We may earn a commission when you contact a company through our links. It never affects our rankings. How we make money
Gold IRA Companies

The 10 best gold IRA companies, ranked purely on review data

No opinions, no sponsored order. Live Google and Trustpilot scores for 10 companies, pulled October 23, 2026, with three verbatim Google reviews each. See the scoring rules

Companies checked
26
Google reviews behind the top 10
10,356
Trustpilot reviews behind the top 10
13,411
Scoring
Google rating → review volume → Trustpilot
  1. 1Augusta Precious Metals4.9 (789)
  2. 2Goldco4.8 (3,560)
  3. 3American Hartford Gold4.8 (1,785)
  4. 4Noble Gold Investments4.9 (847)
  5. 5Patriot Gold Group4.9 (458)
  6. 6Advantage Gold4.9 (988)
  7. 7Priority Gold4.9 (680)
  8. 8Orion Metal Exchange4.9 (288)
  9. 9Birch Gold Group4.8 (600)
  10. 10Silver Gold Bull4.8 (361)

Google rating shown with review count. Jump to a company for its Trustpilot score and customer reviews.

1

Augusta Precious Metals

Tied at 4.9 with five others, Augusta tops the group on the content of its reviews: customers consistently describe education before any sales talk, and the few critical reviews are mild. Its $50,000 minimum is the only real knock.

Google rating4.9★★★★★789 reviews
Trustpilot4.8★★★★★376 reviews
Total reviews1,165across both platforms
Augusta Precious Metals website
Augusta's homepage. Its info-kit page sits behind a human-verification check we could not pass automatically.

About Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta Precious Metals was founded in 2012 and operates from Beverly Hills, California. It deals only in gold and silver, and its whole process is built around education: every prospective client is offered a one-on-one web session with the company's director of education before any account paperwork is discussed.

Augusta publishes its fees up front, assigns one customer-success agent for the lifetime of the account, and ships and insures qualifying orders at no charge. The trade-off is a $50,000 minimum, the highest on this list, which rules it out for smaller rollovers.

Why it's number 1

Six companies share a 4.9 on Google, so the top spot came down to reading the reviews themselves. Augusta's positive reviews are unusually specific about the education and the absence of pressure, and its handful of low-star reviews describe mild frustrations rather than lost money or unreturned calls. That pattern, combined with a 4.8 on Trustpilot, is why it edges the other 4.9s.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

After getting let go by my previous employer, I decided to convert my 401K to a Gold IRA. After researching the different companies that offer this service I decided on Augusta Precious Metals. Why? Because they are transparent with their fee structure and are up front with the benefits and risks of holding physical precious metals. What sold me on Augusta was the fact that the Gold and Silver that I will purchase is insured even if the US Government were to confiscate them. The customer service was fantastic and they really gave me, only a small investor, the white glove treatment. It was comforting that they really seemed to give a damn. While it remains to be seen if it is genuine or not, I believe them and they now have my families retirement in their hands. Over the course of the coming years I will update this review to reflect my views of Augusta Precious Metals.

Michael McLaughlin · 2 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I was interested in diversifying my retirement by purchasing precious metals and Augusta was the perfect company to partner up with. As they advertised, they never pressure sell and they took the time to educate me on the process and what the options were, They were always transparent and I appreciate that they helped me with transfer process. I love that they have a team that can help me with any questions. I wholeheartedly recommend Augusta for purchasing precious metals.

Howard Grossman · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

After looking at companies to assist in converting a portion of my IRA to precious metals I settled on Augusta Precious Metals. The process from my initial inquiry to completing the roll over was informative, personalized, and effortless. I was so pleased I have recommended them to others who are considering this move.

Braden Shoupe · 8 months ago · via Google

Augusta Precious Metals at a glance

MetalsGold, silver
Minimum$50,000
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.9 / 5 · 789 reviews
Trustpilot4.8 / 5 · 376 reviews
Fee: One-time setup$50
Fee: Annual custodian$125
Fee: Annual storage$100
Get free info kit →Read our full review
2

Goldco

Goldco has more Google reviews than any other gold IRA company, by a wide margin: 3,560 at 4.8 stars, plus another 1,792 on Trustpilot. That volume, built up since 2006, is why it sits second despite a lower Trustpilot score than the companies around it.

