Key Takeaways
- 1Most reputable Gold IRA companies require a minimum of $10,000 to $50,000.
- 2Small account balances (<$25k) can be eaten up by annual flat fees.
- 3Some companies specialize in lower minimums ($10k-$20k), while others focus on high-net-worth ($50k+).
- 4Rolling over an existing 401(k) is the most common way to meet these minimums.
- 5Avoid 'no minimum' companies—they often have hidden fees or poor service.
- 6Investing 10-20% of your portfolio is the standard recommendation.
"Can I start a Gold IRA with $1,000?" I get this question all the time. And the honest answer is: technically yes, but you'd be shooting yourself in the foot.
Here's the thing—unlike opening a stock brokerage account where you can toss in $50 and buy fractional shares, Gold IRAs have real costs. Physical metal needs to be stored. Insured. Audited. All of that costs money. And if your account is too small, those fees will eat you alive.
Typical Industry Minimums
Most reputable brokers fall into three tiers:
Entry Level
Best for first-time investors or partial rollovers.
Standard
Access to better pricing and promotions (like waived fees).
Premium
VIP service, lowest premiums, and dedicated account managers.
Why Do Minimums Exist?
Gold IRA companies aren't just being difficult. Setting up a self-directed IRA involves significant administrative work:
- Opening a trust account
- Coordinating with the custodian
- Arranging secure transport
- Allocating vault space
Companies set minimums to ensure they can cover these costs while providing high-quality service.
The "Fees Trap" for Small Accounts
Why shouldn't you open a $5,000 Gold IRA? Math.
Most accounts have valid flat fees of ~$200/year for storage and maintenance.
Fee Impact Example:
- $100,000 Account: $200 fee = 0.2% (Negligible)
- $50,000 Account: $200 fee = 0.4% (Reasonable)
- $5,000 Account: $200 fee = 4.0% (HIGH)
If your account loses 4% strictly to fees every year, gold would need to skyrocket just for you to break even. This is why we recommend at least $25,000.
How to Qualify
The easiest way to hit the minimum is via a Rollover.
Most people don't have $50,000 sitting in cash. But they often have $50,000 sitting in an old 401(k) from a previous job. Moving receiving that money into a Gold IRA is tax-free and instantly meets the minimum investment requirements.
Alternatives for Investors Under $10k
If you don't meet the minimums, don't force it. Consider:
- Gold ETFs: Good for exposure to price, though you don't own the metal.
- Physical Cash Purchase: Buy silver coins and keep them in a home safe (NOT in an IRA).
- Wait and Save: Wait until your retirement account grows larger before rolling over.
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick quiz to see if you qualify for a Gold IRA and find a company that matches your investment amount.
Check Eligibility NowMinimum Investment FAQs
can I start a Gold IRA with $1,000?
Generally, no. Most custodians have minimum fees ($150-$250/year) that make small accounts inefficient. A $1,000 account paying $200 in fees loses 20% immediately. For amounts under $10,000, consider buying silver coins directly (outside an IRA) or a Gold ETF.
What is the average Gold IRA minimum?
The industry average is around $25,000 to $50,000. This ensures the account size is large enough to absorb annual storage and custodian fees without significantly impacting returns.
Can I combine multiple old 401(k)s to meet the minimum?
Yes! You can roll over funds from multiple sources (e.g., an old 401(k) from a previous job + an existing IRA) into a single new Gold IRA to meet the minimum investment requirement.
Written By
Thomas Richardson
Thomas is a former wealth manager with 20+ years of experience. He founded Rich Dad Retirement to expose the flaws of traditional "paper asset" retirement planning and educate Americans on the stability of physical precious metals.