Gold IRA Fees Explained
A complete breakdown of all costs associated with Gold IRAs, including setup fees, annual fees, storage costs, and transaction charges.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Gold IRA Fee Overview
Understanding Gold IRA Fees
Setup/Account Opening Fees
Typical Range: $0 - $150
This one-time fee covers the administrative costs of opening your Gold IRA account. It includes paperwork processing, account setup, and initial coordination with the custodian.
Pro Tip: Many reputable Gold IRA companies waive setup fees as a promotional offer. Always ask about current promotions.
Annual Custodian/Administration Fees
Typical Range: $75 - $300 per year
The custodian is an IRS-approved financial institution that holds your IRA. Annual fees cover:
- Account maintenance and record-keeping
- IRS reporting and compliance
- Customer service and support
- Online account access
- Annual statements
Note: Some custodians charge flat fees while others charge a percentage of assets (typically 0.5-1%). Flat fees are usually better for larger accounts.
Storage Fees
Typical Range: $100 - $300 per year
IRS rules require Gold IRA metals to be stored in an approved depository. Storage fees cover:
- Secure vault storage at an IRS-approved facility
- Insurance coverage for your metals
- Regular auditing and verification
- Armed security and monitoring
Segregated Storage
Your metals are stored separately from others. More expensive but you receive the exact same coins/bars back.
$150 - $300/year
Commingled Storage
Your metals are stored with others of the same type. Less expensive but you receive equivalent metals, not the exact same ones.
$100 - $150/year
Transaction Fees & Premiums
When buying or selling metals in your Gold IRA, you'll encounter these costs:
Dealer Premiums (Over Spot Price)
Gold: 3-8% over spot | Silver: 5-15% over spot
This is the markup dealers charge above the current metal price
Buy/Sell Spread
Typically 2-5% difference between buy and sell prices
You'll sell metals for less than current spot price
Wire Transfer Fees
$25-$50 per transfer
For moving funds in or out of your account
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
- Account termination fees: $50-$250 if you close your account or transfer to another company
- Minimum balance fees: Some companies charge extra if your balance falls below a threshold
- Delivery/shipping fees: $50-$150+ to take physical delivery of metals
- Paper statement fees: $5-$25 if you want physical statements
Gold IRA Fee Comparison by Company
| Company | Setup Fee | Annual Fee | Storage Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious MetalsEditor's Pick | $0 | $180 | $100 | Fees waived for 10 years on qualifying accounts |
| Goldco | $50 | $80 | $150 | First year fees often waived |
| American Hartford Gold | $0 | $75 | $100 | Up to 3 years of fees waived |
| Birch Gold Group | $50 | $100 | $100 | First year fees waived on $50k+ accounts |
| Noble Gold | $80 | $80 | $150 | Simple flat fee structure |
*Fees as of January 2026. Contact companies directly for current pricing.See full company reviews →
Tips to Minimize Gold IRA Fees
Compare Multiple Companies
Request fee schedules from at least 3-4 companies before committing. The same services can vary significantly in price.
Look for Fee Waivers
Many companies waive first-year fees or offer multi-year fee waivers for larger account balances. Always ask about current promotions.
Consider Flat-Fee Custodians
For larger accounts ($100,000+), flat-fee structures often cost less than percentage-based fees.
Buy in Larger Quantities
Dealer premiums per ounce are typically lower when you buy larger quantities. Consolidate purchases when possible.
Choose Commingled Storage
Unless receiving your exact bars/coins back is important to you, commingled storage can save $100+ per year.
Go Paperless
Opt for electronic statements and communications to avoid paper statement fees (usually $5-$25/year).
Gold IRA Fees FAQ
How much does a Gold IRA cost per year?
A typical Gold IRA costs between $200-$500 per year in total fees, including custodian fees ($75-$300), storage fees ($100-$300), and insurance. Some companies offer scaled pricing based on account value, while others charge flat fees.
Are Gold IRA fees tax deductible?
Gold IRA fees paid from a taxable account may be deductible as investment expenses, though recent tax law changes have limited some deductions. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation. Fees paid directly from IRA funds are not separately deductible.
What is the cheapest Gold IRA company?
Companies like Augusta Precious Metals and Goldco often have competitive fee structures. However, the 'cheapest' option depends on your account size and transaction frequency. A company with higher annual fees but lower premiums might be more economical for larger accounts.
Can I avoid Gold IRA storage fees?
No, IRS regulations require Gold IRA metals to be stored in an approved depository, which charges storage fees. Some Gold IRA companies cover first-year storage fees as a promotional offer, but ongoing storage fees are unavoidable.
What hidden fees should I watch for?
Watch for liquidation/selling fees, wire transfer fees, account termination fees, shipping/delivery charges, and excessive premiums over spot price. Always request a complete fee schedule in writing before opening an account.
2026 Gold IRA Company Comparison Chart
Side-by-side comparison of the top Gold IRA companies with fees, minimums, and ratings.
Ready to Compare Gold IRA Companies?
Now that you understand Gold IRA fees, explore our company reviews to find the best option for your needs.