How do I buy gold in an IRA?

Buying gold in an IRA requires five steps: choose a Gold IRA company and custodian, open a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), fund via direct rollover or contribution ($7,000 limit / $8,000 if 50+), select IRS-approved metals meeting 99.5% fineness, and have metals shipped to an IRS-approved depository.

What gold coins are IRA eligible?

IRA-eligible gold coins include American Gold Eagle (91.67%), American Gold Buffalo (99.99%), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (99.99%), Austrian Gold Philharmonic (99.99%), and Australian Gold Kangaroo (99.99%). South African Krugerrands are NOT eligible.

What are Gold IRA fees?

Gold IRA fees include: setup ($50-$300), annual custodian ($75-$300/yr), segregated storage ($150-$300/yr) or commingled ($100-$150/yr), and seller markup over spot (1-5%). Total: $300-$700/year.

Can I store IRA gold at home?

No. Home storage is a prohibited transaction confirmed by the Tax Court in McNulty v. Commissioner (2017). It results in deemed distribution of the entire account plus taxes and 10% penalty.

Are Gold IRA rollovers taxable?

Direct rollovers (trustee-to-trustee) are not taxable. Indirect rollovers require redeposit within 60 days and are limited to one per 12 months across all IRAs.

What if I invested $1,000 in gold 10 years ago?

$1,000 invested in gold in April 2016 (at approximately $1,240/oz) would be worth approximately $2,580 by April 2026 (at ~$3,200/oz) — a 158% gain. The S&P 500 returned approximately 220% in the same period, but gold provided significant downside protection during 2022's equity drawdown.

How much is 1 oz of gold right now?

Gold spot price fluctuates daily. As of April 2026, gold trades near $3,200 per troy ounce. Your Gold IRA dealer will charge the spot price plus a bid-ask spread and dealer markup of 1–5% depending on the coin or bar type.

Why does Dave Ramsey say not to invest in gold?

Dave Ramsey argues gold underperforms stocks long-term and produces no income or dividends. This is a fair critique for 100% gold portfolios. However, most financial advisors recommend 5–10% gold allocation as an inflation hedge and portfolio stabilizer — not a growth engine. Gold's 158% return over 10 years trails the S&P 500's ~220% but significantly outperformed during 2022's -18% equity year.

How to Buy Gold in an IRA: 5-Step Process & IRS Rules (2026)

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About Goldco

Goldco has established itself as a leading precious metals IRA company since 2006. With a focus on customer education and transparent service, they've helped thousands of investors diversify their retirement portfolios with gold and silver.

Ratings & Reputation

Platform	Rating	Reviews	Complaints
Better Business Bureau	A+	1,110	19 complaints closed
Business Consumer Alliance	AAA	1	None
TrustPilot	4.8/5	1,544	25 (1-star)
Consumer Affairs	4.8/5	1,687	12 (1-star)

Why Choose Goldco?

Expert Guidance

Goldco's team of specialists provides personalized guidance without pressure tactics. They listen to your goals and tailor solutions to fit your retirement strategy.

Education First Approach

The website offers comprehensive resources in plain English, from introductory guides to IRA eligibility basics, helping you make informed decisions.

Buyback Guarantee

Goldco maintains a robust buyback policy, helping clients liquidate eligible metals at competitive rates if circumstances change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Focused expertise in gold and silver IRAs for retirement diversification
Accessible minimum investment at $10,000
Large volume of high-star client feedback across major platforms
Promotional silver bonuses available for qualifying new accounts
Diverse selection of IRA-eligible coins and bars
Strong buyback policy for added liquidity and flexibility
Educational resources and timely market insights
Responsive, professional customer support

Cons

Detailed pricing often requires speaking with a representative
Custodian and storage fee specifics may not be immediately visible

Getting Started with Goldco

Open a Self-Directed IRA

Begin by creating your gold IRA account. The Goldco team assists with required paperwork and keeps you updated throughout the process.

Fund Your Account

Transfer funds via rollover from an eligible plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or existing IRA. Goldco coordinates directly with your current custodian.

Select Your Metals

Choose from IRA-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. Advisors provide options without pressure to align with your investment objectives.

Secure Storage

Complete your purchase and confirm depository storage through your custodian. You'll receive full documentation of your holdings.

Ready to Get Started?

Take the first step toward securing your retirement with Goldco.

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What Customers Say

“We've worked with Goldco for a couple of years and the team has been consistently thorough, patient, and professional.”

— Linda D.

“This was my second purchase through Goldco, and the smooth first experience made it an easy decision to come back.”

— Bill S.

“High-touch service and quick responses every time. I've completed multiple transactions with professionalism.”

— David D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Goldco holds strong third-party ratings, including an A+ with the BBB, alongside thousands of favorable customer reviews. They are broadly considered a credible and reliable precious metals dealer.

Goldco's minimum investment is $10,000, making it accessible for many investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolio with precious metals.

Yes. Goldco offers a well-established buyback option, allowing you to liquidate eligible metals at competitive rates if your needs change.

No. IRS rules require IRA-owned precious metals to be held by an approved custodian at an insured depository. Personal storage is only allowed for metals purchased outside of an IRA.

Is Goldco the Right Fit for Your Precious Metals IRA?