What Makes a Company Good at 401(k) Rollovers
A 401(k) rollover is where most gold IRA mistakes happen: taking a check instead of a direct rollover, mixing Roth and pre-tax money, or missing the 60-day deadline. The best companies for rollovers coordinate directly with your plan administrator and new custodian so the money never passes through your hands. See how a 401(k) to gold IRA rollover works for the full process.
Our Top Picks for 401(k) Rollovers
Augusta Precious Metals
- Reported minimum: $50,000
- Rollover help: Most paperwork handled with you (company-stated)
Augusta says its staff help with most of the paperwork and coordinate with your custodian to fund the account, and its process takes about 15 minutes to start. It handles 401(k), 403(b), traditional IRA, and Roth rollovers, and supports you for the life of the account, including future distributions and RMDs. Its FAQ advises speaking with a tax professional before rolling over.
Noble Gold Investments
- Fees: $80 + $275/yr
- Setup: Custodian account within 24 hours (company-stated)
Noble Gold accepts 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and some pensions, per its support page, and has a dedicated free 401(k) gold guide.
Rollover Support Compared
| Augusta Precious Metals | Noble Gold | Goldco | Birch Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reported minimum | $50,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Paperwork help | Most paperwork (company-stated) | Online form; specialist | Rollover specialists | Specialists |
| Fee promotion | Zero fees up to 10 years (qualifying) | Periodic | Bonus silver | First year waived above $50K |
| After the sale | Lifetime support | Account manager | Account support | Account service |
401(k) Rollover Checklist
- Confirm you're eligible (left the employer, or in-service at 59½ if your plan allows).
- Check for loans, company stock, or after-tax money in your 401(k).
- Choose your company and get fees and the spread in writing.
- Open a self-directed IRA of the matching type (traditional or Roth).
- Request a direct rollover to the new custodian.
- Approve a written metals quote once funds arrive.
IRA Transfers and Other Rollovers
The same companies handle IRA-to-IRA transfers, which are even simpler than 401(k) rollovers because there's no plan administrator involved and no 60-day risk when done trustee to trustee. Augusta and Noble Gold also handle 403(b), 457(b), and TSP rollovers. Rolling silver too? See gold and silver IRA.
Other Account Types
Rolling over something other than a 401(k)? See our guides for 403(b), 457(b), TSP, Roth, SEP, and IRA transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gold IRA Company Is Best for a 401(k) Rollover?
Augusta Precious Metals for $50,000 or more; Noble Gold for smaller balances.
Can I Roll My 401(k) Into Gold Without Penalty?
Yes, with a direct rollover into the same type of account.
Do Gold IRA Companies Charge for Rollovers?
The company typically doesn't charge separately; custodian setup and annual fees apply, and your old plan may charge a small exit fee.
Plan Your 401(k) Rollover
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