Best Gold IRA Company
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By Tim Schmidt Sr.
Gold IRA Investor.
I have been investing in precious metals for almost two decades now, and I can tell you that there are real benefits to this type of investment, at least in my experience.
Since I’ve been buying physical precious metals and setting up gold IRA accounts, I have certainly noticed that they have held up against inflation, market volatility, and economic downturns.
Other people have noticed, too, and more and more people have been taking their traditional IRA and either rolling it over into a gold IRA or opening a gold IRA with cash.
Here, I have chosen to share my favorite gold IRA companies for 2025 and into 2026. I want to highlight why I like these companies, share their strengths and weaknesses, talk about their fees, and just offer a little bit of insight from someone who has done this for a long time.
Augusta Precious Metals – My #1 Choice for a Gold IRA Account
Chosen the “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” by Money Magazine from 2022 to 2025
Investopedia named it “Most Transparent Pricing” from 2022 to 2025
Augusta has more than 1,000 5-star reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and an AAA from BCA
Highest BuyBack Guarantee I have found
Augusta offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee
It also has a 100% 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee when you open an account
Goldco – Best for Beginners & Flexibility
Named the “Top Choice for New Investors” by Forbes Advisor from 2022 – 2025
Investopedia named it “Best for IRA Rollovers” from 2022 to 2025
Thousands of positive reviews from customers and an A+ BBB rating.
Sell gold back at any time with the 100% Buyback Guarantee
No pressure buying thanks to the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee from Goldco
GoldenCrest Metals – Best New Gold IRA Company
“Rising Star in Gold IRAs” – MarketWatch
Flat-rate fees, which offer low-cost entry for new investors
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises
Quick onboarding – you can open an account online or by phone
95% customer satisfaction reported
Low minimum investment requirement
American Hartford Gold – Best for Mid-Range Investors
Named “Reliable Gold IRA Provider” by U.S. News & World Report
A+ BBB rating
Low annual fees, making it perfect for mid-sized retirement accounts
Large selection for IRA-eligible precious metals
Several storage locations and options
Noble Gold Investments – Best for Small Accounts
Named “Best Gold IRA for Small Investors” by Investopedia
Low minimum investment requirement
100% BuyBack program
Transparent fee structure and pricing
Educational resources – perfect for first-time investors
100% satisfaction guarantee
Top Rated Gold IRA Companies – Reviews
#1. Augusta Precious Metals – Best Overall Gold IRA Company – My Top Pick
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Precious Metals Available: Gold, Silver
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Minimum Investment Amount: $50,000
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Set-up and Annual Fees: One-time set up fee ($50), Annual custodian fee ($125), Annual storage ($100-pooled)
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Rating from the BBB: A+
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Rating from the BCA: AAA
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TrustPilot Rating: 4.9 / 5
Expert Review on Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals stands as one of the top gold IRA companies in the country. It has a strong reputation when it comes to gold and silver IRAs. Though the company offers competitive pricing and great gold and silver products, that’s not what makes it stand out. Instead, it’s the support and transparency you get. This is rare in the precious metals sector.
The team at Augusta takes time to make sure you understand everything. They have a model that makes investing your retirement savings very easy. This is one of the reasons they keep getting top ratings.
If you are looking for a reputable gold IRA company, I cannot recommend Augusta Precious Metals more.
Good Value and a Company You Can Count On
One thing I love about Augusta is that they offer a good value, but they don’t cut corners. They are a PCGS-authorized dealer, which means they follow very strict standards, which are set by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC.) The metals here are graded precisely and valued fairly.
What Augusta Offers
If you are looking for the best company in the precious metals industry, Augusta is it. They offer:
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Gold bullion and silver bullion
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IRS-approved coins
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Premium gold and silver coins
Everything that is offered here is IRS approved and designed to fit in with a well-balanced portfolio.
Why is Augusta Different?
In my experience, there are very few companies that go as far as Augusta does to make their customers happy. Here are some examples of what I mean:
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Augusta offers lifetime support to customers. Once you buy, you aren’t left behind. They stay with you every step of the way.
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You get tailored advice specific to your financial goals.
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You get to work directly with dedicated specialists who know your account.
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They offer private educational webinars led by Devlyn Steele, a Harvard-trained economist.
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You get retirement planning insight, which helps you view the big picture.
