American Hartford Gold Review 2025: Price and Satisfaction Guarantees Earn Top Rating

Best Overall

4.9 _/5

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Gold IRA & Precious Metals Dealer

• Purchase gold, silver, and platinum bars and coins
• Price-match guarantee
• 7-day satisfaction guarantee
• Freedom Package offers up to $15,000 in free silver, waived fees, and access to investor library
• Detailed descriptions of the metals sold
• Shipped metals are insured and require recipient’s signature
• Excellent customer service ratings
• Buyback commitment offers simple liquidation with no fees
• Free kit for new investors, including 2025 information guide

• $10,000 IRA minimum is high, but aligns with industry standards
• Doesn’t sell palladium coins or bars
• Must call for prices
• Not transparent about fees

Our take on American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold (AHG) is our top pick for gold investing because it delivers where it counts—trust, competitive pricing, and great customer support. It backs purchases with a price match guarantee, insured delivery, and no IRA fees for three years on qualifying orders, so you know you’re getting a solid deal.

AHG also offers a seven-day satisfaction guarantee, adding extra peace of mind. Unlike many competitors, it combines accessibility with investor-friendly policies, making it a trusted choice for those who want a straightforward, secure way to buy gold or start a gold IRA.

Table of Contents

1. Our take on American Hartford Gold
2. About American Hartford Gold
3. How does investing with American Hartford Gold work?
   1. Setting up a gold IRA
   2. Buying precious metals for personal ownership
   3. Understanding fees and storage costs
   4. Performance monitoring
   5. Freedom Package
4. What do current customers say about American Hartford Gold?
5. How does American Hartford Gold compare to alternatives?
6. How to open an account with American Hartford Gold
7. Can I withdraw from my account?
8. FAQ

About American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold was founded in 2015 as a family-owned precious metals dealer based in Los Angeles, California. It specializes in helping individuals and families diversify and protect their wealth through gold and silver investments.

Its mission is to provide clients with accessible, transparent, and secure options for buying and storing precious metals, whether through a self-directed IRA or direct purchase.

Under the leadership of President Max Baecker, AHG has delivered billions of dollars’ worth of gold and silver to thousands of customers.

It offers insured, discreet shipping for physical metals and partners with trusted depositories for secure storage. With a strong focus on education and customer service, it aims to make investing in precious metals as straightforward as possible.

How does investing with American Hartford Gold work?

Whether you are looking to roll over an existing retirement account into a gold IRA or buy physical gold and silver, the company guides you through every step. The process is designed to be simple and hassle-free, with personalized support along the way. Here’s a glance at the details and a breakdown of what you can expect.

Setting up a gold IRA

As the top-rated gold IRA company according to our research, American Hartford Gold specializes in helping investors add gold and silver to their retirement portfolios. If you want to diversify beyond traditional assets like stocks and bonds, the company makes it easy to open a self-directed IRA and invest in physical metals.

The process is straightforward—typically, you roll over funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA into a new account. Once funded, you can choose from a selection of IRS-approved gold and silver coins or bars. Since tax rules don’t allow you to store IRA-held metals at home, AHG arranges secure storage at an approved depository.

Investing in gold through an IRA also comes with potential tax benefits, like tax-deferred growth or, with a Roth IRA, tax-free withdrawals in retirement. The company also offers a free information guide for new investors, which helps make the process clear and manageable.

Buying precious metals for personal ownership

For those who prefer to own gold and silver outside of a retirement account, American Hartford Gold offers a variety of coins and bars from major mints worldwide, including those in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and Australia. You must purchase a minimum of $5,000-worth of metals to work with AHG.

One drawback is that prices are not listed online, so you’ll need to call for a quote. However, the company does offer a price match guarantee, which helps ensure competitive pricing. Once purchased, metals are shipped in insured, discreet packaging that requires a signature upon delivery.

Understanding fees and storage costs

Because gold and silver are physical assets, investors need to consider storage and security costs. American Hartford Gold does not charge for shipping, but there may be custodial and storage fees for gold IRAs. The company does not disclose exact costs online, but fees depend on account size and metal holdings. Some investors may qualify for free storage.

For IRA investors, metals are stored at Brinks Global Services or Delaware Depository, both of which offer high-security vaults and full insurance coverage. While you can take delivery of metals upon withdrawal from your IRA, IRS regulations prohibit home storage while they remain in the account.

Performance monitoring

American Hartford Gold does not provide an online dashboard for tracking gold prices, but IRA investors can monitor their account balance through their assigned custodian’s portal. If you purchase metals for personal ownership, you will need to track market prices separately.

By keeping the process simple and offering strong customer support, American Hartford Gold makes it easy to invest in precious metals, whether for retirement savings or personal wealth protection.

Freedom Package

The Freedom Package is a limited-time offer that enhances AHG’s standard offerings by providing extra perks for qualifying investors.

While all AHG customers receive insured shipping and competitive pricing, the Freedom Package includes up to $15,000 in free silver, secure storage with no transfer, maintenance, or storage fees, and access to AHG’s investor library for expert insights. Additionally, it offers a streamlined account setup, making it easier to get started.

