Best Gold IRA Companies: Budget Buyers
36,285 Votes Later - Who Are Your Top Gold IRA Companies in 2024?
Voted Top for...
- Lowest-premium bullion with zero 'hard-sell'
- Minimal fees and regular special offers on storage
- All new IRA accounts qualify for a free coin
- Smallest minimum investment level - perfect for new and lower-budget investors
36,285 Votes
total verified votes cast
8,052 Votes
verified votes in Gold IRA category
9,097 Visits
website visits to winners in Nov.
The Bullion.Directory Bullion Dealer of the Year public vote is managed by Opinion Stage and all vote results are fully verified by independent third-parties.
- Fast and efficient service with low minimums
- No-pressure no-obligation helpline
- Wide range of precious metals products
- Excellent all-rounder - quality, value and no hype
- Birch are famed goldbug Ron Paul's go-to choice of Gold IRA specialist
- Easy, transparent investment process
- 5-time INC 5000 financial category winner
- Strongly focused on education
- Goldco's comprehensive Gold IRA kit winner of the 2024 Best Gold IRA Guide trophy.
- #1 ranked gold company by Inc. 5000
- Lowest price guarantee and no buy-back fees
- No-cost expert consultation, lowest IRA minimums
- New accounts can qualify for free safe in November
- A+ rating from BBB, 5-star reviews and thousands of satisfied clients
- Most trusted gold IRA company
- Best for ethics, customer care & lifetime support
- YOU choose your gold & silver
- 1000's 5-star ratings and reviews
- Free gold when you open a Gold IRA (no catches)
- Easy and fast online account setup
- Fully transparent 24 hour price satisfaction
- Market leading buyback program with zero fees
- Most improved business in the precious metals space for trust and service
- Focus on tax-advantaged retirement accounts
- Excellent mix of precious metals products
- Bullion.Directory's 'One to Watch' for 2024
- Low $10,000 minimum investment
- High degree of community involvement
- Free shipping and insurance available
- A+ rating from BBB, average of 5-star reviews across all review platforms
- Rapidly-growing company with loyal customers
- Excellent educational materials and free consultation
- Fully tailored custom plans for every client
- CMG's passion and dedication is obvious in everything they say and do
- Personalized portfolios for any and all situations
- No-cost expert consultation for custom plans
- Regular specials for new and existing customers
- Lower than average minimum order size and excellent price guarantees available
Expert Opinion: Best Gold IRA Companies - Winners Reviewed
Bullion.Directory's wealth advisor Alice Walker rates and reviews your winning Gold IRA companies and the free guides they provide. She examines their special offers and looks at the pros and cons of each choice..
All 5 companies are winners - but which ones would be the best choice for different investors?
Noble Gold - Value Gold Medalist Review
Noble Gold lead the pack for friendly service coupled with low bullion-only premiums
- Offering the kind of personal service you normally only get with small family companies
- Excellent range of bullion products at among the lowest premiums
- Low fees and special offers on storage
- Lowest minimum investment level - perfect for new investors
- 401k rollover experts
- All new IRA accounts qualify for a free coin
Originally an offshoot from one of our past winners, Noble have grown to offer a uniquely 'homely' service that bigger companies couldn't hope to copy. I think it's great seeing them take a well-deserved medal spot and know they'll take more podium positions in coming years
Noble Gold Ratings:
Consumer Group Rankings:
Noble Gold Review:
Noble Gold has been at the forefront of great value Gold IRAs since 2016, offering knowledgeable and friendly service coupled with one of the industry's lowest minimum investment levels.
Sure Noble Gold doesn't have the biggest website or a massive social media presence like many of their rivals, but much like Birch it's team saves their time, money and effort for what matters - serving customers in the best possible way and at the best possible price.
The company has a no-nonsense approach to precious metals, with a streamlined and fully-transparent service, giving customers a simple and easy path to purchase tax-advantaged metals.
Noble Gold's Free Gold IRA Kit:
Equally no-nonsense, Noble Gold's free Gold Information Guide contains actionable facts about precious metals and retirement without hype or hyperbole - written in an easy to follow style perfect for new investors.
Available as an instant-download pdf, this is one of only 5 or 6 free guides available that's actually worth reading.
For potential investors still wanting to learn more, Noble Gold also offers the option for a free 1:1 consult with a gold IRA educator.
Finally, for everyone who orders the guide now, Noble Gold will send a free 3oz silver coin when they open an account.
