What a Precious Metals IRA Is
A precious metals IRA is a self-directed IRA that can hold IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. A gold IRA and a silver IRA are simply precious metals IRAs focused on one metal. The rules, fees, and custodians are the same. Minimum purity: gold 99.5%, silver 99.9%, platinum and palladium 99.95%.
Our Top Precious Metals IRA Companies
Augusta Precious Metals
- Metals: Gold, silver
- Reported minimum: $50,000
Augusta focuses on the two metals that make up most precious metals IRAs. Its education-first process, salaried educators (company-stated), lifetime support, and fee-waiver promotion make it our top pick for anyone whose plan centers on gold and silver.
Noble Gold Investments
- Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
- Reported minimum: $20,000
If you specifically want platinum or palladium, Noble Gold is our pick. It sells all four IRA-eligible metals, offers Texas and Delaware storage with segregated storage standard, and has a lower reported minimum.
Precious Metals IRA Companies Compared
| Rank | Company | Gold | Silver | Platinum | Palladium | Reported Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Augusta Precious Metals | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | $50,000 |
| 2 | Noble Gold Investments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $20,000 |
| 3 | Goldco | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $25,000 |
| 4 | Birch Gold Group | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $10,000 |
| 5 | American Hartford Gold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $10,000 |
Sources: company websites, GOBankingRates, Clute Journals, Money Talks News, Yahoo Finance.
Do You Need Platinum and Palladium?
Most precious metals IRA owners hold mainly gold and silver. Platinum and palladium are smaller markets driven heavily by industrial demand, especially vehicle catalytic converters, and they can swing sharply in price. They can add diversification within the metals portion of a portfolio, but they're usually a small slice if used at all.
| Metal | Minimum Purity | Main Demand | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 99.5% | Investment, central banks, jewelry | Core holding |
| Silver | 99.9% | Industry and investment | Secondary holding |
| Platinum | 99.95% | Automotive, industry, jewelry | Small, optional |
| Palladium | 99.95% | Automotive catalysts | Small, optional |
How a Multi-Metal IRA Works
One self-directed IRA can hold any combination of the four metals. You pay one set of custodian fees, and storage is usually priced for the whole account. You can also sell one metal and buy another inside the IRA without tax, though you pay the spread on each trade. That flexibility lets you rebalance over time.
How We Ranked
- Metal selection relative to what most savers actually hold.
- Total cost: fees, promotions, and how clearly metal prices are explained.
- Storage: segregated options and depository choice.
- Process and support: paperwork help, education, and long-term service.
- Reputation: BBB, review platforms, and complaint patterns.
The Rest of the Field
3. Goldco
Founded in 2006 and based in Woodland Hills, California, Goldco sells all four metals with a reported $25,000 minimum and an A+ BBB rating (GOBankingRates). It runs free silver promotions on large purchases. See Augusta vs Goldco.
4. Birch Gold Group
In business since 2003, Birch offers all four metals with a reported $10,000 minimum and a flat fee around $200 a year (Clute Journals). See Augusta vs Birch Gold.
5. American Hartford Gold
Based in Los Angeles, with a reported $10,000 minimum and an A+ BBB rating; it doesn't post fees online (Yahoo Finance). See Augusta vs American Hartford Gold.
How to Choose
- Gold and silver only, $50,000+: Augusta Precious Metals.
- Want platinum or palladium, or under $50,000: Noble Gold.
- Any company: get the spread and fees in writing and compare quotes on identical products. Use our checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Precious Metals IRA Company?
Augusta Precious Metals for gold and silver IRAs of $50,000 or more; Noble Gold if you want all four metals or have a smaller balance.
Can I Hold Platinum in an IRA?
Yes, if it's at least 99.95% pure and held by an approved custodian.
Is a Precious Metals IRA the Same as a Gold IRA?
Essentially yes. "Gold IRA" usually refers to a precious metals IRA focused on gold.
Can I Hold All Four Metals in One IRA?
Yes, with a company and custodian that support them all, such as Noble Gold.
Are Platinum and Palladium Riskier Than Gold?
They're smaller markets tied heavily to industrial demand and can be more volatile.
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