Bullion Dealer of the Year Category Winners:
Best Gold IRA Companies Results
As we enter 2022, voting has ended in the 8th annual Bullion Dealer of the Year public vote - and the results are in.
With your retirement savings on the line in these dangerous times, it's never been more important to find the right company for your needs.
Thanks to the votes of more than 30,000 consumers, countless reviews and ratings - and the tireless work of our army of mystery shoppers we're delighted to announce 2021's deserving winners!
Who Were The Best Gold IRA Companies in 2021?
After 30,000 Votes for 1500 Bullion Dealers - We Have Your Five Winners!
These top five gold IRA investment companies form the peak of the industry for quality of service, dollar value and professionalism, and the Bullion.Directory team fully recommends ANY of the following companies when you are looking to safeguard and diversify your retirement account with precious metals.
The Winning Results are in the Chart Below - Click Here for More Detailed Reviews - Or Here for a Comparison Chart
Best for ease, customer service & education
Excellent advisors, fast easy process
Voted top choice for small to mid-sized accounts
Best for pricing, support & zero complaints
Highly commended for service & efficiency
Please note that some of the links provided on Bullion.Directory pay us a small fee if any purchase is made, but this in no way influences our verified public votes, site content or ranking, nor does it affect the price you pay.
How Bullion Dealer of the Year Winners are Selected
Public Vote
Our annual Bullion Dealer of the Year public vote typically sees 30,000+ individuals voting for their top companies.
Consumer Reviews
We use our visitor's ratings and reviews and collate results across all the major consumer review platforms.
Mystery Shoppers
A growing team of experienced mystery shoppers regularly test, rate and report on our most popular dealers.
Although 2021's Coronavirus challenges meant we were unable to host our national public vote as usual, our staff and volunteers have been busy ensuring only the very best gold IRA companies made the grade into 2022.
- 500,000+ monthly site clicks, and innumerable ratings and reviews across the site mean we're the go-to resource for bullion buyers.
- Mystery shop reporting, sales analysis and test purchases ensure our first-hand experience of dealer services.
- Our strict editorial policies mean we will only ever recommend companies on the strength of their merits and not on whether they pay to list with us.
Our Selection Criteria
In compiling our 2021 list of the best gold IRA companies, we don't only look at our annual public vote - we look at 5 key factors:
- Choice: While the gold permitted in an IRA is somewhat restricted, there are still a large number of bullion bars and coins available for IRA investment – even if they’re not available at all dealers. Most Gold IRA companies only carry a few of the best-known bars and coins and so tend to have lower than average scores for choice.
- Value: When it comes to IRAs, value means a combination of lower than average premiums, fees and storage costs. All costs and fees should be transparent and available up front, allowing clients to make an informed decision regarding overall costs.
- Customer Care: This is an area where Gold IRA companies shine because of the far greater need for discussion that comes with retirement planning versus more straight forward retail purchases. IRA specialists must be able to share sometimes complex information with customers in a friendly and non-overwhelming way.
- BD Reviews: Direct company reviews in Bullion.Directory carry significant weight when it comes to our selecting our top companies. We must see a regular flow of genuine and detailed reviews for companies to be considered.
- Other Reviews: as we discus next, third-party reviews can be a tricky area to navigate due to the commercial incentives of small publishers to promote the best-paying bullion dealers. Where it matters we only tend to look at the larger more trustworthy review sites with robust systems in place for stopping and removing false reviews.
Are Those Top Gold IRA Companies REALLY Top?
Doing any type of web search for “top gold IRA companies” is going to result in some confusing and often contradictory advice.
This is because many gold IRA companies run high-paying “affiliate programs” – where they will literally pay website owners commissions for sending web visitors their way. This means websites are incentivized to list higher-paying companies ahead of companies who pay nothing.
In fact in a survey we conducted in November 2020, we discovered that for 106 search terms including “best gold IRA” or searches for gold IRA company names followed by “review” that in 97% of cases ALL of the top 10 results were sites being monetized by affiliate links.
And of these 1060 different search results, 1013 of the resulting web pages advised using a company that paid the site owners a substantial commission.
This means that 95.6% of these results contained content that was little more than an advertisement.
Can these results really be relied on for trust and transparency?
At Bullion.Directory it’s a strict company policy to never promote companies simply as a result of what they pay us – but how can you know we stand by that?
How can we be both a commercial operation and remain genuinely impartial?
When you first arrived on Bullion.Directory you should have been presented with a prominent notice declaring that certain companies pay us to be listed or to advertise on the site and that some of these are commission based.
In our case we have financial relationships with less than 1% of listed companies and receive active commissions from only 0.14%.
This means that over 99% of all site listings and recommendations earn us nothing at all. Ever.
