Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by George
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With rising prices and economic uncertainty, people struggle to find a secure and safer way to protect their wealth and fortune. The anxiety doubles if you’re an investor since various matters can affect your investments — like stock market fluctuations, recession, and hyperinflation.
If you’re slowly reaching the age of retirement, gold and precious metals investment are undoubtedly one of your best choices! Transferring your retirement funds to a gold IRA will ensure you gain the best benefits of precious metals investments. However, to make a successful transition, you must choose a trustworthy and reputable gold IRA company to help you!
In this post, you will find the best gold investment companies leading the precious metals industry! Aside from that, this article will also tackle various topics related to gold IRAs!
#1 Augusta Precious Metals: Reputable Gold Investment Company
Pros
- Augusta Precious Metals offers gold and silver IRAs
- The company has a team of experts that can guide investors about account creation, legal documentation, and purchasing gold or silver coins and bars
- Top-notch ratings over at Better Business Bureau, Business Consumer Alliance, and Trustpilot
- A transparent fee structure and excellent customer service
Cons
- $50k minimum investment
- Augusta Precious Metals has a limited supply of gold bullion and other precious metal assets
Why We Chose It
Augusta Precious Metals is a reliable gold IRA company with a long history and record of providing gold and silver IRA accounts. Founded in 2012, this precious metals company is among the biggest names in the industry. Since then, Augusta has delivered education-centric gold investment opportunities to ensure clients follow the right path.
This gold investment company differs from most gold IRA companies because they primarily focus on guiding new investors on the benefits and significance of gold investments. Among Augusta’s unique factors is its fantastic customer service. They introduce each new client to gold and silver professionals to give them the best financial and investment advice.
Augusta Precious Metals is a reputable company that deeply respects all its customers, even going out of its way to form a positive and trusting relationship with them. As long as an investor works with them, Augusta Precious Metals will ensure they have the best experience!
The company stands by its three strict commitments when helping clients with their precious metals — simplicity, excellent customer service, and transparency. Through these self-imposed guidelines, Augusta Precious Metals became one of the world’s best gold IRA companies!
#2 Goldco: Best Gold IRA Company Overall
Pros
- Goldco gained high ratings on Better Business Bureau, Business Consumer Alliance, and other trusted rating platforms
- Allows direct purchase of physical precious metal coins and bars
- Known for easy set-up of self-directed IRA and gold rollover IRA
- Goldco offers some of the lowest annual fees among most gold IRA companies
Cons
- High minimum investment of $25k
- An investor can only set up an account online
Why We Chose It
Goldco is a top gold IRA company specializing in self-directed gold and silver IRAs in America, along with direct purchases of physical gold and other precious metals. Established in 2006, Goldco is now known as one of the world’s most seasoned gold IRA companies!
For investors new to the whole of precious metals investments, Goldco is undoubtedly a great pick as they offer various physical precious metals! Moreover, their set-up and account creation processes are among the easiest.
Goldco gained its excellent and superlative reputation thanks to its unmatched customer service and effective account practices. Additionally, the precious metal IRA company receives high praise from most customers due to how they successfully handle most of the administrative tasks of setting up and maintaining a gold and silver IRA — at least compared to other precious metals investment companies in the market.
Goldco is among the most customer-forward and centered gold IRA companies to exist. This gold IRA provider maintains its practices, ensuring they keep its customers’ wealth safe and adequately secured. Despite Goldo having higher fees than other gold IRA firms, its offered security features and investment options remain some of the best and most sought after by investors worldwide!
#3 American Hartford Gold: Reputable Leader in Gold IRA Investing
Pros
- American Hartford Gold offers diverse bullion such as gold coins, bars, etc.
- A+ rating at BBB and an AAA rating from BCA
- Low minimum investment of $10k
- Delivers gold bullion immediately and safely after purchase
Cons
- Focus on older mintings of IRS-approved physical precious metals assets
- Prices and fees are not readily available
Why We Chose It
Situated in California, American Hartford Gold is a leading gold IRA company that has been steadily in business for about six years. It is a widely-recognized brand that works with clients to help them diversify their retirement investment portfolio and protect their precious metals assets against stock market volatility and inflation.
