Birch Gold Group Review – Fast Stats:
Birch Gold Group Overview
Birch Gold Group is one of America’s favorite precious metals dealers operating nationally across the US from their headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.
Although they provide a wide range of precious metals investment services, their true specialty is in the provision of Gold IRAs – and so the vast majority of the investment gold and silver they deliver is held securely within self-directed IRAs.
Consistently among the highest rated precious metals dealers in America, Birch Gold Group is one of our three Top Choice Dealers for Gold IRAs in 2024.
Birch Gold’s Main Services
Birch Gold sells precious metal bars and coins, either as part of a Gold IRA, held within a secure storage facility or delivered directly to customer homes – with these investment metals typically being used to help protect wealth by diversifying and hedging the assets in customer portfolios.
Since their formation in 2003, they have rapidly established themselves as market leaders in the Gold IRA market and this specialty is now their principal area of operation where they provide a full end-to-end service. From assisting with new IRA accounts or performing IRA rollovers / transfers, to arranging ultra-secure storage and custodian services – Birch Gold then delivers the highest quality investment-grade gold, silver, platinum and palladium directly into customer accounts.
Outside of an IRA, where buyers are simply looking for a reliable and trustworthy metals dealer, Birch Gold will of course direct supply precious metals to your home or arrange high-security storage at a choice of locations – and their team of precious metals specialists can help with any aspects of your metals portfolio or investment plans.
For any questions Birch Gold Group offers no obligation assistance on (888) 824-4368
Gold IRA Transfer and Rollovers
Birch Gold has been at the forefront of the rapidly growing Precious Metals IRA market since 2003, and has already helped thousands of American families take advantage of little-known tax breaks on offer when buying specific precious metal products inside a self directed IRA.
These recent IRS relaxations on allowable assets, mean US citizens are able to invest in tax-advantaged precious metals, all while getting income tax deductions to the same value. As an example, if you’re in the 35% income tax bracket this is equivalent to the IRS giving you 3½ ounces of solid gold for every 10oz you buy!
Given Gold and Silver’s historic uses as wealth protection insurance in times of crisis, the IRS is essentially helping you load up on these vital diversification assets at a time when we may be needing them most, and for a time in your life when the last thing you want are money worries. Birch Gold has prepared a useful information kit explaining exactly what gold and silver can do when the next recession hits.
Birch Gold offers the following:
IRA Rollovers / Transfers
For customers who already have a regular IRA, an employee 401k or similar account, Birch Gold specializes in fast efficient rollovers or transfers to a Gold SDIRA (Self Directed IRA).
This move is generally required because not all retirement accounts can take advantage of holding physical precious metals.
To make this work without triggering a taxable event or penalty, funds need to be transferred to the right type of account, following a specific process in a certain timescale to avoid creating a distribution in the eyes of the IRS.
Thankfully IRA experts such as Birch Gold facilitate these Gold IRA rollovers and transfers all day every day and so operate like a well-oiled machine. From working with your existing trustees or custodian, to liaising with your new account, their team can help see the transfer or rollover of funds from one account to another quicker than some bullion dealers reply to an email.
While the IRS tends to make tax regulations rules complex, companies like Birch Gold are able to take all the pain out of the process, leaving you to enjoy the many benefits of gold in the most tax-advantaged way possible.
Their free Gold Information Kit covers all aspects of the process and should be considered essential reading for anyone considering holding gold in an IRA.
Birch Gold’s Step-by-Step IRA Process
- A customer will get in touch with Birch Gold Group, either through their website or by calling (888) 824-4368.
- They will then speak with a precious metals specialist for a short initial fact-finding chat to explore what precious metals or a gold IRA could achieve in their situation. This will take a brief look at available options and answer any questions the prospective investor may have – as well as organize delivery of the info kit. This call typically takes 5-10 minutes.
- When an investor wishes to proceed they are given a telephone appointment with a Gold IRA Specialist who will gather the required information to move forward with the process.
- Either a new account is established and transfer or rollover of funds initiated, or if the customer already has a suitable IRA they move onto the next step.
- With funds in the account, the customer and their account specialist will discuss investment options further and the specialist may help select a choice of bars and coins which will then be purchased with the transferred funds.
- Inventory precious metals are placed directly into the customer’s IRA account at their chosen secure storage depository. This will typically takes 2-5 days, but for non-stock items this can take from 2-4 weeks depending on rarity and wholesale seller stocks.
The purchased metals are then held in the IRA account until such time as the customer wishes to liquidate part or all of their holding. At this point Birch Gold may ask for first opportunity to buy back as they will generally offer better than average prices for a direct buy-back. Of course customers can sell to any metals dealer they wish.