Google rating4.8★★★★★3,560 reviews
Trustpilot4.4★★★★★1,792 reviews
Total reviews5,352across both platforms
Goldco website
Goldco's homepage. Our tracking link could not be followed by an automated browser, so this is the public site.

About Goldco

Goldco has been selling precious metals since 2006 from the Los Angeles area and is one of the most heavily advertised names in the industry, with endorsements from Sean Hannity and Chuck Norris. It offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium for IRAs and direct purchase, and a buyback program for clients who want to sell.

Goldco does not publish an account minimum or a full fee schedule; both are quoted once you speak with a specialist. Qualifying accounts have been offered bonus silver on larger purchases.

Why it's number 2

Goldco is here on volume. Its 3,560 Google reviews are roughly twice the next company's, and together with Trustpilot it has 5,352 public reviews, more than anyone else on this list. A 4.8 across that many customers is strong evidence of consistent service. Its Trustpilot score of 4.4 is the lowest in the top ten, which is why it does not take first place despite the volume.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

We had a great experience working with Jeff Hoffman. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. He was quick to return calls and answer any questions we had. Have worked with GoldCo before and will again in the future.

Rae · 2 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Joshua Hoffman gave me excellent service. He is very knowledgeable. He was on top of everything and contacted me immediately to proceed with my purchasing my silver. I would highly recommend this company.

Gayla Ford · 5 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Every one was so helpful, this was a new experience for me and every one made it easy. They were helpful, and real people. Arthur and Selma took there time with me. When we were through i felt comfortable about my decision to move my ira. Thank you

James Culbertson jr · 8 months ago · via Google

Goldco at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
MinimumNo stated minimum
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.8 / 5 · 3,560 reviews
Trustpilot4.4 / 5 · 1,792 reviews
Fee: Setup & storageQuoted on request
Get free info kit →Read our full review
3

American Hartford Gold

Second-highest Google review volume in the field and the best Trustpilot score of any high-volume company, 4.9 across 1,949 reviews. Reviewers name individual account executives again and again, a sign of consistent service rather than a few good months.

Google rating4.8★★★★★1,785 reviews
Trustpilot4.9★★★★★1,949 reviews
Total reviews3,734across both platforms
American Hartford Gold website
American Hartford Gold's homepage.

About American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is a family-owned dealer founded in 2015 and based on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. It sells gold, silver and platinum for IRAs and home delivery, reports more than $4 billion in metals delivered, and has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.

The company promotes a buyback commitment, free shipping and insurance on qualifying orders, and periodic promotions that waive IRA fees for up to three years. In 2026 it announced the acquisition of Rosland Capital's assets, so former Rosland customers may now be dealing with AHG.

Why it's number 3

AHG has the second-largest Google review base in the field at 1,785, and its 4.9 on Trustpilot across 1,949 reviews is the best score of any high-volume company. Reviewers name individual account executives repeatedly, which points to consistent service rather than a short good streak. Volume plus the strongest secondary score puts it third.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

After reading the great reviews and ratings, I decided to give American Hartford Gold a try. Yesterday was my second time using their services, and once again, I had a great experience. Sean Price explained my options without any pressure, and Alexandra Arias asked thoughtful questions and made everything easy to understand. They were both friendly, professional, and genuinely helpful. I highly recommend AHG!

m sa · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I had an excellent experience with American Hartford Gold. From start to finish, the entire process was professional, smooth, and stress-free. A special thank you to Sarah Van Elst, who went above and beyond to answer all my questions, explain every detail clearly, and make me feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. The entire team was knowledgeable, courteous, and truly dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. Their communication, honesty, and attention to detail made a big difference. I genuinely appreciate the time and care they put into helping me make informed decisions. I highly recommend American Hartford Gold to anyone looking for a trustworthy and professional company to invest on precious metals.Thank you again to Sarah Van Elst and the whole team for such a positive experience!