American Hartford Gold takes its clients’ success seriously. They offer educational resources and diverse gold investment options to educate and inform their clients. Aside from that, this gold IRA company also provides market news, updates, and free consultations with senior portfolio managers!
This company advises investors to allot a portion of their retirement account savings into precious metals IRAs as it retains their value and sets up proper safeguards against inflation. American Hartford Gold also has an updated website that offers a live chat option, allowing clients to receive assistance regarding precious metals IRAs anytime!
American Hartford Gold can easily connect those needing financial or gold investment advice to a reliable precious metals specialist by using the contact details displayed on their site. Lastly, the gold IRA company is also known for its on-point gold investing services at all times!
#4 Birch Gold Group: Gold IRA Rollover Specialists
Pros
- Birch Gold Group offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products
- Triple A rating at BCA, an A- from BBB, and a 5-star rating on Trustpilot
- Safe and immediate delivery for investors that purchase gold
- Low minimum investment of $10k
Cons
- Gold IRA fees upfront are not discussed in Birch Gold Group
- Not many unique gold coins and bars are available
Why We Chose It
Birch Gold Group is an esteemed gold IRA company that empowers its investors to meet and reach their personal and gold investing goals. Among other gold IRA companies, this one has one of the lowest minimum investment to startup! Aside from that, Birch Gold Group is also famous for having a solid customer service department, a transparent approach, and plenty of educational resources!
Since its establishment in 2003, Birch Gold Group has attained and maintained a stellar reputation and has worked with well-known celebrities like Ben Shapiro. Birch Gold Group ensures that setting up and managing gold IRAs is extremely easy for their clients’ sake! In doing so, they are named one of the many gold IRA companies investors can trust.
As a top-rated gold IRA company, Birch Gold Group offers four main types of precious metals; gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Investors can now invest in either of these or a combination of these physical precious metals. With Birch Gold Group, people can invest in various combinations of metals to make a diversified precious metals IRA!
Since no investment is 100% risk-free, Birch wants its investors to know and learn the pros and cons of gold investment and the diversification of their retirement account portfolios.
#5 Noble Gold Investments: Best Customer Support
Pros
- Noble gold investments allow access to a broad range of gold products and gold IRA services
- It offers a low minimum investment, especially compared to many gold IRA companies
- Highly rated in various rating platforms
- Great selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
Cons
- Noble gold does not offer gold prices on its site
- The process is not as streamlined as other gold IRA companies
Why We Chose It
Noble gold Investments is the last running candidate for the top gold IRA companies list! Based in California and has over two decades of experience in gold and other precious metals IRA, Noble gold has always prided itself on being on top regarding education and simple account set-ups.
Their clients have continuously raved about how knowledgeable and friendly their team is. Being committed to gold investment education and awareness, Noble gold made it a point always to have a specialist and professional on standby to ensure that their clients always have someone they can talk to regarding their precious metal inquiries and questions.
Noble gold sells gold and silver products. One can purchase gold or other precious metals through an IRA or buy them straight from the Noble gold website! With this gold IRA company, an investor can transfer the precious metals assets directly from an existing gold IRA custodian to a new IRA. The option of rolling over the funds to a new precious metals IRA is also available!
This reputable gold IRA company offers various features that set it apart from its fellow contenders, making it one of the top gold IRA companies in the market! Aside from offering some of the best gold prices today, they also provide fast and highly-secured shipping of physical gold and other precious metals!
Why You Should Invest in a Gold Investment Company
When people invest their savings or funds into something, they do it hoping they can make an actual profit. They invest and take risks, hoping that it can become a ticket to a financially secure and stable future. All investment vehicles are undoubtedly impressive and unique in their rights, but many are not beneficial in the long run.
Currency depreciation, inflation, and other factors that can cause amok to stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate markets would never be able to put any investor at complete ease. No matter their investment option, they will always face a certain degree and level of risk.
What they can do now is choose an investment vehicle that can combat inflation, as well as serve as a good portfolio diversifier. Currently, the option that best fit that is gold investments.
