Best Gold IRA Companies Analyzed Side-By-Side
Side-By-Side Comparative Analysis of the Best Gold IRA Companies:
Years in Business / Minimum IRA Investment
My many years of experience working in the precious metals field have taught me that these are particularly important considerations for first time customers when researching Gold IRA Companies. That’s why I am displaying them for comparative purposes.
|
Gold IRA Company |
Started in Business |
Min. IRA Investment |
| Advantage Gold | 2014 | $5,000 |
| American Hartford Gold |
2015 | $10,000 |
| Augusta Precious Metals | 2012 | $50,000 |
| BGASC | 2012 | $30,000 |
| Birch Gold Group | 2003 | $10,000 |
| Blanchard & Company | 1975 | Not Specified |
| Goldco | 2011 | No Purchase Minimums |
| Goldline | 1960 | On Application |
| Rosland Capital | 2008 | $10,000 |
Complaints History
I’ve constantly found that most people researching Gold IRA Companies tend to focus more on the number of positive reviews recorded than the number of complaints revealed. In my opinion the latter, and the way they were dealt with, are equally important and sometimes more significant.
In this table I am displaying what I discovered at Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) during my extensive research into the number of complaints made about all the Companies referred to.
|
Gold IRA Company |
BBB |
BCA |
|
| Advantage Gold | 0 complaint closed in last 3 years
0 complaint closed in last 12 months |
0 in last 3 years |  |
| American Hartford Gold |
36 complaints closed in last 3 years
21 complaints closed in last 12 months |
2 in last 3 years | |
| Augusta Precious Metals | ZERO (All Time) | ZERO (All Time) | |
| BGASC | 2 complaints closed in last 3 years
2 complaints closed in last 12 months |
Not Listed | |
| Birch Gold Group | 8 complaints closed in last 3 years
4 complaints closed in last 12 months |
0 in last 3 years | |
| Blanchard & Company | 0 complaint closed in last 3 years
0 complaints closed in last 12 months |
0 in last 3 years | |
| Goldco | 48 complaints closed in last 3 years
28 complaints closed in last 12 months |
1 in last 3 years | |
| Goldline | 13 complaints closed in last 3 years
5 complaints closed in last 12 months |
0 in last 3 years | |
| Rosland Capital | 22 complaints closed in last 3 years
12 complaints closed in last 12 months |
9 in last 3 years | |
Independent Ratings
I have listed below comparisons of the ratings awarded by Better Business Bureau, Business Consumer Alliance, Trustlink and Consumer Affairs during my most recent inspection of these authoritative independent review sites.
Drawing from my extensive experience in the precious metals industry I can confidently assert that these are the sites that command the most respect from customers.
|
Gold IRA Company |
BBB |
BCA |
Trustlink |
Consumer Affairs |
| Advantage Gold | A+ | AAA | 5 out of 5 Stars | 5 out of 5 Stars |
| American Hartford Gold | A+ | AAA | 5 out of 5 Stars | 4.8 out of 5 Stars |
| Augusta Precious Metals | A+ | AAA | 5 out of 5 Stars | 4.9 out of 5 Stars |
| BGASC | A+ | Not Listed | Not Listed | Not Listed |
| Birch Gold Group | A+ | AAA | 5 out of 5 Stars | 4.9 out of 5 Stars |
| Blanchard & Company | A+ | BBB | 1 out of 5 Stars | Not Listed |
| Goldco | A+ | AAA | 5 out of 5 Stars | 4.9 out of 5 Stars |
| Goldline | A | A | 2.5 out of 5 Stars | Not Listed |
| Rosland Capital | A+ | AAA | 3.5 out of 5 Stars | Not Listed |
Fees
In this table I have shown comparisons of the various fees charged by each company. Below it I have explained what I consider to be the vital importance of understanding the different storage options available, and the significance of understanding the impact that different fee types can have.