Noble Gold Pros
- Low set-up fees ($80) for all customers
- Low minimum spend - $2500 outside an IRA, $10,000 in.
- Free silver (max $500) for qualifying accounts
- Excellent library of educational materials
Noble Gold Negatives
- No e-commerce option
- No live pricing
- US clients only
Noble Gold Costs, Fees and Service Details
Noble Gold’s recommended gold storage services are with IDS (International Depository Services) in Dallas, Texas. At time of writing the annual storage fee for IRA storage services at this location is $150 regardless of the amount held. Additionally they offer storage in Delaware and Ontario, Canada.
Shipping prices are typically included in Noble Gold’s IRA fees while for retail purchases requiring home delivery, insured secure shipping is free of charge above an order minimum, currently $2,500.
Minimum investment is $2,500 outside of an IRA and $10,000 within an IRA.
Noble Gold's easy no-fuss sign up, low minimum order sizes and well-oiled rollover process make them equally popular with new and experienced investors looking for well-priced investment metals.
- Up to $500 in free precious metals – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- Special savings on selected premium products – ask for current offers
Noble Gold Customer Reviews:
I am very pleased with the professionalism and friendly knowledgeable advice I got at Noble Gold and despite some real drama at my end from bank problems and deliverability issues, Noble came up with the goods and did everything they could to make what could have been a disaster into a success. Thank you!”
Patricia
★★★★★
Broker Ryan is very helpful and his instructions are crystal clear. He really helped me every step of the way with my transfer and I would not hesitate to recommend Noble Gold Investments to anyone considering taking the gold retirement route”
Catherine
★★★★★
GET STARTED - ORDER FREE NOBLE GOLD GUIDEWe had an incredible experience working with Mandi Carlson at Noble Gold. He was very nice and extremely knowledgeable. He walked us through every step of the process and made it super easy. We originally had our doubts with purchasing precious metals and we weren't very trusting. He is definitely someone you can trust though!”
Joseph W.
★★★★★
Birch Gold - Value Silver Medalist Review
Birch Gold Group are known for a no-nonsense approach, which is continued in an excellent info kit
- Ron Paul's top-choice of Gold IRA specialist
- Fast and efficient service with low minimums
- Strongly focussed on education with hard-hitting news and analysis from some of the industry's leading names
- No-pressure no-obligation helpline
- Wide range of precious metals products
- Excellent all-rounder - quality, value and no hype
While American Hartford and Goldco may get the publicity or the celebrity support, Birch quietly gets on with the business of protecting assets with a minimum of fuss and maximum effectiveness. The 'Volvo' of precious metals dealers, Birch are the understated all-purpose champion of investment portfolios across America - and I love them for it.
Birch Gold Ratings:
Consumer Group Rankings:
Birch Gold Review:
I make my Volvo analogy for good reason. Sure there are faster cars, more glamorous cars and there are more luxurious cars - but when it comes to safety, reliability and sheer practicality it's hard to see past a Volvo wagon. I drive a Volvo wagon.
While Birch Gold may not have the most modern website, or any fancy celebrity endorsements - where they truly shine is that they are brilliant at what they do. The fact that they do it in a quiet and non-spectacular manner, get results without fireworks and make clients money without ticker tape parades and glitter bombs - is their secret weapon.
If safety is a client's number one priority and there's any possibilty they'll be put off investing by shouty sales teams and flash bravado, I'll send them straight on over to Birch Gold every single time.
Birch Gold Group Free Gold IRA Kit:
Like everything about Birch Gold, their free Gold Information Kit says exactly what needs to be said, no more no less. For investors overwhelmed by choice and options this can be a true Godsend.
Available as an instant-download pdf, there's no waiting by the mailbox and no drama - just cold hard facts and analysis at your fingertips - and fast.
It's little wonder sound-money advocate Dr Ron Paul has chosen to work with Birch as their to-the-point messaging and perfectly summarized guides are now educating a whole new generation of sound-money investors.
The kit includes full details of a new scheme, allowing you to potentially claim some of your gold IRA rollover spend in bonus silver.
Birch Gold Pros
- Fees waived for new qualifying customers
- Regular free storage offers
- Excellent combination of choice and value with service
- Wide range of educational materials available
- Thousands of 5-star ratings and reviews
Birch Gold Negatives
- No self-serve option
- High minimum investment to claim bonus silver offer
- US clients only
Birch Gold 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.
Birch Gold's simple sign up, low minimum order sizes and fast frictionless rollover process make them very popular with new investors looking to start with gold.
