Best Gold IRA Companies in USA (BBB/TrustLink/TrustPilot Reviews)

[David Levitz]

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Refer to a professional for investment advice. We may receive a referral fee from some of the companies featured in this article.

Investing in a gold IRA is becoming an increasingly popular way to secure your financial future. With the ability to protect your savings from inflation and market volatility, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to this investment option. However, the gold IRA industry is highly competitive, and with so many companies vying for your business, it can be difficult to make an informed decision.

We understand the importance of choosing the right gold IRA company to trust with your hard-earned money. That’s why we have done extensive research and analysis to identify the most reputable and reliable companies in the industry. We are dedicated to providing our readers with the most comprehensive information and resources to help them make an informed decision and choose the right gold IRA company for their needs.

Why should you trust our review? Our review is designed to provide you with reliable and trustworthy information, to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right gold IRA company. Our team of experts has analyzed and reviewed a selection of the most reputable companies in the industry, using data-driven methodologies to objectively evaluate each product and its services. We are committed to delivering impartial and unbiased insights, ensuring that our readers have the best possible chance of finding the right retirement account to suit their portfolio needs.

The best gold IRA companies

1. Augusta Precious Metals (Request Kit)

Rank: Best Overall

Star rating: 4.95

Minimum IRA Account: $50,000

Eligible Precious Metals: Gold and Silver

Why We Picked It

Augusta Precious Metals is a well-established player in the precious metals IRA industry. The company, which was founded in 2012, has been consistently delivering quality services to help Americans diversify their retirement savings and secure their financial future.

One of the standout features of Augusta is its impressive reputation, as evident by its numerous five-star ratings and high scores with industry watchdog organizations like BBB and BCA. This is a strong indication of the trust and satisfaction customers have in Augusta’s services.

In terms of investment options, Augusta offers a straightforward model with no hidden fees. Although the initial investment cost may be high, the company’s reputation for transparency and reliability makes it a top choice for those looking to protect their retirement savings.

Pros:

• Personalized Investment Education: Augusta offers personalized 1-on-1 lessons on gold and silver IRAs, retirement investments, and economic studies, making it an ideal choice for first-time investors.
• Lifetime Support: The company provides clients with lifetime support, ensuring that their investment journey remains seamless and hassle-free.
• Streamlined Paperwork Processing: Augusta helps clients process about 95% of the paperwork, making the process fast and easy for them. This saves clients time and energy and helps them avoid any potential errors.
• Wide Range of IRA-sanctioned Products: Augusta offers an extensive collection of IRA-sanctioned gold bullions and coins, including premium collector’s coins. This gives clients a wide range of options to choose from, making it easy to find the right investment that suits their needs.
• Secure Storage Solutions: Augusta partners with reputable custodians to securely store gold and other precious metals, ensuring that their clients’ investments are safe and secure.
• Convenient Shipping: Augusta provides free shipping on all orders, making it convenient and cost-effective for clients.
• Efficient Rollover and Buyback Services: Augusta offers good rollover and buyback services, which makes it easier for clients to manage their investments and sell their gold when they need to.

Cons:

• High Initial Investment Requirement: Augusta requires a minimum investment amount of $50,000, which is significantly higher compared to other precious metals IRA companies. This may not be accessible for everyone, especially for those who are just starting their investment journey.

Reviews Overview

BBB A+ Rating 4.9/5 from 109 reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TrustLink 4.9/5 Rating From 283 review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

BCA AAA Rating 5/5 from 95 reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Consumer Affairs 4.9/5 Rating From 129 reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Google Reviews 4.9/5 Rating From 294 reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Goldco (Request Kit)

Badge: Best for Low Fees

Star rating: 4.91

Snippet details:

Minimum IRA Account: $25,000

Eligible Precious Metals: Gold and Silver

Why We Picked It

Goldco was selected as a highly recommended gold IRA company due to several factors including its strong foundation and longevity in the industry since its establishment in 2006, as well as its unwavering commitment to ethical standards and exceptional customer service. These qualities are reflected in the numerous positive recommendations from famous media personalities like Chuck Norris, Ben Stein, and Sean Hannity. 