Customer Service
Augusta Precious Metals has a very high level of customer feedback and satisfaction. Here are some of the ratings I have found:
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) – A+ Rating
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Business Consumer Alliance – AAA Rating
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TrustLink and others – 5-stars
Pros of Augusta Precious Metals
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Augusta has a big emphasis on education with gold and silver investments
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The website has live prices with a real time price chart
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Augusta offers free web conferences for customers hosted by a Harvard-trained economist
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The site also features the latest market news and a video library with information about precious metals investments
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There is an entire section of the website that offers information about gold IRA frauds
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The team at Augusta handles everything for you, including the paperwork, setup, the rollover process, etc.
Cons of Augusta Precious Metals
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The minimum investment amount is $50,000
Fees
Augusta has a fee structure that is in line with other gold IRA companies rated here:
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$50 set up fee – one time
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$100 storage fee for pooled storage. Higher prices for segregated storage (typically around $150/year)
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$125 custodian fee
Storage Options When You Choose Augusta
Once you have made a purchase from Augusta Precious Metals, your metals are insured, tracked, and shipped to an IRS-approved depository called Delaware Depository.
Delaware Depository is a privately owned, highly secure, and insured depository that is meant to hold your precious metals in a safe place.
#2. Goldco – Best Option for Those New to Precious Metals
Precious Metals Available: Gold, silver, platinum, & palladium
Minimum Investment Amount: $25,000
Set-up and Annual Fees: Not public
Rating from the BBB: A+
Rating from the BCA: AAA
TrustPilot Rating: 4.8/5
My Expert Review of Goldco
With so many gold IRA companies based on profits and poor service, Goldco really stands out. I opened an IRA with Goldco many years ago, and at that time, I was far from an expert. Thankfully, I didn’t need to be because Goldco is a perfect option for a new investor who doesn’t know a lot about self-directed gold IRAs.
Goldco has a very solid reputation. It has an A+ rating with the BBB, and when buying gold and other precious metals for an IRA, that really matters.
One thing that I really love about working with Goldco is that they just make things easy. Many people come to Goldco and have no idea how a gold IRA works, but with Goldco, they help you every step of the way until you learn.
If you want to work with a company that offers reliability, personal attention, honesty, and transparency, Goldco is a great choice.
What is Available from Goldco?
Goldco delivers a full suite of services tailored to meet the needs of both new and experienced investors:
Support during 401(k) and IRA rollovers: The Goldco team will walk you through the process of investing in a self-directed IRA and all investments.
Coins, bars, and bullion: Goldco offers not just gold, but other precious metals, too, including IRA-approved coins, bars, and other options, all at fair market prices.
BuyBack program: When you buy from Goldco, you can sell your metals back when you need to.
What I find to be the most impressive is how supportive the team is. They are also very accessible.
Why Goldco Stands Out from the Crowd
In my opinion, here are some of the reasons Goldco stands out:
The Guaranteed BuyBack Program – This gives you more flexibility and peace of mind if you need to liquidate.
Live Support – You can talk to the Goldco team in real time when you need to.
Free Shipping & Promotions – Eligible accounts get promotions like free shipping or free metals.
Free Gold IRA Starter Kit – This resource will walk you through the basics of investing in precious metals.
Goldco is more about selling gold coins or pushing IRAs. Instead, they are focused on clients and education, and that’s what I love about them.
Customer Service and Goldco’s Reputation
A good company to work with isn’t just about the prices they offer; it’s also about the people who work there and interact with customers. At Goldco, I have always found the support team to offer exactly what I need. I can reach them by phone, email, or chat, and they always follow through.
Others seem to have the same experience here, as you can tell by looking at Goldco’s public reviews:
Better Business Bureau (BBB) – A+ rating
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) – AAA rating
TrustLink and Others – 5-star average
Pros of Working with Goldco
Goldco offers one of the best gold IRA investment services I have found
There is a low minimum of $25,000
Thousands of happy customers offering 5-star reviews
Promotions are available for qualifying accounts like free shipping and free metals
The website reflects the latest industry news
All coins and bars are certified
Professional and responsive customer support team
Cons of Working with Goldco
There is no pricing, storage, or custodian information available publicly
Fees You Can Expect
Goldco has many positives, but one thing I just don’t like about the company is the lack of transparency they have with fees and pricing. I can say that the charges aren’t high enough to be really problematic, but it can be a challenge.
Storage Options from Goldco
Goldco also doesn’t offer a lot of detail about their storage options. If they would start sharing this publicly, I think they would be close to perfect.
