Best Gold Investment Companies 2023
January 19, 2023 - Written by Scott Williams
With the downturn of our financial market, retirement accounts losing value, and inflation skyrocketing, investors are looking for alternative assets to save their wealth. Precious metals such as gold and silver are a trusted option with many benefits not seen in other assets.
A gold IRA is a tax-efficient way to invest in precious metals, which is a great choice given you find the right provider. Below we detail the best gold IRA companies on the market based on business ratings, client reviews, fees, processes, and compliance.
Disclosure: We may receive compensation if you purchase through the links on this website. However, this does not affect how much you pay or the integrity of our review. We simply choose the best option for retirees.
#1 Best Pricing

Goldco Precious Metals
Minimum: $25k
Rated 4.9/5 Stars Overall
#2 Best Client Feedback

Augusta Precious Metals
Minimum: $50k
Rated 4.8/5 Stars Overall
#3 Best Gold Selection

American Hartford Gold
Minimum: $10k
Rated 4.6/5 Stars Overall
Top 5 Best Gold Investment Companies
Company | Best For | Header |
---|---|---|
#1 Goldco Precious Metals | Best Customer Service & Pricing | |
#2 Augusta Precious Metals | Best Customer Feedback | |
#3 American Hartford Gold | Best Buyback Program | |
#4 Birch Gold Group | Best Education Options | |
#5 Noble Gold Investments | Lowest Minimum |
The Best Gold Investment Companies in Detail
#1 Goldco Precious Metals
Best Pricing, Best Customer Service
Rated 4.9/5 Stars

Key Features
Goldco Precious Metals is one of the most well-known gold and silver IRA companies in the United States.
They have made a name for themselves with top-tier customer service, low fees, transparent processing, and stellar customer service.
About Goldco:
Goldco Precious Metals was founded in 2006 with the mission of helping investors diversify their portfolio and secure their retirement funds with gold and silver.
Goldco now offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to their IRA investors, which allows you to invest in only one metal, or a customized combination of the metals of your choice.
Trevor Gerszt is the founder and owner of Goldco; he has decades of experience in wealth and asset protection which plays a large part in Goldco's mission and processes.
Goldco is at the top-tier for business ratings in the IRA industry: they maintain an A+ with Better Business Bureau, an AAA with the Business Consumer Alliance, and a 4.8 on TrustPilot.
Who is Goldco Precious Metals Best For?
Goldco Precious Metals is best for the specific investors who:
Fees & Minimum Investment
Fees: $175-$230/year
Investment Minimum: $25,000
Promotions: Up to $10k in free silver
Pros
Cons
#1 Goldco Precious Metals
Best Pricing, Best Customer Service
Rated 4.9/5 Stars
Main Points

Goldco Precious Metals has earned the title of best gold IRA company for many reasons: white-glove customer service, transparent fees and processes, and no-pressure sales approach to name a few.
Goldco Precious Metals Details
Goldco has been on the market since 2006 and has continuously scored overwhelmingly positive business ratings. Achieving and maintaining an A+ with the BBB, and an AAA with the BCA is not commonplace in the finance world. Along with their positive business ratings, they also have great client feedback regarding their thorough customer service, quick and painless processing, guidance and help with paperwork, and other factors that make them stand above their competitors.
Goldco's process is seamless; they prioritize helping Americans protect their wealth during a time of economic instability and increasing levels of inflation.
Trevor Gerszt is the founder of Goldco Precious Metals. His lengthy career in asset protection inspired him to turn towards the most stable and reliable investment in the world: precious metals.
Who is Goldco a Best Match For?
Goldco Precious Metals is best for the specific investors who:
Fees & Minimum Investment
Annual Fees:
Promos:
Minimum Investment:
$175-$220
Up to $10,000 in free silver
$25,000
Pros
Cons


