13 Top Gold IRA Companies of 2025: Reviewed and Rated

Looking for the best gold IRA to protect your retirement savings? Whether you’re worried about inflation, stock market volatility, or simply want to diversify beyond traditional assets, a gold IRA can offer long-term stability through physical precious metals.

But with so many providers out there, how do you choose the right one? And how can you know who to trust?

We’ve done the legwork for you. After reviewing more than 30 gold IRAs, we identified 5 standout companies that we believe offer the strongest combination of reputation, transparency, customer service, competitive pricing, and unique investor benefits. These are the companies we trust the most—and we’ve highlighted exactly why each one made the cut.

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In addition to our top five picks, you’ll also find honorable mentions—eight companies that didn’t quite make our “best of” list but still bring positive qualities to the table, like low fees, flexible buyback programs, or helpful education for new investors.

For comparison and awareness, you’ll also find four other reviewed companies on the list that are well-known, but didn’t earn a high editorial rating during our review. The rest of the 30+ companies are listed toward the bottom of this page, in case you’re interested in exploring more.

Table of Contents

1. Reviews of the 5 best gold IRA companies
   1. Best overall: American Hartford Gold
   2. Best for small investments: Advantage Gold
   3. Best buyback program: Thor Metals Group
   4. Best online experience: Priority Gold
   5. Best for quick setup: Patriot Gold Group
2. Gold IRA honorable mentions
3. Other reviewed gold IRAs 
4. What is the best gold IRA?

Reviews of the 5 best gold IRA companies

Choosing the right company is important to maximize the benefits of your gold IRA account. Our picks for the best gold IRA companies are as follows:

• Best overall: American Hartford Gold
• Best for small investments: Advantage Gold
• Best buyback program: Thor Metals Group
• Best online experience: Priority Gold
• Best for quick setup: Patriot Gold Group

American Hartford Gold

Best Overall

4.9 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

American Hartford Gold is the best gold investment company we’ve researched. (866) 525-9625 It offers an easy gold IRA setup or rollover, works with world-class custodians and depositories, and commits to streamlined buyback. The company’s many stellar reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot vouch for its commitment to client satisfaction. 

AHG provides a Freedom Package that includes free silver and waived fees. We’re also big fans of its price match guarantee and money-back guarantee.

• Superb customer service
• Stellar reputation with excellent ratings on BBB and Trustpilot
• Attractive Freedom Package worth up to $15,000
• Solid buyback commitment

• Doesn’t disclose details about fee structure
• Must ask directly about gold product prices

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	Depend on plan; up to 3 years of no storage, maintenance, or insurance fees for IRA rollovers
Asset protection	Insured shipments, signature on delivery
Performance tracking	Regular statements from your account administrator
Reputation	Outstanding

Advantage Gold

Best for Small Investments

4.7 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Advantage Gold is an excellent choice if you want to start investing in gold on a small scale. The company’s minimum threshold for opening a gold IRA is only $5,000, which is lower than many other providers require (e.g., AHG requires clients to invest at least $10,000 to open a gold IRA).  

Advantage Gold boasts a great reputation, with a 4.9 Trustpilot rating based on more than 1,600 reviews. The company is well-known for its quality customer service and educational resources, which are geared specifically to helping new investors understand how gold IRAs work.

• A minimum investment of just $5,000 for gold IRAs
• Easy online account setup
• Detailed guidance for beginner investors

• Limited information about gold IRA fees
• Possible charges on shipping and insurance

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	Depend on plan and custodian
Asset protection	Tracked orders, fully insured, and confidential shipping
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Excellent

Thor Metals Group

Best Buyback Program

4.6 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Although Thor Metals Group has only been in business since 2023, the company quickly gained a name among gold investors. Professionalism, customer service, and a solid product selection place Thor firmly among our recommendations for gold IRA providers. As a newer company, Thor has limited reviews so far, but the feedback we’ve seen is overwhelmingly positive.

One of Thor’s strongest features is its buyback program. If you need to sell any precious metals you bought from Thor, the company commits to buying them back quickly and with no fees or charges. This guarantee gives investors extra flexibility and security.

• Secure buyback with no fees
• All-risk insurance and free shipping
• Government-backed gold products
• Personalized counsel when setting up a gold IRA

• Fairly new company
• Limited information about setup and fees online

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum
Fees	Fees vary; discounts for those who invest over $100,000
Asset protection	All-risk insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Great, but with a limited track record

Priority Gold

Best Online Experience

4.6 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Established in 2016, Priority Gold is a well-known and respected gold IRA provider. Every client gets assigned a representative to walk them through the IRA setup or rollover process. Priority Gold offers attractive discounts for qualifying clients, mainly those who invest large amounts. The website is exceptionally easy to navigate, offering all crucial information at a glance.