#3 – Golden Crest Metals – Best Up-and-Coming Provider
Precious Metals Available: Gold and silver
Minimum Investment Amount: $10,000
Set-up and Annual Fees: $0 for qualifying IRA purchases, $199 annual fees (waived for up to 5 years for qualifying purchases)
Rating from the BBB: A- (New company, which is reflective of the lower rating.)
Rating from the BCA: AAA
TrustPilot Rating: 4.3/5
My Expert Review of GoldenCrest Metals
There are a lot of gold IRA companies out there, so when one comes onto the scene, I usually don’t give it a lot of thought, but GoldenCrest Metals was different.
As soon as I started hearing about transparent fees, a modern approach to investing, and clear explanations and educational materials, I definitely wanted to check it out.
GoldenCrest Metals is a new company, but it has made a very strong impression in an industry that is full of overpriced collectible coins and high pressure sales tactics.
I found the onboarding process to be very straightforward and friendly to beginners. If you are looking for a gold IRA provider that offers transparency, ease of use, and personal attention, I am very confident in recommending GoldenCrest Metals.
What is Available from GoldenCrest Metals
GoldenCrest Metals offers a full range of services for both first time investors and those with more experience:
IRA and 401(k) Rollovers – The team will walk you through the entire process of rolling over or transferring from an existing retirement account to a new gold IRA.
Gold and Silver Coins & Bullion – You can buy metals for personal investing from GoldenCrest Metals, or you can choose from IRA-approved precious metals.
BuyBack Program – When you need to liquidate, you can sell back to GoldenCrest with minimum hassle.
Low Minimum Investment – The minimum investment at GoldenCrest is $10,000, which makes a gold IRA here much more accessible than with competitors.
Promotions – I have seen promotional offers from GoldenCrest Metals, too, including bonus metals and free storage.
Though GoldenCrest Metals is the new kid on the block, they have really made a name for themselves already. I think they make it easy for beginners to start a gold IRA, and they make it easy for people to get into alternative investments.
Why GoldenCrest Metals Stands Out from the Crowd
In my experience, GoldenCrest Metals stands out from the crowd by offering the following:
Flat-Rate Fees – Investors know what they are paying for here without having to pay extra fees.
Transparent Process – There are clear instructions and help throughout the setup process.
Quick Setup Process – Accounts can be opened online or by phone.
Customer Service Support – Reach customer support by chat, phone, or email.
Low Minimum Investment – Compared to other companies, the minimum investment is lower.
GoldenCrest Metals Customer Service & Reputation
We all know that a company reputation is more about the products it offers. It’s also about the support you get. GoldenCrest Metals has a support team that is professional and attentive. The staff is approachable, responsive, and proactive.
Regarding the company’s reputation, they are building credibility quickly:
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA)
Customer reviews from other sites are positive
This combination of a growing positive reputation and lifetime account support can give investors more confidence, especially when you get into a gold IRA for the first time.
Pros When Working with GoldenCrest Metals
Flat-rate fees make costs predictable and easy to understand
Low minimum investment of $10,000 makes investing in alternative assets more accessible
BuyBack program offers liquidity and flexibility
Transparent onboarding process
Occasional promotions including bonus metals and waived fees
Customer service is available and accessible
Cons When Working with GoldenCrest Metals
It’s a new company, so it doesn’t have a track record to examine
Promotional offers vary
Still not widely recognized by mainstream financial news sources
GoldenCrest Metals Fees
When you are looking to boost your retirement portfolio, GoldenCrest Metals offers simple and transparent fees. Flat-rate annual fees cover things like custodian and storage costs. This helps you plan with no surprises. There are also promotions for investors who invest more money.
GoldenCrest Metals Storage Options
GoldenCrest Metals partners with IRS-approved depositories to ensure safe and compliant storage. Customers can choose between segregated and non-segregated storage based on preference. While details on specific vault locations are less publicized than older firms, the security measures and insurance coverage are solid and meet all IRS regulations.
#4. American Hartford Gold – Best for Low Fees
Precious Metals Available: Gold and silver
Minimum Investment Amount: $10,000 for gold IRA ($5,000 for personal investments)
Set-up and Annual Fees: One time application fee ($230), $75 – $125 annual custodian fee, $100 – $150 annual storage fees.
