Are you thinking of investing in gold and silver to diversify your portfolio against market uncertainty and geopolitical instability? We’ve got you covered. On this page, we will review ten top-rated gold investment and precious metal IRA companies in America. Now, we always recommend speaking to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. We also recommend that you compare a few different companies before making a decision, as they all have different strengths, weaknesses, and fees.
goldencrestmetals.com
(833) 426-3825
California (Calabasas)
Minimum investment: $10,000
CEO: Rich Jacoby
Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
GoldenCrest Metals is a newer, education-first dealer that helps clients open and fund Precious Metals IRAs and also supports cash purchases. What stands out are its boutique service model, California base with easy phone access, and frequent promos (fee waivers and silver bonuses) aimed at lowering first-year costs. It partners with IRS-approved custodians and mainstream depositories and positions itself for hands-on guidance through rollovers.
To learn more about GoldenCrest Metals:
Noble is one of the top-rated precious metal firms in America and has a wide selection of gold coins and bars. They also are the only firm to offer Texas-based secure storage for metals. Noble specializes in helping IRA and 401k owners diversify their portfolios with gold and silver. Colin Plume, the CEO, is a veteran in the precious metal industry and puts a special focus on client education.
To learn more about Noble:
#3. Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is a selective gold investment company that has high-profile clients like NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana. Augusta doesn’t believe that gold and silver are for everyone and can help you determine if the investment is suitable for you. They created a free report that goes over the most common gold dealer scams to watch out for. They also have a free gold and silver conference for new customers interested in learning more about whether gold and silver are right for them.
To learn more about Augusta:
#4. Birch Gold Group
- www.birchgold.com
- 1-877-749-7738
- Iowa
- Minimum investment: $5,000
- CEO: Laith Alsarraf
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
Birch Gold Group has secured the likes of Ben Shapiro and Ron Paul as their celebrity spokespeople. They offer a variety of storage options for those interested in investing in gold and silver through a retirement account.
To learn more about Birch Gold:
#5. American Hartford Gold Group
American Hartford has an impressive 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Just like Augusta or GoldCo, American Hartford sells mainly premium coins, which command higher markups. They also offer standard bullion for IRA/401k account holders interested in the lowest premiums over the spot price.
To learn more about American Hartford:
#6. Advantage Gold
- www.advantagegold.com
- 1-888-501-9001
- Texas
- Minimum investment: $10,000
- CEO: Kirill Zagalsky
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
You have probably heard their commercial on Fox News. Adam Barratta, CEO of Advantage Gold, says he focuses on client education without paying any celebrities or spokespeople to back the brand. Advantage Gold does have great ratings across the board.
To learn more about Advantage Gold:
#7. Rosland Capital
- www.roslandcapital.com
- 1-866-942-2962
- California
- Minimum investment: $2,000
- CEO: Marin Aleksov
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
A veteran in the gold industry, Rosland Capital has helped thousands of investors purchase precious metals. Marin Aleksov founded the company back in 2008. Marin has been featured on several TV and radio programs as well as in publications such as TheStreet, CBS News, and the Los Angeles Times.
To learn more about Rosland Capital:
#8. American Bullion
- www.americanbullion.com
- 1-800-465-3472
- California
- Minimum investment: $10,000
- CEO: Nevtan Akcora
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
Another veteran in the industry, American Bullion is a well-known name in the world of gold IRAs. Former US Mint Director Rhett Jeppson became the company’s spokesperson in 2018.
To learn more about American Bullion:
#9. Gold Alliance
- www.goldalliance.com
- 1-888-642-3314
- Nevada
- Minimum investment: $20,000
- CEO: Joseph Sherman
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
Gold Alliance is one of those rare gold investment companies that is NOT located in California. Joseph Sherman, CEO of the company, told us that their main focus was to offer the best possible customer support experience.
To learn more about Gold Alliance:
#10. Monex
- www.monex.com
- 1-800-444-8317
- California
- Minimum investment: $10,000
- CEO: Louis Carabini
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
Monex is one of the oldest names in the gold industry. The company has been operating since the 1960s! Monex is mainly a gold coin dealer offering precious metal IRA investments.
To learn more about Monex:
#11. Goldco
- www.goldco.com
- 1-855-465-3472
- California
- Minimum investment: $10,000
- CEO: Trevor Gerszt
- Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
Celebrity spokesman Sean Hannity has been selected to represent GoldCo, replacing Chuck Norris who was the previous celebrity ambassador. This company offers all types of gold and silver coins for IRA and 401k account owners. Keep in mind that this company focuses on premium coins that come at a higher cost than standard bullion coins.
To learn more about Goldco:
Gold Investment Companies Comparison Table
We recommend that you contact 2-3 different companies before making an investment decision. Compare pricing, support, and other elements that you care about. Also, before you invest in gold, make sure you understand this asset class. Gold doesn’t pay dividends or interest. It’s also not as easy to liquidate as stocks or bonds. Inquire about the buyback program from the company you decide to invest with, as that’s likely the easiest way to liquidate/sell your gold. No matter what, we recommend speaking to a trusted financial advisor before you make any investment decision.
If you are looking for a gold IRA company that isn’t listed here, check out Gold IRA Guide’s Best Gold IRA Companies page to see a more extensive list of companies reviewed.