Rafael Rodriguez · 5 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

The American Hartford Gold Team provided immediate and excellent customer service. Eino Hill demonstrated expertise and stellar guidance based on our investment goals. Brianna Lopez promptly facilitated the necessary paperwork, and Alexandria Arias immediately confirmed our order and answered additional questions. They are a well-coordinated Team, working hand-in-hand, providing prompt communication and a quick turnaround. I am glad to have chosen them as a partner after researching several other companies.

Susan Wetzel · 4 months ago · via Google

American Hartford Gold at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
Minimum$10,000 (IRA) · $5,000 (cash)
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.8 / 5 · 1,785 reviews
Trustpilot4.9 / 5 · 1,949 reviews
Fee: Account setup$0
Fee: Annual storage~$180
Get free info kit →
4

Noble Gold Investments

4.9 on both platforms with meaningful volume on each. Noble's reviews stand out for long-term customers coming back years later, and for its lower entry point, which makes it the strongest option here for smaller rollovers.

Google rating4.9★★★★★847 reviews
Trustpilot4.9★★★★★796 reviews
Total reviews1,643across both platforms
Noble Gold Investments website
Where our link takes you: Noble Gold's free gold and silver guide page.

About Noble Gold Investments

Noble Gold Investments was founded in 2016 and is based in the Los Angeles area, with its Google profile at its Encino office. It offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium IRAs as well as direct purchases, and is one of the few dealers with a Texas depository option for clients who want their metals stored outside Delaware.

Noble's published minimums are among the lower ones for an IRA specialist, which makes it the most accessible of the top five, and it sells pre-assembled 'survival pack' bundles of coins for buyers who want physical metal at home.

Why it's number 4

A 4.9 on Google from 847 reviews and a 4.9 on Trustpilot from 796 is the most balanced two-platform result in the top ten. Several of its Google reviews come from clients returning years after their first rollover, which is rarer than it sounds in this industry. It sits fourth only because the three companies above it have substantially larger review bases.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

Noble Gold Investments have always been outstanding. Since the very beginning, they were transparent, helpful, and knowledgeable about the market. When my reps changed, Mandi Carlson called to me and introduced himself, and did let me know I can give him a call back should there are any questions. Excellent response time, outstanding service, and professional communication. I recommend Noble Gold Investments.

Renata Svoboda · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Micah Haince with Noble Gold helped me set up a transfer of my IRA to a precious metals account. He educated without overwhelming me. He was always responsive and very pleasant to work with. I appreciate his professionalism very much. My account has grown nicely as well.

Lisa Bailey · 4 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I first initiated the rollover of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) with Noble Gold in 2023. After conducting extensive research and comparing several companies in the industry, I determined that Noble Gold offered the investment solution that best aligned with my financial goals. From the very beginning, Ben Smith, my representative at Noble Gold, provided outstanding service and guidance. He made the rollover process straightforward and stress-free, helping to ease my initial concerns about investing in precious metals, particularly silver. My assets are securely held through Equity Trust, whose support and administration have also been efficient and professional. Over the past two years, the value of my initial investment has increased significantly, which has further reinforced my confidence in the decision I made. Based on this positive experience, I completed several substantial partial rollovers from my 403(b) retirement account in October 2025, December 2025, February 2026, and April 2026. Ben once again guided me through each transaction with professionalism, transparency, and expertise. Every step of the process was clearly explained and easy to navigate. Today, I have complete confidence in my investment strategy and frequently recommend Noble Gold to friends and colleagues who are exploring options for diversifying their retirement savings. Thank you to Ben Smith and the entire Noble Gold team for your exceptional customer service, professionalism, and commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals. I highly recommend Noble Gold to anyone considering precious metals as part of their retirement portfolio.

Amanda Napolitani · 4 months ago · via Google

Noble Gold Investments at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
Minimum$20,000
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.9 / 5 · 847 reviews
Trustpilot4.9 / 5 · 796 reviews
Fee: Annual storage (Texas)$80
Fee: Annual storage (Delaware)$150
Get free info kit →
5

Patriot Gold Group

The only company in the top ten with a perfect 5.0 Trustpilot score, across 703 reviews, alongside 4.9 on Google. Fewer total reviews than the companies above it, which is the only reason it isn't higher.