The company is especially suitable for clients looking to roll over their investments from traditional IRAs such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Furthermore, the company places great importance on its buyback program, which provides clients with the option to liquidate their gold investments if needed. Although Goldco does not offer direct 1-on-1 education on precious metals IRAs, the company provides sufficient resources, including a guideline, to help clients gain a strong understanding of gold IRAs. With these features, Goldco is a trusted and well-rounded option for those looking to invest in a gold IRA.

Pros:

• Award-Winning Excellence: Goldco has been honored with the prestigious “Company of the Year” award two years in a row from the American Business Awards, demonstrating their exceptional standards in customer service, products, and overall performance.
• Robust Buyback Program: The company’s buyback program is one of its strongest assets, providing clients with the assurance that they can liquidate their precious metal holdings at any time, with fair and competitive prices.
• Experienced Industry Leader: With over a decade of experience in the precious metals industry, Goldco has established a reputation for excellence and reliability, providing investors with the peace of mind that comes with working with a seasoned company.
• Dedicated Customer Support: The company values its clients and provides a dedicated customer support team to answer any questions and help guide clients through the investment process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
• Reputable Storage Partnerships: Goldco partners with trusted and secure precious metals storage companies to provide clients with peace of mind when it comes to their investments.
• Strong Ethical Standards: The company is known for its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and putting clients first, earning the trust of many in the industry and among their clients.

Cons:

• High Minimum Investment: With a minimum investment requirement of $25,000, Goldco may not be the best option for those with smaller investment budgets.
• Limited Investment Options: The company only offers investment in gold and silver, limiting the options for clients who are looking for a more diverse portfolio.

Reviews Overview:

BBB A+ 441 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TrustLink 4.8/5 Stars 253 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Consumer Affairs 4.8/5 Stars 1,160 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Google Reviews 4.9/5 Stars 1,231 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TrustPilot 4.8/5 Stars 1043 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. American Hartford Gold (Request Kit)

Rank: Best for Diverse Storage Options

Star rating: 4.88

Minimum IRA Account: $10,000

Eligible Precious Metals: Gold, Silver and Platinum

Why We Picked It

We selected American Hartford Gold as a top precious metals IRA company for several reasons. Firstly, despite being a relatively young company, the professionals at American Hartford Gold have specialized and extensive experience in the industry, making them the ideal advisors for amateur investors. The company places a strong emphasis on client security and confidentiality, and implements stringent measures to ensure that their clients’ interests are always protected.

Additionally, American Hartford Gold has received high ratings and accolades, including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 5-star customer satisfaction ratings on review platforms such as Trustpilot and Google. The company was also honored with the distinction of being ranked as the #1 Gold Company by the prestigious Inc. 5000’s 2021 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies.

Furthermore, American Hartford Gold is recommended by some of the biggest names in the media industry, including Bill O’Reilly, Rick Harrison, and Lou Dobbs. These endorsements are a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and their ability to consistently deliver high-quality services to their clients.

Pros:

• Affordable Minimum Investment Requirement: The company requires a minimum investment of only $10,000 which makes it accessible for a wide range of American investors. This is a great option for those who are starting their investment journey or those who are looking to diversify their portfolio.
• Free IRA Rollover: Another benefit of choosing American Hartford Gold is their offer of a completely free IRA rollover service when setting up a gold IRA account. This service eliminates the hassle of the rollover process and makes the transition to a precious metals IRA seamless.
• Emphasis on Security: The company places a high priority on the security of its clients’ information and assets. They use the latest security measures to protect their client’s information and make sure that their precious metals and other assets are kept safe.
• Experienced Professional Team: American Hartford Gold has a team of experienced professionals with vast knowledge and expertise in the precious metals industry. These professionals are available to guide clients and offer valuable advice, whether they are experienced investors or just starting out.
• Free Shipping Services: The company offers free non-descript shipping services to its clients, ensuring that their precious metals and other assets reach them safely and discreetly.

Cons:

• Lack of Pricing Information: One potential drawback of American Hartford Gold is that they do not offer prices on their digital product catalog. This may make it difficult for potential clients to compare prices with other precious metals IRA companies.