When it comes to recommending gold IRA companies specifically, we promote 98 gold IRA specialists in the directory but only receive regular payments from two. See our advertising banners? That’s them.
Are these 2 companies in our top 5? Yes they are.
Are they there because they pay us? Absolutely not.
Right from the start, Bullion.Directory has relied wholly on public reviews and ratings to help select our top choice companies and in 2014 we started running an annual public vote to find our Bullion Dealers of the Year. In pre-Covid years we’ve seen upwards of 30,000 votes cast across several categories – with one of the most popular and tightly contented categories being that of Gold IRA Specialists.
The companies on this list are here because they’ve either won or been highly placed in these annual votes – and because they have overwhelmingly positive reviews both on Bullion.Directory and across other impartial consumer review websites.
In all cases we have direct experience working with these companies and have been impressed by high levels of professionalism, market knowledge and incredible standards of customer service offered.
If we subsequently become aware that a company we recommend has slipped in their duty of care or have become less than exemplary we will immediately cease to actively promote them – despite any financial losses we may incur as a result.
We stand by our commitment to only ever recommend companies based on their merit, so when you see companies in our recommended lists you can be assured they’re there because they are excellent – not because they’ve paid us.
#1 Winner: Goldco Precious Metals
Goldco
★★★★★
BD Rated: 93.8%
Goldco are synonymous with gold IRAs – they were one of the pioneers in the industry when the IRS first allowed bullion in retirement accounts – and they continue as market leaders today.
Despite expanding to offer other alternative investments such as cryptocurrency, it is their gold IRA and 401k rollovers which still form the bedrock of Goldco's business – something their team of over 60 expert advisors help thousands of Americans to achieve every year.
Built on a strong ethical foundation, Goldco leads the field for customer care and efficiency – introducing wealth-preserving physical gold and silver into hundreds of IRA accounts each month.
After evaluating your needs, Goldco advisors take their customers step-by-step through the whole investment process, ensuring every element of the tax-saving transfer is both legal, safe and cost-efficient.
From choosing a trusted IRS custodian to helping you select the most appropriate investments and arranging ultra-secure vaulting, Goldco are with you every step of your journey.
Consistently one of our top-rated listings and this now being the second year they've been the winner of our "Best Gold IRA Company" Goldco are undoubtably our #1 recommendation for anyone looking to add gold to their retirement account - and deservedly so.
In what is always a tight race, Goldco and runners up Birch Gold Group were separated by almost nothing - and in the end it was Goldco's dedication to precious metals education that saw them hit the top spot. Their indispensible Gold IRA Kit is only a small part of a library of excellent guides and reports available for free to clients and prospective customers.
This dedication is further shown by Goldco's unblemished history of top ratings among the main consumer protection sites:
As a family man, I wanted to create a company that served families, with service that is ethical, respectful and customized to your unique needs. Ten years later, these principles have been the bedrock of Goldco’s success.”
Goldco Costs, Fees and Service Details
Because Goldco sells precious metals both as IRA and non-IRA transactions, different fees apply to each:
Minimum investment levels:
Setup Fees:
Consisting of $50 set up fee, $80 annual maintenance fee, $100* storage fee, $30 wire fee
Annual Fees:
Consisting of $80 annual maintenance fee, $100* storage fee
Despite gold IRA rollovers and transfers involving more work than opening a new account, Goldco's fees remain the same – $260 including set up, first year's maintenance, vaulting and transfer wire fee.
- Free non-segregated storage for non-IRA customers (worth $100)
- First year fees waived for IRAs over $50,000
- Free precious metals up to 5% of order value for any orders over $50,000
Goldco Gold IRA Reviews:
I have talked to other precious metal companies and I talked to Kevin Troy from Goldco.
After talking with Kevin, in great detail about buying precious metals, I felt very assured, that it was the right thing to do at this time. The process at Goldco's end was very easy and everyone at Goldco was very professional.”
Jeanette – North Palm Beach, FL
★★★★★
I am a first time buyer, with absolutely no experience in buying precious metals. I wanted to diversify my 401K so I would have some insurance against my stock portfolio. The staff at Goldco made it a simple 1, 2, 3 process. The staff was courteous and responsive and most important, knowledgeable! Their service was prompt. I look forward to working with them in the future, should I decide to purchase more gold and silver or sell my existing investment.”
Richard – Oceanside, CA
★★★★★
I can only say my experience was absolutely great. Everything was explained to me in detail to where I understood exactly what was going on with my investment from start to finish. The team at GoldCo are extremely informative and answered any questions I had with no problems. I was updated on constantly and found that to be an asset to me to know what was going on at all times. I liked the convenience of being able to call with any questions no matter what it was, it was answered to my satisfaction.”