Google rating4.9★★★★★458 reviews
Trustpilot5.0★★★★★703 reviews
Total reviews1,161across both platforms
Patriot Gold Group website
Patriot Gold Group's homepage.

About Patriot Gold Group

Patriot Gold Group was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Seal Beach, California. It positions itself as an investor-direct dealer, meaning clients buy at prices set by the company's own trading desk rather than through a sales intermediary, and it has a Professional Coin Grading Service certification.

Its best-known feature is the 'No Fee For Life' IRA, which waives custodian and storage fees for larger accounts; published thresholds vary by source, so confirm the current terms. Reported minimums for a new IRA sit in the $25,000 range.

Why it's number 5

Patriot is the only company on this list with a perfect 5.0 on Trustpilot, across 703 reviews, alongside a 4.9 on Google. That perfect secondary score lifts it into the top five. It stops at fifth because its 458 Google reviews are the second-smallest base in the top ten, and under our rules volume is weighted before Trustpilot.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

Had several encounters with other companies previous to contacting Ron Tippitt and Frank Johnson at Patriot Gold Group. My experience with Ron was superior to all others. Very cordial and no pressure, ; great guidance during and after the process. Both made sure I was fully informed of what I was doing. Both made sure I was aware that they would always be available to book a time for any questions or issues. Very friendly and professional.

Christopher Novotny · 2 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Patriot Gold is awesome. The buying experience my team working with me made it so easy. I was able to learn and be understood which is extremely important. I recommend to anyone.

Sandy Henry · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

At the beginning, I was a little nervous dealing with any of the gold and silver companies. I googled them and found patriot gold was one of the top fives. I gave them a call and asked them for details on how it works by gold online, the person I talk to explain to me how the process works, in detail, explained it to me and told me that Will Manning will be talking to me. Will called me and I felt comfortable buying the gold and silver from patriot gold I never called anyone else, as I feel comfortable and confident with them.

DARYL EVANGELHO · 7 months ago · via Google

Patriot Gold Group at a glance

MetalsGold, silver
Minimum$50,000 (IRA) · $10,000 (cash)
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.9 / 5 · 458 reviews
Trustpilot5.0 / 5 · 703 reviews
Fee: Qualifying IRAsNo fees for life*
Fee: Annual, non-qualifying~$180 (reported)

*Patriot's site states 'No Fees for Life on Qualifying IRAs' without publishing the threshold; reviewers put it at $100,000 or more. Confirm in writing.

Visit website →
6

Advantage Gold

The most Google reviews of any 4.9-rated company, and nearly 2,000 more on Trustpilot. It ranks below Noble and Patriot only because Trustpilot breaks ties within the 4.9 group, and Advantage's 4.8 there is a shade lower.

Google rating4.9★★★★★988 reviews
Trustpilot4.8★★★★★1,928 reviews
Total reviews2,916across both platforms
Advantage Gold website
Advantage Gold's homepage.

About Advantage Gold

Advantage Gold was founded in 2014 in Los Angeles and now runs much of its operation from Austin, Texas, where its Google Business Profile is registered. It markets heavily to first-time gold IRA investors and rollovers from 401(k) plans, with a large education library and a conservative commentator, Benny Johnson, as brand ambassador.

It offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium, charges no setup fee on IRAs, and its reported minimums are among the lowest in the field, in the $5,000 to $10,000 range depending on account type.

Why it's number 6

Advantage has the most Google reviews of any 4.9-rated company at 988, plus 1,928 Trustpilot reviews at 4.8. On Google alone it would rank higher. It lands sixth because Trustpilot breaks ties within the 4.9 group, and its 4.8 there is a shade behind Noble's and Patriot's. One recent Google review alleges collectible-coin markups in 2021; it is a single review against nearly a thousand, but worth reading.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

This is an excellent company where the staff takes the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring that you understand the entire process. They work diligently on your behalf and exhibit great patience throughout. They are willing to invest as much time as you need to help you decide whether or not to make a purchase, and they guide you hand-in-hand every step of the way. I had the pleasure of working with Ray Jackson and Carly Harrold, who assisted me in completing all the necessary steps. Ray provided valuable advice, while Carly facilitated the transfer of funds needed to move forward. They even worked extra hard to complete purchases of precious metals on a Friday evening when the market was in a place to benefit me. I highly recommend this company and their dedicated team.

