Gold IRA Fees Comparison Tool
See the true cost of each Gold IRA company over time. Adjust your account size and holding period to find the best value.
Augusta Precious Metals
Fees waived for first year on qualifying accounts
American Hartford Gold
Free silver on qualifying orders
Goldco
May waive fees for larger accounts
Detailed Fee Breakdown
| Company | Setup Fee | Annual Fee | Storage Fee | Wire Fee | Buyback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | Waived | $0 | $150/yr | $0 | Competitive (at current market) |
| Goldco | $50 | $80 | $150/yr | $30 | Good buyback guarantee |
| American Hartford Gold | Waived | $75 | $100/yr | $30 | Price match guarantee |
Understanding Gold IRA Fees
- Setup fees are one-time charges when opening your account. Many companies waive these for larger accounts.
- Annual fees cover account administration and are charged yearly by the custodian.
- Storage fees pay for secure vault storage and insurance of your physical metals.
- Premiums (not shown) are added to the spot price when purchasing gold. Compare before buying.
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Hidden Spread Markups
Some companies quote low fees but charge high premiums on metal purchases. Always ask about the spread (difference between buy and sell price).
Segregated vs Commingled Storage
Cheaper storage might mean your gold is mixed with others'. If you want your specific bars/coins separated, you may pay more.
Liquidation Fees
Check what happens when you sell. Some companies have excellent buyback programs; others charge hidden fees to liquidate.
Account Closure Fees
If you ever transfer to another company, check for termination or transfer-out fees that could add hundreds to your costs.
Signs of a Good-Value Gold IRA Company
Put Fees in Perspective
On a $100,000 account, paying $300/year in fees equals 0.3%—less than most stock mutual fund expense ratios. The real question isn't "are fees low enough?" but "is the protection worth the cost?"
If gold helps your portfolio avoid a 30% market crash, those fees become trivial compared to the losses you avoided. Focus on value, not just the lowest price.
Disclaimer
Fee information is based on publicly available data and may change. Always confirm current fees directly with each company before opening an account. Some companies offer promotional pricing that may differ from standard rates. This comparison does not include metal premiums, which can significantly affect total costs.
Don't Let Fees Eat Your Hard-Earned Savings
You worked 30+ years for your nest egg. Augusta has some of the clearest, most competitive fees in the industry - no hidden surprises.