Despite the wealth of options available to today’s investors, most continue to rely on the stock market. While there are certainly benefits to investing in traditional stocks and bonds, they are just one of many potential investment routes. Gold and silver commodities have become highly desirable because they give investors the power to distribute their assets and avoid the heavier losses incurred by stock market fluctuations.
If a major stock market crash were to occur shortly before your retirement, for instance, having money in precious metals could mean the difference between disastrous losses and recoverable ones. So whether you’re trying to build a profitable self-directed IRA or diversify an existing portfolio, there are many reasons to invest with gold IRA companies.
Gold IRA companies provide investment expertise and safe transaction services to investors who want to broaden their portfolios with gold, silver, platinum and other types of precious metal. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the amount of gold and silver companies operating across the country. Many of these organizations are now moving into the cryptocurrency world to help investors take advantage of emerging digital currencies such as bitcoin, dogecoin and ethereum.
If you register with a gold IRA company today, you can start purchasing gold bars, invest capital in gold or palladium stocks, get rare coins and other collectibles delivered to your home and/or use high tech depositories to secure physical assets.
Here is our list of the best gold IRA companies and what each has to offer investors.
Our Top 4 Gold IRA Companies
1 – Goldco = 9.9 out of 10
2 – Birch Gold Group = 9.4 out of 10
3 – Noble Gold = 9.3 out of 10
4 – Augustus Precious Metals = 8.9 out of 10
Goldco
Strengths
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Simple setup process for new investors
• Investors can easily rollover any existing IRAs
• Superb customer support services
Weaknesses
• No option to add palladium or platinum to IRAs
It’s not the only good gold IRA service out there but Goldco is definitely our favorite. It’s popular with inexperienced investors because it has an excellent trust rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. It’s also rated highly by the Better Business Bureau making it one of the best choices for buying precious metals.
Goldco focuses on gold and silver IRAs or ‘self-directed precious metals IRAs’ as they’re known in the industry. These options are a great way to increase the value of your portfolio without exposing it to the turbulence of traditional stock markets. These metals make valuable assets, are highly desirable among investors and can lead to impressive returns and chances for further diversification in the future. Crucially, the value of precious metals rarely declines even during economic downturns.
Regardless of how well the economy is performing, silver and gold are essential for technology and manufacturing. They are always in demand so their value isn’t as closely tied to market fluctuations. As the role of technology in our lives continues to grow, precious metals will only increase in importance which is why there’s no bad time to invest. Whether you plan to offload your metal investments in ten or twenty years, it’s going to get easier to earn those big returns.
If you’re thinking about adding gold to your portfolio, Goldco is a fantastic choice. Setting up a self-directed IRA can be done in just three quick steps.
Complete an application form on Goldco’s website to open a new IRA account. Then, select a suitable funding method and start adding money. After Goldco has processed the deposit, it will add gold or other precious metals to your personal IRA.
Goldco’s coins and bars have been vetted according to IRS standards. Investors get a quality guarantee of 99.5% purity or higher for all gold products. Plus, customers can also invest in silver IRAs, as well as alternative mints such as PAMP Suisse and Perth Mint IRAs. Though gold investments may be your goal, it’s worth remembering that silver is another precious metal that offers similarly robust returns. Silver continues to be highly desirable and a valuable asset for anybody looking to diversify.
Some benefits of adding silver to your l Goldco account include a lower purchase price (relative to gold) and a 99.9% purity guarantee. There are various silver products to choose from including coins and bars, and Goldco offers one-to-one support throughout the setup process. All silver coins and bars are IRS approved and meet rigorous industry standards.
Another benefit of choosing Goldco is its IRA rollover service. This can be used with gold or silver IRA accounts. Instead of shutting down an existing precious metals IRA to start a new IRA with Goldco, you can simply transfer any existing IRAs to your new account. The team will walk you through the process and make sure your move to the new service doesn’t disturb your investment activities. If you’re interested in rolling over, get in touch with Goldco’s customer service team today. They can tell you if your existing account is eligible.
If you invest in gold or silver with Goldco, you’ll benefit from the same tax incentives as you would with traditional stocks and bonds. Investors below the age of fifty can deposit a maximum of $6,000 per annum. Customers over fifty get a slightly higher maximum of $7,000 per year until retirement. Investors can withdraw money from their Goldco IRA without incurring fees after the age of sixty.