Mary Gilham · 5 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I have been very pleased with the attention & service that I receive from Dane, Scott and Brad at Advantage Gold. The time they take to answer all of my questions. The care and speed in which they get back to me has been excellent. They have made my transactions easy. I recommend them to everyone.

Gina Ashworth · 5 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I had a very positive experience converting to Advantage Gold IRA with Todd D. He was clear and thorough explaining the whole process and very insightful and knowledgeable about precious metals and made me feel empowered, not pressured into converting my conventional IRA to precious metals. He periodically touches base with me and informs of current market trends and opportunities. If you need a guy...Todd's the man! Aloha!

Hapa Japa · 6 months ago · via Google

Advantage Gold at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
MinimumNot published (reported $5,000–$10,000)
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.9 / 5 · 988 reviews
Trustpilot4.8 / 5 · 1,928 reviews
Fee: Account setup$0
Fee: Annual custodian & storageQuoted on request

Advantage Gold does not publish a fee schedule; custodian and storage costs are quoted by phone.

Visit website →
7

Priority Gold

A Dallas-based dealer with 4.9 on Google across 680 reviews. Reviews focus heavily on the first phone call and the quality of the education, with less written yet about long-term account service.

Google rating4.9★★★★★680 reviews
Trustpilot4.8★★★★★365 reviews
Total reviews1,045across both platforms
Priority Gold website
Priority Gold's homepage.

About Priority Gold

Priority Gold is a Dallas-based precious metals dealer. The company dates its origins to 2001, with its IRA-focused business building up from the mid-2010s, and it was named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

It sells gold, silver, platinum and palladium for IRAs and direct delivery, with custody handled by a third-party trust company. Reported IRA minimums range from $10,000 to $20,000; the company quotes current figures by phone.

Why it's number 7

A 4.9 on Google across 680 reviews and a 4.8 on Trustpilot. Priority's reviews are heavily about the first call: how patient and clear the representative was. There is less written yet about long-term account service and buybacks, which is why it ranks behind Noble and Patriot despite similar scores.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

James @ priority gold was very helpful & very informative. He gave me a lot of good useful information in a short time. He was polite & spoke clearly to help me understand about investing in gold. I also have information in my email to refer to as well. I thank you James very much & can see your a valuable employee to priority gold. I appreciate all the information thank you again. Have a blessed day James.

Ron Zak · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I had a great experience working with Lorenzo at Priority Gold. He took the time to educate me about gold and precious metals without ever making me feel pressured. He was patient, knowledgeable, and answered all of my questions in a way that was easy to understand. I really appreciated how honest and professional he was throughout the entire process. If you’re looking to learn more about investing in gold, I highly recommend reaching out to Lorenzo and the team at Priority Gold.

Frankie Gonzalez · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

I had a great experience with Priority Gold! Daniel was amazing—professional, knowledgeable, patient, and very helpful throughout the entire process. He made everything easy to understand and made sure I felt comfortable and taken care of. Excellent customer service and a great company overall. I highly recommend Priority Gold and Daniel!

Cheyenñe Walmsley · a month ago · via Google

Priority Gold at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
MinimumNot published (reported $10,000–$20,000)
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.9 / 5 · 680 reviews
Trustpilot4.8 / 5 · 365 reviews
Fee: One-time setup$50 (reported)
Fee: Annual custodian$125 (reported)
Fee: StorageWaived year one on $50k+ (reported)

Priority Gold does not publish fees on its site; figures are from third-party reviews and should be confirmed by phone.

Visit website →
8

Orion Metal Exchange

4.9 on both platforms, but on the smallest review base in the top ten. Notably, several reviewers describe selling metals and taking required minimum distributions smoothly, which is the part of the process most companies get the fewest reviews for.

Google rating4.9★★★★★288 reviews
Trustpilot4.9★★★★★243 reviews
Total reviews531across both platforms
Orion Metal Exchange website
Orion Metal Exchange's homepage.

About Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange was founded in 2017 and is based on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. It sells gold, silver, platinum and palladium for IRAs and direct purchase, and lets clients choose their own custodian and depository rather than steering them to a single partner.

