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.
- Up to $15,000 in free silver on qualified accounts
- 100% satisfaction guarantee, 7-day full refund
- Lowest price guarantee & no buy-back fees
- Complimentary shipping insurance
- Invest in a gold IRA with as littile as $5,000
- Easy online account setup
- Detailed guidance for beginners
- Up to $10,000 in free silver on qualified purchases
- 100% tax-free and penalty-free IRA rollover
- Price Protection Program for large purchases
- Up to 10% of free silver added to your order on qualified purchases
- Offers price matching
- Helpful educational resources
- 24-hour account setup
- Fees waived for accounts over $100,000
Table of Contents
- Reviews of the top 5 gold IRA companies
- How a gold IRA works
- What is the best gold IRA?
- How has gold performed over the years?
- What are good reasons to open a gold IRA account?
- Can I only hold gold in my gold IRA?
- Is there a minimum investment to open a gold IRA?
- What is IRS-approved gold?
- Look out for gold IRA scams
- FAQ
Reviews of the top 5 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 online experience: Priority Gold
- Best for customer service: Goldco
- Best for quick setup: Patriot Gold Group
American Hartford Gold
Why it’s one of the best
American Hartford Gold is the best gold investment company we’ve researched. You can get in touch with AHG by calling (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
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 |
Priority Gold
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 |
Goldco
Why we selected it
Goldco is a trustworthy gold IRA provider founded over a decade ago. Like similar companies, it caters to buyers who want to diversify their retirement assets with precious metals.
The company’s longstanding reputation for excellent customer service, high ethical standards, and award-winning precious metals education and resources make it a leader in the industry.
- Instant free silver—offers up to 10% added to your order on qualified accounts
- More than 7,300 five-star customer reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, Retirement Living, Better Business Bureau, and more
- Quick process allows you to open your IRA in one day
- Price matching—bring Goldco any offer and it will beat it. If it can’t, the company will send you a free silver coin.
- Highest guaranteed buyback price plus no fees when you’re ready to liquidate
- Useful educational resources
- White-glove customer service—simple setup process with specialists who help facilitate your purchase quickly and easily
- Product catalog only lists gold coins (no bars)
Gold IRA details
| Available metals | Gold, silver |
| Fees | Custodian account fees roughly $225 – $325 |
| Asset protection | Free shipping insurance |
| Performance tracking | Custodian platforms |
| Reputation | Outstanding |
Patriot Gold Group
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 IRAs can be a suitable option for investors who are concerned about inflation or who take a long-term, conservative approach to investing. Gold also serves as a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio, particularly for those seeking assets that are not closely correlated with the stock market.
However, gold may be less appropriate for investors focused on short-term, compounding growth: It tends to offer preservation rather than rapid appreciation.
Based on industry reports and conversations with my peers, demand for gold has increased in 2025, largely driven by ongoing economic and political uncertainty. I’ve noticed a similar trend among my clients, many of whom are retired military veterans with multiple streams of inflation-adjusted, guaranteed income.
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.
- You can roll over or transfer funds from an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) account
- 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.
New to precious metals investing? Grab a free gold IRA kit to get started.
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 on April 1, 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.
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 investment 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.
List of gold IRA companies we evaluated
- Advantage Gold
- All American Assets
- American Bullion
- American Hartford Gold
- American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX)
- Anthem Gold Group
- Augusta Precious Metals
- Birch Gold Group
- Bishop Gold Group
- Eagles Capital
- Goldco
- Gold Alliance
- Goldline
- iTrustCapital
- JM Bullion
- Lear Capital
- Legacy Precious Metals
- Monetary Gold
- Noble Gold
- OneGold
- Orion Metal Exchange
- Oxford Gold Group
- Patriot Gold Group
- Preserve Gold
- Priority Gold
- RC Bullion
- Red Rock Secured
- Rosland Capital
- Silver Gold Bull
- Thor Metals Group
- U.S. Gold Bureau
Recap of our picks for best gold IRAs
About our contributors
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Written by Anna TwittoAnna Twitto is a money management writer passionate about financial freedom and security. Anna loves sharing tips and strategies for smart personal finance choices, saving money, and getting and staying out of debt.
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Edited by Amanda HankelAmanda Hankel is a managing editor at LendEDU. She has more than seven years of experience covering various finance-related topics and has worked for more than 15 years overall in writing, editing, and publishing.
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Reviewed by Erin Kinkade, CFP®Erin Kinkade, CFP®, ChFC®, works as a financial planner at AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust. Erin prepares comprehensive financial plans for military veterans and their families.