Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Personal Finance Gold Gold Alliance Review Updated Sep 11, 2024 13-min read Reviewed by Amanda Hankel Reviewed by Amanda Hankel Expertise: Writing, editing, digital publishing Amanda 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. Learn more about Amanda Hankel 3.9 /5 Visit Site Gold & Other Precious Metals Dedicated support Comprehensive insurance Variety Buyback policy Educational resources No online pricing Annual IRA fee Limited competitive edge Gold Alliance, established to simplify precious metal investments, caters to diverse investors. Its mission focuses on accessible investment in gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Gold Alliance offers precious metals IRAs and direct purchases that are ideal for retirees and diversifying investors. It emphasizes customer education and support, appealing to both new and seasoned investors. Table of Contents Skip to Section Gold Alliance gold IRAGold Alliance precious metals inventoryMore about Gold AllianceGold Alliance FAQ Gold Alliance gold IRA at a glance A gold IRA with Gold Alliance offers a unique opportunity for investors to diversify their retirement portfolio using precious metals. This type of IRA allows individuals to hold physical gold and silver coins and bullion as part of their retirement savings, offering an alternative to more traditional stock or bond investments. The process involves setting up a self-directed IRA, choosing eligible metals, and ensuring secure storage and management. Here’s a summary to help you understand the features of a Gold Alliance gold IRA: FeatureDetailsIRA-eligible metalsGold and silver coins and bullionCountries of metal originUnited States, West India, Canada, Australia, U.K.Storage optionsGold Alliance recommends the Delaware Depository in Wilmington, Delaware, for insured, secure storage; Other options can be discussed with team membersAccount trackingOnline dashboard for 24/7 access or quarterly mailed statements from the custodianState availabilityAll 50 statesEligible rollover accountsQualified retirement accounts including 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, pension plans, and Thrift Savings PlansUnique benefitsDedicated team member for personalized assistance This structure allows for a tangible and potentially more stable investment, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Gold Alliance assists at every step, from the initial setup to choosing metals and managing the account, ensuring that your retirement investment aligns with your financial goals. What is the minimum investment for a Gold Alliance gold IRA? Gold Alliance’s minimum investment requirement is $20,000. How do you open a Gold Alliance IRA? Opening a Gold Alliance Gold IRA is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works: 1. Set up your account Call Gold Alliance at 888-734-7453 and provide your basic contact information and the contact information of the beneficiaries you want listed on your account. Gold Alliance sends you a paper copy of an application to complete. 2. Submit your application Return the completed application in the prepaid FedEx envelope Gold Alliance provides. Your account will be ready for funding within 24 hours of Gold Alliance receiving the form. 3. Fund the account Gold Alliance collaborates with you and your current IRA custodian to transfer or roll over retirement funds to your new IRA. To fund your new IRA, Gold Alliance offers two tax-free, penalty-free options: Direct trustee-to-trustee transfer: Your retirement funds move directly from your current IRA provider to your new precious metals IRA provider. 60-day rollover: Your current IRA provider sends a check to your home. You then mail this check to your new custodian within 60 days to avoid taxes or penalties. Gold Alliance collaborates with you and your current IRA custodian to facilitate your chosen transfer method. A dedicated team member will help you select an IRA custodian, fill out paperwork for your approval, and make necessary calls to ensure a smooth process. Expect to complete the transfer to your new Precious Metals IRA in about three business days, and the account is operational within one business day. 4. Select precious metals Once funds are in your new account, you’re ready to choose precious metals. Gold Alliance offers guidance in selecting metals that align with your financial goals. It lists IRA-eligible metals on its website but doesn’t disclose specific prices. Source: Gold Alliance Each step is designed to ensure a smooth transition into precious metals investing, with Gold Alliance providing support and expertise to tailor your portfolio to your objectives. How do you contribute to a Gold Alliance IRA? Gold Alliance accommodates the transfer of annual contributions you make to your retirement account, ensuring these funds are seamlessly integrated into your precious metals IRA. Here’s how it works: Scheduled transfers: Gold Alliance can set up transfers on a recurring schedule that aligns with your financial plans. This means your annual contributions to your retirement account can be moved to your precious metals IRA at intervals that suit you. Cash position or metal investment: Once your contributions are in your precious metals IRA, you can keep them in a cash position or use them to acquire more precious metals. This flexibility allows you to respond to market conditions and investment goals, whether that means holding on to cash for future investment opportunities or expanding your portfolio of metals. This approach ensures that managing and growing your precious metals IRA with Gold