Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies listed on this page my provide compensation to us. This is how we maintain our free service for consumers that visit us. Compensation & hard research determine where and how companies appear below.
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a type of retirement savings account that allows you to set aside money for your future financial needs. There are several different types of IRAs, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has certain rules and regulations that govern what types of investments are allowed in an IRA. Generally, most investments are allowed in an IRA, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, can also be held in an IRA. However, some specific requirements must be met for these types of investments. For example, the precious metals must be held in the form of coins or bars that meet certain purity requirements, and they must be stored with a custodian approved by the IRS.
IRA approval is split into two parts: how the IRA wants to invest its money and how they want to store it.
IRA approval for gold bars can be done through any bank or Credit Union which allows IRAs to invest, and it typically takes about four business days for approval. Gold bars issued by The Perth Mint are considered low-risk and cost-effective and generally have a very low premium compared to other bullion products. The precious metal content of these gold bars is extremely high, with an annual buying power of over $1 billion at current market prices.
To be eligible for inclusion in an IRA, the precious metal coins or bars must meet certain purity requirements. For example, gold coins must be at least 99.5% pure, and gold bars must be at least 99.9% pure. Similarly, silver coins must be at least 99.9% pure, and silver bars must be at least 99.5% pure. Platinum and palladium coins and bars must also meet certain purity requirements.
In addition to meeting the purity requirements, the precious metals must be stored with a custodian approved by the IRS. This means that the custodian must be a bank, credit union, or other financial institution approved by the IRS to hold precious metals in an IRA.
It's important to note that other requirements and restrictions may apply to holding precious metals in an IRA. For example, there may be limits on the number of precious metals you can hold in your IRA, and certain types of precious metals may not be eligible for inclusion in an IRA. It's always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional before making any investment decisions for your IRA.
If you're interested in precious metals for your IRA, a few options are available. For example, you can hold the coins or bars directly in your IRA. Alternatively, consider holding the precious metals through a self-directed IRA set up as a limited liability company (LLC).
In this type of account, the LLC owns the precious metal assets and can make business decisions about managing them. For example, you can tell the LLC to hold the precious metals directly in your account, or it can direct the LLC to purchase and sell precious metals at certain times. The LLC can also hold other investments in its IRA, such as stocks or funds.
Why Should You Invest in Gold?
There are several reasons why some people choose to invest in gold.
Gold is a traditional store of value and has been considered a haven asset for centuries. It is often used as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
Gold is a tangible asset, which means it has a physical presence and cannot be easily manipulated or controlled by a central authority. This can be attractive to some investors concerned about the financial system's stability or the value of paper currencies.
The precious metal has a low correlation with other asset classes, which can provide diversification benefits for an investment portfolio.
Gold has a long-term track record of maintaining its value. While the price of gold can fluctuate in the short term, it has a history of holding its value over the long run.
A liquid asset can be easily converted into cash or other assets. This can be useful in times of financial crisis or when you need to access cash quickly.
Gold has low volatility compared to other asset classes, such as stocks or real estate, which means it can provide a more stable investment.
Gold has a limited supply, meaning there is only a certain amount available. This could increase the value of gold over time as demand for it increases.
Gold is a global asset and is widely recognized and accepted worldwide. This can make buying and selling gold easier, and it may be a useful asset in times of political or economic uncertainty.
Gold has been used as a form of currency for thousands of years, and it is still considered by many to be a reliable store of value. This can make it a useful asset to hold in times of economic uncertainty or inflation.
Gold is immune to market forces such as interest rate changes or stock market changes, which makes it a potentially stable investment in market volatility.
Gold is a physically tangible asset that can be attractive to some investors who prefer to hold assets they can see and touch.
It's important to note that gold is not a risk-free investment and may not be suitable for all investors. As with any investment, it's important to consider your financial situation and goals carefully before deciding whether to invest in gold.
IRA-Approved Gold Bars
Some of the eligible IRA-approved gold bars include:
Top 3 Companies For IRA-approved Gold Bars
This article recommends that you consider investing in the top three companies that deal in IRA-approved gold bars.