Melissa – Memphis, TN
★★★★★
I just completed my second transaction with GoldCo as part of a roll-over IRA. Once again, the process was handled very professionally.
My account executive and his associates have been very patient, courteous and helpful. I highly recommend this company.”
Thomas – Middletown, CT
★★★★★
Become a Gold IRA Expert
Order your free copy of Goldco's award-winning guide to protecting your wealth with gold.
Packed with essential information and easy to follow instructions, Goldco's physical and digital gold IRA kit is a must-have for anyone looking to add gold inside a retirement account.
Simply click below to order your copy - and enjoy 100% free express shipping on your free kit!
#2 Best For Service: Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold
★★★★★
BD Rated: 93.6%
Birch Gold Group may not be the biggest of America's bullion dealers, but there's one thing they do consistently: provide class-leading customer care, transparency and trust.
Best known for their Gold IRA services and free info kit - Birch Gold have long been a favorite with US investors looking to add metals to their IRAs or 401k accounts.
Their team of advisors and brokers are passionate in what they believe yet are never pushy or aggressive in the way so many gold brokers are. They use their deep market knowledge and expertise to best help their clients, working tirelessly to ensure your exact requirements are matched.
As of January 2022, Birch Gold ratings among the main consumer protection sites are:
Birch Gold Group Costs, Fees and Service Details
Birch Gold Group mainly works with STRATA Trust Company for custodial services and the Delaware Depository for storage. Where clients use these two companies, current annual fees are $75 and $100 respectively, including $1 billion all-risks insurance.
Shipping prices are included in Birch Gold’s low IRA fees while for retail purchases requiring home delivery, insured secure shipping is free of charge above an order minimum, currently $10,000.
Minimum investment is $5,000 outside of an IRA and $10,000 within an IRA.
- First year fees waived for IRAs over $50,000
- Up to $10,000 in free precious metals – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- Special savings on selected bullion products – ask for current offers
Birch Gold IRA Reviews:
Birch Gold Group were very patient through my transfer of 401k funds to gold and silver. All steps fully explained and especially useful help given in my selecting specific metals.”
Victoria C
★★★★★
I’ve been getting more tense with global situation and home politics so made a decision to buy gold. I’d been hit bad by downturns in the past and didn’t want to make the same mistake for a third time. I wanted to use my IRA for investment for tax purposes despite being very wary about not having possession. Birch Gold Group helped put my mind at ease and have made the transfer process very straightforward. I have now finished the transfer and own physical metals. They have helped me tremendously and I feel I’m as prepared as I can be for what is potentially round the corner. If 2020 is anything to go by I’m glad I finally took active measures.”
Cliff
★★★★★
VISIT BIRCH GOLD WEBSITEAn extraordinary job. I could not be any happier with my experience working with Birch Gold Group. In the beginning I had little idea just how much work they would do for me but it was clear by the end. They were a true partner and offered a full service support in every sense of the word. I truly can’t imagine having made my rollover with any other company.”
Ralph C.
★★★★★
#3 Best For Smaller Accounts: American Hartford
American Hartford
★★★★★
BD Rated: 91.8%
One of the largest IRA specialist companies American Hartford Gold have always been at the forefront of new services, and thanks to top quality service they're now the biggest gold IRA dealers for volume.
As with many IRA specialists they are known for their comprehensive gold IRA info kit - and are responsible for helping thousands of Americans add metals to their IRAs or 401k accounts.
American Hartford are an excellent choice for those with lower value retirement accounts and are a trustworthy and knowledgeable company for anyone new to gold investments as part of a retirement strategy.
As of January 2022, American Hartford Gold ratings among the main consumer protection sites are:
American Hartford Gold Costs, Fees and Service Details
American Hartford Gold works through STRATA Trust Company and Brinks or the Delaware Depository for storage, with annual fees being $75-$125 depending on the holding, however first 3-year fees are waived over a low threshold. Annual storage fees are typically a flat $100, regardless how high the value of the holding.
Shipping prices are included in American Hartford's IRA fees.
American Hartford has NO minimum investment amount
- First 3 years fees waived for IRAs – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- Up to $5,000 in free precious metals – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- No transfer, storage or maintenance fees in first year.
American Hartford Gold IRA Reviews:
I am a new precious metals investor and so went into this with no idea what I was doing.
American Hartford were fantastic and answered all my questions and minimized any concerns I had.
They were both patient and a fountain of knowledge.
The process wasn’t without it’s hitches but this was down to my bank, and despite this American Hartford’s IRA agent was amazing, helping push the bank to complete my transfer on time.”
Richard F.