Nowadays, investors can invest in gold through exchange-traded funds, purchasing physical gold, and buying stocks from gold miners and related companies. Throughout the previous centuries, people have been choosing and investing in gold for various reasons. Societies and now economies have certainly placed a high value on gold, thus perpetuating its worth.
Gold is a metal that investors would fall back on when other forms of currency or investments are not working. By that alone, one can imagine just how much value physical gold has during tough and volatile times in the market.
Gold IRAs are undoubtedly an excellent option for investors looking for a safer investment alternative with fewer risks. For the best experience in gold and investments, working with top gold IRA companies would be best! For investors, doing this will make investing in gold much more manageable and far safer than going out of their way to purchase precious metals.
The best gold investment companies can link investors with a financial advisor or gold specialist that can help them go over their needs. The gold IRA company of their choice can help them set up a precious metals IRA quickly and easily!
Working with the best gold IRA company can help investors better understand the world of gold investing. Another benefit is that they can help keep gold and other precious metals safe and protected.
Benefits of a Gold Investment
When it comes to investing, diversification is critical. It means that an investor must know how to spread their investments across multiple types of assets — like stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash. It is to minimize the potential risk and maximize the possible returns.
Gold is an asset people tend to overlook but should be considered—particularly gold and silver bullion. Having gold bullion or silver bullion in a diversified portfolio is crucial in attaining long-term financial success and stability. How so?
Gold bullion pertains to physical gold bars and coins. It is a tangible asset that an investor can physically hold in their hand and store in a safe or deposit box. At this point, gold is now considered one of man’s oldest investment forms. Aside from owning actual physical gold, investing in gold may also mean owning shares of stocks that track gold prices.
Now, what are the main benefits of investing in gold?
The Rising Price of Gold
Those following the prices of gold would realize that in economic history, gold has never truly lost its value. While gold’s market has decreased due to deflation, inflation, and other economic variables, the decline was not significant enough to gradually affect gold IRA investors. As it stands, gold’s value remains resilient and has the power to recover instantly.
If one were to invest in gold IRAs right now, pulling it out a couple of years later would allow them to gain much profit. Those who invest in gold and intend to keep it for future retirement would find that it will easily double in value over time.
Other alternative investment options, much like bonds and stocks, are limited to a country — whereas gold IRAs or different kinds of precious metals IRAs will never lose value globally. With gold IRA accounts, an investor’s heart would be at peace knowing their money will likely gain a profitable return.
Long-Term Safeguard and Protection
Including gold coins and bars in a diversified portfolio can offer protection against inflation and stability during economic uncertainty. Historically, gold was an excellent inflation hedge since its price often rises when the cost of living is hiking up. Over the past five decades, investors have seen gold prices soar and rise amidst the stock market’s plunge during inflation.
Investors can’t rely heavily on other alternative investment options as they could face severe damage at any day and time. When that happens, the investors will face immense losses. On the other hand, even if all their other investments are lost, the precious metals investments would still maintain their value.
Due to the possible future benefits, having gold individual retirement accounts (gold IRAs) is an excellent choice today. Gold IRA investments are simple to maintain and manage, especially if an investor works with the best gold IRA company, which specializes in handling the storage and security of precious metals IRA.
Diversification
A diversified portfolio can reduce the risks and dangers of investments. For those making their savings plan or retirement account, including investment products that are not closely associated or correlated to each other would serve a portfolio well. As such, gold and silver investments reduce a retirement portfolio’s overall volatility and risk!
Gold IRAs are a good candidate for a diversified portfolio because of their low correlation to other asset types or classes. That means that if an economic variable affects other financial instruments, it is likely that gold will end up unharmed.
Investment experts and professionals recommend investing only a portion of a person’s wealth in silver or gold investments. Investing in that way carries lower risk than other investment vehicles available.
The best gold IRA companies should be able to make work easier for investors. They can equip them with all the essential knowledge needed to survive the gold IRA investment world. That way, they won’t feel entirely out of the loop.
Tax Benefits
With some precious metals IRAs, an investor’s contributions and the profit they will gain are not taxed. Many of the best gold IRA companies in the world would permit their clients to withdraw their funds from their precious metals IRA completely tax-free. That is only possible if they kept and held the gold IRA account for a specific time and satisfied the company’s requirements.