- 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 Customer 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
★★★★★
GET STARTED - ORDER FREE BIRCH KITAn 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.
★★★★★
Goldco - Value Bronze Medalist Review
Goldco, the company behind our best-rated gold IRA guide is no stranger to the winner's podium
- 3-time Bullion Directory Bullion Dealer of the Year
- A+ BBB rating, AAA rating at BCA, with multiple thousand 5-star ratings and reviews across all major consumer protection sites
- 5-time INC 5000 financial category winner
- Top choice for high net worth buyers
- Strongly focused on education with library of guides and videos available
- Goldco's comprehensive Gold IRA kit widely considered best in industry.
Goldco has won Bullion Dealer of the Year three times for good reason: incredible customer care combined with excellent value services. The company's onboarding special offers for new customers make transfers, rollovers and secure storage virtually free of charge.
Goldco Ratings:
Consumer Group Rankings:
Goldco Review:
Goldco are Gold IRA specialists who know how to work properly with High Net Worth customers, and have the facilities and knowledgebase in place to make large-value transactions smooth and seamless.
It's not for nothing that they're 3-time winners of Bullion Dealer of the Year - their customer care and the quality of the services they provide are exemplary.
Although they don't specialize in High Net Worth customers specifically (Goldco cover ALL market demographics including HNW) their precious metals specialists are well versed in the needs and expectations of high-value buyers. This care and attention is clearly of benefit to customers at all investment levels as I frequently hear of mid-level investors saying they feel like they were treated like royalty despite their smaller purchase volume.
Goldco's Free 2024 Gold IRA Kit:
While most gold companies look at gold investments in general, Goldco has a very strong focus on using precious metals to protect and grow wealth in times of crisis. Their free Wealth Protection Kit certainly delivers on these promises!
Shipped as a physical guide, audio guide and video this kit takes tax-advantaged investing, market hedging and asset diversification to a whole new level while remaining easy to follow - and comes with free express delivery to your door.
The kit also comes with access to a huge library of informative guides on the use of precious metals in what seems like every possible scenario and is a must-see resource for investors at any level.
The kit includes full details of a new scheme, allowing you to potentially claim back up to 10%** of your gold IRA rollover in bonus silver.
Goldco Pros
- Free physical, video and audio investor kit
- Free storage and zero-fee opening offers
- Market-leading bonus silver program for larger purchases**
- Competitively priced products with 5 star service
- Long-established, large trusted company
- Multiple-time industry 'best-of' prizewinners
Goldco Negatives
- No live pricing on website
- No self-serve option
- Bonus silver** requires minimum investment - see below
Goldco Costs, Fees and Service Details
The required minimum purchase at Goldco to start a gold IRA is $25,000. Goldco’s preferred Custodian charges a flat annual account service fee which includes a one-time IRA account set-up fee of $50, as well as a $30 wire fee. Annual maintenance is $100, and storage is $150 for segregated storage or $100 for non-segregated storage.
Fees for gold storage and custodianship can vary depending on the company you select to handle these services (required by the IRS, as all IRA assets must be managed by a custodian).
Depending on the Custodian, storage fees can range from $10 to $60 per month, or as a percentage of assets, from 0.35% to 1% annually. Goldco does not charge any storage fees for cash transactions over $25,000.
- Free no-obligation wealth-protection kit and access to a library of gold investment guides by some of the industry's top experts.
- Free silver 1/2oz coin to all qualified enquiries
- Up to 10% back in bonus precious metals for any qualifying account**
Goldco Customer Reviews:
Goldco is outstanding. They took me through every process to rollover a couple 403b's from a previous employer. They explained every step and helped out fill out rollover forms.
Can't say enough good things.”
Lucas K.
★★★★★
Goldco was very professional and knowledgeable from the start. They guided my wife and I through every step of our first time purchase of gold and silver. All our questions were answered and we did not feel rushed in making decisions. The staff we dealt with were very professional and easy to talk to. I would recommend them to anyone looking to make a first time purchase of gold and silver.”
Darel A.
★★★★★
I truly appreciate the time and effort your associates gave during this process. Every interaction was conducted by a knowledgeable account representative. Their guidance and professionalism exceeded my expectations. This experience has provided me with peace of mind during our country's current economic climate.”
Regina B.