#1. Goldco
Goldco is a highly reputed company that allows you to invest in gold bullion bars. It is a large precious metals company that has been in the industry for several years. Their strong reputation and trustworthy image made them a leader in this field, and they have been able to earn customers' trust.
Goldco uses sophisticated technology in its operations and has a complete process of vaulting, secure storage, and secure transportation. This helps to ensure low premiums on their gold bullion products.
It's important to note that there may be limitations or requirements regarding which type of gold product you can hold in an IRA with Goldco, so it's advisable to consult your financial advisor or tax professional before purchasing anything through them.
Goldco's gold bullion bars are available in sizes ranging from 1 gram to kilograms.
Goldco also offers an IRA subscription service that allows you to buy and sell on the open market, so you can pick a gold bar of your choice based on the price you want to pay.
Goldco is a pioneer in the precious metals sector and has been in the industry for several years. They are a trusted and reputable company, which is why many clients have invested their treasure.
If you're interested in investing in gold bars or bullion, Goldco is one of the best companies to start with. They provide a high level of security for their customers' investments and are meticulous about their operations.
The company offers excellent services to clients who want to roll over their IRAs or create a new one. Additionally, clients have access to direct trade of gold.
The Business Consumer Alliance will help you make the right choice for your IRA. To purchase precious metals through an IRA, you must know what products are available and ensure that the IRS approves these. It's important to do this to avoid future penalties or tax issues.
Pros & Cons of Goldco
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
Goldco is one of the best companies for investing in IRA-approved precious metals. They are an excellent option for people who want to invest in gold bars or other precious metals. They have many gold bullion options, and their website is user-friendly and helpful.
Augusta Precious Metals is a precious metals IRA company based in Miami, Florida. It is one of the few companies authorized by the IRS to perform retirement account transactions with precious metals.
The company allows you to buy physical bars or coins and offers a range of gold and silver products, depending on your investment needs. The company also provides an information section for investors about the cost of their products and where they can be stored in your home or an outside vault.
Augusta Precious Metals offers its clients the option of purchasing silver bullion coins and bars, which are 100% guaranteed by the government. These coins are easy to exchange in the future and offer a convenient way to store value in your portfolio.
Additionally, Augusta Precious Metals offers free product storage if you're uncomfortable storing them in your home. The company can also provide IRA rollover services, so you can easily move your IRA funds into the company.
Pros & Cons of Augusta Precious Metals
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
Augusta Precious Metals is a reputable and trusted company that offers excellent customer service and provides its clients with precious physical metals. It's a good option for people who don't want to keep their gold or silver in a bank but want to own it physically.
American Hartford is a secure and trustworthy precious metals IRA company that allows you to invest in precious metals. It specializes in gold-backed IRA investments and has been in the business for a long period.
American Hartford provides clients with their personal account manager, who will be able to assist them in finding the most trusted precious metals companies for their investment needs. American Hartford's main focus is on customers who want to make a secure retirement plan through their gold IRA.
The company also offers other investment products for those interested in investing, though it's important to note that American Hartford's primary focus is on precious metal investments. When you select American Hartford to manage your gold IRA, you'll have access to a range of products that will help you invest correctly.
These include precious metal bars, gold coins, and ingots. American Hartford also offers bank and credit card storage for those who want to store their items in a physical facility. American Hartford's site is one of the most user-friendly sites for investing through an IRA with precious metals.
Pros & Cons of American Hartford Gold
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
American Hartford's services allow you to make secure investments with precious metals and have the possibility of buying your items back if you change your mind. This makes it a good option for those looking to add value to their retirement savings.
FAQs
What happens once my IRA has been funded?
All customers of American Hartford will receive a recertification letter from the company informing them that their account status has been updated.
Which metals can I buy through an IRA?
The company has a wide range of options for the type of precious metal you wish to purchase. Some examples include gold bullion, silver bars, coins, and silver ingots.
How can I liquidate my precious metals?
You can liquidate your precious metals through the company's website or by contacting their customer service.
Where are my precious metals stored?
American Hartford provides safe storage for the physical goods you purchase from them, and they will store them in a secure facility until you decide to sell them.
In what form can I receive distributions?
You can receive distributions in the form of precious metals, though the company does not provide physical gold bars or silver bars for purchase.