Delaware Depository Fees: Gold IRA Storage Costs Explained (2025)
Complete breakdown of Delaware Depository storage fees for precious metals IRAs, including segregated vs commingled options and comparison to other depositories.
Key Takeaways
- 1Delaware Depository is the largest precious metals depository in North America
- 2Segregated storage typically costs $150-200/year for accounts under $100,000
- 3Commingled storage is cheaper at $100-150/year but your metals are pooled
- 4Most Gold IRA companies include depository fees in their annual storage fee quote
- 5Delaware Depository has Class 3 vault security and full insurance coverage
- 6Location in Delaware means no state sales tax on precious metals
About Delaware Depository
Delaware Depository Service Company (DDSC) is the premier precious metals depository in North America, trusted by major Gold IRA companies and institutional investors.
- **Founded**: 1999, now part of the Loomis Group
- **Location**: Wilmington, Delaware (no state sales tax on precious metals)
- **Security**: Class 3 UL-rated vault, 24/7 surveillance, armed guards
- **Insurance**: Lloyd's of London comprehensive coverage
- **Audits**: Regular third-party audits and IRS compliance
- **Capacity**: Over 100,000 square feet of vault space
- **Trust**: Used by Augusta, Goldco, and most major Gold IRA companies
Why Delaware?
Delaware has no sales tax on precious metals and business-friendly regulations. The state's location also provides excellent logistics for East Coast investors.
Delaware Depository Fee Structure
Delaware Depository fees are typically passed through your Gold IRA custodian. Here's what to expect:
- Fees are typically flat annual charges, not percentage-based
- Some Gold IRA companies negotiate volume discounts
- Insurance is included in storage fees
- Audit fees are typically covered by the custodian
- You may be charged for incoming/outgoing shipments separately
| Storage Type | Account Value | Annual Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Segregated | Under $100,000 | $150-200/year |
| Segregated | $100,000-$500,000 | $200-300/year |
| Segregated | Over $500,000 | $300-500/year |
| Commingled | Under $100,000 | $100-150/year |
| Commingled | $100,000-$500,000 | $150-200/year |
| Commingled | Over $500,000 | $200-300/year |
Fees vary by Gold IRA company and may be bundled with custodian fees
Segregated vs Commingled Storage Explained
The biggest decision affecting your Delaware Depository fees is whether to choose segregated or commingled storage.
| Feature | Segregated Storage | Commingled Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Your Metals | Stored separately, labeled to you | Pooled with same-type metals |
| At Distribution | Receive your exact coins/bars | Receive equivalent coins/bars |
| Inventory | Specific serial numbers on record | Quantity tracked only |
| Annual Cost | $150-300 more | Base rate |
| Peace of Mind | Higher - it's YOUR gold | Lower - still yours legally |
| Best For | Larger accounts, peace of mind | Cost-conscious investors |
Our Recommendation
For accounts over $50,000, segregated storage is worth the extra $75-150/year. Knowing your specific coins and bars are stored separately provides valuable peace of mind. For smaller accounts, commingled storage is perfectly acceptable.
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Comparison to Other Depositories
Delaware Depository isn't the only option. Here's how it compares to other IRS-approved precious metals depositories:
- Delaware Depository is the industry standard and most widely used
- Texas locations (IDS) may benefit Texas residents for tax purposes
- Nevada depositories offer no state income tax benefits
- All major depositories meet IRS requirements and have similar security
- Your Gold IRA company typically determines which depository options are available
| Depository | Location | Typical Annual Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Depository | Delaware | $150-300 | Largest, most popular, no sales tax |
| Brink's Global Services | Multiple | $175-350 | Global security leader, multiple locations |
| IDS (International Depository) | Delaware, Texas | $150-300 | Texas location = no state income tax |
| CNT Depository | Nevada | $125-275 | Nevada = no state taxes |
| JP Morgan Chase | New York | $200-400 | Banking giant, higher minimums |
Fees are approximate and vary by Gold IRA company
How to Choose Your Storage Option
When setting up your Gold IRA, consider these factors in choosing your depository and storage type:
- **Most investors**: Delaware Depository with commingled storage is fine
- **Larger accounts ($100k+)**: Consider segregated storage for peace of mind
- **Texas/Nevada residents**: May prefer in-state depositories for tax reasons
- **Security-focused**: All major depositories have equivalent security
- 1Ask your Gold IRA company which depositories they work with
- 2Compare total annual fees (custodian + storage combined)
- 3Decide between segregated and commingled based on account size
- 4Consider geographic location if you plan to visit your gold
- 5Verify insurance coverage and audit frequency
- 6Check if your company allows you to switch depositories later
Augusta Precious Metals: Transparent Storage Fees
Augusta Precious Metals works with Delaware Depository and other top facilities, offering transparent pricing with no hidden storage surprises. They'll help you understand exactly what you're paying for.
- Clear breakdown of custodian and storage fees upfront
- Multiple depository options including Delaware Depository
- Both segregated and commingled storage available
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Dedicated customer success agent to explain all costs
- Competitive rates negotiated through volume relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can I visit Delaware Depository to see my gold?
Yes, Delaware Depository allows account holder visits by appointment. You can view your segregated holdings (commingled holdings are pooled and cannot be specifically identified). Contact your Gold IRA custodian to arrange a visit.
2Is my gold insured at Delaware Depository?
Yes. Delaware Depository maintains comprehensive insurance through Lloyd's of London covering theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance. The insurance is included in your storage fees and provides full replacement value coverage.
3What happens if Delaware Depository goes out of business?
Your gold remains your property regardless of the depository's business status. In the unlikely event of closure, your metals would be transferred to another approved depository. Delaware Depository is owned by Loomis Group, a major global security company, making this scenario extremely unlikely.
4Can I switch from commingled to segregated storage later?
Yes, most Gold IRA custodians allow you to upgrade from commingled to segregated storage. There may be a one-time fee to physically separate and tag your metals. Contact your custodian for specific procedures and costs.
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