Reviews Overview: 

BBB A+ 361 Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Consumer Affairs 4.9/5 Stars 60 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Google Reviews 4.9/5 Stars 478 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TrustPilot 5/5 Stars 1124 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

BBB A+ 361 Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Methodology (Our selection criteria)

Gold IRA Companies Reviews

Selecting the right gold IRA company is crucial to ensuring the success of your precious metals investment. That is why, when evaluating the best gold IRA companies, we consider several important factors to provide you with an accurate and objective review.

Reviews from actual customers

One of the most important aspects we take into consideration is what actual customers have to say about a particular company. We thoroughly inspect gold IRA reviews on sites such as BBB, BCA, Trustlink, Consumer Affairs, and TrustPilot to gauge a company’s online reputation and trustworthiness. By doing so, we are able to provide you with an unbiased view of the company’s customer satisfaction level.

Pricing

Making money from your investments is of utmost importance, and that’s why we also evaluate the prices offered by different gold IRA companies. While some companies may have a higher fee, they also offer valuable services that justify their cost. We take into account the pricing structure, along with the services offered, to help you determine the best value for your investment.

Rollover and Buyback Programs

A key factor to consider when investing in a gold IRA is the rollover and buyback program offered by the company. The rollover service allows you to transfer your investments from your traditional IRA to your gold IRA, and it is subject to tax and withdrawal regulations. A qualified gold IRA company must offer an efficient and streamlined rollover process.

On the other hand, the buyback service is crucial as it enables you to liquidate your gold without any complications. A reliable gold IRA company should have a clear and straightforward buyback process to ensure that you can easily liquidate your investment when needed.

Focus on Education

Investing in a gold IRA can be a complex process, especially for those who are new to the investment world. That’s why we also consider the focus a company has on educating its customers. A good gold IRA company should provide its clients with ample information on gold IRAs and precious metals investments, either directly through professionals or indirectly through informational kits.

Strong Customer Support

Having a responsive and knowledgeable customer support system is essential to ensure that you receive the help you need when investing in a gold IRA. That’s why we also consider the customer support offered by each company. The customer support system must be easily accessible, informative, confidential, and responsive to ensure that you receive the assistance you require.

In conclusion, when evaluating the best gold IRA companies, we take into account the reviews from actual customers, pricing, rollover and buyback programs, focus on education, and strong customer support. By doing so, we provide you with an objective and comprehensive review to help you make an informed decision.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Gold IRA Company?

When selecting a gold IRA company, it is essential to prioritize your individual needs and preferences. This will ensure that you find a company that aligns with your investment goals and caters to your requirements.

First, consider the information resources that the company provides. This includes evaluating the user-friendliness of the website and the availability and quality of educational resources. It’s important to have access to comprehensive information to help you make informed investment decisions. Additionally, you should pay close attention to the responsiveness of customer service, as well as any promotions or bonuses that the company offers, as these can significantly reduce your fees.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the level of consumer trust that the company has in the industry. To gather factual information on a company’s reputation and performance, you can look at customer reviews on various platforms, such as Better Business Bureau, Business Consumer Alliance, TrustLink, Consumer Affairs, and TrustPilot.

Overall, it is important to thoroughly research and evaluate potential gold IRA companies to find the best fit for your investment needs. By taking the time to consider all of these factors, you can make an informed and confident decision when choosing your gold IRA company.

FAQs

What is a Gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a type of individual retirement account (IRA) that allows you to invest in physical precious metals, such as gold, silver, palladium, and platinum, in the form of bullions, bars, and coins. Unlike traditional IRAs, where you invest in stocks, bonds, and other financial assets, a gold IRA gives you direct ownership of physical gold, which is stored in a secure, IRS-approved facility. To maintain the tax-advantaged status of your gold IRA, you must work with a precious metals IRA company as your custodian to manage the investment and meet the IRS’ reporting, record-keeping, and storage requirements.

Are gold IRAs a good idea?

Many financial experts consider gold IRAs a sound investment strategy, as they provide a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Physical gold has historically held its value over time, providing a level of stability and security to your retirement portfolio.

How much does it cost to start a gold IRA?

The cost of starting a gold IRA will vary depending on the precious metals IRA company you choose. Some companies may have higher minimum investment requirements or fees for setting up and maintaining the account. Be sure to compare different companies and their costs to find the best option for your investment needs.

