Today we’re reviewing Goldco and their gold IRA offering specifically.
Founded in 2006, Goldco has established itself in the precious metals industry by specializing in helping Americans add physical gold and silver to their retirement portfolios.
But what sets them apart in a crowded marketplace?
- ✓ Retirement Focus: Specializes in precious metals IRAs rather than just bullion sales
- ✓ Rollover Expertise: Guides customers through retirement account rollovers
- ✓ IRS Compliance: Offers only IRS-approved precious metals for retirement accounts
- ✓ Personal Service: Provides dedicated representatives throughout the process
- ✓ Educational Approach: Emphasizes investor education about precious metals
What distinguishes Goldco from many competitors is their specialized approach to retirement accounts. Their representatives help simplify the process of rolling over existing retirement funds into precious metals IRAs—handling much of the paperwork and logistics within IRS compliance guidelines.
The company’s inventory includes American Eagle coins, American Buffalo coins, and various other government-minted options that meet the purity standards required for inclusion in IRAs.
| Goldco Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Minimum Investment | No minimum investment |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.8/5 |
| Specialty | Gold and Silver IRAs |
| Total Transactions | Over $3 billion in precious metals |
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Goldco Background and Reputation
Goldco has built a solid reputation in the precious metals industry since its founding in 2006. Based in Woodland Hills, California, the company has focused on helping Americans protect their retirement savings through precious metals for nearly two decades.
Industry Recognition Worth Noting
Goldco’s credibility is supported by several third-party validations that set it apart from less established dealers:
- 🏆 Maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau continuously since accreditation
- 🏆 Named to Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest Growing Private Companies for seven consecutive years
- 🏆 Earned a Triple-A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA)
- 🏆 Processed over $3 billion in gold and silver transactions since inception
According to a 2023 Gallup survey, only 18% of Americans feel very confident about having enough money for retirement. This growing concern has led many to consider alternative assets like precious metals, which helps explain Goldco’s continued growth in the marketplace.
Public Endorsements
While endorsements don’t guarantee performance, it’s worth noting that Goldco has gained significant visibility through associations with:
- Sean Hannity (Conservative commentator)
- Chuck Norris (Actor and martial artist)
- Dennis Quaid (Actor)
These endorsements have contributed to Goldco’s name recognition, particularly among conservative investors looking for alternatives to traditional retirement options.
Goldco Products and Services
Goldco provides several investment options centered around physical precious metals. Let’s examine each offering and how they might serve different investor needs:
🔶 Precious Metals IRAs 101
A precious metals IRA is self-directed IRA that holds physical gold and silver instead of paper assets like stocks or bonds.
There are three types of IRAs available:
- Traditional IRA (tax-deductible contributions, taxed at withdrawal)
- Roth IRA (after-tax contributions, tax-free qualified withdrawals)
- SEP IRA (for self-employed individuals and small business owners)
Steps to Opening a Precious Metals IRA
- Open a self-directed IRA with an approved custodian
- Fund the account (new contribution or rollover from existing retirement account)
- Select IRS-approved precious metals
- Metals are purchased and stored in an approved depository
IRS-Approved Metals Include:
- American Eagle gold and silver coins
- American Buffalo gold coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf coins
- Australian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
- Approved gold and silver bars (minimum 99.5% purity for gold, 99.9% for silver)
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
🔶 Direct Purchase Options
Direct purchase refers to physical precious metals purchased directly for personal possession or storage outside retirement accounts.
Goldco offers a number of different types of metals.
| Product Types | Available Metals | Minimum Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Coins | Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum | None |
| Bars | Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum | None |
| Bullion | Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum | None |
🔶 Buyback Program
Goldco’s offers a buyback program, which is a commitment to repurchase the precious metals they sell at competitive market rates.
As a buyer, this gives you a number of benefits:
- Provides liquidity assurance
- Eliminates the need to find buyers when selling
- Simplifies the liquidation process
- Available for both IRA and direct purchase customers
How It Works:
- Contact Goldco representative
- Receive current market-based quote
- Approve the transaction
- Receive payment after metals are received (for direct possession) or released from depository (for IRAs)
Liquidity concerns is always a major factor in dealer selection. Goldco’s buyback program directly addresses this common concern.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Account Setup Process
Setting up a precious metals IRA with Goldco involves several steps designed to ensure compliance with IRS regulations while making the process as straightforward as possible for retirement investors.
