Gold IRA and Investing Reviews and Guides (2026)
How gold IRAs work, what they cost and which companies to consider.
A gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that holds physical gold or silver instead of stocks and funds. This section explains how they work, what they cost, the IRS rules, how to move money from a 401(k), TSP or other plan, and how to spot the scams that target retirement savers. We report fees and minimums from each company's own published schedules.
Our top pick is Augusta Precious Metals for its education-first approach. If you're starting with less than its $50,000 minimum, Noble Gold Investments is our budget pick, with gold IRAs from $20,000.
Reviews
- Noble Gold ReviewNoble Gold reviewed: the $20,000 IRA minimum, flat yearly fees, home delivery, buyback and how it compares with Augusta.
- Augusta Precious Metals ReviewAugusta Precious Metals reviewed: the $50,000 minimum, real yearly fees, buyback, the free kit and who it suits best (2026).
Gold IRA Guides
Fees, rollovers, account types, IRS rules and comparisons.
- Augusta Precious Metals ReviewAugusta Precious Metals reviewed: the $50,000 minimum, real yearly fees, buyback, the free kit and who it suits best (2026).
- Noble Gold ReviewNoble Gold reviewed: the $20,000 IRA minimum, flat yearly fees, home delivery, buyback and how it compares with Augusta.
- Augusta vs Noble GoldAugusta Precious Metals vs Noble Gold compared: minimums, yearly fees, metals, buyback and process, and which suits your savings.
- Best Gold IRA CompaniesThe best gold IRA companies, ranked: Augusta Precious Metals and Noble Gold compared on minimums, fees, buyback and how to choose.
- Augusta Fees and MinimumAugusta Precious Metals fees explained: the $50,000 minimum, $285 first-year and $235 yearly account fees, exit costs and spreads.
- Noble Gold FeesNoble Gold fees explained: the $20,000 IRA minimum, $10,000 cash minimum, $335 first-year and $285 yearly fees, and exit costs.
- Gold IRA FeesGold IRA fees explained: setup, custody, storage, the spread and exit costs, with real published schedules from two companies.
- Gold IRA RolloverHow a gold IRA rollover works: direct transfers vs 60-day rollovers, the one-per-year rule, 20% withholding and the steps.
- 401(k) to Gold IRAHow to move a 401(k) into a gold IRA: when you're allowed, direct rollovers vs checks, 20% withholding and the steps to avoid tax.
- Roth Gold IRAHow a Roth gold IRA works: tax-free growth, contribution and conversion rules, moving an existing Roth, fees and who it suits.
- SEP Gold IRAHow a SEP gold IRA works for the self-employed: funding it, moving a SEP IRA into gold, the IRS rules, fees and trade-offs.
- 457(b) to Gold IRAHow to move a 457(b) into a gold IRA: when you're eligible, governmental plans, the early-withdrawal catch and the steps.
- TSP to Gold IRAHow to move TSP savings into a gold IRA: when you're eligible, age-based withdrawals, direct transfers, taxes and trade-offs.
- 403(b) to Gold IRAHow to move a 403(b) into a gold IRA: when your plan allows it, direct rollovers, 20% withholding, Roth balances and the steps.
- Gold IRA RulesGold IRA rules explained: which coins and bars qualify, purity standards, storage, home storage, rollovers, RMDs and taxes.
- Gold IRA ScamsGold IRA scams and red flags: free silver offers, high-markup coins, home storage pitches, fear tactics and how to stay safe.
- Is a Gold IRA a Good Investment?Is a gold IRA a good investment? The real pros and cons: diversification, costs, no income, volatility and who it may suit.
- Silver IRAHow a silver IRA works: eligible silver coins and bars, the 99.9% purity rule, storage, costs and how it compares with a gold IRA.
- Gold vs Silver IRAGold vs silver IRA compared: price swings, storage, industrial demand, costs and how many savers split between the two metals.
- How to Buy Physical GoldHow to buy physical gold: coins vs bars, premiums and spreads, where to buy, storing it at home and IRAs vs cash purchases.
Precious metals prices can fall as well as rise, and a gold IRA carries setup, custody and storage fees. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial professional before moving retirement savings.