What is the minimum investment for a Gold IRA?

Minimum investment requirements vary by custodian, but most require between $5,000 and $25,000 to open a Gold IRA. Some custodians offer lower minimums. The minimum should be large enough to cover the cost of at least one gold coin or bar plus account setup fees.

Can I store Gold IRA metals at home?

No. The IRS requires that Gold IRA metals be stored in an approved depository. Storing IRA metals at home or in a personal safe deposit box is considered a distribution and may trigger taxes and penalties. Learn more about IRA storage requirements.

What types of gold are allowed in an IRA?

Gold must be at least 99.5 percent pure, with an exception for American Gold Eagles. Approved products include American Gold Eagles, American Gold Buffalos, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, Austrian Gold Philharmonics, and gold bars from LBMA-approved refiners. See our full list of IRA-eligible gold products.

Can I roll over my 401(k) into a Gold IRA?

Yes. If you have separated from your employer or your plan allows in-service rollovers, you can roll over your 401(k) into a Gold IRA through a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer. This process is tax-free and penalty-free when executed correctly. Read our 401(k) to Gold IRA guide for step-by-step instructions.

How are Gold IRA distributions taxed?

Traditional Gold IRA distributions are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate. Roth Gold IRA distributions are tax-free if you meet the holding period requirements. The 28 percent collectibles tax rate does not apply inside an IRA; it only applies to gold held outside of retirement accounts. See our IRA tax rules guide for details.

Are Gold IRA fees worth it?

For investors seeking portfolio diversification and inflation protection, Gold IRA fees are generally considered a reasonable cost for the benefits provided. Annual fees of $200 to $500 are modest compared to the potential portfolio insurance value of holding physical gold. Compare specific Gold IRA fee structures to find the most cost-effective option.

Can I add silver, platinum, or palladium to a Gold IRA?

Yes. A self-directed precious metals IRA can hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products that meet IRS purity standards. Silver must be 99.9 percent pure, while platinum and palladium must be 99.95 percent pure. Holding multiple metals provides additional diversification within your precious metals allocation.

How long does it take to set up a Gold IRA?

The setup process typically takes one to three weeks from start to finish. Opening the account and completing paperwork takes a few days, processing the rollover or transfer may take one to two weeks, and purchasing and shipping metals to the depository adds another few days. Working with an experienced custodian and dealer can help streamline the timeline.

Gold IRA: The Complete Guide to Precious Metals Retirement Accounts

A Gold IRA is one of the most powerful tools available for protecting your retirement savings with physical precious metals. As inflation erodes the purchasing power of traditional paper assets and stock market volatility threatens portfolio values, an increasing number of Americans are turning to self-directed IRAs that hold physical gold coins and bars. This complete guide covers every aspect of Gold IRAs, from initial setup to eligible products, custodians, storage requirements, fees, rollovers, distributions, and a step-by-step walkthrough to help you get started.

What Is a Gold IRA?

A Gold IRA is a type of self-directed Individual Retirement Account that allows you to hold physical gold and other approved precious metals as part of your retirement portfolio. Unlike a conventional IRA, which is limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, a Gold IRA enables you to own tangible assets, actual gold coins and gold bars, within a tax-advantaged retirement structure.

Gold IRAs follow the same fundamental tax rules as traditional and Roth IRAs. Contributions to a traditional Gold IRA may be tax-deductible, and the gold grows tax-deferred until you take distributions. A Roth Gold IRA uses after-tax contributions but allows tax-free withdrawals in retirement. The critical difference is that instead of holding paper securities, your account holds physical precious metals stored in an IRS-approved depository.

Why Open a Gold IRA?

Investors choose Gold IRAs for several compelling reasons:

Inflation protection: Gold has historically preserved purchasing power during periods of high inflation, making it a natural hedge for retirement portfolios.
Portfolio diversification: Gold has low correlation with stocks and bonds, which can reduce overall portfolio volatility and improve risk-adjusted returns.
Safe-haven asset: During market crashes, geopolitical crises, and banking failures, gold has consistently served as a safe-haven asset that retains or increases in value.
Tangible ownership: Unlike paper assets, the gold in your IRA is a physical asset that exists independently of any financial institution's balance sheet.
Tax advantages: Gold IRAs offer the same tax benefits as conventional IRAs, allowing your precious metals to grow tax-deferred or tax-free depending on the account type.

