Can You Move a TSP Into a Gold IRA?
Yes. The Thrift Savings Plan, the retirement plan for federal employees and the uniformed services, can't hold physical gold. Its funds hold government securities, bonds, and stock index funds. But you can move eligible TSP money into a self-directed gold IRA with a direct transfer, tax-free.
When You Can Move TSP Money
| Situation | Option |
|---|---|
| Separated from federal service or the military | Transfer some or all of your balance to an IRA |
| Still serving, age 59½ or older | Age-based in-service withdrawal, which can be transferred to an IRA |
| Still serving, under 59½ | Generally not available for a rollover |
The TSP limits how many age-based and post-separation withdrawals you can take, so check current rules on tsp.gov before requesting one.
Traditional and Roth TSP Balances
Many federal employees have both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth TSP money. Traditional money goes into a traditional gold IRA; Roth TSP money must go into a Roth gold IRA to keep its tax-free status. TSP withdrawals generally come proportionally from both balances unless the rules for your request say otherwise, so you may need two IRAs.
How to Move Your TSP Into a Gold IRA
- Check eligibility (separation or age 59½) on tsp.gov.
- Choose a gold IRA company and get written fees and spreads.
- Open a self-directed IRA, traditional and Roth if needed.
- Request the withdrawal in My Account on tsp.gov, choosing a transfer to an IRA and entering the new custodian's details. Some steps may require a form.
- Buy approved metals once the funds arrive, and ship them to an approved depository.
What You Give Up by Leaving the TSP
- Very low costs. The TSP is one of the cheapest retirement plans available; a gold IRA adds custodian and storage fees.
- The G Fund. A government securities fund that can't lose principal.
- Penalty-free access from 55. Separated employees aged 55+ (50+ for certain public safety roles) can withdraw from the TSP without the 10% penalty; IRAs generally require 59½.
That's why many federal employees move only part of their TSP into gold and leave the rest in the plan.
Example: A Partial TSP Rollover
Here's a hypothetical illustration, not a recommendation. Someone leaving a job has $200,000 in a TSP. They decide to move $60,000 into a traditional gold IRA by direct rollover and leave $140,000 where it is, or move it to a regular IRA invested in funds.
| Step | Amount | Tax Due |
|---|---|---|
| Direct rollover to gold IRA | $60,000 | $0 |
| Left in the TSP or moved to a fund IRA | $140,000 | $0 |
| Reported ongoing gold IRA fees (example: $225/yr) | 0.38% of the gold IRA a year | — |
Because the money moved directly between custodians, nothing was withheld and nothing is taxed. The spread on the metals they buy is a separate cost, so they ask for a written quote before approving the purchase.
TSP Withdrawal Options and Gold
| TSP Option | Can It Go to a Gold IRA? |
|---|---|
| Single withdrawal (partial or full) | Yes, by transfer to an IRA |
| Installment payments | Some payments may be eligible for rollover; check TSP rules |
| Life annuity purchase | No, the money buys an annuity instead |
| Age-based in-service withdrawal (59½+) | Yes, by transfer to an IRA |
The TSP limits how often you can take post-separation and age-based withdrawals, so plan the size of your transfer rather than making several small ones.
What to Check in Your TSP Account
- Your split between traditional and Roth balances.
- Any tax-exempt contributions from combat-zone pay, which have their own rollover rules.
- Whether the TSP needs a form signed by the receiving custodian.
- Your remaining number of withdrawals.
Your gold IRA company can usually help complete the receiving-custodian sections, and the TSP's own guidance on tsp.gov is the final word.
Military and Uniformed Services Members
Members of the uniformed services follow the same basic TSP rules: rollovers generally become available after separation or at 59½. If you have combat-zone tax-exempt contributions, ask both the TSP and your new custodian how those amounts will be handled before you request the transfer.
Augusta vs Noble Gold for TSP Rollovers
| Augusta Precious Metals | Noble Gold Investments | |
|---|---|---|
| Reported minimum | $50,000 | $20,000 |
| TSP help | Paperwork help; custodian coordination | Free TSP gold guide |
| Storage | Delaware (Texas also reported) | Texas or Delaware |
Best Companies for a TSP Gold IRA Rollover
Augusta Precious Metals coordinates with your custodian and helps with paperwork; reported $50,000 minimum. Noble Gold has a dedicated free TSP gold guide and a reported $20,000 IRA minimum. See other companies in our ranking.
Get Your Free Gold IRA Kit Get Noble Gold's TSP Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Buy Gold in My TSP?
No. The TSP doesn't offer physical gold or a gold fund. You'd need to move money to a self-directed IRA.
Is a TSP to Gold IRA Rollover Taxable?
Not if it's a direct transfer into the same type of account.
Can Active-Duty Military Do a TSP Gold IRA Rollover?
Only through an age-based withdrawal at 59½ while serving, or after separation.
Can I Move Part of My TSP?
Yes. You can choose a partial withdrawal and transfer it.
How Long Does a TSP Transfer Take?
Usually one to three weeks once the TSP processes your request.
Will I Pay Tax on a TSP to Gold IRA Transfer?
Not if traditional money goes to a traditional IRA and Roth money to a Roth IRA by direct transfer.
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See how a TSP transfer into gold works before you request it.
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