Orion advertises no setup or transfer fees on IRAs and a reported rollover minimum of around $10,000. Several Google reviewers describe selling metals back and taking required minimum distributions through Orion, a part of the process most dealers get few reviews for.

Why it's number 8

Orion scores 4.9 on both platforms, which on ratings alone would put it in the top three. It ranks eighth because its review base is the smallest in the top ten: 288 on Google and 243 on Trustpilot. The scores are excellent; there are just fewer of them.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

I'm giving a FIVE STAR rating to Orion Metal Exchange for helping me rollover my TRADITIONAL IRA into a GOLD & SILVER IRA. Doing business with them has been a refreshing learning experience. I attribute my selecting Orion as my #1 choice to Michelle Johnson who offered me simple guideposts to remember in helping me narrow down my list of competing companies-- and also pointed out some red flags to watch out for. Her honest, transparent and no-pressure approach gave me comfort in making Orion my ultimate first choice. Furthermore, I commend Aubry Ochoa for her excellence in facilitating my somewhat complex rollover and making it appear easy. I would gladly recommend Orion to anyone who has any interest or apprehension about investing in gold or silver. Let them walk you through all the steps you want or need to know. You'll feel well protected and card for. -- R. Drake '26

Richelle Drake · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Orion Metals is an excellent company to work with. Very professional and trustworthy. Michelle Johnson is absolutely great to work with. She answers all my questions. She is a very positive person. An added plus you get more precious metals for your money.

Dave Brockhouse · 7 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

This is my second year working with Orion Metals. Great company to work with. I am at the point in life where I need to do RMDs. Orion Metals has been a game changer, they have liquidated metals for me and send the funds to the holding facility with out batting an eye. Very smooth transactions, the whole process, start to finish took less than 2 weeks.

Meri Conant · 6 months ago · via Google

Orion Metal Exchange at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
MinimumNot published (reported $10,000 rollover)
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingListed, not yet rated
Google4.9 / 5 · 288 reviews
Trustpilot4.9 / 5 · 243 reviews
Fee: Account setup$0
Fee: Annual custodian, storage & insuranceQuoted on request (~$190 reported)

Orion lets you choose your own custodian and depository, so annual costs depend on that choice. Its BCA listing is new in 2026 and shows no rating yet.

Visit website →
9

Birch Gold Group

A long-established name with 4.8 on Google and 4.7 on Trustpilot. Scores are a step below the 4.9 group and review volume is moderate, but the reviews themselves are consistently about patient, non-pushy service.

Google rating4.8★★★★★600 reviews
Trustpilot4.7★★★★★332 reviews
Total reviews932across both platforms
Birch Gold Group website
Where our link takes you: Birch Gold's free information kit page.

About Birch Gold Group

Birch Gold Group was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Burbank, California, making it one of the longest-established names on this list. It offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium for IRAs and direct purchase and is known for its long-running partnership with commentator Ben Shapiro.

Birch publishes a clear fee schedule, waives first-year fees on larger accounts, and has a commonly reported IRA minimum of $10,000. Its reviews consistently describe patient, non-pushy representatives.

Why it's number 9

Birch holds a 4.8 on Google from 600 reviews and a 4.7 on Trustpilot from 332. Both scores are a step behind the 4.9 group and its review volume is moderate, which places it ninth. The reviews themselves are uniformly positive about service; the gap is in the numbers, not the sentiment.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

Birch Gold was very helpful and informative. They patiently explained all of my options so that I was able to invest the best way possible for me. I'm very happy with my experience with them.

Debra Gibson · 2 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Great experience with Birch Gold Group. I moved an old 401(k) into an IRA Gold account, and it was easier than I thought! Great and knowledgeable staff made the process seamless. Glad I went with them.

Albert del Campo · 3 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

Sam and his team were wonderful. I felt appreciated and valued at every step while I rolled a 401k to a Precious Metals IRA. I knew what to expect from BGG and Sam with great follow up after the roll over was completed.

