Looking for a trusted precious metals company? Goldco stands out in the investment landscape as a prominent player in precious metals IRAs and direct purchases of gold and silver.
With over 15 years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, Goldco offers a straightforward way to diversify your retirement portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Their specialists guide investors through the process of setting up a Gold IRA or purchasing physical precious metals.
The company has earned strong ratings from business review sites and maintains an impressive customer satisfaction record. Their transparent pricing and educational resources help both new and experienced investors make informed decisions about including precious metals in their financial strategy.
Goldco Review – An Overview
Goldco stands as a respected precious metals provider specializing in Gold and Silver IRAs. The company offers investors options to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical precious metals.
Company History and Background
Goldco was founded in 2006 by Trevor Gerszt in Woodland Hills, California. Gerszt established the company with a mission to help Americans protect their retirement savings through alternative investments.
The company initially focused on providing gold and silver coins for direct purchase. Over time, Goldco expanded its services to include precious metals IRAs, which allow investors to hold physical gold and silver in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Goldco has grown substantially since its founding, now serving thousands of clients across the United States. The company maintains its headquarters in California and has built a reputation for customer service and education in the precious metals industry.
Regulatory Compliance and Trustworthiness
Goldco maintains strong regulatory compliance within the precious metals industry. The company works with IRS-approved depositories to ensure all metals in IRAs are stored securely and in accordance with federal regulations.
Goldco has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. The company is also rated highly by Business Consumer Alliance.
To ensure transparency, Goldco provides detailed information about their fees and pricing structures. Their representatives are required to complete training on both precious metals and retirement accounts.
Independent customer reviews frequently highlight Goldco’s educational approach and absence of high-pressure sales tactics. The company publishes free guides to help investors understand the gold IRA process.
Understanding Precious Metals IRAs
Precious Metals IRAs represent a specialized form of Individual Retirement Account that allows investors to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium instead of traditional paper assets. These accounts follow specific IRS regulations while offering diversification benefits that many traditional retirement accounts lack.
Benefits of Precious Metals IRAs
Precious Metals IRAs provide significant protection against inflation. When paper currency loses value, physical gold and silver typically maintain or increase their worth, preserving purchasing power.
These IRAs also offer portfolio diversification. Precious metals often move inversely to stock markets, providing balance during economic downturns when traditional investments may struggle.
Tax advantages represent another key benefit. Similar to traditional IRAs, investors can enjoy tax-deferred growth on their precious metals investments. For Roth Precious Metals IRAs, qualified distributions may be completely tax-free.
Physical precious metals offer tangible assets you can actually hold and see, unlike stocks or bonds that exist primarily as electronic records. This provides many investors with greater peace of mind about their retirement savings.
Gold IRA vs. Silver IRA
Gold IRAs focus primarily on gold investments, appealing to investors seeking stability. Gold has maintained value for thousands of years and typically experiences less price volatility than silver.
Silver IRAs, while more volatile, offer greater growth potential. Silver’s lower price point allows investors to accumulate more ounces with the same investment amount.
Industrial demand significantly impacts silver prices, as roughly 50% of silver goes toward industrial applications. Gold, meanwhile, sees roughly 10-15% industrial usage.
Price Comparison (April 2025)
| Metal | Approximate Price Per Ounce |
|---|---|
| Gold | $2,800-3,200 |
| Silver | $45-55 |
Many investors choose to include both metals in their Precious Metals IRA, creating balance between gold’s stability and silver’s growth potential.
IRA Eligible Precious Metals
The IRS maintains strict requirements for precious metals held in IRAs. For gold, the minimum fineness requirement is 99.5% (24 karat), with exceptions for American Gold Eagles.
Eligible gold products include:
- American Gold Eagles
- Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
- Australian Gold Kangaroos
- Gold bars and rounds from approved refiners (99.5%+ pure)
Silver must meet a 99.9% minimum fineness standard. Approved silver products include American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, and Australian Silver Kangaroos.
