With gold prices reaching unprecedented levels—surpassing $3,500 per ounce in April 2025, investors are increasingly turning to Gold Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) as a strategic hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.
This surge in gold's value is driven by factors such as geopolitical tensions, central bank acquisitions, and concerns over the stability of traditional financial systems. In this climate, gold IRAs offer a tangible asset that can provide portfolio diversification and potential protection against market volatility.
As the gold market evolves, choosing the right gold IRA provider has never been more important. In this article, we break down our top picks for the best gold IRAs to help you find the right fit for your retirement goals and risk profile.
| Best For | Gold IRAs with On Going Promotions | Precious Metals and Coins | Experienced Precious Metals Investors |
| Rating | 5 | 4.8 | 5 |
| Read Review | American Hartford Gold Review | Priority Gold Review | Preserve Gold Review |
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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 are our top picks for the best gold IRA companies in 2025.
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
- Metals Offered: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins
- BBB Grade: A+
- Ranked #1 Gold Company on the Inc 5000 List
Why We Picked It: American Hartford Gold earned our pick for its standout transparency and no-nonsense pricing. Its no-fee buyback program and upfront cost structure eliminate surprises for investors. The firm’s client-first philosophy, combined with top-tier educational support, makes it a strong choice for those who value clarity and service. Its rapid growth, recognized by Inc. 5000 as the #1 gold company, adds credibility to its market presence.
Overview: Headquartered in Los Angeles, American Hartford Gold has delivered over $1 billion in precious metals. Backed by an A+ BBB rating, the company has built a reputation for ethical practices and satisfied clients. It specializes in gold and silver IRAs with a streamlined process and strong customer support.
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
- Metals Offered: Gold and silver products
- BBB Grade: A+
- Get $10,000 free silver with qualifying purchases
Why We Picked It: We chose Priority Gold for investors who want to move quickly without compromising on service. From account setup to delivery, their process is efficient and transparent. Recognized as the “Precious Metals IRA Company of the Year 2024,” they combine speed, reliability, and top-tier client support.
Overview: Operating from Dallas since 2001, Priority Gold holds top ratings across the board—A+ from BBB, AAA from BCA, and 5 stars on TrustLink. The company offers a wide range of IRS-approved metals, secure storage solutions, and free shipping. It's a seasoned player with a strong emphasis on client satisfaction.
Best for Customer Service: Preserve Gold
- Best For:Experienced Precious Metals InvestorsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Preserve Gold's website
- Account Minimum: $25,000
- Fees: One-time setup fee ranging from $50 to $100 and annual maintenance fees that can vary depending on the custodian
- Metals Offered: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars
- BBB Grade: A+
Why We Picked It: Preserve Gold wins on personal touch. With consistently high ratings on review platforms and a price match guarantee, it’s clear they prioritize the investor experience. They offer a no-fee IRA structure for up to five years for new investors, and the lack of liquidation charges adds even more appeal, especially for long-term clients.
Overview: Preserve Gold is a family-run business that goes beyond the transactional. Offering both IRAs and direct-to-home delivery, it focuses on making precious metals investing accessible and stress-free. Its core values—integrity, clarity, and support—set it apart from larger, less personal firms.
Best for a Variety of Investment Options: Advantage Gold
- Best For:Serious Investors and Long-Term PositionsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Advantage Gold's website
- Account Minimum: $5,000
- Fees: One-time setup fee ranging from $50 to $100 and annual maintenance fees that can vary
- Metals Offered: Gold, silver, platinum and palladium
- BBB Grade: A+
Why We Picked It: Advantage Gold stands out for its flexible and well-rounded investment offerings. From its top-rated customer service to one of the best learning hubs in the industry, the firm is well-equipped for both beginner and advanced investors. Its solid third-party reviews and BBB A+ rating back up its reputation.
Overview: Founded in 2014, Advantage Gold specializes in setting up Gold and Silver IRAs, adhering to the IRS’s strict purity standards. They offer a broad product range and place strong emphasis on investor education, helping clients understand market movements, retirement planning, and asset diversification.
Best for Low Fees and Account Minimums: JM Bullion
- Best For:Cost Effective Precious Metals InvestingVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through JM Bullion's website
- Account Minimum: $0
- Fees: Fees can vary from $75 per year to a few hundred dollars per year
- Metals Offered: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars
- BBB Grade: A+
Why We Picked It: JM Bullion is ideal for cost-conscious investors. With real-time pricing and zero hidden fees, the platform keeps things simple and affordable. It also offers a deep well of educational tools, helping customers stay informed without the upsell.
Overview: Based in Dallas and operating since 2011, JM Bullion serves both investors and collectors with a wide selection of coins, bars, and rounds. Its clean user experience, transparent pricing, and top BBB rating make it a go-to for anyone looking for low-barrier entry into precious metals investing.
How to Choose a Reputable Gold IRA Company
While the IRS regulates companies providing gold IRAs, it’s important to carefully research your precious metal dealer.
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.