Paul D · a month ago · via Google

Birch Gold Group at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, palladium
Minimum$10,000
BBB ratingA+
BCA ratingAAA
Google4.8 / 5 · 600 reviews
Trustpilot4.7 / 5 · 332 reviews
Fee: One-time setup$50
Fee: One-time wire$30
Fee: Annual storage & insurance$100
Fee: Annual management$100
Get free info kit →
10

Silver Gold Bull

Primarily an online bullion dealer rather than an IRA specialist, with 4.8 on Google and a very large Trustpilot base at 4.5. Reviews praise pricing and shipping; it suits buyers who already know what they want more than first-time rollovers.

Google rating4.8★★★★★361 reviews
Trustpilot4.5★★★★★4,927 reviews
Total reviews5,288across both platforms
Silver Gold Bull website
Silver Gold Bull's homepage.

About Silver Gold Bull

Silver Gold Bull was founded in 2009 in Calgary, Canada, and runs its US business from Las Vegas. It is primarily an online bullion retailer with a catalogue of more than a thousand gold, silver, platinum and copper products, and it offers precious metals IRAs through a partner custodian.

Reported IRA costs are a $50 setup fee and $125 a year plus storage. Its reviews focus on pricing, packaging and shipping speed rather than retirement guidance, so it suits buyers who already know what they want.

Why it's number 10

A 4.8 on Google from 361 reviews and a 4.5 on Trustpilot from 4,927, the largest Trustpilot base on this list. Silver Gold Bull is a bullion dealer first and an IRA provider second, and its lower Trustpilot score reflects the occasional shipping and product-condition complaint that comes with high-volume retail. Strong on price, tenth on reviews.

What customers say on Google

★★★★★

VERY reasonable margins/markups... SUPER LOW threshold for FREE shipping. HYPER secure and DISCREET packaging.

Douglas Campbell · a year ago · via Google

★★★★★

Never had a problem always well packaged and a bit of chocolate now and then too. Cheers

Danny Dawson · 8 months ago · via Google

★★★★★

The site was easy to use. Payment was easy, as well, after talking to them and setting that up. The communicated with me all thru the process. I trust them and have no issues in recommending them to others. I was very nervous the first time I bought from them. I knew when the delivery was going to arrive. I am very pleased with this business! Thank you for your great service.

Lynda Paller · 3 years ago · via Google

Silver Gold Bull at a glance

MetalsGold, silver, platinum, copper
MinimumNone stated
BBB ratingA+ (US entity not accredited)
BCA ratingNot listed
Google4.8 / 5 · 361 reviews
Trustpilot4.5 / 5 · 4,927 reviews
Fee: One-time setup$50
Fee: Annual custodian$125
Fee: Annual storage$100 pooled · $150 segregated

IRA fees as reported by Bankrate; they vary by custodian. Silver Gold Bull is not listed with the Business Consumer Alliance.

Visit website →

How the scoring works

The same rules are applied to every company. Here they are in full, so you can check our work.

  1. Google rating comes first

    The primary score is each company's live Google Business Profile rating, read on October 23, 2026. Google reviews are tied to real accounts and the company cannot remove them, which makes them the hardest signal to game.

  2. Review volume counts

    A 4.8 across 3,560 reviews says more about a company than a 4.9 across 140. Within a tenth of a point, the company with substantially more reviews ranks higher. Companies with fewer than 250 Google reviews are excluded.

  3. Trustpilot breaks ties

    Six companies are tied at 4.9 on Google. Within tied groups we use each company's Trustpilot TrustScore and review count, read the same day, as the secondary signal.

  4. We read the reviews

    Scores alone don't show what customers complain about. For every company we read recent 1- and 2-star reviews. Where companies remain tied, the one whose negative reviews describe milder problems ranks higher.

Who didn't make the list, and why

We checked 26 gold and silver dealers. Rosland Capital (3.2 on Trustpilot), Red Rock Secured (2.7), Gold Alliance (2.1), Oxford Gold Group (1.7, no longer operating) and Provident Metals (1.6) were excluded on their Trustpilot scores despite reasonable Google ratings where a profile exists. Monetary Gold and Allegiance Gold both hold 4.9 on Google but with fewer than 250 reviews. JM Bullion and SD Bullion have no public Google Business Profile and could not be scored on the primary measure.

