Precious Metals IRA | Complete Guide

A Precious Metals IRA (also called a Gold IRA) is a self-directed IRA that holds physical gold, silver, platinum or palladium instead of stocks and bonds. The metals are stored at an IRS-approved depository, not at home, and the account gets the same tax treatment as a Traditional or Roth IRA.

How a Gold IRA Works

You open a self-directed IRA with a custodian, fund it (typically by rolling over a 401(k), 403(b), TSP or existing IRA), then direct the custodian to buy IRS-approved metals from a dealer. The metals ship from the dealer to the depository and are held in your name.

What Metals Qualify

Gold must be at least .995 pure; silver .999; platinum and palladium .9995. Common qualifying products: American Eagle (gold, silver, platinum), American Buffalo (gold), Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, Australian Kangaroo, and approved bars from refiners like PAMP Suisse, Credit Suisse and Valcambi.

Best Gold IRA Companies

Top IRA-focused dealers include Noble Gold, Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco, Birch Gold and American Hartford Gold. Look for transparent fees, no high-pressure sales, BBB A+ rating, and a fee structure that doesn't penalize smaller accounts.

Should You Open One?

A Gold IRA is best for retirement savers who want inflation hedging and dollar diversification, have at least $25,000 to roll over (to keep percentage fees reasonable), and plan to hold the position for years rather than trade in and out.