In this comprehensive Augusta Precious Metals review, we examine why this company has earned the reputation as the gold standard for high-net-worth investors looking to protect their retirement savings with physical precious metals.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Augusta Precious Metals has built a reputation for exceptional customer education and white-glove service. Unlike companies that push for quick sales, Augusta requires every client to attend a one-on-one educational web conference before making any purchase decisions.
This education-first approach has earned them Money Magazine's designation as the #1 Gold IRA Company for three consecutive years (2022-2024) and an endorsement from NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who chose Augusta for his personal gold investments.
Key Achievements
- Money Magazine's #1 Gold IRA Company (2022, 2023, 2024)
- A+ BBB Rating with zero complaints in last 3 years
- 4.9/5 average customer rating across 1,000+ reviews
- Featured in Forbes, CNBC, and MarketWatch
Augusta Precious Metals: Pros & Cons
No company is perfect. Here's an honest assessment of Augusta's strengths and weaknesses:
The Good
- Zero fees for up to 10 years for qualified accounts
- 1-on-1 education with Harvard-trained economist Devlyn Steele
- No high-pressure sales tactics (guaranteed)
- Thousands of 5-star reviews & A+ BBB rating
- Money Magazine's #1 Gold IRA Company (2022-2024)
- Endorsed by Joe Montana and other notable figures
The Bad
- High minimum investment ($50,000)
- Not suitable for small savers under $50k
- No online pricing transparency (must call for quotes)
- Limited product selection compared to some competitors
Services & Products
Augusta takes a focused approach, specializing exclusively in Gold and Silver IRAs and direct precious metals purchases. They don't dabble in cryptocurrencies, ETFs, or complex financial products—just pure, physical assets.
Gold IRA Services
- 401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover: Full white-glove assistance moving existing retirement funds into physical gold, tax-free and penalty-free.
- Traditional IRA to Gold Transfer: Seamless transfer from existing IRAs to a self-directed precious metals IRA.
- Roth Gold IRA: Tax-free growth options for those who qualify.
- SEP Gold IRA: Higher contribution limits for self-employed individuals.
Direct Purchase Options
Don't want an IRA? Augusta also sells gold and silver for direct delivery to your home. This is ideal for investors who want physical possession of their metals outside of retirement accounts.
Educational Resources
Augusta's crown jewel is their educational program. Every client gets a one-on-one session with their in-house economist, Devlyn Steele (Harvard-trained), who explains:
- How the Federal Reserve's policies affect your savings
- The historical performance of gold during economic crises
- How to properly allocate precious metals in your portfolio
- Common mistakes to avoid when investing in gold
Rich Dad Insight
Augusta Precious Metals Fees
One of the most common questions we get is about Augusta Precious Metals fees. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account Setup Fee | $50 | One-time fee paid to custodian |
| Annual Custodian Fee | $80 | Administrative costs |
| Annual Storage Fee | $100 | Segregated storage at Delaware Depository |
| Wire Transfer Fee | $25 | Per transaction |
| Total Annual Cost | $180 - $230 | Often waived for 7-10 years! |
Fee Waiver Program
Here's where Augusta really shines. For accounts over $50,000, Augusta frequently offers to cover all custodian and storage fees for up to 10 years. This can save you $1,800-$2,300 over the decade—a significant advantage over competitors.
The fee waiver terms depend on your investment amount and current promotions. Always ask about available fee waivers when you speak with their team.
Dealer Premiums
Like all precious metals dealers, Augusta charges a premium over the spot price of gold. Their premiums are competitive but not always the lowest. However, many clients consider the higher service quality and fee waivers worth the slightly higher metal prices.
For a comparison of fees across all major companies, see our Gold IRA fees guide.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Augusta Precious Metals has one of the strongest review profiles in the industry:
What Customers Say
Common themes in positive reviews include:
- No pressure: Reviewers consistently praise Augusta for letting them take their time to make decisions
- Educational approach: Many customers say they learned more from Augusta than from their financial advisors
- Responsive support: Dedicated account representatives who answer questions quickly
- Smooth process: The rollover process is described as seamless and stress-free
"I was skeptical at first, but the educational webinar completely changed my perspective. No one tried to sell me anything—they just educated me and let me make my own decision. When I was ready, the process took less than two weeks."— Robert M., verified customer
Augusta Precious Metals Complaints
In researching Augusta Precious Metals complaints, we found remarkably few negative reviews. According to the BBB, Augusta has had zero complaints filed in the past three years.