IRA Custodian Services
All IRAs must be held by a custodian or trusted and accredited third party helping keep your IRA investments at arms length and ensuring all investments and tax events are tracked for the IRS.
The rules for custodians are strict and because they work directly with the IRS and have a fiduciary duty of care to their customers they must meet and maintain high standards for IRS approval.
Not all custodians are set up to handle physical precious metals, or are well-versed in the sometimes complex IRS rules and regulations specific to precious metals. Birch Gold works with some of the most trusted precious metals custodians in the business and can suggest a custodian best suited to your needs – especially if you’re looking at other alternative assets such as Bitcoin (Birch Gold’s sister company BitIRA provides cryptocurrencies inside IRAs).
Birch Gold’s main precious metals custodian is currently STRATA Trust Company – but the company is flexible enough to deal with any custodian you’d prefer and they regularly work with Equity Trust, Preferred Trust, Kingdom Trust and New Direction.
Gold in an IRA cannot be held at home – it must be held in an approved storage depository, a specialist high security metals vault assessed by the IRS as meeting strict standards. This is something Birch Gold will typically arrange on your behalf, and in conjunction with your custodian. For more details on metals storage see the next section; Storage.
The Birch Gold Information Kit contains more detail on working with IRA custodians and is delivered free to your home.
Security: Precious Metals Storage
Whether it’s inside of an IRA or outside in your personal / family investment portfolio – gold and silver investments are at their most secure when held in a specialist precious metals storage facility or depository.
Although specialist secure storage is a legal requirement for an IRA, many non-IRA investors feel safer with the level of protection provided by a professional gold depository – after all the security at facilities used by Birch Gold Group is hard to beat.
State-of-the-art security normally comes at a high cost, but thanks to the enormous economy of scale at which these large depositories operate, many can provide all your vaulting needs regardless of how big your holding, for between $250-$500 a year. In Birch Gold’s case, thanks to special arrangements they have with their storage partners, these fees are lower still.
At time of writing the annual storage/insurance fee for Birch Gold’s IRA metals vaulting services through Delaware Depository Services is typically $100.
While Birch Gold’s principal gold vaulting service is with the Delaware Depository Services Company, customers can choose to vault at other locations including Brinks or International Depository Services.
For full details on any special storage offers, call (888) 824-4368 and mention Bullion.Directory.
Birch Gold Group Online Reviews
Thanks to their strong focus on customer care and their fast efficient services, Birch Gold reviews are wholly positive across all major review websites and ratings aggregators, averaging 5 stars or A+ ratings.
As would be expected, it’s Birch Gold’s IRA Reviews that are the most common review found online although there are some reviews from non-IRA clients and even coin collectors due to Birch Gold’s occasional promotions on Proof American Silver Eagles and Proof American Gold Eagles. Birch’s Gold Information Kit also receives frequent mention.
As of May 2024, Birch Gold reviews among the main consumer protection sites are:
Trustpilot: ★★★★★ (163 Reviews)
Consumer Affairs: ★★★★★ (151 Reviews)
We ask all customers to leave Birch Gold reviews and ratings using the “Reviews” tab at the top of this section. Your reviews, good or bad, will help future investors make a decision when choosing Birch Gold for their IRA or investment gold.
Detailed Birch Gold Ratings
The following ratings are based on a combination of third-party reviews, consumer feedback and our own experiences in dealing with Birch Gold and are a direct comparison to other bullion dealers in the market.
The average mark should be taken as 50%, below average is 40% and lower, above average is 60% and higher. Ratings of 90% or more should be considered excellent and are among best in class.
Metals Selection
Although Birch Gold can get hold of most precious metals products, their stock lines may be limited to some of the most popular mints and brands at the most popular sizes, especially during busy periods. Special orders can see delays of 2-3 weeks, so we recommend sticking with stock items which are available immediately.
Metals Premium
Due to their high trade volumes and economies of scale, premiums on Birch Gold’s most commonly bought items and largest bar sizes are surprisingly good, especially alongside other Gold IRA specialists. While metals can be found marginally cheaper at the low budget end of the dealer market, Birch Gold’s value-added services and high standards of customer care more than make up for this penny on the dollar difference.
Storage Costs
Birch Gold’s IRA storage fees are among the lowest in the gold IRA marketplace and they run regular offers which can see free storage offered at certain order minimums. Even outside of special offers, their secure storage typically averages between $100-$150 regardless of quantity vaulted, which can give customers significant savings, especially when compared with percentage-based fees.
