American Hartford Gold is considered the best Gold IRA company due to its excellent customer service, competitive pricing, and strong reputation for helping clients secure their retirement with precious metals.
If continued market volatility and high inflation have you concerned about your retirement, a gold individual retirement account (IRA) might be for you. Gold and other precious metals can diversify your investments outside of stocks, bonds and cash, hedging against a sagging dollar and rising inflation and protecting you against uncertainty and economic downturns.
The best gold IRAs offer transparency in pricing, education, good customer support, ease of account setup and purchase of metals and more. Let’s take a look at a few of the best gold IRAs companies in the market.
Best Gold IRA Companies
Choosing the right company to help you invest in gold and other precious metals is important. With that in mind, here’s some key information about the best gold IRA companies.
Best for Transparent Pricing: American Hartford Gold Group
- Best For:Gold IRAs with On Going PromotionsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through American Hartford Gold's website
- Account Minimum: $10,000
- Fees: Annual IRA fee of $75 for accounts valued at $100,000 or less, $125 for accounts valued at $100,001 or more
Overview: American Hartford Gold is a leading precious metals dealer based in Los Angeles, California. The company has delivered over $1 billion in precious metals to satisfied clients and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.
Why We Picked It: We selected American Hartford Gold for its strong industry reputation, comprehensive services, and client-centric approach. The company's dedicated to educating investors, transparent pricing and a buyback commitment without additional liquidation fees. Additionally, American Hartford Gold's recognition as the #1 gold company on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies underscores its leadership and growth in the precious metals industry.
Best for Customer Service: Preserve Gold
- Account Minimum: $10,000
- Fees: One-time setup fee ranging from $50 to $100 and annual maintenance fees that can vary depending on the custodian
Overview: Preserve Gold is a family-owned precious metals firm offering a range of products, including coins and bars, and provide services such as Precious Metals IRAs and secure home delivery. The company emphasizes integrity, transparency, and personalized service, aiming to make the investment process informed, secure, and straightforward.
Why We Picked It: Preserve Gold stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction, evidenced by numerous 5-star reviews across platforms like BBB, Google, and Consumer Affairs. They offer zero IRA fees for up to five years, no liquidation fees, and a price match guarantee, ensuring clients receive the best value. Their dedication to personalized support and educational resources empowers investors to make informed decisions confidently.
Best for Fast Account Opening: Priority Gold
- Best For:Precious Metals and CoinsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Priority Gold's website
- Account Minimum: $10,000
- Fees: $0 shipping and insurance fees; $125 annual IRA fee
Overview: Priority Gold's headquarters are in Dallas, TX and the company was founded in 2001. Priority Gold has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, an AAA rating with the Business Consumer Alliance, and a 5-star rating from TrustLink, reflecting its commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Why We Picked It: We selected Priority Gold for its strong industry reputation and comprehensive services tailored to both new and experienced investors. The company's transparent pricing, free shipping, and secure storage options ensure a hassle-free experience. Additionally, Priority Gold's recognition as the "Precious Metals IRA Company of the Year 2024" by Financial Services Review underscores its leadership in the field.
Best for Tangible Precious Metal: American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX)
- Account Minimum: $2,000
- Fees: N/A
Overview: APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company offers an extensive selection of products, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins, bars, and rounds. APMEX also provides Precious Metals IRAs and secure storage solutions through its partnership with Citadel Global Depository Services.
Why We Picked It: We selected APMEX for its comprehensive product range and longstanding reputation in the precious metals industry. The company's user-friendly online platform offers detailed product information, transparent pricing, and educational resources, making it accessible for both new and experienced investors. APMEX's commitment to customer service is reflected in its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, the company's innovative offerings, such as the AutoInvest program and the OneGold digital platform, provide flexible investment options to meet diverse customer needs.
Best for Low Fees and Account Minimums: JM Bullion
- Account Minimum: $0
- Fees: Fees can vary from $75 per year to a few hundred dollars per year
Overview: JM Bullion was established in 2011 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company offers a vast array of products such as coins, bars, and rounds, catering to both investors and collectors. JM Bullion emphasizes customer satisfaction through competitive pricing, a user-friendly online platform, and a commitment to transparency. The company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting its dedication to maintaining high standards of trust and integrity.
Why We Picked It: We selected JM Bullion for its extensive product selection and strong reputation in the precious metals industry. The company offers a transparent pricing model, which includes live market updates and no hidden fees. Additionally, JM Bullion's commitment to customer education, evidenced by a wealth of resources and market insights available on its platform, further solidifies its position as a top choice for precious metals investors.
How to Choose a Reputable Gold IRA Company
While the IRS regulates companies providing gold IRAs, it’s important to research your precious metal dealer carefully.
When deciding on a gold IRA company, you’ll want to consider the following aspects: fees, customer support, available metals, educational content, pricing, ease of use, transparency and customer satisfaction.
Investment Options and Flexibility
A gold IRA is designed to hold approved physical metals, such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium bars and coins. However, a gold IRA can also hold gold stocks of mining and production companies, gold mutual funds invested in bullion or stocks and gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Additionally, you can roll over a qualified account, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, into a gold IRA.
Fees and Costs Involved
Gold IRAs are unlike many other investments. You have to buy, transport, store and maintain bars or coins. The extra services come with fees higher than standard IRAs.
The type and amount of fees vary by dealer, but you can expect to see startup, annual, shipping, storage and transaction fees.
Tax Benefits and Regulations
Gold IRAs receive the same tax treatment as standard IRAs. Your annual contribution limits are the same — $7,000 in 2024, $8,000 if you’re 50 or older — and they’re tax-deductible.
The value of your metal appreciates tax-free but is subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty before 59 1⁄2 years of age and a required minimum distribution later. Also, your tax break will come from the capital gain from selling the gold later.
The gold Roth IRA has tax-free distributions and no RMD as long as you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do gold IRAs work?
Gold IRAs are similar to standard IRAs but are more complex to set up. You must work through an IRS-approved dealer and custodian to buy and store the physical metal.
Are gold IRAs safe?
All investments come with risks. However, gold IRAs can be relatively safe investment vehicles to protect your retirement funds against volatility and inflation.
Are gold and silver IRAs a good idea?
Whether a precious metal IRA is a good idea or not is an individual choice based on risk tolerance and other factors. Talk to your financial professional for more personalized advice.