#2 Augusta Precious Metals
Best Client Feedback
Rated 4.8/5 Stars
Key Features

About Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is the only gold IRA company that has no complaints since inception. They were founded in 2012 and has since maintained a level of customer service and client feedback you will get with the top 2 companies.
They are lightyears ahead of their competition when it comes to education; their one-on-one web conference with Harvard economist Devlyn Steele is a necessary part of their process. Their aim is to provide their clients with all the information needed about the current stock market, levels of inflation, necessity for diversification, and what their personal best options are given their unique situation.
When you're working with Augusta, you're working with true professionals that know the ins and outs of the financial sector, its past, and what to do to protect yourself from getting your retirement funds eaten up by avoidable causes.
The firm's top-level executives have over 50 years of experience in precious metal investing and hedging against market risks.
Augusta has pristine business ratings: they have kept a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, an AAA with the Business Consumer Alliance, and a 5.0 with TrustLink.
The CEO of Augusta is finance expert Isaac Nuriani; he had a vision of protecting retirement accounts in the United States, and giving Americans tax efficient methods of investing in assets with intrinsic value.
Who is Augusta Precious Metals Best For?
Augusta Precious Metals best serves almost-retired investors who want to roll over a minimum of $50,000 into a precious metals IRA and protect their wealth.
Fees & Minimum Investment
Annual Fees:
Minimum Investment:
Promos:
$180
$50,000
No fees for up to 10 years
Pros
Cons


#3 American Hartford Gold
Stellar Buyback Program
Rated 4.7/5 Stars
Key Features

About American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold is the most recognized gold IRA brand on the market. They, like Goldco and Augusta, have seamlessly maintained a pristine reputation, leaving very little for clients to complain about. AHG sees many repeat customers because of their seamless process and kind staff. They lower the perceived risk of precious metal investing because of their buyback program, but have very few investors wishing to sell back their metals.
American Hartford has delivered over $1 billion in metals, so you can say they have some experience under their belt. They are rated with a 5.0 on TrustPilot, an A+ from the BBB, and an AAA with the BCA.
They have many different services for portfolio management, and rollover services for investors' retirement accounts, whether or not they are with an employer.
Fees & Minimum Investment
Annual Fees:
Minimum Investment:
No listed
$10,000

Pros
Cons

#4 Birch Gold Group - Best Education

4.5/5 Rating
*Best delivery services
*Best education options
*Great brand recognition
Birch Gold Group has been in the precious metals IRA game for nearly two decades. Its website features real-time interactive gold, silver, and palladium graphs. It also includes detailed articles about gold investing. The company is affiliated with the American Numismatic Association. And it's transparent, with flat fees for all transactions.
Birch Gold Group is a California-based company that specializes in precious metals and retirement planning. Since its inception in 2003, the company has served thousands of customers and has never had a complaint. They are known for offering competitive rates and customer-oriented services, and they specialize in gold and silver IRAs. The company also provides valuable education materials and assigns a precious metals expert to each client.
Birch Gold Group is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ rating. It also has an A+ rating on TrustScore. It also has 121 positive customer reviews. Customer reviews praise Birch Gold Group's knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service. When a customer calls to request an IRA, they are asked to answer a few questions and fill out an application. Then they attach any required documents and sign an agreement.
Birch Gold Group's economic analytics department monitors the economy and gives regular updates to clients over the phone or in one-on-one webinars.
#5 Noble Gold Investments - Lowest Minimum

4.4/5 Rating
*Cryptocurrency
*$2k minimum investment
*Great customer service
Noble Gold Investments is a relatively new entrant in the gold IRA market, but it has already established itself as one of the best options for novice investors. This is due in part to its low minimum investment requirements and extensive educational resources. Additionally, it is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has a five-star rating from Consumer Affairs. It also offers free introductory consultations, as well as extensive educational materials on gold investing.
The company pairs clients with a dependable advisor who won't use high-pressure sales techniques. In addition, clients can rollover their existing IRA funds with Noble Gold. This is advantageous for investors because they don't have to worry about paying taxes when moving their money. Furthermore, Noble Gold has an online account access facility that lets users check their account status any time.
As one of the best gold IRA companies, Noble Gold also offers a buyback program. The company will buy your metals back if you decide to sell them at a later date. This buyback program also gives investors flexibility to change their goals. This is an excellent feature for new investors in the precious metals industry.
In addition to offering educational resources, Noble Gold also assigns experienced advisors to each client. Their advisors are committed to helping their clients understand the gold market. Noble Gold also offers competitive pricing and free shipping. With hundreds of five-star reviews, customers can trust Noble Gold to protect their money.