Shipping Costs
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.
Customer Care
This is where Birch Gold stands head and shoulders above the competition, with their customers typically being consistently happy with all aspects of the company’s services. While there are occasional bad reviews as can be expected with any company operating on this scale, these are considerably lower in volume or for less serious matters than at other equivalent companies. We should also point out that Birch Gold has been targeted negatively by third-parties promoting rival companies. Because of this, we’d advise caution when reading reviews outside of trusted sources and mainstream review centers such as Bullion.Directory.
Overall Rating
We have rated Birch Gold Group a very high 92% making them our joint-top choice for Gold IRAs in 2020 and highly recommended in all other aspects. In fact the only class in our directory we couldn’t rate Birch Gold as among the top dealers, is that of rare collectible coins; this is only due to their principal product range being investment-grade bullion and proof coins – not ancient museum pieces.
Birch Gold Group Complaints
Birch Gold complaints, though few and far between do exist and from examining the most common complaints these tend to be down to minor misunderstandings.
They may be either in regard to the metals purchased (proof versus bullion) or timescale of investment gains (gold works best in the mid to long term and during crises). Complaints are never about non-delivery, miss-selling or other more serious problems – and in nearly all cases we found, Birch Gold was able to rectify and fully make good any issues.
Birch Gold has a strong customer care team and request all customers contact them with any complaints no matter how small before leaving reviews – this dedication means the company can typically turn around grumbles or small issues to a customer’s complete satisfaction, without affecting their stellar 5-star and A+ ratings.
Complaints should be addressed directly to Birch Gold on their dedicated page at https://birchgold.com/file-complaint
Birch Gold’s Free Information Kit
Birch Gold’s free Information Kit contains all you need to know to make an informed decision about investing in gold.
To claim your copy, call the Kit Orderline on (888) 824-4368 or simply visit the order page.
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Material provided on the Bullion.Directory website is strictly for informational purposes only. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. No information on this website is intended as investment, tax or legal advice and must not be relied upon as such. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Precious metals carry risk and investors requiring advice should always consult a properly qualified advisor. Bullion.Directory, it's staff or affiliates do not accept any liability for loss, damages, or loss of profit resulting from readers investment decisions.
Chris – :
Good company no issues all went smooth i have no other comparison but they did what they said
Robert Rienecker – :
FACT – On Nov 18, 2022, Birch dealer, J*** K****** SOLD ME (21) – 1 ounce American Eagle – Gold PROOFS at a unit price of $4,393.20 each. On that day, 11/18/22, gold “spot price” was $1,751.30 I’m not 100% certain if that was a good investment for me
Jennifer – :
I want to express my sincere thanks for the remarkable customer experience provided by Birch Gold Group. The entire process went smoothly and seamlessly with each of the company’s friendly and knowledgeable associates – Yale, Will, and Evie.
Matthew – :
I discovered Birch Gold Group on a radio show about sound money and glad I did they have been excellent to work with and professional at all stages
Gordon – :
100% happy with my trades made at Birch and now sitting back watching my portfolio grow
Dan – :
Easy transaction, great people, all of it was a great experience.
Thomas – :
Always good, some products could be better priced, but overall a very professional and helpful company
S.P. – :
Birch got my vote in the Bullion Dealer of the Year, first-class company who will go above and beyond the norms when it comes to service. Extraordinary value for the help they have given.
Joan – :
We have been with Birch for several years and watched our investment climb as everything unfolds the way they’ve been saying it would
Ted – :
I could not be happier with Birch the advice they gave me was spot on the money and the metals I bought are now significantly higher than they were. The bank stocks I sold to buy them? Trash!
Kat – :
Birch offered a very reasonably priced and beneficial way to buy metals for tax savings and future prosperity
D. M. – :
Good firm did what they said and everything played out as expected
J.T. – :
I told the representative on the phone that I wanted to hold off on buying and he immediately started asking about my other resources and wouldn’t get off the phone I ended up hanging up.
Owen – :
I had a good experience they did what they said when they said and no surprises
Grant – :
I NEVER leave reviews for companies but in this case I’ve been wowed Birch more than met my expectations and over-delivered in every respect
B.R. – :
Good team and helpful although I didn’t end up going with them because my account wasnt suitable I’d still recommend the company
James T – :
helpful and honest company they do not oversell the advantages of gold
Karl W – :
Excellent service across the board from first call to delivery
Wayne Newsam – :
These people are an absolute class act. A+ treatment from day 1, and Sheldon is a pleasure to work with. Remember the olden days, when you went into the bank and the teller knew your name? Asked about your family? Helped you figure out anything confusing, made absolutely sure you knew what you were doing before you signed anything? That’s how I feel about Birch.