★★★★★
GET STARTED - ORDER FREE GOLDCO KITI could not believe how great the people at Goldco treated me and the respect they gave me. I felt like I actually knew these people for years and I felt in my heart I could and knew I could trust them. After talking to all the Goldco representatives it was so easy to transfer my money into precious metals. Thank you so much Goldco for the peace of mind I have now.”
Gary H.
★★★★★
American Hartford - Value Runner Up Review
- #1 ranked gold company by Inc. 5000
- A+ rating from BBB, 5-star reviews and thousands of satisfied clients
- Lowest price guarantee and no buy-back fees
- No-cost expert consultation, lowest IRA minimums
- Exclusively recommended by Bill O'Reilly, Rick Harrison and others
- Free high quality safe on qualifying orders in November (while stocks last)
I'm not at all surprised American Hartford Gold made it to the final. The company consistently tops our leader boards thanks to it's low fees and high value offerings, coupled with a unique lowest-price guarantee and superb standards of customer care. Sometimes biggest does mean best!
American Hartford Gold Ratings:
Consumer Group Rankings:
American Hartford Gold Review:
There are many gold IRA specialists, there are many wealth protection experts - and then there is American Hartford Gold. A true giant in the industry, where American Hartford leads others can only follow.
On numbers alone, American Hartford Gold dominates, from industry prizes and awards, to account and sales volume, to the staggering work the company does raising funds for local and national charities. But where they truly excel is where they have the lowest numbers - complaints.
With a hard target set of 100% customer satisfaction and with a quality no-pressure expert service and better than fair pricing to help ensure the company achieves this, AHG genuinely do win across the board.
American Hartford Gold Free Gold IRA Kit:
American Hartford's Gold Information Kit contains the perfect amount of actionable information over it's 25 pages - just enough to give a good grounding in the basics, without the danger of information overload.
Available as an instant-download pdf, there's no waiting by the mailbox for a physical package - just the essential facts and info at your fingertips - and fast.
It's not surprising that financial and business giants like Bill O'Reilly, Rick Harrison and Rudy Giuliani have got behind the company, drawn by their no-nonsense approach.
The guide includes full details of a new scheme, allowing you to potentially claim up to $10,000 in bonus silver when you fund and add precious metals to a qualifying account.
American Hartford Gold Pros
- Fees waived for new qualifying customers
- Lowest $10,000 minimum buy for IRA accounts
- Great combination of choice, service and value
- Work with one of the gold industry's giants
- Thousands of 5-star ratings and reviews
American Hartford Gold Negatives
- No live prices on products
- No e-commerce or self-serve option
- US clients only
American Hartford Gold Costs, Fees and Service Details
State-of-the-art security normally comes at a high cost, but in AHG’s case thanks to special arrangements they have with their storage partners - Brinks, Delaware Depository Services Company and International Depository Services - these fees are typically waived altogether for the first 3 years for new qualifying clients, or are a reasonable flat $100 fee.
The company charges a $75 annual IRA fee for accounts valued at $100,000 or less and $125 for accounts valued over $100,001.
Shipping prices are included in American Hartford's low IRA fees while for retail purchases requiring home delivery, insured secure shipping is free of charge above an order minimum, currently $5,000.
Minimum investment is $5,000 outside of an IRA and $10,000 within an IRA.
AHG's simple sign up, low minimum order sizes and frictionless rollover process make them popular with new investors looking to start with gold.
- First 3 years fees waived for IRAs – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- Up to $10,000 in free precious metals – minimum purchase and conditions apply
- No transfer, storage or maintenance fees
- Special savings on selected products – ask for current offers
American Hartford Gold Customer Reviews:
I called several gold IRA companies and American Hartford seemed the most clued-up. They were also not over forceful like some of the others. Rollover process was easy, quick and went smooth.
Choices available were also very good and I’m happy with all aspects.”
Tom M
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
GET STARTED - ORDER FREE AMERICAN HARTFORD KITI had a very good experience with American Hartford with a rollover last year and I’ve been in touch looking to add to my investment again. They’ve never been pushy or have I ever felt them trying to get me to buy something I didn’t want. They were also by far the best priced of the gold IRA companies I spoke with for fees storage and the actual metals I bought. Everyone I’ve dealt with have been excellent and I cannot fault any aspect of what they did.”
P.D.
★★★★★
APM - Value Runner Up Review
- Zero complaints on BBB or other consumer protection sites
- 2022 & 2023 Money magazine: "Best Overall Gold IRA Company." Investopedia: "Most Transparent."