The Benefits and Disadvantages of a Gold Investing
You have probably heard of investing in gold, silver and palladium. It's a great way to diversify your portfolio, hedge your savings against the rigors of the economy, and fund your 401(k) or traditional IRA. However, you may not know why you should invest in these precious metals.
You can hedge your savings against economic forces
There is a growing number of people investing in gold and other precious metals as a means to hedge their financial future. Despite the numerous advantages, there are some drawbacks that should not be overlooked.
First and foremost, you need to do your research. A good financial planner can advise you on what products are best for your situation. The company should also be transparent about what you will be paying for. You will also want to make sure the company carries educational materials on the topic.
In addition to a gold IRA, you might consider other options such as a palladium IRA, a silver IRA, a 401(k), a 403(b), a Roth IRA, or even a traditional IRA. It's important to make the most of your money, so be sure to take advantage of all the available retirement plans.
Gold IRAs, on the other hand, aren't for everyone. They aren't regulated, and can be expensive. Also, a good gold IRA company will be more than willing to help you through the red tape. However, it's best to be clear on the benefits of this type of account before committing your hard earned cash.
One of the many reasons that gold and other precious metals are so appealing is that they are considered to be an efficient hedge against inflation and other economic forces. That is, the price of these commodities tends to rise when the economy sags.
Another reason to get a gold IRA is to avoid paying taxes on your savings. Investing in a gold IRA can be one of the most important financial moves you will ever make, so be smart about your choices.
In the long run, a gold IRA will make your retirement savings last. As with most financial decisions, you should take your time and do your due diligence. If you're still not sure if a gold IRA is right for you, talk to a certified financial planner. Having a plan in place will allow you to enjoy a secure, worry free retirement. And the best way to do this is to diversify your investments.
You can diversify your portfolio
A Gold IRA is a solid option for diversifying your portfolio. It can protect you from inflation and economic uncertainty. Investing in gold is a good idea for conservative investors.
The best way to decide if a gold IRA is for you is to consult a financial advisor. They will help you figure out the best way to invest in precious metals, based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Diversifying your portfolio can help ensure that you are getting the most from your investments. It is also a good way to prevent a loss when some stocks fall. If you are a long-term investor, you may want to consider purchasing some gold in addition to other investments.
For example, you can buy gold coins, gold rounds or even a gold ETF. Some financial experts recommend including precious metals in your portfolio, arguing that they are a good way to hedge against economic losses.
Gold's value is expected to continue rising. However, you may not be able to achieve rapid gains. In other words, diversifying your portfolio with gold might not be the wisest move.
Investing in a Gold IRA can help you avoid the risks of investing in the stock market. You can also take advantage of the tax benefits of investing in your IRA. Generally speaking, you aren't liable to pay any taxes on your gains if you hold them in your Gold IRA.
When it comes to choosing the right Gold IRA for you, it is important to weigh your financial goals and risk tolerance before committing to any type of investment. A diversified portfolio should include a mix of investments, from bonds to stocks, including those that perform well in different economic climates.
You should also consider global exposure, as assets in other countries are likely to perform differently than those in your own country. This is particularly true of commodities, such as gold and silver.
One gold IRA company that offers multiple investment options is Lear Capital. They are also known for their customer service. Unlike other gold IRA companies, they offer no rollover costs.
You can sell off physical gold or silver or palladium
One of the benefits of investing in gold or silver or palladium is the tax breaks it can provide. However, it is important to remember that physical assets are not always safe. As with any investment, it is a good idea to diversify your portfolio. This will help you minimize risk and keep your money secure.
The best Gold IRA companies will walk you through the process and explain everything you need to know. They will also give you a list of the types of precious metals you can invest in. You can even download their free mobile app to access real-time prices.
Whether you choose to buy physical gold, silver or palladium or simply hold it in your IRA, it is important to keep in mind that you can't take it with you when you sell. It is also possible for your account to be hacked, resulting in your money being stolen. In addition, the IRS may impose taxes on gold or silver withdrawn before you reach age 59-1/2.
If you are considering investing in a Gold IRA, it is a good idea to consult a financial advisor before making any investments. A financial advisor can help you evaluate your needs, risk tolerance, and investment goals.
Many financial planners recommend a minimum of 10% of your total investment capital be invested in physical precious metals. This is because they are considered an excellent hedge against inflation. Investing in gold, silver, and palladium can also provide diversification in your overall investment portfolio.