The Freedom Package is available to investors who meet AHG’s qualifying purchase requirements. To find out if you’re eligible and secure this offer, you’ll need to contact AHG directly.

What do current customers say about American Hartford Gold?

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Better Business Bureau	4.88/5	645
Trustpilot	4.8/5	1,379
Google	4.8/5	1,370

American Hartford Gold has earned strong ratings across multiple review platforms, with most customers reporting a positive experience. Reviews often highlight the company’s professionalism and knowledgeable support team, especially for first-time gold buyers.

Many customers say representatives take the time to explain the process, making gold IRA rollovers and direct purchases feel straightforward rather than overwhelming.

That said, some investors have raised concerns about fee transparency. Because American Hartford Gold does not list all costs upfront, buyers need to ask for details before committing. A common frustration is that pricing for specific coins and bars isn’t available online, requiring a phone call for quotes.

Overall, reviews suggest that American Hartford Gold provides a strong experience, particularly for those who value hands-on customer support. For anyone considering an investment, the best approach is to have a clear discussion about fees and pricing to ensure expectations align with actual costs.

How does American Hartford Gold compare to alternatives?

American Hartford Gold is best for investors who want a top-rated gold IRA provider with strong customer service and investor perks, like free silver. It’s a great fit if you:

• Prefer hands-on support through every step of the process.
• Want investor bonuses, such as free silver on qualifying orders.
• Need a trusted provider with strong industry ratings and positive reviews.

While AHG is a strong choice, you might consider an alternative if:

• You want real-time price tracking before making a purchase (Priority Gold offers this).
• You prioritize a fast setup process (Patriot Gold is known for speed).
• You need a strong buyback program for easier liquidation (AHG offers this, but Thor Gold excels in this area).

Here’s a look at how these companies compare:

We rated AHG as the best overall gold IRA company because its strengths align with many investors’ needs. However, it’s worth exploring competitors to find the perfect fit. Check out our best gold IRA page for more about our top recommendations.

How to open an account with American Hartford Gold

Opening an account with American Hartford Gold involves a simple four-step process.

1. Call the company and speak to one of its account specialists. You can ask any questions you might have about American Hartford Gold and its investment offerings. You can also discuss whether you want to open an IRA or a taxable investment account.
2. Complete the paperwork. The account specialist will send you the necessary paperwork and help you fill it out. You’ll provide personal and banking information to start funding your account.
3. Wait while your money moves from your current retirement account to your new self-directed IRA account. Funding your account usually takes about three days.
4. Start buying precious metals. Once your money arrives in your account, you can start buying silver, gold, and platinum coins and bars. American Hartford Gold will help you transport and store your metals at one of its recommended facilities.

Can I withdraw from my account?

When you want to make a withdrawal from your precious metal account, you have a few options.

1. Take your withdrawal as cash. American Hartford Gold offers a buyback commitment. It never charges additional liquidation fees, and its clients enjoy a simple three-step liquidation process. Call a representative to start the process, and the company will help arrange shipment and issue payment.
2. If you prefer, you can have the company arrange transport of your metals from a storage facility to your home. You can then do whatever you’d like with the metal, including store it in your home or sell it.

Keep the restrictions surrounding withdrawals from IRAs in mind. For example, if you withdraw before turning 59½, you’ll pay a penalty on top of any income taxes you owe.

FAQ

Is American Hartford Gold a legitimate company?

Yes, American Hartford Gold is a legitimate precious metals dealer specializing in gold and silver IRAs, as well as physical gold and silver purchases.

It has strong customer ratings on platforms like Trustpilot and the BBB, where it has received high marks for customer service and transparency. However, as with any investment, it’s important to research fees, terms, and market conditions before making a purchase.

What is the minimum investment for American Hartford Gold?

American Hartford Gold does not explicitly disclose a strict minimum investment requirement, but for gold IRAs, it typically recommends a starting amount of $10,000. If you’re purchasing physical gold or silver, you may be able to invest with a smaller amount, but this can vary based on market conditions and the type of product.

How does American Hartford Gold make money?

American Hartford Gold makes money through:

• Markup on precious metals: The company buys gold and silver at wholesale prices and sells them at a markup.
• IRA setup and storage fees: If you open a gold IRA, you’ll typically pay custodial and storage fees, which contribute to the company’s revenue.
• Buyback spreads: If you sell metals back to American Hartford Gold, the buyback price may be lower than the selling price, allowing it to profit from the spread.

Can investing with American Hartford Gold increase your net worth?

Investing in gold and silver with American Hartford Gold can potentially increase your net worth, but it depends on several factors:

• Gold prices fluctuate, so your investment’s value can rise or fall over time.
• Precious metals are often used as a hedge against inflation, meaning they may help preserve wealth in times of economic uncertainty.
• Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not generate passive income, so its value growth depends solely on price appreciation.

If gold prices rise significantly over time, your investment could appreciate, increasing your net worth. However, as with any investment, there are risks, so diversification is key.

How we rated American Hartford Gold Group

We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best gold IRAs. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms.

We compared American Hartford Gold to several gold companies, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating and best-for designation, recapped below.