Cannot say enough good things about my experience.
Darren K – :
Had a long chat with one of the Birch reps really clued up guy and saved me making a costly mistake. Didn’t buy from him because the time isn’t right for me but I absolutely will when I’m ready
David J – :
Very good advice from Birch they helped me get some of the more confusing aspects straight in my mind
Gerald B – :
Good team answered my questions and calmed my nerves. Diligent and efficient workers
Charles – :
Friendly and helpful staff not pushy in any way hope to buy more as the year goes on
William – :
A most helpful advisor and support staff made for smooth transfer. My wife and I are both very impressed with Birch Gold who have pulled out all the stops to ensure we could get this done before end of financial year
Victoria C – :
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
Janet – :
SUPER HELPFUL DEALER talked me out of making an expensive mistake in my IRA very glad I called them
Mike R. – :
Birch Gold walked me through the whole process with no pressure to buy. My rep knew what he was talking about and was very helpful regarding my options. Overall this was a wonderful experience
David S – :
responsive team they work long hours and always get back to you when you have a question AND I HAD LOTS! So far so very good.
Cliff – :
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.
Leon – :
I learned a great deal from my calls to Birch and the pack they sent, pros and cons. We took our time coming to a decision with our 401k and at no time did BGG put any pressure on either of us. Cannot fault service or advice in any way.
D. White – :
happy with everything no problem too large they made my IRA a breeze!
Sarah – :
most helpful on phone and fixed problem for me without me even being a client so naturally I signed up and couldnt be more happy with my decision. Utmost professionalism and great market knowledge especially of the retirement options and changes they recently went through.
Donny – :
pleased with services received everything went smooth and lower costs than anticipated
A. Ross – :
I talked to several dealers about buying metals and found most of them didn’t have a lot on hand to offer me.
Birch Gold stood out because they had many options available, even if there was a slightly longer delay than normal due to coronavirus.
But honestly what’s another week especially when the alternative is NO alternative?
Ronald – :
Moved 50% of my IRA into precious metals with Birch Gold Group and I could not be more pleased especially because I made the move before this flu nonsense kicked off. Saved my hide in the markets.
Will – :
helpful and efficient as expected despite whats going on in the world
Ralph C – :
An 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.
Maria – :
I chose Birch Gold after researching a number of different options and am glad I did. In the end they did a fine job for my purchase and were quick, efficient and kept me informed of progress every step of the way. Super attention to detail.
Jay W. – :
My wife and I chose Birch after thoroughly researching a number of gold IRA companies and although we initially were unsure we went with Birch after speaking to their team – these guys really know what they’re talking about and theres absolutely no sales pressure or anything like we’d found with the other companies.
The whole process was stress free and in fact we didn’t really need to do anything our end despite moving over three accounts. Completely satisfied with everything and very happy to recommend Birch Gold Group to my friends who are worried about the current financial situation.
Anna – :
Good team they answered all of my questions directly with absolutely no pressure.
Samantha – :
I had 4 old 401k accounts from previous employment and Birch made the transfer of these into a new gold IRA completely painless. I received excellent guidance and with hindsight so much less stressful than I’d anticipated. I was in time to capture Gold’s big rises and hopefully this is only a taste of where gold is going. Either way I’m happy to have reduced my exposure to stocks.
Andrew R – :
I want to thank Stuart for the top level service he gave me and hope to work with him again in the future
Chuck B – :
We werent entirely sure if gold was appropriate for our needs but heard about Birch Gold on Ben Shapiro and gave them a call. I was put through to Aaron who explained the benefits and risks and went through all options open to us including using our retirement account. I made a decision to opt for a small initial purchase and both Aaron and the helpful lady in their IRA office couldn’t have done more to help us and handled all the work. I have since added more to our account and cant praise Birch Gold more highly.
Martha G – :
I have worked with Birch Gold Group at least 4 or 5 times now and have been fully satisfied each time.
Sebastian – :
Once I made the decision to look into adding precious metals to my IRA, I found it was quite a stressful process trying to identify a company to work with and I had some bad experiences with aggressive sales people at two supposedly trustworthy companies.
Fortunately, I found Birch in my second round of investigations and after a couple calls they stood head and shoulders above everyone else I’d spoken to.
I’ve since completed the rollover process with them, and they have lived up to every single expectation they had set.
Ryan S – :
The Birch Gold Group team is second to none. I worked with Sam and Natalie both of whom were very knowledgeable quick and efficient. Thanks!