Alliance is tailored to your unique retirement savings strategy and investment preferences. How do you take distributions from a Gold Alliance IRA? Taking distributions from your Gold Alliance Precious Metals IRA is a straightforward and flexible process, allowing you to choose between receiving physical metals or cash. Here’s what you need to know: Initiate the process: Contact a Gold Alliance team member and inform them of your preferred form of distribution—physical metals delivered to your address or the equivalent value in cash. Paperwork and processing: Gold Alliance will prepare the necessary paperwork for your signature. This step is essential to authorize the distribution and ensure everything is processed according to your instructions. Receive your distribution: Physical metals: If you opt for physical metals, they will be safely shipped from the depository to your door. Cash: If you prefer cash, the metals in your IRA will be liquidated, and you’ll receive the funds as a deposit in your chosen account or a check in the mail. The entire process should only take one day once you’ve made your choice and signed the paperwork. How much does a Gold Alliance IRA cost? Investing with Gold Alliance involves certain costs, which investors must consider. Gold Alliance fees The primary expense is the $200 annual fee for a gold IRA held at Equity Trust. This fee covers storage, depository insurance, quarterly financial statements, and 24/7 online account access. This fee is the same regardless of the account size or value changes due to market fluctuations or additional contributions. CostDetailsAnnual IRA fee$200, covering storage, insurance, statements, and account accessPrecious metals pricesVary based on market conditions; Influenced by global economic factors; Specific prices not disclosed on website Variable costs Variable costs might include the prices of the precious metals themselves, which fluctuate based on market conditions. Gold Alliance doesn’t list metal prices on its website, requiring potential investors to call and speak to a representative for details. Gold Alliance provides a buyback policy—meaning it will repurchase your precious metal bars or coins at the current buyback price. By law, the company is prohibited from guaranteeing repurchase, but it has a track record of buying back metals it sold to its clients. Gold Alliance’s website didn’t mention a money-back guarantee, but the buyback policy offers some reassurance about the investment’s liquidity. We recommend contacting Gold Alliance to clarify any uncertainties regarding fees and policies. Gold Alliance precious metals inventory at a glance Investing in precious metals with Gold Alliance allows individuals to diversify their portfolio beyond traditional investments. As a non-IRA gold and silver dealer, Gold Alliance offers a wide array of metals, including options for collectibles and low-mintage items. Its services extend to secure storage and delivery options, ensuring a comprehensive and secure investment experience. A buyback policy adds an extra layer of reassurance. Here’s a snapshot of what Gold Alliance offers in its precious metals inventory: FeatureDetailsTypes of metals soldGold, palladium, platinum, silver, collectible, common bullion, low mintageCountries of originUnited States, West India, Canada, Australia, U.K.Products availableCoins and barsStorage optionsAt home, safe, private depository (includes insurance), bank safe-deposit boxDelivery optionsFedEx or USPS registered and insured, signature required; Takes up to 10 days post-payment clearance; Alternative options for orders over $500,000Payment methodsCheck, wire transferState availabilityAll 50 statesFeesNot disclosedUnique benefitsBuyback policy with a strong track record of repurchases Whether you’re looking to invest in gold, silver, or other precious metals, Gold Alliance offers the variety and support to make informed decisions tailored to your investment goals. How do you purchase metals through Gold Alliance? Purchasing precious metals through Gold Alliance involves a straightforward, guided process. Here are the key steps and explanations: 1. Fund your account Fund your account with Gold Alliance using a check or wire transfer. This step is crucial to establish a financial basis for your metal purchases. 2. Consult with a portfolio manager After funding, you’ll work closely with a senior portfolio manager from Gold Alliance. The manager will assist in exploring options and ensuring the metals selected align with your investment goals. 3. Select and purchase metals View the inventory available through consultation with your portfolio manager. Make informed decisions on the types of metals, considering factors such as market trends and personal investment strategy. 4. Delivery and storage Gold Alliance arranges for discreet, fully insured delivery of your purchased metals to your doorstep, requiring your signature for added security. Your storage options include at-home storage, safe-deposit boxes, or private depositories. This process, designed for convenience and security, ensures that you acquire the precious metals that suit your investment needs. How much does it cost to purchase metals through Gold Alliance? When purchasing metals through Gold Alliance, investors’ costs are influenced by market dynamics and individual choices. However, Gold Alliance doesn’t list its metal prices online. You must contact Gold Alliance to understand the current prices for gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. This lack of transparent, accessible pricing can be a downside for those seeking immediate insights into