| Gold IRA Company | Set Up Fees |
Admin Fees (annually) |
*Storage Fees (annually) |
**Fee Type |
| Advantage Gold | $295 | $175 | $100 | Flat |
| American Hartford Gold | $50 | $100 | $150 for segregated $100 for non-segregated |
Flat |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50 + $30 wire fee | $80 | $150 for segregated $100 for non-segregated |
Flat |
| BGASC | Not divulged | Not divulged | Not divulged | Not divulged |
| Birch Gold Group | $90 | Not divulged | $160 | Flat |
| Blanchard & Company | $25 | $60-$250 (scaled) | $100 (scaled) | Scaled |
| Goldco | $50 + $30 wire fee | $80 | $150 for segregated $100 for non-segregated |
Flat |
| Goldline | $125 | $60-$250 (scaled) | $100 (scaled) | Scaled |
| Rosland Capital | $50 | £225 | Not divulged | Flat |
Notes:
- * There are different options for storage and I consider it very important to understand the differences between these. I have explained why here, and highly recommend that you check it out: The Important Differences Between ‘Segregated’, ‘Commingled’, ‘Allocated’ and ‘Non Allocated’ Storage
- ** Some Gold IRA Companies charge flat fees and some charge scaled fees. The latter are a % of the fund value. Experience has taught me that it is essential to understand the implications of these two types of fees because doing so can save you thousands of dollars over time.
Preferred Custodians and Depositories
From many years of evaluating Gold IRA Companies I have learnt that typically, strong working relationships will have been built up between them and their preferred Custodians and Depositories over a number of years. I suggest that you consider working with their preferred and recommended partners to get the smoothest operation.
| Gold IRA Company | Preferred Custodian |
Preferred Depository |
| Advantage Gold | Self Directed IRA Services (SDIRA) | DDSC and Brinks Global |
| American Hartford Gold | Equity Trust Company | Equity Trust, Brinks, Delware Depository, IDS |
| Augusta Precious Metals | Equity Trust Company | Delaware Depository Services (DDSC) |
| BGASC | GoldStar Trust Company | Brinks Global |
| Birch Gold Group | Self-Directed IRA Services | Delaware Depository Services (DDSC) |
| Blanchard & Company | GoldStar Trust Company | HSBC Bank NYC |
| Goldco | Equity Trust Company | Delaware Depository Services (DDSC) |
| Goldline | GoldStar Trust Company | Delaware Depository Services (DDSC) |
| Rosland Capital | Equity Institutional | Delaware Depository Services (DDSC) |
New Customer Incentives
As with many businesses it’s normal for companies to make special offers to new customers. The Gold IRA space is no different. This is how the various offers compare.
|
Gold IRA Company |
Incentive #1 |
Incentive #2 |
Incentive #3 |
| Advantage Gold | Year 1 Set Up and Storage Fees waived | ||
| American Hartford Gold | Free Silver – Receive up to $10,000 in FREE silver delivered to your front door, on qualifying purchases | Up to 3 years with no IRA Fees; No Transfer, Storage or Maintenance Fees | |
| Augusta Precious Metals | Free Gold – choose from 3 Gold Coins | Up to 10 years of custodian and storage fees covered by Augusta | Free one-on-one educational web conference with Harvard trained economist |
| BGASC | Rare coins available | ||
| Birch Gold Group | None advertised | ||
| Blanchard & Company | None advertised | ||
| Goldco | 5% back in FREE silver when you invest $50,000-$100,000 | 10% back in FREE silver when you invest $100,000+ (no maximum) | First year fees waived for IRAs above $50,000 |
| Goldline | Free bullion coin on $10,000+ investments | Free shipping to the depository of your choice | |
| Rosland Capital | None advertised |
Due Diligence Resources
I am happy to share my research and personal experiences to benefit others. I hope you find the following analyses helpful when conducting your own further research into Gold IRA Companies and Gold IRAs:
Expert research & analysis of fees, education, customer service, USPs & client feedback, scored as #1, #2, #3 etc.
Best Gold IRA Companies 
How To Compare Gold IRA Companies
A research blueprint
Comprehensive guide on Gold IRAs
Some of the common mistakes that inexperienced investors make
Forewarned is forearmed! Avoid a big dent in your finances
Understanding silver in the global market
The Importance of SilverMEET THE RESEARCHER
Doug Young Financial Markets Researcher & Former Financial Director
- Over 20 years of experience in financial markets
- More than 15 years specializing in Gold IRAs
- Extensive expertise in precious metals trading
- Former Financial Director at World Freight Services Ltd for 16 years.
- Author of 500+ published financial research articles over 10 years
- Conducted 80+ Gold IRA company evaluations since 2011
⚠️ IMPORTANT: All content on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