IRS-approved platinum and palladium must be 99.95% pure. These metals provide additional diversification options within a Precious Metals IRA.
All IRA-eligible precious metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Home storage of IRA precious metals is not permitted and can result in significant tax penalties.
Goldco’s Investment Services
Goldco provides several options for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals. Their services focus on helping clients protect their retirement savings through physical gold and silver investments.
Gold and Silver IRAs
Goldco specializes in precious metals IRAs that allow investors to hold physical gold and silver in their retirement accounts. These self-directed IRAs offer tax advantages similar to traditional retirement accounts while providing protection against inflation and market volatility.
The company helps clients select IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars that meet purity standards (99.5% for gold and 99.9% for silver). Popular options include American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins, and various gold bars.
Goldco handles all paperwork and coordinates with custodians and depositories. They require a minimum investment of $25,000 for new accounts, though rollovers may have lower minimums.
Direct Purchase of Precious Metals
Beyond retirement accounts, Goldco offers direct purchase options for investors wanting to own physical precious metals outright.
Clients can buy gold and silver coins and bars that are delivered directly to their home or stored in secure facilities. Popular non-IRA products include:
- American Buffalo gold coins
- Morgan silver dollars
- Silver rounds and bars
- Proof sets and collectible coins
There’s no minimum purchase requirement for direct buys, making this option accessible to investors at various budget levels. Goldco provides secure shipping with insurance for all direct purchases.
401(k) Rollovers to Gold IRA
Goldco guides clients through the process of rolling over existing retirement accounts into precious metals IRAs. This service is particularly valuable for those with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans from previous jobs.
The rollover process is tax-free when done correctly. Goldco’s specialists handle all required documentation and coordinate with both the existing plan administrator and the new IRA custodian.
Their experts explain eligibility requirements and help determine which assets can be transferred. Clients can roll over all or part of their existing retirement accounts, depending on their investment strategy.
Goldco also assists with rollovers from traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 403(b)s, and TSP accounts into precious metals IRAs.
Goldco’s Fees and Charges
Goldco’s fee structure impacts your overall investment returns when purchasing precious metals for retirement. Understanding these costs helps you make informed decisions about whether their services align with your financial goals.
Understanding the Fee Structure
Goldco requires a minimum investment of $25,000 for IRAs, which is higher than some competitors. This threshold ensures serious investors but may exclude those with smaller portfolios.
For new accounts, Goldco charges a one-time setup fee of $50 plus an annual maintenance fee of $80. These administrative costs cover paperwork processing and account management.
When purchasing precious metals, expect to pay a markup over spot price. This markup varies by metal type and market conditions but typically ranges from 5-10%.
Storage fees are another consideration. Goldco works with approved depositories that charge approximately $100-$150 annually for segregated storage of your metals. These secure facilities provide insurance and protection for your investments.
Comparing Costs with Competitors
Goldco’s fee structure falls within the mid-range of the industry. Some competitors offer lower minimum investments (around $10,000), making them more accessible to beginning investors.
The annual maintenance fees at Goldco ($80) are competitive with industry standards. Other companies charge between $75-$300 for similar services.
Markups on precious metals vary across providers. While Goldco doesn’t publish their exact markups, customer reviews suggest they remain competitive with industry averages.
| Fee Type | Goldco | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $25,000 | $10,000-$25,000 |
| Setup Fee | $50 | $50-$100 |
| Annual Maintenance | $80 | $75-$300 |
| Storage Fee | $100-$150 | $100-$200 |
The total cost of ownership should be evaluated based on your investment timeframe. Longer holding periods typically dilute the impact of initial setup fees.
Customer Experience with Goldco
Goldco’s reputation hinges largely on how they treat their customers throughout the investment process. Their service quality, customer feedback, and complaint resolution all play crucial roles in their overall industry standing.
Customer Service Quality
Goldco’s customer service team consists of trained representatives who guide clients through the precious metals investment process. They offer personalized assistance through phone, email, and online channels.
