitment and does not charge for insured shipping to an approved depository. However, product prices are not listed in its online catalog, and setup, custodian and storage fees can vary. Precious metals can lose value, so be sure to understand the costs, tax rules and investment risks before opening an account.

Gold IRA Companies Buyers Guide

Jump into our guide and start learning

In this guide

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Preserve Gold logo
Patriot Gold Group logo
Universal Coin & Bullion logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Compare dealers to match your investment goals.

Choosing a gold IRA company is only part of the investing process. You also need to have a good understanding of how gold IRAs work. This guide will help you learn the steps to properly navigate the world of gold IRAs and what pros and cons come along with investing in one.

Key insights

A gold IRA lets investors hold gold or other precious metals in a retirement account.

Jump to insight

Most gold IRAs are funded through rollovers from existing retirement accounts.

Jump to insight

Gold IRAs can provide diversification and long-term stability, but they come with higher fees and uncertainty around future gold prices.

Jump to insight

What is a gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds gold or other approved precious metals instead of paper assets. A gold IRA functions much like other individual retirement accounts, but your investments are in gold, silver, platinum or palladium.

However, with a gold IRA, you don’t hold the gold yourself — it’s stored in a secure depository. If you want to buy gold directly and hold it yourself, you can buy it from a gold dealer.

» MORE: Best online gold dealers

How does a gold IRA work?

To open a gold IRA, most people start by rolling over funds from an existing IRA or 401(k) to a gold IRA account. Note that most gold IRA companies have a required initial minimum investment, which typically ranges from around $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the company.

Your gold IRA company or gold dealer can then help you purchase the metals for your IRA. Once you open the account and purchase your precious metals, the physical metals are stored in a secure storage facility called a depository.

You can expect different commissions and fees for account setup, storage and account maintenance. Your IRA custodian, or trustee, will manage the account and be your main point of contact.

When you want to access your investments, you’ll contact your custodian or trustee and fill out the necessary forms. You can then sell your precious metals or take possession of the physical gold, silver, platinum or palladium. You may have to pay penalties if you withdraw funds before the age of 59 1/2 per Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules or if you haven’t had the account for a certain amount of time.

Tip for first-time gold IRA investors

To start investing in a gold IRA, follow these steps:

  1. Fund a gold IRA account by rolling over money from an existing retirement account.
  2. Purchase precious metals through a gold IRA company.
  3. Store precious metals in a depository while your custodian manages the account.

Pros and cons of gold IRAs

There are some notable pros and cons of gold IRAs. You might see some tax benefits, but your money is mostly locked away until you’re of retirement age.

Pros

  • Portfolio diversification
  • Long-term stability
  • Hedges against inflation

Cons

  • High annual fees
  • No interest or dividends
  • High minimum deposit requirements

Perhaps the most significant benefit of a gold IRA is that it allows you to diversify your retirement portfolio into a different kind of investment. Gold IRA companies like to emphasize the stable value of gold relative to paper assets in times of economic uncertainty.

However, gold and silver prices have their own potential for volatility, and they don’t pay dividends or produce steady income. Further, there is no guarantee of the future worth of gold. 

“The price of gold is not determined by its intrinsic value but simply by its expected selling price to someone in the future,” said Robert R. Johnson, Ph.D., a professor of finance at Creighton University.

Precious metals IRAs also tend to have higher fees and storage costs compared with traditional or Roth IRAs.

Gold IRA costs and fees

Gold IRAs cost more to maintain than traditional IRAs because they involve physical assets. Here are the different costs and fees you can typically expect when you open a gold IRA:

  • Setup fee: $50
  • Wire transfer fee: $30
  • Annual fee: $125
  • Storage fee: $110
  • Dealer markup: Typically 5% to 10% of the spot price of gold

How to choose a gold IRA company

If you want to invest in gold as part of your retirement plan, here are tips for choosing a gold IRA company:

Research and compare companies

Look for companies that have competitive prices, good customer service and an easy investment process. Then, spend time reading online gold IRA reviews from clients to learn more about their experiences.

Look for fee transparency

Look for a gold IRA company that is transparent about its fees. Reputable providers should clearly disclose all costs associated with opening and maintaining an account, including setup fees, annual maintenance fees, storage costs and dealer markups.

If the company’s fees aren’t listed online, reach out to the company directly and request its fee structure. Then, compare pricing with other providers to ensure you're getting competitive pricing before opening an account.

Consider the depository

Many of the best gold IRA companies offer multiple vault options, such as letting you choose your location or a preferred method of storage. Two of the main types of depositories available are:

  • Allocated depositories: In an allocated depository, your asset inventory is kept in something resembling a safety deposit box, and your coins or bars are separate from anybody else’s inventory.
  • Unallocated depositories: Unallocated depositories store precious metals based on their size, weight, year and refinery. When distributed, investors receive the same type of gold coin or bar they purchased, but it probably won’t be the exact same physical object.