How does a gold IRA work?

A gold IRA works by converting your traditional IRA into a precious metals IRA, allowing you to invest in physical gold and other precious metals. The IRA custodian will handle the purchase, storage, and management of your gold assets, and you’ll receive reports on the value and performance of your investment.

Can gold be held in an IRA?

No, gold cannot be held in an IRA. Rather, gold and other precious metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository facility by a precious metals IRA custodian. You may be able to receive updates and pictures of your stored gold, but physical ownership is denied under IRS regulations.

What is the best gold IRA company?

The best gold IRA company for you will depend on your individual investment goals and needs. Some factors to consider include the company’s fees, customer service, educational resources, and reputation in the industry. Research and compare different companies to find the one that best fits your requirements.

What are the pros and cons of a gold IRA?

Pros:

• Gold IRAs provide a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, helping to preserve the value of your retirement savings.
• Physical gold is a tangible asset, offering greater stability and security compared to stocks and bonds.
• Gold IRAs offer the same tax advantages as traditional IRAs, such as tax-deferred growth and potential tax savings.

Cons:

• Gold IRAs can be more expensive than traditional IRAs, with higher fees and charges for setup, maintenance, and storage.
• Physical gold is a more volatile investment compared to stocks and bonds, with prices that can fluctuate quickly in response to market conditions.
• Gold IRAs can also be less liquid than other investments, making it harder to access your funds in a timely manner.

How much should you invest in a gold IRA?

The amount you should invest in a gold IRA will depend on your investment goals and risk tolerance. As a general guideline, some financial experts suggest investing 5% to 15% of your portfolio in gold. However, the exact amount will vary based on your individual circumstances.

How is a gold IRA taxed?

Gold IRAs are taxed in the same way as traditional IRAs, with the potential for tax-deferred growth and tax savings on contributions and withdrawals. However, there may be more regulations and restrictions on accessing your gold

Reasons to Buy Gold With IRA

As an investor, you may be looking for ways to protect your savings and hedge against inflation. One popular option for achieving this goal is through investing in precious metals. Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium have been used as a store of value for thousands of years and are often considered a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of investing in precious metals.

Diversification Diversification is a critical principle of investing. By investing in different asset classes, you can spread your risk and reduce the impact of market volatility. Precious metals are an excellent way to diversify your investment portfolio because they have a low correlation with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds. This means that the price of precious metals is often unaffected by market movements, making them an excellent hedge against market downturns.

Inflation Hedge Precious metals are often considered an excellent hedge against inflation. Unlike paper currency, which can lose its value over time due to inflation, precious metals have intrinsic value that is not tied to any government or financial institution. This means that the price of precious metals tends to rise when the value of paper currency decreases, making them an excellent way to protect your purchasing power.

Store of Value Precious metals are a store of value that has been used for thousands of years. Unlike paper currency or other assets that can lose their value over time, precious metals have a long-term value that is not tied to any particular government or financial institution. This means that they can be an excellent way to store your wealth and protect it from the fluctuations of other asset classes.

Low Correlation with Other Assets As we mentioned earlier, precious metals have a low correlation with other asset classes like stocks and bonds. This means that when the stock market is performing poorly, the price of precious metals may rise, providing a hedge against losses in your investment portfolio.

Limited Supply One of the key benefits of investing in precious metals is their limited supply. Unlike paper currency or other assets that can be printed or created at will, the supply of precious metals is finite. This means that their value tends to increase over time, as the demand for them increases and their supply remains constant.

Tangible Asset Another key benefit of investing in precious metals is that they are tangible assets. Unlike stocks or bonds, which exist only as electronic entries in a brokerage account, precious metals are physical assets that you can hold in your hand. This can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that you own something of tangible value.

Universally Recognized Precious metals are universally recognized as a store of value. This means that they are accepted and traded in most countries around the world. This can provide an added layer of security, as you can sell your precious metals in almost any market around the world.

Portfolio Protection Investing in precious metals can be an excellent way to protect your investment portfolio. During times of economic uncertainty or market downturns, the price of precious metals tends to rise, providing a hedge against losses in other asset classes. This can help to protect your overall portfolio from market volatility.