★★★★★
I dealt directly with Hartford's Senior Director Kyle Shaw. he was supremely knowledgeable patient, reassuring and totally efficient with his handling of the process. I am confident he and his staff are handling my retirement account with a diligence that's second to none.”
C. Schrader
★★★★★
VISIT AMERICAN HARTFORD GOLDFirst time buyer took the advice of Bill O’Reilly and chose Hartford Gold Group. Glad I did and I now feel my retirement account is properly balanced and able to cope with whatever happens to the dollar. It’s a 5-7 year investment and I'm confident it was the right decision both the gold and working with these people.”
S. Brunner
★★★★★
#4 Best for Education: Augusta Precious Metals
APM
★★★★★
BD Rated: 91.6%
Augusta Precious Metals are unique in the precious metals marketplace for having zero bad reviews. Yes they have literally none, on ANY of the major or specialist review platforms.
In a cut-throat and highly competitive market such as Gold IRAs this is a simply stunning achievement and it's entirely down to the company's focus on providing customer service that's second to none.
This coupled with a dedication to educating new investors through their investor education packs and a highly active YouTube channel give Augusta the edge over just about every other company out there.
As of January 2022, APM ratings among the main consumer protection sites are:
Augusta Precious Metals Costs, Fees and Service Details
APM offer US storage using International Depository Services (IDS) and Brinks, both for use with retirement accounts and for regular portfolios. There are no management fees, with an annual $180 due on US storage regardless of the holding size ($280 in first year).
Insured shipping is included.
Minimum investment is $50,000 inside of an IRA and $10,000 for regular purchases.
- Free storage charges for first 5 years
- Zero management fees for all qualifying IRAs
- Free insured shipping on orders greater than $10,000
- Buy one ounce of gold, get one ounce of silver free
- Special savings on selected bullion products – ask for current offers
Augusta Precious Metals IRA Reviews:
Very solid and professional presentation. The fact that Devlyn Steele personally takes the time to present the materials and to ask questions was a huge plus for me. The presentation was up to date with current government and Fed change information for the current week. I definitely recommend everyone looks at Augusta as an option for buying precious metals.”
Todd U
★★★★★
VISIT AUGUSTAMy experience began with a video presentation that was very informative without being a pushy high pressure sales pitch. The presentation highlighted the need to invest in precious metals, e.g., inflation, stock market fluctuations and the current state of the economy. I then reviewed several other Precious Metals IRA companies at the BBB. Other companies had as many as 8 consumer complaints. The complaints were, however, resolved which helped the companies maintain an A+ rating. Augusta Precious Metals had no complaints registered at the BBB. Following my research I opened a Precious Metals IRA with Augusta.”
Edward Stadelmayer
★★★★★
#5 Highly Commended: Noble Gold
Noble Gold
★★★★★
BD Rated: 88.6%
Noble Gold started as an offshoot of another well-known gold IRA company, where individual brokers wanted to offer IRA services with the level of dedication and care that can be difficult in a larger firm.
Having grown rapidly in their first few years of operation, Noble Gold never lost this dedication and have grown a passionately loyal following in what is a highly competitive market.
Shortlisted for our Bullion Dealer of the Year public vote just before Covid led to a temporary postponement of the event, Noble gold are definitely a company to watch in 2021.
As of January 2022, Noble Gold ratings among the main consumer protection sites are:
Noble Gold Costs, Fees and Service Details
Noble Gold store all client precious metals using International Depository Services. Noble's annual fee is $80 or $150 depending on if clients use the Delaware or Texas depository and their annual storage fee is $225 / $250.
Insured shipping is included in Noble Gold's IRA fees.
Minimum investment is $3,000 outside of an IRA and $10,000 within an IRA.
- First year fees waived for qualifying IRAs
Noble Gold IRA Reviews:
Noble Gold is by far the best of the best! I cannot think of doing business with any other company. Everyone I have dealt with (especially Paul) has been extremely knowledgeable,friendly and helped both my wife and I immensely. Paul did his best to get us the best deal possible.”
Ed Erwin
★★★★★
Was referred to Noble Gold by a friend. Very professional and courteous. Followed up on the process. Had many questions about the purchase and they took the time and patience to answer. Hope Ragusa is a pleasure to work with. Received my order complete”
Joseph M.
★★★★
VISIT NOBLE GOLD SITEJoshua Ward has been a great help to me with my very first purchase of precious metals. He was/is so friendly and goes the extra mile to answer all my questions and keep me up to date on my account. I hope to continue working with him for many years to come.”
Debbie K.
★★★★★
2021 Winners: Quick Links
As mentioned at the start of this page, we'd happily recommend ANY of these 5 winners.
All we ask is that when you DO buy from one, please come back and leave a review at Bullion.Directory so you can help future metals buyers make informed decisions - working with the best possible gold IRA companies!