12. JM Bullion
jmbullion.com
(800) 276-6508
Texas (Dallas)
Minimum investment: None (order minimums vary by payment method)
CEO: Robert (Rob) Pacelli
Gold IRAs Approved? Yes
JM Bullion is one of the largest online bullion retailers in the U.S. and also facilitates Precious Metals IRAs through partner custodians. Strengths include deep inventory, transparent FAQ/education, and a very low barrier to entry (no set IRA account minimum; typical site order minimums can be $0 for many payment methods and $500 for bank wires). Headquarters and support are Texas-based, and leadership shifted to CEO Rob Pacelli in 2023.
To learn more about JM Bullion:
What to look for in a gold investment company?
- Reviews and Ratings? You wouldn’t eat at a 2-star rated restaurant, so why would you work with a gold investment company that has a low rating? Reviews and ratings are a great indicator of the company’s professionalism and customer service.
- Premiums and markups on coins/bars? Ask about the prices and fees associated with your gold investment. You’re obviously going to pay above the spot price, but how much above the spot rate? It’s worth knowing before making a purchase. Different coins come at different prices.
- 401k and IRA account support? If you are plan to invest using a retirement plan, such as a 401k, IRA, TSP, 403b or other, you need to ask the gold company you plan to purchase from if they help facilititate this process for you and help when it comes to paperwork and storage. Some companies do while others don’t.
- What types of coins and bars are available? What gold and silver coins and bars are for sale? If you’re an investor, you likely want the highest purity (99.99%+ pure) gold and silver coins or bars. Collectors care about things like shine, luster, rarity, year and other factors. If you’re an investor, make sure you are getting the highest purity first and foremost. You will be paying higher premiums for “rare” coins.
- Sales experience and transparency. How are the salespeople? Are they pushy and aggressive? That’s a red flag. If they are suggesting you buy high-priced collectible coins without listening to your objectives, it’s also a red flag. It’s a good sign, though, if they are taking the time to answer your questions while explaining how the entire process works. Also, are they transparent about all fees and costs? You don’t want any surprises. You want to know upfront what all the fees will be.
Gold Investment FAQ
What is a gold investment company?
A gold investment company is a dealer that works directly with investors to help them allocate a portion of their investment portfolio to precious metals like gold and silver. Investment companies are different from local gold dealers because dealers have physical stores that cater to the general public. On the other hand, gold investment companies generally have a minimum investment amount and won’t work with a client that only wants to buy a couple of coins.
Are there fees or costs associated with gold investments?
The main costs and fees are the price of the gold and silver coins/bars you will be buying. What percent over spot are you paying for your gold bullion? That’s a question to ask the company you plan to work with. If you plan to store your gold in a secure vault, you also need to inquire about storage costs, which can be either a flat annual fee or a percent of the total value of gold.
What are the risks of investing in gold?
As with any other investment, investing in gold is not without risk. The asset comes with its own set of unique risks that any potential investor should consider.
The risks of investing in gold include:
- Price volatility: Gold prices can be highly unpredictable. These prices are influenced by various factors, including changes in global economic conditions, interest rates, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical events. This volatility means that while gold can offer significant gains, it can also result in substantial losses, especially in the short term.
- Opportunity cost: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not generate dividends or interest. By investing in gold, investors may miss out on returns they could have earned from other assets – assets that provide regular income. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset, but its performance may lag during periods of strong economic growth when other investments are outperforming.
- Storage and security: Physical gold, such as bars or coins, requires safe storage, which may involve additional costs for secure vaults or insurance. Storing gold at home poses security risks and could lead to theft or loss. Really! And you don’t need us to tell you that is not ideal.
- Liquidity risk: While gold is generally easy to sell, there can be times when finding a buyer at a fair price becomes challenging. This is particularly true during periods of market stress.
Gold can act as a hedge against economic uncertainty. And, perhaps more importantly, inflation. While this is true, weighing these risks and diversifying investments is crucial to balance potential returns and risk exposure.
Is it better to invest in gold bars &/or gold coins?
This is up to each individual. Standard bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle or the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf are safe bets because they are recognized worldwide and have legal tender. However, generally speaking, gold bars command lower premiums since they are the closest thing to the raw material and require very minimal craftsmanship. Gold coins come with different designs and varying degrees of shine/luster/general quality. When you buy proof bullion coins, for instance, expect to pay much higher premiums than standard bullion coins. That’s because proof coins are stuck twice instead of once and have a higher degree of shine and luster.
What percent of my portfolio should be allocated to gold and silver?
This is a question only your financial advisor can help you answer. Some celebrity investors, like Kevin O’Leary, believe in a 5% gold allocation. Ray Dalio and Tony Robbins believe in an 8% gold allocation (as per their jointly designed All Seasons Portfolio). Each investor makes this decision based on their objectives and market outlook. Do your due diligence and your own research to determine what gold allocation is right for you. It’s important to remember that gold doesn’t pay any dividends or interest. Also, it comes with its own risks just like any other investment.
Should I store my gold at home or at a vault?
This question comes up often from our readers. Storing a large quantity of gold at home is generally risky. We always recommend storing your gold in a secure vault close to you. Offshore gold storage can also be an option if you want to store your gold in a different jurisdiction to minimize confiscation risk.
Should I use my IRA or 401k to invest in gold?
Using an existing retirement account such as an IRA or 401k might be a smarter way to invest in gold since you can avoid penalties. You can also invest in gold tax-free while working with a company that can handle the entire gold IRA rollover process for you. Those concerned about retirement account diversification should look into gold IRA companies to learn more.
Amine is an entrepreneur, investor and financial writer that covers the US economy, inflation, alternative investments, cryptocurrencies and more. He has been involved in the space for over a decade.