fluctuating market prices. Gold Alliance’s buyback policy provides security in terms of investment liquidity. This policy, alongside the variable costs and the need for direct contact for pricing, are critical for potential investors to consider. The main costs include: CostDetailsMetal pricesVaried and dependent on market conditions; Requires a call to Gold Alliance for current ratesShipping and insuranceEnsures safe delivery of your metals; Costs are additional but not disclosed on website We encourage a proactive approach of contacting Gold Alliance for the most current pricing and cost details. Pros and cons of Gold Alliance Gold Alliance offers various services in precious metals investment, each with its benefits and limitations. Understanding these pros and cons is crucial for making an informed decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown: Pros Dedicated support Each investor gets a personal team member from Gold Alliance for tailored guidance. Comprehensive insurance Secure storage with comprehensive insurance at Delaware Depository. Variety of metals A wide range of precious metals, including gold, silver, palladium, and platinum. Buyback policy Offers a strong but not guaranteed buyback policy for client metals. Educational resources Gold Alliance offers extensive materials to help investors make informed decisions on its website and via a free gold and silver information kit when you enter your contact information on the homepage. Cons No online pricing Prices for metals aren’t listed online; investors must call for information. Annual IRA fee Charges a flat $200 annual fee for Precious Metals IRAs. Limited competitive edge Lacks specific standout features compared to certain competitors. Gold Alliance provides valuable services, including dedicated support and a diverse range of metals, but the absence of online pricing and a higher annual IRA fee may be drawbacks for some investors. Compared to competitors American Hartford Gold and Oxford Gold Group, Gold Alliance lacks unique features. For those prioritizing transparency and distinct benefits, exploring alternatives alongside Gold Alliance could be worthwhile. Alternatives to Gold Alliance While Gold Alliance offers a solid option for investing in precious metals, exploring alternatives to ensure you’re getting the best fit for your financial goals is wise. Read more about our top-rated gold IRA providers, and see our full list of reviewed personal finance companies. Gold Alliance customer reviews and complaints When considering a financial product, especially in the realm of investments, customer reviews and company reputation play a crucial role. Reviews offer insights into real customer experiences, providing a glimpse into the company’s reliability, service quality, and overall trustworthiness. They are valuable indicators for potential investors to gauge what they might expect from the company. SourceCustomer ratingNumber of reviewsTrustpilot4.0/562Better Business Bureau (BBB)4.95/591Google4.7/561TrustLinkN/A0Collected on August 21, 2024. Gold Alliance boasts strong customer ratings across various platforms. BBB awards Gold Alliance an A+ rating—a significant accreditation reflecting the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Google reviews also mirror this positive sentiment. These reviews emphasize Gold Alliance’s excellent customer service, indicating a high level of trust and satisfaction among its clientele. The consistency of high ratings across multiple reputable sources further cements Gold Alliance’s reputation as a trustworthy and competent player in the precious metals investment industry. Does Gold Alliance have a customer service team? Gold Alliance boasts a dedicated customer service team based in Reno, Nevada. The team assists clients with account setup, funding, metal selection, and ongoing support. The commitment to personalized service and expert guidance is a key aspect of Gold Alliance’s high ratings. To contact Gold Alliance, here are the available options: Email: Via the “contact us” option on the website. Phone number: 888-734-7453 for direct support. Mailing address: 50 W. Liberty St., Suite 420, Reno, NV 89501. Chatbot: For immediate online assistance. Facebook: For social media inquiries and updates. These contact methods ensure easy and varied access to Gold Alliance’s customer service. Gold Alliance FAQ Does Gold Alliance offer any storage options for your metals? Gold Alliance recommends the Delaware Depository for IRA metals, offering secure storage and insurance within the $200 annual IRA fee. For non-IRA metals, options include at-home storage, safe-deposit boxes, or private depositories, each with varying costs and security levels. How can you liquidate your metals? You can sell IRA metals back to Gold Alliance or another dealer, coordinating with your IRA custodian. You can sell non-IRA metals back to Gold Alliance, other dealers, or private buyers. Gold Alliance’s buyback policy is an option for those who purchased from them. How can you track the value of your metals? You can track your IRA metals’ values via 24/7 online access through the IRA custodian, along with quarterly mailed statements. For non-IRA metals, values are monitored through financial news, pricing websites, or direct contact with Gold Alliance for current buyback prices. How we rated Gold Alliance We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best gold IRAs and precious metals inventories. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms. We compared Gold Alliance 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. ProductOur ratingGold Alliance gold IRA3.9/5