Birch Gold Group
Strengths
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Precious metals for self-directed IRAs and personal investments
• Setup support from your own Birch Gold Group advisor
• Easily accessible investment advice
Weaknesses
• Annual fees for storage, management and insurance
Customer satisfaction has long been Birch Gold Group’s primary focus. The company has operated since 2003 and earned a reputation for reliability and bespoke investment experiences. It promises to help precious metal investors build their ideal portfolios whether that means purchasing gold, silver, palladium or platinum IRAs.
Birch Gold Group offers the expertise of investment advisors and precious metals specialists who can teach you how to maximize the value of your commodities. Whether you’re planning to roll over an existing IRA or work with a gold IRA company for the first time, there’s plenty of support here.
It’s easier than you think to add an existing retirement plan to your new Birch Gold Group account. Start by completing an application form on the company’s website. Within hours, you’ll be set up and ready to purchase precious metals such as silver pieces or gold bars and coins. A dedicated customer advisor can walk you through the set up and deposit processes if you need help.
Your assigned advisor can offer tailored guidance on the best investment options for your portfolio. All recommendations are consultative and remain prospective unless you give your Birch Gold Group advisor permission to begin a new purchase. It is up to you to decide how much hands-on support (if any) you require from the team. You can go it alone or check in regularly for bespoke tips and advice.
An added benefit of investing with Birch Gold Group is the company’s storage depositories. Its main Delaware Depository is IRS approved, highly rated and safeguarded by $1 billion in insurance for every deposited item. In the unlikely event the depository is threatened, you can rest easy knowing your assets are covered.
All of Birch Gold Group’s gold IRA commodities fulfil the 99.95% purity guarantee. Its silver commodities meet the 99.9% standard and its palladium and platinum products guarantee 99.95% purity.
Noble Gold
Strengths
• Variety of cryptocurrencies available
• IRA options include silver, gold, palladium and platinum
• Secure depositories in Texas and other states
Weaknesses
• Rollover service can be very costly
Noble Gold scores highly for investor satisfaction and deposit security. The company is considered trustworthy by the Better Business Bureau and Business Consumer Alliance. Its priorities are providing honest, easy to follow advice and establishing long term relationships with clients to help them fully maximize their retirement plans.
Investors love Noble Gold for its stripped back setup and deposit processes that make IRA management simpler than ever. Alongside stellar ratings, it maintains close affiliations with the Royal Canadian Mint, Business Consumer Alliance, TrustLink and other regulatory bodies. This means customers are always protected and can access information on gold IRA companies and what to expect from them.
Creating your new Noble Gold account is quick and simple. Visit the company’s website to complete an application form and begin the process of setting up a new IRA or rolling over an existing one. It takes minutes to fill in the necessary information and get the ball rolling on your precious metals portfolio. After submitting your application, a Noble Gold advisor will contact you to discuss your options.
Your assigned advisor will walk you through the steps needed to make a deposit and purchase gold, silver or other metals. They can advise you on the benefits of each and their respective value for your IRA. After your first purchase has been approved, you can accept further recommendations from your advisor or go it alone with your next deposit.
Investors can launch precious metals IRAs with Noble Gold on a self-directed or personal basis. Self-directed gold IRAs come with similar tax incentives to traditional stock market investments with the added benefit of increased security, future-proofing and diversification perks. If you’re looking to invest in something extra special, Noble Gold offers a unique selection of rare coins and other interesting commodities.
These include expertly graded gold coins with ratings from the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation and Professional Grading Service. Every coin is protected with a sealed case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Some of the coins available to collectors are the 4-Pc Indian-St. Gauden set, Morgan Silver Dollar and the 1854 Kellogg Coin.
Investors may also purchase one of Noble Gold’s Royal Survival Packs which contain a selection of handpicked precious metals. Each pack is unique and prices reflect this. There is even a customisable pack (Noble Ambassador) designed for investors outside the US who prefer not to receive US-centric commodities such as geographically significant coins and mementoes.
Noble Gold will ship rare coins, collectibles and Survival Packs to your address in secure packaging that won’t attract attention. Delivery is fast, discreet and your money stays safe every step of the way. Plus, the company’s buy back service means you can exchange valuables for cash in a few simple steps.