Representatives are available during normal business hours to answer questions about IRA rollovers, eligible metals, and account setup procedures. Many customers report receiving educational materials that help explain complex investment concepts in simple terms.
The company assigns dedicated account executives to each client. This approach ensures continuity of service and helps build relationships with investors. These representatives typically maintain regular communication throughout the account setup process.
Response times generally range from same-day to within 24 hours for most inquiries. The company also provides a client portal for account access and information.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Goldco maintains strong ratings across multiple review platforms. On Trustpilot, they hold a 4.8/5 star rating based on over 2,500 reviews. The Better Business Bureau has awarded Goldco an A+ rating with relatively few complaints compared to transaction volume.
Common praise points in positive reviews:
- Clear communication during the investment process
- Knowledgeable representatives
- Timely delivery of precious metals
- Transparent fee structures
Business Consumer Alliance gives Goldco an AAA rating, their highest designation. Trustlink features over 1,000 reviews with an average 4.9/5 star rating.
Most customer testimonials highlight the educational approach taken by representatives rather than high-pressure sales tactics. Negative reviews, though fewer, typically mention disagreements about metal pricing or timing expectations.
Handling Customer Complaints
Goldco has established a formal complaint resolution process that begins with direct contact to customer support. Unresolved issues can be escalated to management for further review. The company typically responds to BBB complaints within 48 hours.
Common complaint themes include:
- Delivery timing misunderstandings
- Questions about metals pricing
- Account setup delays
- Paperwork complications
The company maintains a specialized team to address complex concerns or disputes. This team works directly with customers to find mutually agreeable solutions. Documentation shows most formal complaints receive responses and proposed resolutions.
Consumer Affairs reports show Goldco actively engages with customer feedback, including responding to negative reviews. Their complaint ratio appears lower than industry averages when considering their transaction volume.
Comparative Analysis with Competitors
Goldco stands out in the precious metals IRA industry through several key differentiators when examined alongside major competitors. Their fee structure and customer service approach create distinct advantages in this specialized market.
Goldco vs. Other Precious Metals IRAs
Goldco typically charges lower fees than competitors like Augusta Precious Metals and American Hartford Gold. Their setup fee ranges from $50-175, while companies like Birch Gold Group may charge $180-200. Annual storage fees with Goldco ($150-225) are competitive compared to Noble Gold ($225+) and Regal Assets ($250+).
Minimum investment requirements also vary significantly. Goldco requires $25,000 to start, higher than Birch Gold Group ($10,000) but lower than Augusta Precious Metals ($50,000).
Customer reviews show Goldco maintaining a 4.8/5 rating on consumer platforms, comparable to American Hartford Gold’s 4.9/5 but stronger than Lear Capital’s 4.2/5 average rating.
Fee Comparison Table:
| Company | Setup Fee | Annual Storage | Minimum Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goldco | $50-175 | $150-225 | $25,000 |
| Augusta | $50-200 | $180-250 | $50,000 |
| Birch Gold | $180-200 | $160-200 | $10,000 |
| Noble Gold | $80 | $225+ | $2,000 |
Market Position and Differentiators
Goldco has established a mid-to-upper tier position among gold IRA companies, targeting investors seeking more personalized service. Their specialist approach differs from mass-market providers like National Gold Group.
The company emphasizes education, providing more comprehensive learning resources than competitors like Regal Assets. Their buyback program offers guaranteed repurchase of metals, a feature not universally available among competitors.
Goldco’s exclusive focus on gold and silver (not platinum or palladium) distinguishes it from companies like Birch Gold Group that offer wider metal selections.
Customer service represents another key differentiator. Goldco assigns dedicated account representatives, while some competitors use rotating staff. Response times average under 24 hours, compared to 48+ hours at some competitors.
Product selection is more curated at Goldco (25-30 products) versus Augusta’s 40+ options, reflecting their quality-over-quantity approach.