Scores change daily. Google review content is refreshed at least every 30 days. Reviews are reproduced verbatim from Google with the reviewer's public display name; we do not edit, select for or solicit reviews. We earn a commission if you request information through some links on this page, which does not affect the scores.

How a gold IRA works, in four steps

  1. Open a self-directed IRA

    Your chosen company helps you open a self-directed IRA with an approved custodian, the only type of IRA that can hold physical metals.

  2. Fund the account

    Transfer or roll over money from an existing IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or TSP. Done as a direct transfer, it's normally tax- and penalty-free.

  3. Choose your metals

    Pick IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum or palladium coins and bars. Ask for the price per ounce and the dealer spread in writing.

  4. Secure storage

    Your metals go to an insured, IRS-approved depository. You get statements, and most companies offer a buyback when you want to sell.

Before you sign anything: 5 questions to ask

  1. What is the spread on this exact product? The difference between what you pay and what they'll buy it back for is often the biggest cost.
  2. What are all the annual fees, in writing? Custodian, storage, insurance and any maintenance fees.
  3. Is storage segregated or commingled? Segregated means your specific coins and bars are kept separate.
  4. What are the buyback terms? Ask how the buyback price is set and how quickly you're paid.
  5. Are these coins IRS-approved bullion? Be wary of being steered into high-premium collectible coins.

Keep it in proportion: gold pays no interest or dividends, its price can fall sharply, and a gold IRA costs more to run than an ordinary IRA. Most planners treat it as a portion of a portfolio, not the whole thing.

Gold IRA questions, answered

What is a gold IRA?

A gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical, IRS-approved precious metals — gold, silver, platinum or palladium — instead of (or alongside) stocks, bonds and funds. It follows the same contribution, tax and withdrawal rules as a traditional or Roth IRA; the difference is what the account owns.

Is investing in gold safe?

Gold has a long history as a store of value and often holds up when stocks or the dollar are under pressure, which is why many people use it to diversify. But it is not risk-free: its price can fall, it pays no interest or dividends, and gold IRAs carry storage and dealer costs that paper investments don't. Most financial planners suggest keeping precious metals to a modest share of a retirement portfolio.

Can I roll over my 401(k) or IRA into a gold IRA?

Yes. Funds from a 401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP or existing IRA can usually be moved into a gold IRA without taxes or penalties, provided it is done as a direct custodian-to-custodian transfer or a properly completed rollover. If you take the money yourself, you generally have 60 days to deposit it, and you're limited to one indirect IRA rollover in any 12-month period.

What fees should I expect?

Typical costs include a one-time setup fee, an annual custodian or maintenance fee, annual storage and insurance, and the dealer's markup (spread) on the metals themselves. Annual fees commonly run $150–$300, but the spread on coins can matter far more. Always ask for a written, itemized quote before funding your account.

Where is my gold stored?

Metals in a gold IRA must be held by an IRS-approved depository, such as Delaware Depository, Brink's or International Depository Services. They are insured and audited, and many offer segregated storage so your exact coins and bars are kept separate. You can't legally store IRA gold at home — so-called “home storage IRAs” risk the account being treated as distributed and taxed.

Which metals can go into a gold IRA?

Only metals that meet IRS fineness standards: 99.5% for gold, 99.9% for silver and 99.95% for platinum and palladium. American Gold Eagles are a notable exception allowed by law. Most collectible and rare coins do not qualify.

When can I access or sell my gold?

You can sell metals inside the IRA at any time, with the proceeds staying in the account. Withdrawals before age 59½ usually carry a 10% penalty plus income tax (for traditional IRAs). From the age required by current rules, traditional gold IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions, which you can take in cash or by having the metal shipped to you.

How much should I put into a gold IRA?

That depends on your age, goals and the rest of your portfolio. Many advisors suggest precious metals make up a single-digit to low-double-digit percentage of retirement savings rather than the majority. If you're unsure, speak with a licensed, fee-only financial adviser before moving a large sum.

About Gold IRA Companies

We believe retirement decisions deserve clear information, not sales scripts. Our rankings are built from public review data so you can verify every number yourself, and we point out the trade-offs, including the ones companies don't advertise.

More about us