Potential for Capital Appreciation While the primary goal of investing in precious metals is to protect your savings, there is also the potential for capital appreciation. Over the long term, the value of precious metals tends to increase, making them an excellent long-term investment.

Easy to Buy and Sell Finally, investing in precious metals is relatively easy. You can purchase precious metals from a variety of sources, including online retailers, coin dealers, and precious metals brokers. Additionally, you can sell your precious metals in a variety of ways, including through online retailers, auction houses, and local coin shops. This ease of buying and selling makes precious metals a convenient asset to own.

Tax Benefits In some countries, investing in precious metals can also provide tax benefits. For example, in the United States, investments in certain types of precious metals are exempt from sales tax, making them an attractive option for investors.

Hedge Against Geopolitical Risk Finally, investing in precious metals can also provide a hedge against geopolitical risk. When there is political turmoil or instability in the world, the price of precious metals tends to rise, as investors seek out safe-haven assets. This can provide an added layer of protection for your investment portfolio.

In conclusion, investing in precious metals can provide a range of benefits for investors, including diversification, inflation hedge, store of value, low correlation with other assets, limited supply, tangible asset, universal recognition, portfolio protection, potential for capital appreciation, easy to buy and sell, tax benefits, and hedge against geopolitical risk. While there are some risks associated with investing in precious metals, including price volatility and storage costs, these risks can be managed through careful investment planning and risk management strategies. As with any investment, it is important to conduct your due diligence and seek the advice of a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

How I Choose The Best Gold IRA Company?

As an investor who is nearing retirement, I am looking for ways to protect and grow my savings, and investing in gold through an IRA or 401K is one option that I am considering. However, I also understand that not all gold IRA companies are created equal, and it is important to research and find the best company to work with. In this response, I will outline why I believe it is important to research and find the best gold IRA company, and what factors I would consider when making my decision.

First and foremost, investing in gold through an IRA or 401K requires a significant amount of trust in the company that is managing your investment. Unlike physical ownership of gold, investing in gold through an IRA or 401K means that you are relying on a third-party company to hold and manage your assets. This means that you need to be able to trust the company to handle your investment responsibly and transparently. By researching and finding the best gold IRA company, I can feel more confident that my investment is being managed by a trustworthy and reputable firm.

Secondly, choosing the right gold IRA company can have a significant impact on the performance of your investment. Some gold IRA companies may charge higher fees, offer less competitive pricing, or have limited investment options, all of which can impact the growth and value of your investment over time. By researching and comparing different gold IRA companies, I can find the company that offers the best combination of fees, pricing, and investment options for my specific investment goals and needs.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a gold IRA company is the level of customer service and support that they offer. Investing in gold can be complex and confusing, especially for those who are new to the investment world. A good gold IRA company should offer clear and transparent communication, timely responses to inquiries and concerns, and a knowledgeable team of professionals who can help guide me through the investment process. By researching and finding a gold IRA company with strong customer service and support, I can feel more confident that I am making informed investment decisions and that my investment is being managed effectively.

Additionally, choosing the right gold IRA company can have important tax implications. The IRS has strict rules and regulations regarding gold IRA investments, and choosing a company that is knowledgeable and compliant with these regulations can help me avoid costly penalties or other tax-related issues. By researching and choosing a reputable and experienced gold IRA company, I can ensure that my investment is being managed in accordance with all relevant tax laws and regulations.

Finally, investing in gold through an IRA or 401K is a long-term investment strategy, and it is important to choose a company that has a proven track record of success. By researching and comparing the performance of different gold IRA companies over time, I can find a company that has a strong history of generating positive returns and growing the value of their clients' investments. This can give me more confidence in the long-term potential of my own investment, and can help me achieve my retirement goals more effectively.

In conclusion, researching and finding the best gold IRA company is an important step for investors who are looking to protect and grow their savings through gold investments. By choosing a reputable and trustworthy company that offers competitive pricing, strong customer service, compliance with tax laws and regulations, and a proven track record of success, investors can feel more confident that their investment is being managed effectively and that they are on track to achieve their long-term retirement goals.