Rating from the BBB: A+
Rating from the BCA: AAA
TrustPilot Rating: 4.7/5
My Expert Review of American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold is another gold IRA company I highly recommend. Many companies have good reviews, but AHG has truly earned them. They have an A+ rating from the BBB and other consumer review sites rate them just as highly.
AHG has been around for more than a decade, and that shows in their customer service and product availability. You won’t find any aggressive sales tactics or scams here. Everything is clear and professional. They even work with one of the most reliable IRA custodial partners, Equity Trust, which makes me even more happy to recommend this company.
What American Hartford Gold Offers
American Hartford Gold offers a number of IRA-approved metals as well as other metals for collectors. This makes it easy to meet your financial goals.
Here are some of the things American Hartford Gold offers:
Gold and silver
American Gold Eagles, American Buffalo coins
American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs
Gold bars, silver bars
What Makes American Hartford Gold Stand Out from the Crowd
What I really like about AHG is the way they put investors first. Here are some of the things that make this company shine:
Guaranteed BuyBack – You can sell your metals back to AHG at fair market prices at any time.
Insured Shipping – The metals you buy are handled and transported safely and securely.
Personalized Assistance – The AHG team works with you to help you find the best mix of metals based on your financial goals.
Confidential – Everything is safe, secure, and private
American Hartford Gold Customer Service & Reputation
I have found that AHG always delivers the best service. You will get:
Live support via chat for quick answers
Real-time tracking tools allow you to monitor pricing
Free educational materials that are sent directly to your email
Quick and helpful communication
On top of this, AHG’s reputation is amazing. It has an A+ from the BBB and a high rating on TrustPilot. This is what I really like about this company – the people who have used it feel the same way about it as I do.
Pros of Working with American Hartford Gold
AHG has a great reputation for the customer experience
Promotions like free silver and no fees
Customer service is available 24/7
Minimum deposit is $10,000, which is lower than other companies
Buyback is easy and doesn’t have any additional costs
Cons of Working with American Hartford Gold
The site doesn’t list prices. You must call.
Fees Associated with AHG
When I started investing with AHG, there was only an annual fee of $180. Setting up the account was free.
American Hartford Gold Storage Options
American Hartford Gold offers investors several storage options including:
International Depository Services
Brink’s Global Services
Delaware Depository
#5. Noble Gold Investments – Best for Education
Precious Metals Available: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, Rare Coins
Minimum Investment Amount: $20,000
Set-up and Annual Fees: $50 set up fee, $80 annual administration fee, $150 storage fee
Rating from the BBB: A+
Rating from the BCA: AAA
TrustPilot Rating: 4.9 / 5
My Expert Review of Noble Gold
Most people in this industry, including myself, see Noble Gold as one of the most dependable company’s out there. What really sets this company apart is the focus it has on being transparent.
As soon as I set up my IRA, the team was very clear and upfront about everything, from fees to risks. This is rare in this industry, but it makes all the difference when you are dealing with retirement.
If you want to open a gold IRA and make it easy, consider opening one with Noble Gold.
What Noble Gold Offers
Noble Gold has a great selection of coins and metals. These include:
Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins
American Gold and Silver Eagles
Uncirculated coins
Gold and silver Canadian Maple Leafs
Rare coins and collectible coins
It doesn’t matter if you want long-term wealth preservation or want to build a diverse portfolio, Noble Gold is a great company to consider.
Why Noble Gold Stands Out from the Crowd
Even though Noble Gold is one of the newer gold IRA companies out there, they offer a number of features that really make them stand out:
Guaranteed BuyBack – You can sell your metals back to Noble Gold if you need to liquidate
“Royal Survival Packs” – Pre-created metal bundles that are designed for those who want to be prepared
Educational resources – If you are new to investing, the educational resources are perfect for gold IRA investors
Professional grading – All coins are graded through the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
All of these things make Noble Gold a company that you should consider for long term wealth protection though a precious metals IRA.
Noble Gold’s Customer Service and Reputation
Noble Gold has quick and helpful service, no matter when you call or reach out. They offer a live chat option, there is a pretty thorough FAQ on the site, and you can, of course, call.
Reputation wise, Noble Gold also stands out. It has an A+ rating with the BBB, and there are only four complaints from thousands of customers over the past three years.
On TrustPilot, the company has a 4.9/5 star review with over 700 verified reviews.
Pros of Working With Noble Gold
The Noble Gold website is filled with educational information and content
There is a BuyBack program that allows you to liquidate your metals, if necessary.
