Gold and silver for your IRA, stored in your name
Move part of a 401(k), TSP or IRA into physical gold and silver through a self-directed IRA. A custodian runs the account and an insured depository holds the metal.
Questions first? Call (888) 877-1533
Request the free Gold IRA Kit
A plain-English guide to fees, storage and rollovers. Free, no obligation.
By sending this form you agree to be contacted about precious-metals IRAs by phone, text or email, as described in our communication consent policy. You can opt out at any time. We may be paid by Goldco when you request a kit.
Prefer to order straight from Goldco?
Order the kit on Goldco’s siteWhere your retirement metal can live
| Compare | Gold IRA | Coins at home | Gold funds in a 401(k) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You own physical metal | Yes, in your IRA | Yes | No, shares of a fund |
| Tax-advantaged | Yes | No | Yes |
| Who stores it | Insured depository | You | Not applicable |
| Typical costs | Setup, yearly custodian and storage fees, dealer price above spot | Dealer price above spot, your own safe | Fund expense ratio |
Three parties, one account
Custodian
A bank or IRS-approved trustee opens the self-directed IRA, keeps the records and sends your statements.
Dealer
Goldco helps you choose coins or bars and arranges the purchase inside the IRA.
Depository
An insured, audited vault holds the metal for your account. You can sell it or take delivery later.
Purity minimums
IRA metals must be bullion at or above these fineness levels.
American Gold Eagle coins are allowed by law even though they are .9167 fine. Collectible coins are not allowed.
| Metal | Minimum fineness |
|---|---|
| Gold | .995 |
| Silver | .999 |
| Platinum | .9995 |
| Palladium | .9995 |
What to weigh
Why people add metals
Many savers hold some gold or silver to spread risk beyond stocks and bonds. Metal prices move on their own cycle.
What it costs
Expect a setup fee, a yearly custodian fee and a yearly storage fee, plus the dealer’s price above spot.
The risks
Metals pay no interest or dividends and their price can fall. Selling takes a few days. Keep metals to a share of your savings that fits your plan.
Gold IRA questions
Can I keep my IRA gold at home?
No. IRA metals must be held by an approved custodian in a depository. Keeping them at home can count as a withdrawal, with taxes and possible penalties.
Does a rollover cost me taxes?
A direct transfer between custodians is not taxed. If a check is paid to you instead, you have 60 days to deposit it, and employer plans withhold 20% on that kind of payout.
Can I hold silver too?
Yes. Silver, platinum and palladium that meet the purity minimums can be held in the same account.
Do required minimum distributions apply?
Yes, for a traditional gold IRA. You can take them in cash by selling metal, or take the metal itself.
Is a gold IRA right for me?
That depends on your age, savings and goals. Talk to a licensed financial adviser; this site gives general information, not investment advice.
“Ask for every fee in writing, and ask how they buy the metal back before you buy it.”
Our one rule for anyone opening a gold IRA.