Security Measures and Storage Options
Goldco implements robust security systems to protect clients’ precious metal investments. The company works with trusted partners to ensure physical assets remain safe while providing insurance coverage against potential risks.
Custodial Services and Depositories
Goldco partners with several reputable custodians, including Equity Institutional, to manage clients’ precious metals IRAs. These custodians maintain secure storage facilities specifically designed for precious metals. Clients’ assets are held in segregated storage, meaning their metals are kept separate from others’ holdings.
The company utilizes Delaware Depository and Brink’s Global Services as primary depositories. These facilities feature multiple security layers including:
- 24/7 armed guards
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Restricted access protocols
- Climate-controlled environments
Clients can choose between allocated storage (where specific metals are assigned to them) and segregated storage (completely separate storage). Each option offers different benefits and cost structures based on individual investor needs.
Insurance and Security Protocols
All metals stored through Goldco’s partner depositories carry insurance policies that protect against theft, damage, and loss. The coverage typically equals the full value of stored precious metals.
Brink’s facilities provide up to $1 billion in insurance coverage through Lloyd’s of London. Delaware Depository offers $1 billion in all-risk insurance coverage as standard protection.
Security protocols include:
- Regular third-party audits
- Detailed inventory tracking systems
- Dual-control access requirements
- Comprehensive background checks for all staff
Transportation security is equally robust. When metals move between locations, armored vehicles and armed personnel handle transfers. Goldco maintains detailed chain-of-custody documentation for all client assets.
Digital security measures protect client account information with encryption and multi-factor authentication systems.
Key Considerations for Account Setup
Setting up a precious metals IRA with Goldco requires understanding several important steps and making informed decisions about your retirement investments. The process involves specific account types, conversion options, and metal selection considerations.
Starting a Gold or Silver IRA
A Self-Directed IRA is the foundation for investing in precious metals through Goldco. This special account type allows you to hold physical gold and silver within your retirement portfolio, unlike standard IRAs that limit investments to stocks and bonds.
Investors can choose between Traditional and Roth IRAs when establishing their precious metals account. With a Traditional IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible now, but withdrawals are taxed during retirement. A Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, though contributions use after-tax dollars.
Goldco requires a minimum investment of $25,000 for new accounts. This threshold ensures efficient portfolio allocation and helps offset storage and administrative costs associated with physical metals.
Conducting a 401(k) to IRA Conversion
An IRA rollover or conversion from an existing retirement account is how many Goldco customers fund their precious metals IRA. This process transfers funds from a 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement account into the new self-directed IRA.
Goldco provides specialists who guide investors through the paperwork and requirements for a tax-free transfer. This assistance helps avoid potential penalties or unexpected tax consequences.
There are two main transfer options:
- Direct rollover: Funds move directly between institutions
- Indirect rollover: Funds are distributed to the investor who must deposit them within 60 days
The conversion process typically takes 7-14 business days to complete once paperwork is submitted. Goldco representatives track the transfer status and communicate updates throughout the process.
Choosing the Right Precious Metals
Goldco offers IRS-approved gold and silver products that meet purity requirements for retirement accounts. Gold must be 99.5% pure, while silver must be 99.9% pure to qualify for IRA inclusion.
Popular options include:
- Gold: American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins, bars from accredited refiners
- Silver: American Eagle coins, Australian Kookaburra coins, certain silver rounds and bars
The portfolio allocation is an important consideration when selecting metals. Most financial advisors suggest dedicating 5-15% of retirement assets to precious metals as a hedge against inflation and market volatility.
Goldco stores IRA metals in approved depositories with full insurance coverage. Investors cannot take physical possession of metals in an IRA without triggering taxes and penalties.
Benefits of Investing with Goldco
Goldco offers several advantages for those looking to strengthen their financial future. Their services focus on helping investors protect and grow wealth through precious metals.
Building a Diverse Investment Portfolio
Diversification is a key strategy for reducing investment risk. Goldco helps investors add precious metals like gold and silver to their portfolios alongside traditional assets.
