Goldco vs Augusta (2026): Bonus Silver or Lower Published Fees?
Two well-known gold IRA companies, compared on what you'll actually pay.
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The Short Answer
Goldco has a lower reported minimum ($25,000) and promotes bonus silver on qualifying purchases. Augusta Precious Metals, our top pick, starts at $50,000, publishes its yearly fees, says it adds no sales commission to quoted prices, and leads with education rather than promotions. If you have $50,000 or more, we prefer Augusta. Under $25,000, neither fits; look at our budget pick Noble Gold.
| Goldco | Augusta Precious Metals | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 (Trevor Gerszt) | 2012 (Isaac Nuriani) |
| IRA minimum | $25,000 (reported) | $50,000 |
| Setup | $50 (reported) | $50 |
| Yearly fees | $80 maintenance + $150 to $200 storage (reported) | $235 after year one ($285 year one) |
| Promotion | Up to 10% bonus silver (per its site) | No bonus offers; free education kit |
| Metals | Gold, silver, platinum, palladium | Gold and silver |
| Dealer markup | Not published | Says no added sales commission on quoted prices |
Minimums
Goldco's reported $25,000 minimum is half of Augusta's $50,000. If you're moving between $25,000 and $50,000, Goldco or our budget pick Noble Gold ($20,000) is the realistic choice.
Yearly Fees
Goldco's reported fees total about $230 to $280 a year after setup, close to Augusta's published $235. In practice the account fees are a wash. What separates companies is the spread on the metals themselves, which neither company's yearly fee includes.
Bonus Silver vs No Promotions
Goldco promotes up to 10% in bonus silver on qualifying purchases. Bonuses aren't free: a dealer can fund them through higher prices on the metals you buy. Augusta doesn't run bonus offers and publishes a free "free silver" report explaining why. Whichever you choose, ask for the price per ounce over spot and the same-day buyback bid. See gold IRA buybacks and markups.
Process
Augusta's process starts with a free kit and a one-on-one web conference covering costs and risks. Goldco's process is a typical specialist call, paperwork help and metal selection. Both handle rollover paperwork with the custodian.
Which Should You Choose?
| If You… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Have $50,000 or more and want an education-led process | Augusta |
| Prefer no bonus offers and published fees | Augusta |
| Have $25,000 to $50,000 | Goldco or Noble Gold |
| Want platinum or palladium | Goldco or Noble Gold |
| Have under $25,000 | Noble Gold |
Read our full Goldco review and Augusta review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goldco Better Than Augusta?
Goldco has a lower reported minimum; Augusta has published fees, no bonus offers and an education-led process. For $50,000 or more, we prefer Augusta.
Which Has Lower Fees?
Yearly account fees are similar, about $230 to $280 for Goldco (reported) and $235 for Augusta.
Is Goldco's Bonus Silver Free?
Not necessarily. Bonus offers can be paid for through higher prices on what you buy.
Which Has a Lower Minimum?
Goldco, at a reported $25,000 versus Augusta's $50,000.
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.
Compare Before You Choose
Get Augusta's free checklist for choosing a gold IRA company, then compare written quotes.