Priority Gold has an “A” rating on BBB and a 3.9 Trustpilot score. Although most clients offer positive feedback, some report frequent calls and high markups on gold and silver products.

• One year with no IRA admin or storage fees for clients investing over $50,000
• Price Protection Program for approved purchases over $250,000
• Free shipping
• Easy-to-navigate, intuitive site layout

• No search option for IRA-approved products
• Some clients mention getting unsolicited calls

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	$50 setup fee, $125 annual service fee, $100 annual storage, $35 wire fees
Asset protection	Insured shipping
Performance tracking	Portal with real-time insights
Reputation	Solid

Patriot Gold Group

Best for Quick Setup

4.4 _/5

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Why it’s one of the best

Patriot Gold Group is an acclaimed gold IRA provider that has been in the precious metals business since 1990. The company showcases five-star ratings and enthusiastic reviews on Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs. Gold IRA reviews praise Patriot for its high-quality service, transparency, efficiency, and commitment to client satisfaction.

However, Patriot’s minimum investment threshold is $25,000, which can be too high for some investors. You also must contact the provider directly for a breakdown of fees and other meaningful information.

• Superb Trustpilot ratings
• 24-hour setup
• Fees waived for accounts above $100,000

• Limited information on site
• No online gold purchase options

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	$250; waived for accounts over $100,000
Asset protection	Insured shipping
Performance tracking	Via the assigned custodian
Reputation	Outstanding

Gold IRA honorable mentions

These companies aren’t on our “best for gold investors” list, but we think they’re reputable providers that are well worth considering.

Goldco

4.1 _/5

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Why we selected it

Goldco is a trustworthy gold IRA provider founded in 2006. Like similar companies, it caters to investors who want to diversify their retirement assets. Many Goldco clients appreciate the company’s streamlined, personalized service. Goldco’s main drawbacks are a fairly high investment threshold for IRAs, a lack of pricing transparency, and limited product selection.

• Buyback program with the highest price guarantee
• Stellar ratings and many excellent reviews
• Useful educational resources

• $25,000 minimum investment threshold
• Product catalog only lists gold coins (no bars)

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	Roughly $225 – $325
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian platforms
Reputation	Excellent

Noble Gold

4.4 _/5

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Why we selected it

Noble Gold works with approved custodians and IRS-compliant depositories. While it’s less well-known than other providers, it has been in business for almost a decade and maintains a consistent top-tier rating on Trustpilot. Noble Gold emphasizes client education and helping investors make informed decisions.

• Guaranteed buyback
• Platinum and palladium coins available
• High ratings

• Doesn’t offer gold bars
• Lack of transparency about costs and fees

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	$80 annual fee; $150 segregated storage fee
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Online account
Reputation	Good

All American Assets

4.4 _/5

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Why we selected it

All American Assets specializes in U.S. mint products. It’s a reputable company with readily available information about terms and fees, and (what’s rare in the industry) live prices for all products in its catalog. It has few ratings on Trustpilot, but the reviews praise the provider’s professionalism and transparency. 

• Straightforward IRA setup/rollover process
• Transparent flat service fee
• Listed prices on all products

• Limited product selection
• Few reviews

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	Annual fee of $246, including custodial and storage costs
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian reports
Reputation	Good

Birch Gold Group

4.4 _/5

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Why we selected it

Operating since 2003, Birch Gold Group is a well-known name in the gold IRA market. The company helps clients add precious metals to their investment portfolios, partnering with trusted custodians like STRATA Trust and Equity Trust. Birch Gold has a solid 4.5 rating on Trustpilot, with many clients praising the company’s streamlined process and knowledgeable representatives.

• Impressive selection of gold products
• Multiple secure storage options
• Tailored guidance when opening an IRA account

• Must contact the company directly to set up an account

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	$50 setup; $30 wiring; $100 storage and insurance; $100 management; no first-year fees for accounts over $50,000
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Excellent

Bishop Gold Group

4.3 _/5

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Why we selected it

Bishop Gold Group ticks all the boxes of a respected precious metals IRA provider: a client-centric approach, reputable custodians, and secure shipping and storage. 

The company excels in product choice, offering a wide selection of coins and gold bars in various sizes. Its reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Bishop Gold’s main drawback is the lack of clear information about fees and prices online.

