Best Depositories for Gold IRAs

You’ll need a place to store your precious metals if you have a gold IRA. The IRS won’t let you keep your gold at home, but a gold IRA depository meets government requirements. The best depositories use state-of-the-art technology to keep your investment safe and provide peace of mind.

While some gold IRA companies work only with specific depositories, others leave that storage decision to customers. Keep reading to learn how to select the best gold IRA depositor, and see our top picks below.

Depository	U.S. storage locations	In business since
Delaware Depository	Wilmington, DE & Boulder City, NV	1999
CNT Depository	Bridgewater, MA	1972
International Depository Services (IDS) Group	New Castle, DE & Dallas, TX	1976
A-Mark Precious Metals	Las Vegas, NV	1965
Brink’s Global Services	Los Angeles, CA, New York City, NY, & Salt Lake City, UT	1859

What to know about the best gold IRA depositories

We chose these five depositories because they are well-established, have solid reputations within the industry, and work with many of the top gold IRA companies. However, the details and fees of each vary.

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Delaware Depository

• Security includes monitoring for motion, sound, vibration, and metal detection.
• Trusted as a delivery point for physical precious metals traded on the COMEX and NYMEX
• Company holds no debt, and bullion is held off-balance sheets, so no risk from creditors

• Has not been in business as long as other depositories

Delaware Depository is one of the most common storage companies used by gold IRA companies, and for good reason. The company’s vaults are physically fortified, subject to round-the-clock security monitoring, and covered by $1 billion in insurance coverage.

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CNT Depository

• Standalone facility provides additional security
• Clients are welcome to arrange private audits in addition to the company’s monthly internal audits and yearly external audits.
• Can facilitate transportation into and out of the depository

• Fee schedule not disclosed online

CNT Depository is a family-owned business that maintains a free-standing 63,000-square-foot facility insured by Lloyd’s of London. The company has deployed physical and electronic security measures to ensure the safety of clients’ precious metals. In addition to maintaining a depository, CNT is a precious metals distributor and offers minting services.

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IDS Group

• Segregated storage offered for no additional fee
• Customer confidentiality is a priority
• Client portal provides 24/7 access to account information

• Minimum fees are higher than those charged by other depositories

The International Depository Services Group (IDS) maintains two U.S. locations for investor account storage and a third vault in Canada. It’s another depository often recommended by gold IRA companies and custodians. IDS offers round-the-clock security in state-of-the-art facilities insured by Lloyd’s of London.

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A-Mark Precious Metals

• UL-certified facility
• Covered by all-risk insurance
• Can handle a variety of logistics services, including shipping, handling, processing, and inventorying precious metals

• Limited information about depository services provided online

A-Mark Precious Metals is the parent company of numerous precious metals-related businesses, including A-M Global Logistics (AMGL), JM Bullion, and Transcontinental Depository Services. It is a U.S. Mint-authorized dealer that mints coins and bars, among other services. Although it has many locations, its gold IRA depository is located in Las Vegas, where AMGL partners with Loomis International.

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Brink’s Global Services

• Well-established company with a long history of trusted service
• Reputation for excellent security
• Covered by all-risk insurance

• Limited information about gold IRA depository services offered online

You may be familiar with Brink’s for its armored vehicles and security services, but the company also offers precious metals storage. Many gold IRA companies recommend it. The vaults used for private client storage at Brink’s are protected by trained guards and are remotely monitored 24/7 to ensure the highest level of security.

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How do gold IRA depositories work?

All depositories provide the same basic service: a secure place to store gold and precious metals. Most depositories offer one or both of the following storage options.

• Segregated storage: Also known as allocated storage, this option keeps your gold and precious metals separate from those of other customers. It ensures that you get the same bars and coins you deposited when you withdraw.
• Nonsegregated storage: Also known as commingled storage, this option is often less expensive and places your precious metals in a vault alongside other customer deposits. When you withdraw, you’ll get the same type of metal deposited but not necessarily the same items.