The Gold IRA Setup Process

Setting up a Gold IRA involves several steps, but the process is straightforward when you work with the right partners. Here is the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian

A Gold IRA requires a custodian that specializes in self-directed accounts and permits precious metals holdings. Unlike standard brokerage custodians, self-directed IRA custodians are equipped to handle alternative assets including physical gold. Research custodians carefully, comparing fees, reputation, customer service, and the range of precious metals they support.

Step 2: Open and Fund Your Account

Complete the custodian's account application, selecting either a traditional or Roth IRA structure based on your tax situation and retirement goals. You can fund the account through direct contributions (subject to annual IRA contribution limits), a rollover from an existing 401(k) or IRA, or a transfer from another IRA. See our guide on Gold IRA rollovers for detailed transfer instructions.

Step 3: Select Your Precious Metals

Once your account is funded, you direct the custodian to purchase IRA-eligible gold products on your behalf. Not all gold products qualify for IRA inclusion. The IRS requires specific purity standards and approved product types. Work with a knowledgeable dealer like MintBuilder to ensure every product you select meets IRS requirements.

Step 4: Arrange Approved Storage

IRS regulations require that Gold IRA metals be stored in an approved depository, not at your home or in a personal safe deposit box. Your custodian will coordinate the shipment of your purchased metals to an IRS-approved storage facility. You may choose between segregated storage (your metals stored separately) and commingled storage (stored alongside other investors' metals of the same type).

Step 5: Manage and Monitor

After your metals are purchased and stored, your custodian provides account statements showing your holdings and their current market value. You can add to your position over time through additional contributions or rollovers, and you can check the current gold spot price to monitor the value of your holdings.

IRA-Eligible Gold Products

The IRS has specific requirements for gold products held in an IRA. Gold must be at least 99.5 percent pure (0.995 fineness), with the exception of American Gold Eagle coins, which are allowed despite having a lower gold purity (they are 91.67 percent gold by weight but contain a full troy ounce of gold). Commonly approved products include:

American Gold Eagle coins (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz)
American Gold Buffalo coins (1 oz)
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins
Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins
Gold bars from approved refiners (PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Credit Suisse, and others on the LBMA Good Delivery list)

Products that are NOT eligible include collectible or numismatic coins, South African Krugerrands, pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, and any gold item that does not meet the 99.5 percent purity threshold (except for American Eagles). For a full breakdown, visit our complete list of IRA-eligible gold products.

Gold IRA Custodians: What to Look For

Choosing the right custodian is one of the most important decisions in the Gold IRA process. Key factors to evaluate include:

Fee structure: Understand all Gold IRA fees including account setup fees, annual maintenance fees, storage fees, and transaction fees. Some custodians charge flat fees while others charge percentage-based fees.
Reputation and track record: Look for custodians with strong BBB ratings, positive client reviews, and a history of regulatory compliance.
Storage partnerships: Verify that the custodian works with IRS-approved depositories and offers both segregated and commingled storage options.
Customer service: A responsive and knowledgeable customer service team is essential, especially during the initial setup and rollover process.
Reporting and transparency: Your custodian should provide regular account statements, online access to your holdings, and clear documentation of all transactions.

Gold IRA Fees Explained

Gold IRA fees are generally higher than those for standard IRAs due to the specialized nature of the account. Common fee categories include:

Setup fee: A one-time fee to establish the account, typically $50 to $150.
Annual maintenance fee: An ongoing fee for account administration, usually $75 to $300 per year.
Storage fee: Charged by the depository for securing your metals, typically $100 to $300 per year for segregated storage, or less for commingled storage.
Transaction fees: Charged when buying or selling metals within the account, varying by custodian.

While these fees add to the cost of a Gold IRA, they should be weighed against the diversification benefits, inflation protection, and portfolio insurance that physical gold provides. Many investors find that the value of holding tangible gold in their retirement account far outweighs the modest annual costs.

Rollovers and Transfers

One of the most common ways to fund a Gold IRA is through a rollover from an existing retirement account. You can roll over funds from a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, traditional IRA, or other qualified plan into a Gold IRA without triggering taxes or penalties, provided the rollover is executed correctly.