Evaluate IRA rollover support

The process of rolling over an existing retirement account to a gold IRA involves specific IRS rules and paperwork. Look for a company that will assign a dedicated account representative to guide you through the process, coordinate with your current retirement plan administrator and help ensure the transfer is completed correctly.

Follow all IRS gold IRA rules and regulations

Numismatic coins, which are rare or collectible coins, are often not IRA-eligible, and the IRS has specific requirements for what types of bullion (precious metals sold by weight) are acceptable for use in a gold IRA. And while gold coins offer unique investment opportunities, their worth and legitimacy must be proven.

IRA-eligible gold must meet the following standards set by the IRS:

  • Meet minimum fineness requirements for purity
  • Not be considered highly collectible
  • Come from a U.S. Mint or an approved foreign mint

Gold IRA scams to watch out for

Some gold IRA scams can appear legitimate, so it’s vital to watch out for typical signs of a scam:

  • Unlicensed IRA so-called experts: Some IRA companies might employ people who aren’t licensed financial advisors, which means they shouldn’t be giving you financial advice.
  • High-pressure sales tactics: Illegitimate gold IRA companies may try to push you to make a decision quickly or buy more gold than you want to.
  • High markups: Most gold IRA companies include a markup price of around 5% to 10% of the spot price of gold, but illegitimate companies will charge much higher markups.
  • Leveraged accounts: Some illegitimate gold IRA companies offer down payment or leverage arrangements where they allow you to buy now with little money, but they don’t actually purchase any gold.
  • Shady custodians: Avoid any gold IRA company that doesn’t use a reputable IRS-approved institution for your retirement funds.
  • Unapproved “collectible” coins: Some companies advertise “collectible” coins, which don’t meet IRS rules for precious metal IRAs and may offer less liquidity than approved coins.

Alternatives to gold IRAs

Gold IRAs offer a unique way to diversify your retirement portfolio, but they may not be the best fit for everyone. If you're looking for alternative investment options that could complement or replace a gold IRA, consider these options:

FAQ

What is the best gold IRA to invest in?

Our picks for the best gold IRAs to invest in include Lear Capital, Patriot Gold Group, Birch Gold Group, Monetary Gold and Orion Metal Exchange. The best gold IRA to invest in for you will depend on how much you’re able to invest, how much you’re willing to pay in fees and how much ongoing support you want.

How do I open a gold IRA account?

To open a gold IRA account, first decide on the best gold IRA company for your needs. It’s important to do your research before selecting a gold IRA company. Look into the company’s reviews, fees, storage options and terms. Once you’ve made a decision, open up a gold IRA account and fund it. Finally, work with the company to select your investment and storage options.

Can I take physical possession of gold in my IRA?

No, you can’t take physical possession of gold in your IRA since it must be stored in an IRS-approved facility. You could be subject to high penalties if you store gold from your IRA in your home. However, at the end of your IRA term, you can liquidate your gold assets for cash or take possession of your gold without penalty.

What is a gold IRA rollover?

A gold IRA rollover allows you to move your retirement savings from an existing retirement account into a gold IRA. Most brokers offer no-fee rollovers, but you should ask if you aren't sure about your broker’s rules. You can roll over the following types of retirement accounts:

  • Roth IRAs
  • Traditional IRAs
  • Simplified employee pension plan (SEP) IRAs
  • Savings incentive match plan for employees (SIMPLE) IRAs
  • Annuities
  • 401(k)s
  • 403(b)s
  • Thrift savings plans (TSPs)
Is it better to buy physical gold or a gold IRA?

Whether it’s better to buy physical gold or open a gold IRA depends on whether you want to physically keep the gold in your home or access it at your leisure, or whether you want to keep it in a tax-advantaged retirement account. Physical gold has more flexibility, while gold IRAs are subject to specific tax and storage rules.

» RELATED: Gold IRA vs. physical gold: Which is better?

Can I have more than one IRA?

Yes, you can have more than one IRA. You can keep a traditional IRA and also open a self-directed IRA for gold or other precious metals.

Disclaimer

Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.

Methodology

To make our top picks, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings we researched.

We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers are happiest with for each aspect. For gold IRA companies, these included:

  • Staff satisfaction
  • Customer service satisfaction
  • Punctuality and speed satisfaction
  • Transparency satisfaction

We then carefully selected the most important offerings consumers should consider before choosing a gold IRA company and researched these offerings at each company:

  • The number of years the company has been in business
  • The variety of metals offered
  • The setup fee
  • The annual fee
  • Website quality

The company with the highest score under each category’s weighting formula received the “Our pick for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the next-highest score was named the winner.

Guide sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

  1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “Traditional and Roth IRAs.” Accessed July 23, 2026.
  2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), “Investments in Collectibles in Individually-Directed Qualified Plan Accounts.” Accessed July 23, 2026.

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