American Hartford Gold Wins
With a rating of 4.8/5 and A+ BBB rating, American Hartford Gold edges out Blanchard Gold (4.3/5).
Get Started with American Hartford GoldSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Blanchard Gold | American Hartford Gold |
|---|---|---|
Our Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Minimum Investment | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Setup Fee | $100 | Free |
| Annual Fee | $200 | $180 |
| Storage Fee | $175 | $150 |
| Metals Offered | GoldSilverPlatinumPalladium | GoldSilverPlatinum |
| Founded | 1975 | 2015 |
| Customer Reviews | 678 | 2,156 |
| Best For | Collectors interested in rare and numismatic coins | Investors with smaller portfolios who want promotional bonuses and fast setup |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Looking for a third option? Augusta Precious Metals is our #1 rated Gold IRA company for 2026.
Pros & Cons Comparison
Blanchard Gold
Pros
- Longest track record (since 1975)
- Rare and collectible coins
- Extensive educational resources
- Economic research department
Cons
- Higher fees
- Some focus on numismatics (controversial in IRAs)
- Older company culture
American Hartford Gold
Pros
- Lower minimum investment ($10,000)
- Up to $10,000 in free silver on qualified purchases
- Fast account setup process
- Buyback program with competitive rates
- Celebrity endorsements (Bill O'Reilly)
Cons
- Aggressive marketing tactics
- Some reports of high-pressure sales
- Fee structure not always transparent upfront
Company Overviews
Blanchard Gold
Blanchard Gold is the oldest precious metals dealer in this list, with nearly 50 years of experience. They're known for their rare coin selection and economic research.
American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold has grown rapidly to become one of the largest Gold IRA providers in the country. Known for their promotional offers including free silver, they offer a lower barrier to entry than many competitors.
The Bottom Line
Look, you didn't work 30 years to hand your savings over to a company that might let you down. Based on complaint history, customer service track record, and how they treat people with real money on the line, American Hartford Gold edges ahead (4.8/5 rating). That said, your situation matters:
Collectors interested in rare and numismatic coins
Investors with smaller portfolios who want promotional bonuses and fast setup