Gold often moves in the opposite direction of the stock market, providing balance when equities decline. This negative correlation helps protect overall portfolio value during market downturns.
Adding precious metals through Goldco can reduce portfolio volatility. Many financial advisors recommend allocating 5-15% of investments to gold and silver.
Goldco offers both physical precious metals and precious metals IRAs. This flexibility allows investors to choose the approach that best fits their financial goals and risk tolerance.
Asset Preservation and Growth
Precious metals have historically maintained value over long periods. Gold, in particular, has served as a store of wealth for thousands of years.
During times of inflation, gold often retains purchasing power better than paper currency. This provides protection against the declining value of the dollar.
Goldco’s physical precious metals are delivered directly to secure storage facilities. Investors gain peace of mind knowing their assets are safely stored and insured.
Global economic uncertainty can increase precious metals prices. Goldco’s specialists help clients time their purchases to potentially maximize growth opportunities.
Tax Benefits and Considerations
Goldco specializes in precious metals IRAs, which offer significant tax advantages. Investors can defer taxes on gains until retirement with traditional IRAs.
For Roth IRAs, qualified withdrawals can be completely tax-free, including any growth on precious metals investments. This creates potential for tax-free wealth accumulation.
Rollovers from existing retirement accounts to Goldco precious metals IRAs are typically tax-free events. Goldco’s team guides clients through this process to avoid unexpected tax consequences.
Required minimum distributions still apply to precious metals IRAs. Goldco helps clients understand and plan for these requirements to maintain tax compliance.
Goldco Partnerships and Endorsements
Goldco has established notable relationships with prominent personalities and organizations in the precious metals industry. These partnerships have helped strengthen the company’s reputation and provide added value to customers looking to invest in gold and silver IRAs.
Strategic Alliances and Sponsorships
Goldco’s most recognized partnership is with conservative media personality Sean Hannity. As a high-profile endorser, Hannity frequently promotes Goldco’s services on his radio and television programs. This alliance has significantly boosted Goldco’s visibility among conservative investors.
Action star Chuck Norris also serves as a prominent Goldco ambassador. His endorsement appeals to customers who value his reputation for strength and reliability. Norris appears in multiple promotional materials for the company.
These celebrity endorsements have become a cornerstone of Goldco’s marketing strategy. The company often highlights these relationships in their advertising campaigns.
For new customers, Goldco frequently offers promotional incentives. A common promotion includes up to $10,000 in free silver for qualifying investments. This bonus varies based on investment amount and current promotions.
These strategic partnerships help Goldco distinguish itself in the competitive precious metals investment market.
Special Offers and Promotions
Goldco regularly provides special offers to new customers. These promotions can make starting your precious metals IRA more affordable and valuable.
Currently, Goldco offers up to $10,000 in free silver for qualified IRA accounts. The amount of free silver depends on your initial investment size, with larger investments earning more bonus silver.
Goldco also features a buyback program that gives investors confidence in their ability to liquidate their metals when needed. This program offers competitive rates and a straightforward process for selling back your precious metals.
Celebrity endorsements enhance Goldco’s promotional appeal. Sean Hannity, a well-known media personality, actively promotes the company’s services and reliability to potential investors.
Chuck Norris also serves as a brand ambassador for Goldco. His endorsement adds credibility to the company’s offerings and attracts customers who trust his judgment.
First-time customers can access educational resources along with their purchases. These free guides help investors understand the precious metals market better.
For a limited time, Goldco offers free shipping and insurance on qualifying orders. This reduces the overall cost of investment and protects customers from potential shipping issues.
Seasonal promotions appear throughout the year. These time-limited offers provide additional incentives for investors considering Goldco’s services.
Investor Education and Resources
Goldco offers various educational materials to help investors understand precious metals. Their online learning center includes guides, articles, and market updates that explain the basics of gold and silver investing.