- Unique onboarding webinar with Harvard trained metals expert
- Small team of dedicated experts giving a 1-on-1 white glove service
- Free gold when you open a gold IRA with zero fees for up to 10 years (there is no catch, everyone qualifies)
Consistently our top-rated gold dealer across the board, I think Augusta have a particular edge when it comes to working with High Net Worth clients. Their transparency and trust levels are second to none, as evidenced by their slew of trust awards, and their white-glove processes for high value transactions are the best in market by a significant margin.
Augusta Ratings:
Consumer Group Rankings:
Augusta Review: Why are they one of our Best Gold IRA Companies?
Winners Augusta Precious Metals are my go-to recommendation for High Net Worth customers as they're one of a handful of Gold IRA specialists who 'get' what's needed and expected when dealing with high value accounts.
While Augusta may not be the cheapest (and I'm talking pennies on the dollar here) the actual value they offer HNW investors in terms of peace of mind, speed, efficiency and care means they're un-matched when it comes to 6 or 7 figure transactions.
The value the company offers beyond mere price extends to another one of their unique offerings; a surprisingly enjoyable 1 to 1 webinar with Harvard-trained economist Devlyn Steele. This coupled with an award-winning investor kit gives investors one of the most valuable commodities of all: knowledge.
Augusta's Award-Winning Gold IRA Kit:
In the same way as Augusta are my go-to recommendation for anybody with $100k or more in retirement savings, so too is their Free Gold Investor Kit the guide I recommend to all my discerning clients.
Comprehensive yet easy to follow the kits contains incredibly useful information on all aspects of gold investment, with the added benefit of free express shipping direct to your door.
For investors who are totally new to precious metals, ordering the free kit can also open access to a valuable web conference looking at what gold and silver can do for your specific needs.
Augusta Pros
- Industry-leading transparency & trust
- Wide range of educational materials
- Small team of highly professional agents
- 'Concierge' levels of white-glove customer care
- Rapid hands-off turnaround
- Ability to handle complex cases
Augusta Negatives
- No live pricing on website
- Higher than average minimum IRA order size ($50-100k)
- No offshore storage
Augusta 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.
The actual investment process at Augusta can be as in-depth or hands-off as a customer prefers - but in all cases the whole procedure is highly efficient and streamlined. Indeed one of my buyers recently rolled over an account and added over $1m in tax-advantaged precious metals in less than a week.
- Free no-obligation investor kit including free delivery
- Choice of free gold coins when opening or transferring a gold IRA
- Zero management fees for 10 years
- Free storage charges for first 5 years
- Free high value 1-on-1 educational webinar for new clients
- Free insured shipping on orders greater than $10,000
- Special savings on selected bullion products – ask for current offers
Augusta Customer Reviews:
I want to applaud Augusta for their team approach, professionalism and efficiency. Their amazing, informative web conference educated me about the economy so I know what factors affect my savings. I've always known how important it is to have a great team around me. Having Augusta on my team makes me feel good about my decision to add precious metals to my retirement portfolio.”
Joe Montana*
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
My 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
★★★★★
GET STARTED - ORDER FREE AUGUSTA KITI am very worried about the ongoing situation and wanted to diversify my IRA having seen too many red flags as to where we’re going as a nation. I applied for the one on one web conference with Devlyn Steele and was accepted and I must say Devlyn is an absolute font of information. He was without any bluster or pressure, just cool hard facts all of which I verified. I took a little while to make my decision and while I did the market moved a little against me but happily Augusta didnt charge me any fees and overall I was able to invest at an advantageous rate. They are an excellent company to work with and I could not be happier with their work so far.”
James G.
★★★★★
Full Transparency: How Are These Results Decided?
The results in our Bullion Dealer of the Year vote are wholly the result of a large and independently verified annual public vote. Sub-categories and mid-term updates may reflect a combination of this annual vote, reviews and ratings on site and subsequent reports generated by our independent mystery shoppers.
Unlike many review sites in the precious metals niche, Bullion.Directory has strict editorial policies and safeguards in place to help ensure that any revenue we may earn from advertisers on site has minimal impact on our annual public vote, company ratings or reviews. We do this through a number of mechanisms including the full separation of our commercial and editorial interests, a 3rd party audited annual public vote, and scrutiny of all reviews by software and non-incentivized editors.
As an example, in the above results, the company from whom we receive the greatest revenue is in 4th place, while the company with the lowest rates is 2nd. We have received zero ad revenue at time of publishing from 5 of the above companies.