However, if you don't have a strong portfolio, it may be a better idea to diversify elsewhere. This could include other financial assets like bonds. And while stocks can be very volatile, they can also help reduce the risks in your portfolio.
The best Gold IRA providers will offer storage services that are IRS approved. When purchasing a precious metal, you need to make sure it meets certain purity and weight requirements. Also, some Gold IRAs carry additional fees, such as a seller's fee or a yearly maintenance fee.
While the price of gold, silver, and palladium may be higher, it is not a guarantee of a profit. Rather, you could lose money due to high volatility.
You can fund your 401(k) or traditional IRA
Investing in a Gold IRA can help you diversify your investment portfolio. The tax benefits are similar to a traditional IRA, but with the added benefit of investing in physical gold. It also offers the chance to hedge against inflation. However, there are also some disadvantages. Depending on your own personal circumstances, you should take some time to consider the pros and cons of a Gold IRA before deciding to invest.
There are a number of different Gold IRA providers. Each has its own minimum opening deposit requirements, fees, and services. They differ in their levels of service and expertise. You'll want to choose a provider that matches your investment goals and financial circumstances.
If you have an existing 401(k), you may be able to transfer your funds to a Gold IRA. Many employers allow this type of rollover. Be sure to check with your current employer before making this investment.
Once your 401(k) is transferred to a Gold IRA, you can start to buy precious metals. This is a relatively easy process, but you need to make sure you meet certain IRS rules before transferring your funds.
To avoid tax penalties, you should ensure that you make the transfer within 60 days. If you do not, you'll be liable for income taxes on the amount you withdrew. Besides the income tax, you'll also have to pay a penalty. Alternatively, you can get an exemption from the IRS if you have a hardship.
Before transferring any money, you'll need to check with your tax adviser to ensure you don't face any tax penalties. In some cases, you can also opt to add funds to your account. But this can depend on the nature of the transfer and your risk tolerance.
The exact number of funds you can add will vary by provider, and the limits will increase with age. You can contribute up to $6,000 per year, or $7000 if you are over 50.
A Gold IRA can be a useful tool for hedging against inflation. But like any investment, the value of a Gold IRA will depend on your own circumstances and investment strategy.
Gold Investing Rules and Regulations
One of the most important things to keep in mind when investing in gold is to make sure you are following all of the rules and regulations. This will ensure that you are getting the best possible results. There are plenty of different ways to invest in gold, and it can be quite confusing to know what options are available.
Diversification benefits
Gold is a popular asset for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. It is an alternative to bonds and stocks, and it serves as a safety net for wealth during tough times. But there are many different factors to consider when it comes to investing in gold.
One of the best ways to diversify is to invest in gold mining companies. This will provide you with exposure to a wide variety of metals. Another option is to buy exchange-traded funds that offer gold exposure.
Gold has been a safe haven for many years. It has often gone up in value during downturns and down cycles in the stock market. The value of the dollar has often limited its upside.
Gold's price will tend to go up in line with inflation. However, it is not immune to the volatility of other riskier assets.
The price of gold is also affected by sentiment. In 2013, gold experienced a sharp decline in value. While it is often considered a "safe haven" investment, it is still volatile and can be subject to large swings in price.
When it comes to diversification, some experts suggest that you only invest in gold as a small percentage of your total portfolio. Others use technical analysis to determine the best way to diversify your investments.
Generally speaking, a diversification strategy should be tailored to your individual financial goals. Your Financial Advisor can help you develop a plan.
Leverage
Leverage is a significant factor when investing in gold. It is a tool that makes the process of converting your gold into cash quicker. However, it is important to use leverage wisely. A high degree of leverage can cause you to lose money, so it is important to avoid overdoing it.
Leverage is especially relevant when it comes to trading futures. Futures are contracts that give you the right to buy or sell 100 troy ounce lots of gold at a specified price in the future. There are a few different types of futures and you should consider what type will suit your investment needs.
When it comes to futures, the most important thing to remember is that they are risky. This means that you should only invest a small amount of money. That being said, you can make a lot of money with this type of investment.
Another option is to use exchange-traded funds (ETFs). ETFs are a type of portfolio of shares, similar to a set of bonds. These are traded on a stock market and are highly liquid. While there are a number of similarities, there are some key differences. For instance, a few ETFs offer a higher degree of leverage than others.