The few criticisms we found online typically fall into these categories:
High Minimum Investment
The $50,000 minimum excludes many potential customers. If you have less to invest, Augusta will politely decline and may refer you to a partner company like Noble Gold.
No Online Pricing
Some customers are frustrated that they can't see metal prices online and must call to get quotes. Augusta says this is intentional to ensure customers speak with an expert before purchasing.
Mandatory Education Session
While most customers appreciate the education, some experienced investors feel the mandatory webinar wastes their time. Augusta does offer abbreviated sessions for knowledgeable investors.
Augusta Precious Metals BBB Profile
The Augusta Precious Metals BBB profile shows an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since 2015. Key stats:
- BBB Rating: A+
- Complaints in last 3 years: 0
- Customer reviews on BBB: 4.94/5 average
- Years accredited: Since 2015
Who Should Use Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta is the ideal choice for specific types of investors:
Perfect For
- • Investors with $50,000+ to invest
- • Those who value education and guidance
- • People who want white-glove service
- • First-time gold IRA investors
- • High-net-worth individuals ($100k+)
- • Anyone who dislikes high-pressure sales
Not Ideal For
- • Investors with less than $50,000
- • Those who want lowest possible premiums
- • Experienced investors who skip education
- • People who prefer online-only transactions
- • Those seeking platinum/palladium options
Alternatives to Augusta Precious Metals
If Augusta isn't the right fit for your situation, consider these alternatives:
| Company | Minimum | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Gold | $2,000 | Smaller accounts, budget-conscious investors |
| Goldco | $25,000 | Mid-range investors, quick setup |
| American Hartford Gold | $10,000 | First-time buyers, personalized service |
| Birch Gold | $10,000 | Diversified metal options, established track record |
Not sure which company is right for you? Take our 60-second quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your investment amount and goals.
Our Verdict: Is Augusta Precious Metals Worth It?
After thorough analysis, Augusta Precious Metals earns our highest recommendation for investors with $50,000 or more to invest in precious metals.
Their education-first approach, exceptional customer service, and fee waiver program make them the premium choice in the gold IRA industry. Yes, their minimums are high and you can't see prices online—but for serious investors, the white-glove experience and potential 10-year fee waiver more than compensate.
If you're looking to protect a substantial retirement portfolio with physical gold, Augusta should be at the top of your list. If you have less than $50,000, consider Noble Gold or American Hartford Gold instead.
Our Rating: 4.9/5
Best for high-net-worth investors seeking premium service and education.
Get Your Free Gold IRA KitFree consultation. No obligation. $50,000 minimum.
Augusta Precious Metals FAQs
Is Augusta Precious Metals legitimate?
Yes, Augusta Precious Metals is a legitimate and highly-regarded gold IRA company. They hold an A+ rating with the BBB, have been in business since 2012, and have thousands of positive customer reviews. They are endorsed by Joe Montana and have been named Money Magazine's #1 Gold IRA Company for three consecutive years.
What is Augusta's minimum investment?
Augusta Precious Metals requires a minimum investment of $50,000 for IRA accounts. This higher minimum allows them to provide premium, personalized service. If you have less to invest, they may refer you to a partner company like Noble Gold, which accepts minimums as low as $2,000.
How much does Augusta Precious Metals charge in fees?
Augusta's annual fees total approximately $180-$230 (custodian fee + storage fee). However, Augusta frequently waives these fees for 7-10 years for qualifying accounts, potentially saving you $1,800+ over a decade. The one-time setup fee is $50. Contact Augusta directly to learn about current fee waiver promotions.
Does Augusta Precious Metals have any complaints?
Augusta has an exceptionally clean complaint record. According to the BBB, they have zero complaints filed in the last three years. The few criticisms you'll find online typically relate to their high minimum investment requirement or the mandatory educational webinar—neither of which are service quality issues.
How long does it take to set up an account with Augusta?
The entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks from start to finish. This includes the educational webinar (1-2 hours), account paperwork (1-2 days), fund transfer from your existing retirement account (5-10 business days), and metal purchase and delivery to the depository (3-5 days). Augusta handles all the coordination—you just need to make decisions.