Like any other traditional IRA, following the rules for owning a gold IRA account is necessary. The gold investment company will give them essential information about the custodian, who will help them learn and follow the regulations for their account.
Things to Be Aware of Before Opening a Gold Investment
Before setting up and establishing a precious metals IRA account, an investor must first learn a couple of things. Since silver and gold investments are complicated and highly complex industries, people need to read and soak up the primary and needed-to-know information about them. That includes the things that could potentially jeopardize their savings, which could lead to the loss of money.
To help, here are the things and issues gold IRA investors must know about before they can even open their precious metals IRA:
Fees and Expenses
Some gold investment companies should be more transparent regarding their fee structure and prices. Undoubtedly, when it comes down to the opening and setting up of a precious metals IRA, certain gold investment companies can be rather greedy and dishonest. They would have no qualms about adding a few hidden charges if they can get away with it.
When an investor opens an account with these gold IRA providers, they tend to have a list of costs and expenses that the client may need to know. Though, don’t lose hope completely. The best gold IRA companies operate differently.
Usually, reputable and trustworthy gold IRA providers will guide their clients throughout the self-directed IRA account creation. They would also go out of their way to properly inform their customers of all the extra expenses they will charge. All this information is typically included in their paperwork, so those that have plans of acquiring precious metals through a company should double-check the details before signing.
Note that each company has its rates and gold IRA fees. It just means that an investor must know how to determine reasonable prices. Companies that charge their clients a hefty and excessive amount should be avoided at all costs. Finding better ones with far more reasonable fees tends to be easy.
The best gold IRA companies often have transparent fee structures.
No Yield, No Dividends, No Interest
While gold is a physical, financial asset that does not provide income, it does, however, have the potential to increase value over time. Most notably, gold is a long-term retirement investment that can help people grow their savings. It takes longer than others but produces the same satisfying results as alternative options.
An investor gains a specific interest following their initial investment, which can grow as time passes. The best gold IRA companies will be able to guide investors on these perks. Moreover, they should be honest with everything concerning gold individual retirement accounts.
If a company is not completely honest or would willingly rob its clients, then it should not even be considered. Investors, have plenty of companies they can choose from. After all, investing is mainly about having money available if the person needs it.
It is about acquiring the maximum potential of savings. If there is no dividend or good yield, note that the company benefits more than the investor.
Fraud and Theft
As with everything involving a large sum of money, there are vast chances of encountering scams, theft, and fraud in industries like gold IRAs. A salesperson of a gold IRA provider being too pushy or an offer sounding too good to be true should be significant warning bells for any investor.
In that case, evade and avoid. Investors better step away from the situation before these frauds sink their teeth into them. Doing so will help an investor avoid a rather messy situation.
Remember that the best gold IRA company does not need to oversell its services and products. At most, they will guide their potential clients through their offers and leave them be so they can decide logically.
Keep the information of a precious metals IRA confidential and private. Even if a firm employee personally reaches out through phone or email, keep that information private from them. Most gold companies do not need this information; therefore, it would be best to keep them confidential to avoid deception or theft.
Better be vigilant and updated with the latest fraud alerts and trends. Research and read up to ensure the gold firm has a solid security system.
Buyer’s Guide to Investing in a Gold Investment
For beginners in gold IRA investments, here are the steps to properly purchase gold and invest their money without facing much risk.
Speak with a Financial Advisor or Lawyer
Investors purchasing precious metals should consult a financial advisor or lawyer first. It is especially true for beginner gold IRA investors. Reading some educational resources and references might be enough to know the basics. Unfortunately, to truly survive in the world of precious metals investment, they will need the help of an actual expert.
Only a financial advisor or counselor can help an investor understand the pros and cons of a particular investment decision. They can also aid in making an investment plan and setting achievable financial goals. A financial advisor can also help direct people to create an ideal investment strategy.
They can also advise investors on how to distribute their funds between investment vehicles and how much they should invest in a precious metals IRA.
Review Current News for Fraud Alerts
Regularly examine and review the news about current fraud alerts in finance. Stay updated on most fraud and scam trends. Also, check social media sites regularly for any market updates.
