Are gold IRAs legitimate?

Yes. Gold IRAs are fully legal self-directed IRAs authorized under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and governed by IRC Section 408(m). They use IRS-approved custodians and depositories such as Delaware Depository and Brinks Global Services. Top-rated companies carry BBB A+ ratings. The key costs are dealer markup 3-8% over spot and annual storage fees $175-$300/year.

What if I invested $10,000 in gold 20 years ago?

$10,000 invested in gold in 2006 would be worth approximately $47,200 in 2026 based on COMEX historical pricing, a 372% total return. The S&P 500 produced approximately $61,800 over the same period. Gold maximum drawdown was approximately -43% vs -57% for equities in 2008-2009. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

What are the fees for a gold IRA?

Total annual Gold IRA costs typically range $175-$300/year, including setup fee $0-$150, annual custodian fee $75-$300, and storage fee $100-$300 for segregated storage. Dealer markups of 3-8% above COMEX spot price often represent the largest first-year cost. Always request a written fee schedule before opening an account.

How do I compare gold IRA dealers vs custodians?

The gold IRA dealer sources and sells physical metals; the custodian manages the IRA account structure, holds legal title, and handles IRS reporting via Form 5498. Assess dealers on fee transparency, dealer markup over COMEX spot price, and buyback spread. Top custodians include Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, and GoldStar Trust.

What gold coins and bars are IRS-approved for a gold IRA?

IRS-approved gold must meet .995 minimum fineness for bars. The American Gold Eagle is the only exception at .9167 fineness per IRC 408(m)(3)(A). Approved coins include American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo .9999, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf .9999, and Austrian Gold Philharmonic .9999. Bars must be produced by a NYMEX or COMEX-approved refiner. Numismatic and collectible coins are prohibited.

Can I store Gold IRA metals at home?

No. Under IRC Section 408(m), home storage of Gold IRA metals is a prohibited transaction that triggers immediate full distribution taxes plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if under age 59.5. All Gold IRA metals must be held at an IRS-approved depository such as Delaware Depository or Brinks Global Services.

What are Required Minimum Distributions for Gold IRAs?

Traditional Gold IRAs require RMDs beginning at age 73 under the SECURE 2.0 Act for those born 1951-1959. You can satisfy RMDs by selling metals for cash or taking an in-kind distribution of physical metals at current fair market value. Roth Gold IRAs have no RMD requirement during the owners lifetime.

What is the difference between segregated and commingled gold IRA storage?

Segregated storage means your specific coins and bars are individually identified under your name and returned to you on withdrawal. Commingled allocated storage returns equivalent metals, not your original pieces. Segregated storage costs $150-$300/year; commingled costs $100-$200/year. Both are IRS-approved at authorized depositories.

What is a direct rollover vs indirect rollover for gold IRAs?

A direct rollover or trustee-to-trustee transfer moves funds directly to your new gold IRA custodian with no 20% withholding and no 60-day deadline. An indirect rollover issues a check to you, triggers 20% mandatory withholding, and must be completed within 60 days or the full amount becomes taxable income plus a 10% penalty if under age 59.5.

Can I hold gold in a SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA?

Yes. Both SEP IRA gold accounts and SIMPLE IRA gold accounts can hold IRS-approved precious metals under IRC Section 408(m). SEP IRA gold allows contributions up to $69,000 in 2026. SIMPLE IRA gold requires a 2-year participation period before rollover. All metals must meet minimum fineness requirements.

Affiliate Disclosure: This site earns referral commissions from some companies listed. Our editorial rankings are determined before affiliate relationships are established and are not modified based on compensation. Companies that do not offer affiliate programs are still eligible for inclusion and ranking.

Our Editorial Team — Equity & Alternatives Analyst • 13 years in retirement portfolio management

Last updated: June 2026 | Next review: September 2026 • Sources: IRS Publication 590-B (2025), SEC Investor Alert on Self-Directed IRAs (2022), FINRA.org, World Gold Council Demand Trends 2025

American Hartford Gold Review 2026

American Hartford Gold is the top gold IRA company for beginners in 2026, with a $10,000 minimum, BBB A+ rating, 4.7/5 Trustpilot score, and no fees for the first year on qualifying accounts. Founded in 2015, the firm has shipped over $2 billion in precious metals and offers 3-5 day funding.

★★★★★ 4.7/5

BBB Rating: A+

Minimum Investment

$10,000

Years in Business

BBB Rating

A+

Our Rating

4.7/5

Overview

American Hartford Gold is a leading precious metals IRA company with 9+ years of experience.

Pros

Low Minimum
Fast Setup
Price Protection

Cons

Minimum investment of $10,000

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Before You Choose aGold IRA Company…

Before You Choose a
Gold IRA Company…