There are two types of rollovers:

Direct rollover (trustee-to-trustee transfer): Funds move directly from your existing account custodian to your Gold IRA custodian. This is the preferred method as it avoids any risk of tax withholding or the 60-day deadline.
Indirect rollover: You receive the funds personally and must deposit them into the Gold IRA within 60 days. If you miss the deadline, the distribution is treated as taxable income and may incur early withdrawal penalties if you are under 59½.

For a complete walkthrough, see our guides on Gold IRA rollovers and how to move your 401(k) into a Gold IRA.

Distributions and Withdrawals

Gold IRA distributions follow the same rules as traditional IRA distributions. You can begin taking penalty-free distributions at age 59½, and required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 (as of current IRS rules). When you take a distribution, you have two options:

Cash distribution: Your custodian sells the gold at the current market price and distributes the cash to you.
In-kind distribution: You receive the actual physical gold. The metals are shipped to you from the depository, and the fair market value at the time of distribution is treated as taxable income (for traditional IRAs).

Early withdrawals before age 59½ are subject to ordinary income tax plus a 10 percent penalty, unless an exception applies. Review Gold IRA tax rules for detailed guidance on the tax treatment of distributions.

Pros and Cons of a Gold IRA

Pros

Tax-advantaged ownership of physical gold
Diversification beyond stocks and bonds
Protection against inflation and currency debasement
Tangible asset with no counterparty risk
Option to take physical delivery at distribution

Cons

Higher fees than standard IRAs
Cannot store metals at home (must use approved depository)
Less liquid than selling stocks or ETFs
Subject to collectibles tax rate of 28 percent on gains (traditional IRA)
Requires a self-directed IRA custodian

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum investment for a Gold IRA?: Minimum investment requirements vary by custodian, but most require between $5,000 and $25,000 to open a Gold IRA. Some custodians offer lower minimums. The minimum should be large enough to cover the cost of at least one gold coin or bar plus account setup fees.
Can I store Gold IRA metals at home?: No. The IRS requires that Gold IRA metals be stored in an approved depository. Storing IRA metals at home or in a personal safe deposit box is considered a distribution and may trigger taxes and penalties. Learn more about IRA storage requirements.
What types of gold are allowed in an IRA?: Gold must be at least 99.5 percent pure, with an exception for American Gold Eagles. Approved products include American Gold Eagles, American Gold Buffalos, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, Austrian Gold Philharmonics, and gold bars from LBMA-approved refiners. See our full list of IRA-eligible gold products.
Can I roll over my 401(k) into a Gold IRA?: Yes. If you have separated from your employer or your plan allows in-service rollovers, you can roll over your 401(k) into a Gold IRA through a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer. This process is tax-free and penalty-free when executed correctly. Read our 401(k) to Gold IRA guide for step-by-step instructions.
How are Gold IRA distributions taxed?: Traditional Gold IRA distributions are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate. Roth Gold IRA distributions are tax-free if you meet the holding period requirements. The 28 percent collectibles tax rate does not apply inside an IRA; it only applies to gold held outside of retirement accounts. See our IRA tax rules guide for details.
Are Gold IRA fees worth it?: For investors seeking portfolio diversification and inflation protection, Gold IRA fees are generally considered a reasonable cost for the benefits provided. Annual fees of $200 to $500 are modest compared to the potential portfolio insurance value of holding physical gold. Compare specific Gold IRA fee structures to find the most cost-effective option.
Can I add silver, platinum, or palladium to a Gold IRA?: Yes. A self-directed precious metals IRA can hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products that meet IRS purity standards. Silver must be 99.9 percent pure, while platinum and palladium must be 99.95 percent pure. Holding multiple metals provides additional diversification within your precious metals allocation.
How long does it take to set up a Gold IRA?: The setup process typically takes one to three weeks from start to finish. Opening the account and completing paperwork takes a few days, processing the rollover or transfer may take one to two weeks, and purchasing and shipping metals to the depository adds another few days. Working with an experienced custodian and dealer can help streamline the timeline.

A Gold IRA is one of the most effective ways to add physical gold to your retirement strategy while enjoying the tax benefits of an IRA structure. Whether you are starting a new account or rolling over an existing 401(k), the process is straightforward with the right guidance. Explore MintBuilder's IRA-eligible gold products and take the first step toward securing your retirement with physical precious metals.