Those investing in gold should know how to determine sham deals and organizations. Be on the constant lookout for the red flags of gold IRA providers. There is also the matter of thoroughly investigating a firm to ensure it is legit and safe.
Investors should also not instantly trust those with squeaky-clean reputations and reviews. Furthermore, they should only sign an official contract if they’ve cross-checked that they are a legitimate gold IRA company. Note that offers from gold IRA firms that seem too good to be true are most likely to be a scam.
Find a Gold Investment Custodian and Establish the IRA
Once an investor knows how to set up precious metal IRAs, the next logical step is looking for the best gold IRA company! Investing in gold and putting a massive amount of money in gold IRA providers means investors are taking a risk by placing their trust and faith in them.
Research can only do so much. Mostly, it can cover the gold IRA provider’s surface level and overall reputation. It will come down to initially meeting with the company to get a general feel for working with them.
Investors can visit various review and rating platforms like TrustPilot to gauge the company’s public reputation. Doing so also gives them an idea of what the general public says about them. Moreover, these sites also provide the opinion of their actual clients.
A company’s approval by the BCA and BBB can also play a significant part in choosing a gold firm. Being approved means they meet all their standards and requirements.
Establish and Fund the IRA
The next step is opening the IRA with a gold IRA provider. Usually, a gold firm has a three-step process for opening a self-direct IRA. In most cases, they will assist investors every step of the way. Investors who prefer to have a hands-on guide during the setting up process should ensure that the firm of their choice offers such assistance.
Additionally, it is necessary to select a gold company that provides an efficient and quick transaction process. It ensures that the precious metal IRAs will open up without any hiccups.
Once the precious metal IRAs are opened, the investor must fund the account. Most gold companies accept all kinds of payment. Though, some do not accept debit/credit cards.
Invest in Precious Metals Via the IRA
Investors would then need to determine what type of precious metals they should invest in. To purchase precious metals, one must first know the variety of metals their accounts can store. Accordingly, they should also find out what precious metals the firm offers.
Precious metal IRAs are easy to manage. After an investor completes a transaction or purchase, the firm will deposit their gold or silver coins in a protected and secure depository. That means the safety of gold individual retirement accounts is not something to stress over.
Most gold IRA firms offer gold or silver IRA. Others provide palladium and platinum, as well. An investor may select any of these or make a combination of these precious metals for their traditional IRA.
Not all kinds of gold and silver bullion are accepted in an IRA. There are IRA-eligible precious metals they can choose from.
Gold Investment Rollovers
Many gold IRA firms do not let their investors open precious metal IRAs from scratch. Instead, these companies would require them to either withdraw funds from an existing account to deposit to the IRA or transfer them from an existing IRA. The former option is known as a gold IRA rollover.
Gold IRA rollovers must comply with specific rules set by the IRS. For instance, rolling over the funds of an IRA means that the investors cannot hold the funds in the account longer than 60 days before investing them in a new IRA account. In contrast, facilitating an IRA transfer means the funds would not touch the investor’s bank account.
Gold IRA rollovers are more involved than merely transferring funds from one IRA to a new one. Note that a gold IRA rollover is typically faster than transfers.
401k Gold Investment Rollovers
With most precious metals companies offering gold IRA rollover services, it would be easy for investors to switch from the standard 401k to a gold IRA account. Doing that means taking a part of their current 401k and placing it into precious metals IRA, then purchasing precious metals via said IRA.
Contact a gold IRA specialist to make it easier. They will be able to help assist with the necessary paperwork and requirements. After the account is open, the gold IRA is used to acquire the precious metals. These assets retain their value and are generally unaffected by the economic downturn.
The wise decision is to switch up a 401k retirement account to a gold or silver IRA. Selecting a good gold firm can make the rollover process much easier! It is, after all, the company’s specialty. They will likely suggest and recommend a unique plan to their clients.
5 Things to Look For While Choosing the Right Gold Investment Company
A few things need to be considered when selecting a gold IRA firm. These factors can affect an investor’s decision to choose a gold IRA provider. Here are the five basic ones to know:
Ratings
The opinions of clients and customers matter greatly. Face it. People would more likely choose a company with thousands of raving and positive reviews than one without many ratings. This feedback lets the public see a glimpse of what working with the company is like.