Investors can access free e-books about retirement planning and diversification strategies. These resources help clients match investment choices with their long-term financial goals.
The company provides regular economic updates and market analysis. This information helps investors stay informed about factors that might affect precious metal prices.
Goldco’s representatives are available to answer questions about IRA regulations and rollover processes. They can explain tax implications and provide guidance tailored to individual situations.
Educational webinars cover topics like portfolio protection during economic uncertainty. These sessions allow investors to learn more about how precious metals might fit into their investment strategy.
The company’s blog features articles on retirement planning, market trends, and investment strategies. Content is written in clear language without complex financial jargon.
Each new client receives a free kit with basic information about precious metals investing. This helps beginners understand the fundamentals before making decisions.
Goldco emphasizes education rather than high-pressure sales tactics. Their approach allows investors to make informed choices based on knowledge and personal financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Investors considering Goldco for precious metals investments often have specific concerns about services, pricing, and company reputation. These common questions address key aspects that potential clients need to know before making financial decisions.
What types of precious metals IRA options does Goldco offer?
Goldco provides several IRA options focused on precious metals investments. They offer both traditional and Roth Gold IRAs, allowing customers to invest in IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars.
Their Gold IRA program enables investors to purchase physical gold that meets the 99.5% purity requirement set by the IRS. Silver IRAs are also available, requiring metals that meet the 99.9% purity standard.
Goldco additionally offers direct purchases of precious metals outside of retirement accounts for investors seeking physical possession of their assets.
Are there any common complaints from customers about Goldco services?
Customer complaints about Goldco appear relatively limited compared to industry peers. Some customers have reported concerns about high minimum investment requirements, which start at $25,000 for IRAs.
A few reviews mention issues with communication delays during busy market periods. Others have noted that buyback prices sometimes fall below expectations.
Despite these concerns, Goldco maintains strong ratings across consumer protection agencies, with most complaints receiving prompt resolution through their customer service system.
How does Goldco’s pricing structure compare with other precious metals IRA providers?
Goldco’s fee structure includes a one-time account setup fee of approximately $50 and annual maintenance fees ranging from $80-$150 depending on account size. These fees align with industry standards.
Their markup on precious metals typically ranges from 5-10% above spot price, which falls within the mid-range compared to competitors. Some providers charge lower markups but add higher maintenance fees.
Unlike some competitors, Goldco offers fee waivers for larger accounts and sometimes runs promotions that include free silver with qualified purchases.
What are typical customer experiences and reviews of Goldco according to consumer reports?
Goldco maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot from thousands of reviews. Customers frequently praise the knowledge and patience of Goldco’s representatives.
Many positive reviews highlight the company’s educational approach, with clients appreciating the lack of high-pressure sales tactics. First-time precious metals investors particularly value their step-by-step guidance.
Consumer reports note that Goldco’s customer retention rate exceeds 90%, suggesting high satisfaction among existing clients who often make repeat purchases.
Can you explain the legal standing of Goldco in terms of past or present lawsuits?
Goldco has maintained a relatively clean legal record with no major lawsuits filed against the company. Public records show no significant regulatory actions by the SEC, FINRA, or state securities regulators.
The company proactively complies with IRS regulations regarding precious metals IRAs. Their legal team regularly updates policies to align with changing financial regulations.
Some industry observers note that Goldco’s careful adherence to disclosure requirements has helped them avoid the legal complications that have affected other precious metals dealers.
What are the credentials and business history of Goldco’s ownership?
Goldco was founded in 2006 by Trevor Gerszt, who serves as CEO and brings over 20 years of experience in precious metals investing. The company is privately held and headquartered in Woodland Hills, California.
The executive team includes financial professionals with backgrounds from established investment firms and precious metals specialists. Several key leaders hold finance and business credentials from respected institutions.
Since its founding, Goldco has grown to manage over $1 billion in retirement assets while maintaining accreditation from major industry organizations like the American Numismatic Association.