• Diverse product selection
• Solid reputation
• Many reviews praising client experience

• Little information about fees and prices on the company’s site
• Limited educational resources

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	Not disclosed
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Online platform
Reputation	Good

Preserve Gold

4.3 _/5

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Why we selected it

Preserve Gold is another newer gold IRA provider, founded in 2022. In its short time in the industry, Preserve Gold rates quite highly among customers, with a 4.8 Trustpilot score and many enthusiastic reviews.

While Preserve Gold is a solid choice for gold investors, its website could offer more information about the IRA setup process and fees. Also, the minimum requirement of $25,000 in account funding could be too high for many beginner investors.

• Reliable buyback program
• Positive reviews with practically no complaints
• Solid product catalog

• Only three years in business
• $25,000 minimum threshold to open an IRA

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	Not disclosed
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Through custodian’s website
Reputation	Good

American Bullion

4.1 _/5

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Why we selected it

Established in 2009, American Bullion has gained many five-star reviews from satisfied clients. The provider works exclusively with STRATA Trust Company as its custodian. Its terms seem fair, and its catalog lists a robust selection of gold products. However, the company’s site could use an upgrade so that essential information is easier to find. 

• Clear about gold IRA terms
• Positive reviews

• Site somewhat difficult to navigate
• No buyback guarantee

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	$185 – $275, depending on plan
Asset protection	Tracked orders, required signature, insurance on orders over $10,000
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Good

U.S. Gold Bureau

4.2 _/5

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Why we selected it

U.S. Gold Bureau is one of the oldest gold investment companies out there, founded more than 20 years ago. Investors appreciate U.S. Gold Bureau’s top-notch service, personalized IRA plans, and buyback options. However, some reviews cite excessively pushy marketing and a slow process when selling metals back to the company.

• Established reputation
• Tailored service

• Some complaints about miscommunication and buyback delays

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Fees	$50 setup; $25 withdrawal; storage fees depending on the amount of precious metals
Asset protection	Discreet wrapping, shipping insurance, tracked orders, required signature (optional)
Performance tracking	No information
Reputation	Good

Other reviewed gold IRAs 

The following companies earned lower ratings in our gold IRA comparison due to various issues, such as a lack of transparency and less-than-stellar client feedback.

Anthem Gold Group

3.6 _/5

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What to know

Anthem Gold Group started out strong in 2023 and earned positive reviews, but its business appears to be struggling lately. Additionally, the website offers limited information.

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum
Fees	$50 setup fee, $30 wire fee, $125 annual maintenance, $100 storage
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Fair

Augusta Precious Metals

4.0 _/5

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What to know

Augusta Precious Metals is a trusted provider, but its $50,000 minimum investment threshold, zero online purchasing options, and lack of information about fees may deter investors.

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver
Fees	Not disclosed
Asset protection	Discreet shipping, shipping insurance, required signature
Performance tracking	Custodian statements
Reputation	Good

Lear Capital

4.0 _/5

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What to know

While Lear Capital has an excellent reputation, its lack of an online catalog and phone-only account setup makes the gold IRA process less convenient.

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Not stated online
Fees	$280 for the first year; $200 after the first year; provider may waive fees over certain amounts
Asset protection	Shipping insurance
Performance tracking	Custodian online platform and quarterly statements
Reputation	Great

Rosland Capital

3.9 _/5

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What to know

Rosland Capital earns negative feedback on BBB and Trustpilot. Reviews describe problems like poor communication and buyback issues.

Gold IRA details

Available metals	Gold, silver, platinum
Fees	$50 setup; $100 – $150 management and storage
Asset protection	Unclear
Performance tracking	Account statements from custodian
Reputation	Mixed

How a gold IRA works

To invest in physical gold with a retirement account, you’ll need a self-directed IRA. These are the only IRA accounts that allow you to purchase hard assets, including precious metals, real estate, businesses, and more. Legally, these IRA accounts need a custodian—a bank or other institution that keeps records of the account, handles disbursements, and reports to the IRS.

To fund a gold IRA, you have two options. 

1. You can roll over or transfer funds from an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) account
2. You can contribute right to the account—up to $8,000 per year, depending on your age

Once your IRA is funded, you’ll choose the precious metals you’d like to buy and direct your custodian to make the purchase using your account. It can also recommend a storage facility that meets IRS requirements. Gold in an IRA cannot be stored at home.

You can withdraw money from your IRA at any point, though if you do so before reaching age 59½, you will owe a 10% penalty.

You can learn more by reading our guide on how gold IRAs work.

What is the best gold IRA?