Our expert on segregated vs. nonsegregated gold IRAs

Erin Kinkade

CFP®

A segregated gold IRA means your investment is in its own secure place, inherently lowering the chance of an accounting or handling error with commingled or nonsegregated gold IRAs. The drawback is paying a higher fee for the segregated gold IRA, which reduces your rate of return. However, I would argue that the peace of mind is worth the drawback of the increased fee. It’s up to you, though, and depends on your preference and risk tolerance.

A depository is required if you have a gold IRA. According to IRS rules, precious metals must go from a dealer to a depository. If you take physical possession of the gold at any time, the government will deem the gold a distribution, and its value becomes taxable and may also be subject to a penalty.

How much does a gold IRA depository cost?

Annual storage fees are the main cost associated with a gold IRA depository. These are usually accessed as a percentage of your account value, but minimum fees may range from $50 to $250 per year, depending on the company you use.

Beyond the annual fee, inquire about the following fees:

• Account setup fee
• Shipping and processing fee
• Personal pickup fee
• Account assistance fee
• Other miscellaneous fees

Not every depository charges all these fees, so it’s wise to ask for a fee schedule and compare your total costs before selecting a depository.

How do you choose the best depository for your gold IRA?

Consider the following factors to choose the best gold IRA depository.

• Type of storage: First, ensure the depository offers your preferred type of storage, whether segregated or nonsegregated.
• Fees: The type and amount of fees vary by depository. Ask each company you’re considering for a fee schedule so you can calculate and compare all your costs with each firm.
• Processing time: How long will it take to make a withdrawal or transfer? Be sure you’re comfortable with the timeline.
• Account access: Some depositories have online portals that give customers 24/7 access to their account information. Others may send regular statements and reports. Ask how a depository communicates with customers and what information is provided before storing your precious metals there.

Our expert discusses how depository location can affect the safety and convenience of access to your gold IRA

Erin Kinkade

CFP®

Regarding safety, geographical locations with higher crimes, such as robbery, could be a factor to consider when shopping for a gold IRA depository. After all, gold is a physical asset that can be stolen. But since it’s a physical asset, the IRS requires that depositories be insured. Regarding convenience, if you want to access your gold frequently, you will want to discuss and research the access and visitation rights of the gold depository. If accessing your gold frequently is unimportant or you find that a gold depository in another state meets the requirements you’re looking for at the best rate, that may trump having your IRA gold depository nearby. 

What role does your gold IRA company play in choosing a depository?

Some gold IRA companies work with specific depositories. In that case, you may not be able to choose your depository if you plan to open an IRA with a specific company.

Other gold dealers may ship their products to any depository. However, those specializing in gold IRAs typically have staff members who can make recommendations and walk you through the process of opening a storage account.

Ready to get started? Check out the best gold IRA companies and request additional information today.  

FAQ

Where can I store my gold IRA?

Gold IRAs require that your precious metals be stored in an IRS-approved depository. The IRS mandates that these depositories meet specific security and auditing requirements to ensure your investments’ safety. 

Your IRA custodian will typically have relationships with approved depositories and can help facilitate the storage process, ensuring your gold is securely stored in compliance with IRS regulations.

How much are gold IRA custodian fees?

Gold IRA custodian fees can vary depending on the custodian and the specific services provided. Account setup fees can range from $50 to $100, and annual maintenance fees can be between $75 and $300 per year, often influenced by the custodian and the account’s value. Storage fees, which depend on the amount of gold being stored, may range from $100 to $300 annually. Some custodians may charge transaction fees for buying or selling gold within the IRA, usually around $40 per transaction.

It’s essential to obtain a clear breakdown of all fees from potential custodians to compare costs and ensure you understand the total expense of maintaining a gold IRA.

Recap of the best gold IRA depositories

Depository	U.S. storage locations	In business since
Delaware Depository	Wilmington, DE & Boulder City, NV	1999
CNT Depository	Bridgewater, MA	1972
International Depository Services (IDS) Group	New Castle, DE & Dallas, TX	1976
A-Mark Precious Metals	Las Vegas, NV	1965
Brink’s Global Services	Los Angeles, CA, New York City, NY, & Salt Lake City, UT	1859