Disclosure: we may earn a commission if you request a guide or open an account through links on this page. This does not affect our rankings, which follow a published methodology. Fees and minimums were verified on November 7, 2026 from company websites and fee schedules; they change, so confirm in writing before you fund an account.
2026 comparison at a glance
| Rank | Company | IRA min. | Setup | Annual (custodian + storage) | Storage type | BBB | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noble Gold Top Pick | $20,000 | $80 | $125 + $150 = $275 | Segregated | A+ | 4.9 |
| 2 | Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | $50 | $125 + ~$100 = ~$225 | Segregated / commingled | A+ | 4.8 |
| 3 | Goldco | $25,000 | $50 | $175 to $280 | Both | A+ | 4.6 |
| 4 | Birch Gold Group | $10,000 | $50 | about $235 | Both | A+ | 4.5 |
| 5 | American Hartford Gold | $10,000 | $0 to $50 | $175 to $280 (waivers up to 3 yrs) | Both | A+ | 4.4 |
Annual figures exclude the dealer spread on metals (typically 3% to 8% over spot), which applies at every company and is usually the largest cost. Scores are editorial, out of 5.
How we ranked them
Each company was scored on five weighted criteria: fees and transparency (30%), reputation (25%), accessibility (15%), storage and custody (15%) and education and service (15%). We read each company's published fee schedule and disclosures, checked BBB and Trustpilot records, and confirmed custodian and depository partners. Details on the methodology page.
The reviews
Noble Gold Investments
Founded in 2016 by Collin Plume and Charles Thorngren, Noble Gold combines one of the lowest full-service minimums, published flat fees, segregated storage in Texas and an education-first approach. It is the provider we recommend to most readers.
Pros
- Flat fees regardless of account size (about $275 a year all-in)
- Segregated storage included, not an upsell
- Texas depository option for investors who want metal outside Delaware
- Royal Survival Packs for non-IRA physical delivery
- No-fee buyback program
- Education-first marketing: free guides, webinars and explainers
Cons
- $20,000 IRA minimum is higher than Birch or American Hartford
- Two official pages list slightly different setup fees ($50 vs $80); ask for the schedule in writing
- No online self-service purchasing; everything goes through a specialist
Verdict: The best balance of accessibility, transparency and service in 2026. If you have $20,000 or more to roll over and want a straightforward experience, start here.
Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta is the white-glove option: a one-on-one educational web conference before you buy, lifetime account support, and a spotless complaint record. The $50,000 minimum keeps it out of reach for many.
Pros
- Industry-leading education and transparency
- Lifetime support from a dedicated agent
- Zero BBB complaints over many years
- Fees among the lowest in the industry for large accounts
Cons
- $50,000 minimum
- Gold and silver only (no platinum or palladium)
- No online ordering; consultation required
Verdict: The best choice for accounts above $50,000 where personal service matters more than speed.
Goldco
One of the largest and most heavily advertised Gold IRA companies, Goldco runs frequent promotions (free silver on qualifying orders) and a strong buyback guarantee. Fees are competitive but vary with promotions.
Pros
- Highest-price buyback guarantee
- Frequent promotions (up to 10% back in free silver)
- Large, experienced team; fast rollovers
Cons
- Heavier sales follow-up than Noble or Augusta
- Promotions can obscure the real cost; ask for the spread
- Gold and silver only
Verdict: A solid mainstream choice, especially if a current promotion offsets the first-year fees. Compare the all-in quote against Noble Gold before committing.
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold has operated under its current name since 2011 (with earlier history dating to 2003), is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and accepts smaller accounts than most full-service competitors.
Pros
- Low $10,000 minimum
- Long track record
- All four IRS-approved metals
- Fees waived in year one on accounts over $50,000
Cons
- Fee schedule is less clearly published than Noble or Augusta
- Mixed reviews on response times during busy periods
Verdict: The best choice if you are starting with $10,000 to $20,000 and want an established name.
American Hartford Gold
A fast-growing Los Angeles dealer with aggressive fee waivers (up to three years on qualifying accounts) and a low entry point. Pricing transparency has improved but still requires you to ask.
Pros
- Lowest minimums among major providers
- Fee waivers of up to 3 years on larger accounts
- 7-day price protection guarantee and buyback with no liquidation fees
Cons
- Spreads can be higher on promotional products
- Published fee schedule is less detailed; get a written quote
- Heavy marketing volume
Verdict: A reasonable option for smaller rollovers if you negotiate the spread and get the waiver terms in writing.
Which company is right for you?
| Your situation | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| $20,000 to $100,000 rollover, want simplicity | Noble Gold | Flat fees, segregated storage included |
| $50,000+ and value education and lifetime support | Augusta | Best-in-class service, lowest fees at scale |
| Want a promotion to offset year-one cost | Goldco | Free-silver offers, strong buyback |
| $10,000 to $20,000 to start | Birch Gold or American Hartford | Lowest minimums among major providers |
| Want platinum or palladium too | Noble Gold or Birch Gold | All four IRS-approved metals |
Red flags we screen out
- Companies that will not put the fee schedule in writing.
- "Home storage" or "checkbook" Gold IRA structures (not IRS-compliant).
- Heavy pushes toward "exclusive", "proof" or "semi-numismatic" coins with 20%+ markups.
- Countdown timers, "limited allocation" claims and other fake-urgency tactics.
- Guarantees of returns or statements that gold "cannot" fall.
Questions to ask any Gold IRA company before you fund
- What is your price over spot on a 1 oz American Gold Eagle today?
- Send me the complete fee schedule: setup, custodian, storage, wire, and buyback spread.
- Which custodian and which depository will hold my account? Segregated or commingled?
- What fee waivers apply at my account size, and for how long?
- If I sell back in five years, what is your buyback price relative to spot?