An exchange-traded fund on gold is one of the most popular ways to invest in the metal. Choosing the right ETF can be difficult. Fortunately, there are several online brokerages that allow you to trade gold securities.
Taxes
If you're considering investing in gold, you should know how it's taxed. The IRS treats gold investments as collectibles and taxed at a maximum rate of 28%. For more information, check with a tax professional.
Gold investment options include closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds, gold-backed exchange-traded funds, physical gold, and futures contracts. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
When holding gold for more than one year, it's important to understand how long-term gains are treated. This will affect your after-tax returns and the amount you owe in taxes.
Investors who hold physical gold for more than 36 months are subject to long-term capital gains taxes. Those who purchase gold ETFs, exchange-traded notes, or mutual funds may not pay this tax.
Gains are taxable at the rate of your income tax bracket. This can be a substantial tax hit for many investors. However, smart tax planning can help you avoid paying high capital gains rates. A good financial advisor can also help you plan and reduce your tax liability.
Investors should make sure that they have an accurate record of their gold transactions. This is necessary because the IRS requires you to submit a form 1099-B when selling precious metals.
If you are an investor who plans on utilizing the IRA, you can avoid taxes on your gains. However, if you sell gold after more than a year, you'll be a "normal" investor and owe ordinary income tax on your profits.
Gold IRAs
If you are considering investing in IRAs and gold, it is important to understand the rules and regulations. Many people believe investing in precious metals can help protect their purchasing power over the long term. Investing in gold also helps diversify your portfolio.
Generally, an IRA holder can make a contribution of up to $7,000 per year. However, there are limits to this amount depending on your age. Those who are under 50 can contribute up to $6,000 a year. Those over the age of 50 can make up to $10,000.
If you are investing in IRAs and gold, it's best to use a custodian. This person will keep your gold and ensure that it is stored according to IRS guidelines. The custodian also handles insurance arrangements.
If you are planning on making an IRA or gold investment, it is important to consult with your financial adviser. They can help you determine which options are right for you.
Some custodians may waive fees for new customers with large account balances. Others charge a flat rate or a percentage of the account value. Storage fees vary and depend on the amount of gold in your account.
In order to qualify for the tax advantages of a Gold IRA, you must be at least 59 and a half years old. It is important to note that funds cannot be withdrawn until this age.
Buying gold jewelry
If you want to purchase gold jewelry then you are going to have to learn the rules and regulations. This is because the value of your jewelry is dependent on a variety of factors.
In general, larger, heavier pieces will be more expensive than smaller ones. However, new manufacturing technologies have made it possible to make large, beautiful pieces that are affordable.
One of the best ways to buy gold is to shop around. Make sure to compare prices, karatage and craftmanship. Some shops may offer discounts for bulk purchases, which can be a good deal if you are purchasing multiple pieces.
You can also take advantage of local "cash for gold" stores and pawn shops. These places may not give you the highest price for your jewelry, but you will get a quick and easy cash out.
You should also find out the resale value of your item. If you sell your piece to a reputable jeweler, then you can expect a fair price. But if you decide to sell it on your own, be prepared for a loss.
The old saying goes that you should never go home empty handed, so be sure to include some insurance in the deal. Gold is not cheap, so if you store it at home, be sure to insure it against theft. Also, check your insurance provider's policy to see if they cover your precious metal.
Futures and options contracts
Gold futures and options contracts are trading tools used by speculators, investors, and end users to profit from precious metal price movements. Both the markets offer high risks, but also the opportunity for profitable trading.
Gold futures are a standardized agreement to buy or sell gold at a specified date in the future. The buyer must pay a premium for the contract. This is called a margin. It is a percentage of the trade value.
Options are similar to futures, but with a few key differences. These differences have implications for how to trade these two derivatives.
Gold futures are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, known as the Comex. They are traded in lots of 100 troy ounces. In the case of a call option, the strike price is $1,600, and the seller pays a premium if the buyer doesn't exercise his right to purchase the gold.
Gold options are similar to gold futures in that they are based on the expected price movement of the commodity. However, they offer a significant advantage: the ability to limit the amount of risk involved.
The market for gold options is smaller than that for gold futures, which means that the trade is less volatile. This makes it ideal for investors who want to avoid the risk of losses associated with the commodity.
If you're thinking about investing in gold, you may not be sure whether you should choose futures or options. These are both useful tools for gold investing, but you need to know the differences.