Which gold IRA is the best depends on your situation. When evaluating companies, here’s what to consider:

• Initial transfer and setup fees
• Annual management fees
• Storage fees
• Availability of customer support
• Knowledge and investment resources
• Past customer reviews 

That said, based on our analysis, we believe American Hartford Gold is currently the best gold IRA for most investors—it checks all the above boxes and offers a secure, reasonably priced way to invest. 

How has gold performed over the years?

Gold prices have increased over the last few decades, but dips have occurred during that time. As you can see below, gold recently hit an all-time high of $3,500 per ounce:

Despite the four-figure price tag, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has seen greater returns than gold. That said, gold tends to be far less volatile than the stock market. Gold’s return may be lower, but so is its risk. 

Past performance doesn’t necessarily indicate future performance. Consider historical data in your decision, but don’t let that be the only factor you weigh. The following section provides several reasons for investing in gold.

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Tip

New to precious metals investing? Grab a free gold IRA kit to get started.

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What are good reasons to open a gold IRA account?

Here are common reasons people invest in precious metals, such as gold and silver:

• To diversify your portfolio: Investing all your money in a single investment or asset is risky. If you have a portfolio without precious metals, a gold IRA can be an option for additional diversification.
• Protection from inflation: When the U.S. dollar drops in value, so does your purchasing power. Gold investments can protect against this loss. It has historically kept its value even when the dollar’s value weakens.
• Economic security: If the economy (or stock market) takes a turn, having your money in gold could reduce your losses. Learn more with our gold IRAs for seniors guide.
• Growth investment: The price of gold has risen steadily over the last few years, including reaching its highest price ever in April 2025.

Gold is often considered a safe investment that can withstand severe market fluctuations and downturns, although it can be prone to price volatility. 

Can I only hold gold in my gold IRA?

No. Gold IRAs are self-directed IRAs, so gold bars and coins aren’t the only items you can hold in these accounts. 

Also referred to as precious metals IRAs, you can purchase other precious metals, including silver, platinum, or palladium, or you can put the funds into real estate, commodities, tax liens, partnerships, and more.

However, you can’t invest it in collectibles, antiques, gems, stamps, or life insurance.

Is there a minimum investment to open a gold IRA?

The minimum investment depends on the institution offering the gold IRA. The IRS doesn’t require minimum investments, but it does have annual contribution limits. These depend on your age and can go up to $8,000 per year in 2025.

What is IRS-approved gold?

Per IRS rules, only certain gold and precious metals can be held in an IRA. With few exceptions, gold must be 99.5% pure and made by a national mint or certified or accredited manufacturer. 

JM Bullion has a list you can use to guide your investments. You won’t be able to use your IRA funds to purchase metals not on this list because they aren’t deemed pure enough.

Look out for gold IRA scams

As you search for a gold IRA company, always do your due diligence. Scams are rampant in the gold IRA business, and falling victim could mean significant loss.

Common signs of a scam include pushy sales tactics, talks of “rare” or “collectible” coins (these aren’t IRS-approved), or murky and misleading contracts. Some companies will also sell fake IRAs, duping you into transferring your funds into an unknown account, while others will feign gold purchases, instead funneling the money into their own business.

To safeguard your cash, only do business with a legitimate, credible, and trusted company.

To avoid gold IRA scams, don’t click on anything. Ignore it and move on. If you encounter a scam, contact the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

FAQ

Are gold IRAs a good idea?

Historically, gold has been a safe haven in uncertain economic times. For someone looking to diversify their retirement account, a gold IRA could be beneficial. However, like any investment, it’s important to understand the pros and cons. 

Gold IRAs might provide stability, but it lacks the liquidity of other assets. So consider your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance before investing.

What is the minimum deposit for a gold IRA?

This varies by company, but of the companies we’ve rated, the minimum deposit varies from $5,000 (Advantage Gold) to $50,000 (Augusta Precious Metals). American Hartford Gold, our pick for best overall, had a minimum of $10,000.

How do you know if a gold company can be trusted?

The best gold IRA companies don’t compromise on transparency, customer service, or regulatory compliance. Trustworthy companies often have strong reputations bolstered by positive customer reviews, industry credentials and recognition, and easy-to-understand policies and procedures.

How we selected the best gold IRA companies

Since 2020, LendEDU has evaluated gold dealers to help readers find the best precious metal IRAs and inventories for direct purchase. Our latest analysis reviewed 24 data points from 31 dealers, with 744 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These data points are organized into broader categories, which our editorial team weights and scores based on their relative importance to readers. These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.

Recap of our picks for best gold IRAs