Augusta Precious Metals
Strengths
• Personal advisor helps you set up your account
• IRA options include silver, gold, palladium and platinum
• Variety of secure depository options
Weaknesses
• Complete coin listings are not publicly advertized
Augusta Precious Metals
Strengths
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
• Close affiliations with trusted regulatory bodies
• Promises lifetime support until retirement
Weaknesses
• Can take a while for deposits to be approved
There are many reasons to invest with Augusta Precious Metals, not least of which is the company’s reputation among regulators and consumer groups. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and links to organisations such as the Business Consumer Alliance and TrustLink as well as a trusted presence on social media.
Augusta Precious Metals guarantees free advice to registered investors until they retire or deactivate their IRA. The company provides simple, clear resources designed to make investing in precious metals an option that everyone can consider.
It’s a fantastic choice for first time investors because Augusta’s advisors are specialists in creating secure, future-proofed IRAs. Whether you’re interested in purchasing gold, silver or palladium, they can help you strengthen your portfolio and avoid the losses associated with more traditional stock market investments. The setup process is straightforward even for the inexperienced.
Augusta Precious Metals offers a rollover service for existing self-directed IRAs. If you have a precious metal-based IRA with another organisation, it’s easy to transfer it to your new account. Fill out an online application. An advisor will contact you to get the rollover started.
Augusta Precious Metals provides silver and gold coins that have been approved by the IRS. The company’s high security depositories include facilities in Nevada, California, Delaware, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Ohio and Utah.
Precious metals offer many of the same advantages as saving money in mainstream accounts. However, these commodities are generally safer than standard retirement savings accounts. They are much less sensitive to market fluctuations so offer more security and stability over the course of an investor’s life.
The first step to opening an IRA with Augusta Precious Metals is to complete an application. You can then make deposits into the new account. After a transitional period (1-2 weeks) new customers can start to purchase gold and silver coins, bars or bullions as part of self-directed investments.
Tips for Finding Trusted Gold IRA Companies
Nobody wants to rush headlong into financial investments no matter their size or scope. Whether you’re purchasing collectible coins or building a portfolio to support your retirement, these processes take time. Try not to feel hurried into making decisions about your finances.
The first step is to research gold IRA companies and find one that suits your needs. The companies listed in this article are four of the most trusted. Goldco, Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold and Augusta Precious Metals have excellent reputations that investors can depend on. Here is some more advice on vetting the gold IRA companies in your area.
Company History and Reliability
We recommend looking at two or more gold IRA companies before making a decision. Most offer similar services but there may be differences that affect your portfolio plans. Always check to see how long an organisation has operated. This information is usually displayed on a company’s website.
Another thing to look out for is client testimonials. Highly rated gold companies tend to have a strong online presence. It should be easy to find customer reviews, remarks and referrals. It’s also worth checking the company’s status on regulatory websites like the Business Consumer Alliance, Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau.
Precious Metals and Other Options
Most companies offer a selection of gold, silver, palladium, platinum and other precious metals. Others have fewer options. It doesn’t make these companies less trustworthy, but customers may be limited to purchasing (and reselling) just gold and silver. If you think you might want to branch out and buy collectibles or other rare items, pick an organisation to suit your needs.
If you’re interested in cryptocurrencies, thoroughly research a company to ensure the service is available. Not all gold IRA companies offer crypto investments but they are becoming increasingly common.
Account Fees and Requirements
Read a gold company’s customer policies before opening a new account. Many charge fees for account, storage and management services. Where this is the case, all fees must be clearly displayed on their website and detailed in policy documents so you know what to expect. Some companies roll individual fees into a single annual charge.
Dedicated Customer Support and Advice
Many of the industry’s biggest providers have taken steps to simplify their setup processes. They have dedicated customer support teams who can be contacted in one or two clicks. There is always an expert on hand to answer questions, walk new investors through purchases and advise on the best ways to strengthen portfolios.
Our Top Pick for Best Gold IRA Company
We believe that Goldco stands head and shoulders above its industry competitors. It’s our top pick because it combines superb customer service with a diverse selection of precious metals and intuitive online systems. Here are some more reasons to pick Goldco for your gold investments:
Excellent Ratings from Regulatory Bodies
Goldco isn’t the only gold and silver company to get an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau but it is one of the most trusted. It has built a strong reputation based on the quality of its precious metals and its customer satisfaction levels.
Goldco was awarded a Triple A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance. Its gold, silver and other precious metals meet IRS standards and come with trust ratings from other regulatory bodies as well.