One can learn a lot about a company by reading its ratings online. Remember to rely on more than just their official website. More often than not, these companies would filter out the reviews.
BCA and BBB are among the most accurate rating sources for any company. Their ratings are accurate and reflect how a company is viewed. Most precious metal firms approved by these two platforms live up to expectations.
Another rating platform that investors can use is TrustPilot. Typically, the reviews here are accurate, unbiased, and not fabricated. Any company rated with 4 or 5 stars here are the real deal.
IRA Fee Structure
Every precious metals company incurs monthly and yearly maintenance expenses. Depending on the firm and type of account they will open, the fees can easily range from $25 to $60. Though, note that some companies charge more expensive maintenance fees. A few reach over $100 annually for these fees alone!
If an investor chooses a precious metals company, they must consider the extra charges and expenses they must pay. Remember that these charges are deducted directly from the IRA account at the end of the year.
However, there is always the option of paying these expenses separately. Though, the direct deduction to the account does offer no-extra tax consequences, making people prefer it.
The gold IRA company’s official paperwork likely contains these compulsory expenses and costs. They would also probably include all the financial details for their clients to review.
Before an investor even considers signing this paperwork, they should thoroughly review each paragraph and page to ensure they don’t miss anything significant. They are also free to contact a lawyer to help them understand the paperwork.
Efficiency & Delivery Time
An investor will never be at ease regarding precious metals’ safety and security. When interacting and working with a reputable gold IRA company, an investor should receive prompt and courteous service. Establishing a positive and good rapport with a precious metals company with poor customer service would undoubtedly be challenging.
Good gold IRA firms offer immediate delivery when the transaction is made and processed in their system. That says much about their dedication and commitment to efficient customer service.
If at any point an investor needs assistance, they need someone to get back to them soon to help instantly. For this to be possible, they must work with a precious metals company that provides live chat or 24/7 customer service.
Pushy Salesmen or Unfriendly Customer Support
Cold customer support and pushy or aggressive sales associates are the major red flags of a bad precious metals company. To those investors who have encountered such, it’s better to turn in the other direction and run! They are likely a scam or a nightmare of a gold firm to work with. Either way, it would be a bad experience for the investor.
If a salesperson is overselling the company, then it is likely that they are trying to trick or pressure an investor into working with them. Please don’t fall for their trap. The possibility that they are a fraud company out to get their client’s money is increasingly high.
Remember, an excellent precious metals company does not need to oversell its services and products. People will naturally gravitate toward them if they are reliable and trustworthy.
Other Alternative Investment Options Available
Even if gold is a good investment vehicle, investors should not solely focus on it. Good investors know they should invest only some of their money in a single investment option. Diversified portfolios can make a huge difference in an investor’s financial future.
Alternative investment options are available — stocks, bonds, real estate, cryptocurrency, etc. Before diving into any investment vehicle, the investor must have sufficient knowledge about that specific market. Stepping into it blindly can lead to massive loss.
It is best to explore all the available options before making the final decision. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a financial counselor if there is a need for financial advice.
Final Thoughts – Best Gold Investment Companies
Regarding precious metals investments, the gold IRA reigns supreme. In today’s economy and time, more and more people opt to invest in gold — primarily thanks to its main benefits. Those investing in precious metals should choose the best gold IRA firm to help them achieve their financial goals.
Any company on this list fits that bill. However, considering all aspects, the best gold IRA firm overall should be Augusta Precious Metals. This firm is highly approved by BBB and BCA and garnered a stellar 5-star review across all credible rating platforms online!
Augusta Precious Metals is undeniably one of the most recognizable names in the precious metals industry. Its remarkable reputation is well-earned, primarily thanks to its endless customer support, top-notch services, and high-quality gold and silver products. Augusta Precious Metals is undoubtedly a reliable and reputable gold IRA provider that any investor of any level can trust.
Aside from the companies listed above, Oxford Gold Group and Patriot Gold Group are other gold IRA firms that deserve mention. Much like the companies here, they also offer the best services in the market!
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