The “Royal Survival Packs” could really come in handy in certain conditions
Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rare coins are all available
Cons of Working with Noble Gold
Only investors in the US or Canada can work with Noble Gold
Fees Associated with Noble Gold
Noble Gold isn’t as transparent with fees as other companies I have worked with. According to various sources, you can expect the following:
$50 set up fee, $80 administrative fee, $150 annual storage fee, custodian fee (varies)
Storage Options from Noble Gold
With Noble Gold, you can store your gold in a number of IRS-approved storage locations including in Texas, Delaware, and in Canada (Mississauga).
Gold IRA – What is It?
A gold IRA is a self-directed account that allows you to hold gold for retirement. These may be coins, bullion, bars, etc.
These are similar to traditional or Roth IRAs that are backed by stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A gold IRA has similar contribution limits and rules, too.
Instead of relying on paper assets like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, these are backed by gold.
Why People Work with Gold Investment Companies
Since I’ve worked with gold IRA companies for many years, I can tell you, firsthand, that physical gold can play a role in every portfolio. Here’s a few reasons why:
Gold gives you a chance to diversify. It doesn’t act like traditional assets when the stock market is volatile or when the dollar weakens.
Gold is also a hedge against inflation. When the value of the dollar isn’t high, gold often retains it’s purchasing power.
Gold offers stability. Though the price of gold doesn’t usually spike, it is rare for it to crash.
Gold is a tangible asset. This means you can hold it, store it, and keep it.
It doesn’t matter if you are looking to buy IRA approved gold or silver for an IRA or you are simply a collector of physical metals, gold serves as a great way to boost your retirement strategy.
Choosing the Best Gold IRA Company – What to Look For
If you are looking for a traditional gold IRA or a Roth gold IRA (even a SEP gold IRA), here are some things I recommend looking into if you are going to sign on the dotted lines with a company:
Company Reputation
Before you do anything, check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and the Business Consumer Alliance. You should also look at companies like TrustPilot.
Secure Storage
Not all storage is good storage. Companies in this industry should only work with IRS-approved depositories. If a company you are considering isn’t offering this type of storage, stay away.
Clear and Transparent Fees
Companies that share costs and fees from the start are more trustworthy in my opinion.
Customer Service
Customer service is extremely important, especially. if you are new to this type of investment. The best gold IRA company will work with you to make sure you understand everything before you make a decision about your investments.
Opening a Gold IRA – A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Gold IRA Companies
Opening a gold IRA isn’t difficult. Here’s a very brief step-by-step guide:
Fill out and complete the application – You will need to share personal details, including a Social Security number.
Fund the account – You can fund the account with cash, through a rollover process from a 401(k), or transfer from an existing IRA.
Select your metals – Once the account is funded, you can then choose your metals. Good gold IRA companies will help with this.
Store your metals – You have to store your metals in an IRS-approved depository.
Monitor everything – Keep an eye on your account and make adjustments as they are needed.
Mistakes You Should Avoid
Even if you work with a good company, there are a few things that you should make sure you avoid:
Make sure you don’t skip out on research. You should read reviews, speak with company representatives, and check out any claims they make.
You will have to pay fees, no matter which company you choose. If you aren’t looking at fees, you could be really surprised when invoices start coming in.
Don’t allow your metals to be stored in a poor quality storage facility. Only store metals in an IRS-approved depository.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold IRAs
Can I rollover or transfer my current IRA into a Precious Metals IRA?
Yes, you can rollover or transfer from an existing 401(k) or IRA into a precious metals IRA in most cases.
Are there tax implications when you open a gold IRA?
As long as you do everything correctly, there are no tax implications when opening a new gold IRA.
How are metals stored when held in a gold IRA?
Metals are stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot store metals held in an IRA at home or in a bank.
What’s the Best Rated Gold IRA Based on My Gold Investment Companies Reviews?
In my opinion, the best gold IRA company is Augusta Precious Metals, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best for you. As investors, we all have our own wants and needs, and what works for me may not work for you.
My advice is to check out my reviews on all five of these companies, and if none of them seem like they will work for you, start looking into others. There are other reputable companies out there, but I urge you to use caution. Many companies in this industry have hidden fees, aggressive sales tactics, and high prices.
Choosing one of the companies here will ensure you stay away from those things, and help you meet your investment goals.
Download a free gold IRA guide and learn the benefits, fees, tax considerations, and long term value of adding precious metals to your IRA.