Advisors with High Level Skills
Goldco’s investment advisors are highly skilled and very knowledgeable about precious metals trading and portfolio restructuring. They can offer recommendations on future-proofing investments, selecting the right commodities, reselling precious metals, strengthening portfolios and much more.
Whether you have a quick query or need a mentor to walk you through your first IRA deposit, Goldco is a great option.
Many Investment Routes and Options
Goldco investors can purchase a variety of IRS approved metals including gold and silver coins, bars and bullions. Precious metals investments remain an effective way to safeguard against turbulent markets and the impact of unexpected economic shocks.
Based on our research, Goldco offers the best selection of investment products out of the four companies listed. To find out more and open a new gold IRA account, visit the Goldco website. From there, you can download a free guide on self-directed IRAs and their many benefits.
A Few Important Questions
What is a Gold IRA and why do I need one?
Let’s quickly recap what we’ve learned. The term ‘IRA’ refers to a self-directed individual retirement account. There are different types available but we’re focusing on the benefits of precious metals IRAs.
Gold IRAs allow investors to exploit the stability of finite commodities like silver, gold, platinum and palladium in order to strengthen their portfolios. They do not have to be an alternative to traditional stock market transactions as investors are free to own both, however, many prefer precious metals for their stability and insensitivity to market shocks.
Is it safe to invest in precious metals like gold and silver?
Though there is risk involved in all financial investments, precious metals can be surprisingly stable when compared with traditional stock market activities. Historically, they have performed better and been less sensitive to market shocks, dips and downturns. It’s not possible to guarantee returns on gold and silver transactions – investments are speculative by nature – but they are generally stable and predictable.
Gold, silver and other precious metals rarely decrease in value when the stock market dips. Such commodities remain in high demand making financial losses small and easily recoverable when they do occur. It’s worth remembering that precious metals are finite.There are limited amounts to go around and this naturally drives up their value.
Precious metals are a key part of industries such as fashion, technology and manufacturing. They have many diverse applications and can be transformed into an almost infinite array of saleable products. The demand for silver and gold is only expected to increase as our reliance on technology intensifies.
For these reasons and more, investors are encouraged to broaden their portfolios by including precious metals that weather economic storms and serve as buffers against the changing fortunes of world markets. Consider what might happen if the market were to crash shortly before your retirement and all your assets were tied up in stocks and bonds.The financial losses would be severe because you didn’t diversify when you had the chance.
If you place a proportion of your capital in precious metals, you’ll have a long term investment to depend on. Don’t forget, some gold IRA companies allow investors to quickly resell their commodities in order to access emergency capital. It is always possible to find buyers for precious metals because gold, silver, palladium and platinum have so many uses and applications.
Is it a good time to invest in gold and silver?
We recommend investing in precious metals when gold prices are slightly lower than average. This can be an effective strategy though it takes time to learn how to spot fluctuations in advance. Investors spend years trying to understand the movements of markets so don’t be afraid to ask for help from the experts.
A good rule of thumb is to watch out for dips in the stock market. Generally, the value of gold rises in response to stock market falls. You can use this as an indicator when looking for suitable opportunities to invest. Another tip is that the value of gold tends to increase when the value of a national currency declines. It’s not a guaranteed response but it can be a useful sign of when to buy and when to wait.
Is it wise to invest all of my money in precious metals?
It is very risky to invest in just one type of commodity be it stocks and bonds or precious metals. As explained, risk is an unavoidable part of investing. However, multiple commodities are unlikely to be affected by dips and downturns all at the same time. The most valuable investment portfolios include options that can be liquidated or capitalized on if another asset incurs financial losses.
This distribution of assets is the key to building a robust investment portfolio that can stand the test of time. It is the real world financial equivalent of not putting all of your eggs in one basket. Nothing is guaranteed in the investment world so the biggest returns come to those who are smart enough to have backup options.
How much money should I invest in precious metals?
It’s entirely up to you and your circumstances. The more you invest, the bigger the risk of losing capital you can’t recover. This isn’t unique to precious metals. There is risk inherent in every type of investment. The amount you decide to spend on gold, silver or another precious metal will depend on how much risk you’re willing to tolerate.
Remember to factor your age into investment decisions. If your retirement is less than a decade away, you’ve already got fewer years left to recover any financial losses arising from unsuccessful investments. Experts advise older investors who are nearing retirement to stick with relatively small transactions. On the other hand, if you’re starting young, you have more time to experiment with different portfolio combinations, make investment mistakes, even lose capital and recover it by the time you retire.