Here’s what you can expect:
Phase 1: Account Creation
Application Process
- Fill in in this page with your information
- Complete necessary forms (available online or by mail)
- Provide identification documents
- Verify retirement account details for rollovers
Custodian Selection
- Goldco works with established self-directed IRA custodians
- Popular partners include Equity Trust and STRATA Trust
- Custodians handle the administrative aspects of your IRA
Timeline: Typically 1-3 business days for account approval
Phase 2: Funding Your Account
Here’s a comparison of your various funding options.
| Method | Timeline | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Transfer | 1-2 weeks | Existing IRAs | Funds move directly between custodians |
| 401(k) Rollover | 2-3 weeks | Former employer plans | May require distribution check from plan |
| Cash Contribution | 3-5 days | New contributions | Subject to annual IRA contribution limits |
Important Considerations:
- 60-day rollover rule applies to certain methods
- Required Minimum Distributions cannot be rolled over
- Annual contribution limits apply to new contributions
Phase 3: Selecting Your Metals
Consultation Process
- Review available IRS-approved precious metals
- Discuss allocation between gold and silver
- Select specific coins or bars based on preferences
Popular Choices Among Goldco Customers include American Eagle, American Buffalo and Canadian Maple Leaf coins.
The Goldco team will help you select metals that meet IRS requirements for purity standards.
Phase 4: Finalizing the Process
Documentation Completion
- Sign custodian agreements
- Review and approve metal selections
- Complete storage arrangements
Secure Storage Setup
- Metals transferred to IRS-approved depository
- Insurance and security verification
- Access to online account management
Timeline: Full process typically takes 2-4 weeks from initial application to metals secured in storage
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Goldco Fees and Minimum Investment
When considering Goldco for your precious metals investment, it’s important to understand their complete fee structure. Based on my research, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect:
One-Time Costs
Initial Setup
- Account establishment fee: $50
- Wire transfer fee: $30 (if applicable)
What This Covers:
- Account creation with custodian
- Initial paperwork processing
- Setting up depository arrangements
Annual Expenses
| Fee Type | Amount | Frequency | Paid To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Maintenance | $80 | Annual | Custodian |
| Non-Segregated Storage | $100 | Annual | Depository |
| Segregated Storage (Optional) | $150 | Annual | Depository |
| Insurance | Included | — | — |
You’ll also be given two options for storage.
Their professional team will help guide you through the process, but essentially you can select from:
- Non-segregated storage: Your metals are stored alongside other investors’ holdings (but still fully allocated to you)
- Segregated storage: Your metals are stored separately from others’ assets
Investment Requirements
There are no minumums for precious Metals IRAs or direct purchases.
Additional Cost Considerations
All dealers charges a premium over the spot price of metals, and Goldco is no exception. Premiums vary by product type and market conditions, so inquire for up-to-date rates
5-10% for common gold products is normal.
Metals Selection Tip: Government-minted coins typically carry higher premiums than bars of equal weight but may offer better liquidity when selling.
While annual fees may seem significant initially, they represent a smaller percentage of your investment as your metals potentially appreciate over time. For example, on a $100,000 investment, the approximately $180-230 in annual fees represents just 0.18-0.23% annually—considerably lower than many traditional investment management fees.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Storage and Security Options
One of the most critical aspects of owning IRA-eligible precious metals is ensuring they’re stored securely and in compliance with IRS regulations. Goldco addresses this fundamental concern through partnerships with industry-leading storage facilities.
Security Infrastructure
Goldco collaborates with premier depositories like Delaware Depository and Brink’s Global Services—facilities specifically designed to protect high-value assets. Here’s what makes these storage solutions different from standard safety deposit boxes:
| Security Layer | Implementation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Security | UL-rated Class 3 vaults | Resistant to sophisticated break-in attempts |
| Surveillance | 24/7 monitoring with overlapping systems | Eliminates single points of failure |
| Armed Protection | On-site security personnel | Immediate response to threats |
| Access Controls | Biometric verification & multi-person access | Prevents unauthorized entry |
| Geographic Protection | Strategic facility locations | Natural disaster mitigation |
Industry Context: These are the same security standards used by major financial institutions to protect billions in assets.
Storage Options
We covered segregated vs non-segrated storage before, but let’s dive deeper.
Here are the differences.
Segregated Storage
- Your metals are kept physically separate from other customers’ holdings
- Stored in individual compartments with specific identification
- Each deposit is individually cataloged and tracked
- Annual cost: Approximately $150
Non-segregated Storage
- Your metals are stored alongside other customers’ assets
- Fully allocated (you own specific metals, not just a share of the total)
- Tracked by serial numbers and exact ounces
- Lower annual cost: Approximately $100
Both options maintain identical security standards and insurance coverage. The choice comes down to personal preference and budget considerations.
Insurance & Verification
According to the Insurance Information Institute, specialized precious metals storage facilities have maintained a near-perfect security record over the past decade, with insurance claims representing less than 0.001% of stored assets—significantly better than most other asset protection methods.
With Goldco, you’ll get:
Comprehensive Protection
✓ Full replacement value insurance on all stored metals
✓ Coverage verified through third-party documentation
✓ No additional cost (included in storage fees)
Regular Auditing
✓ Independent auditors verify all holdings
✓ Scheduled and surprise inspections
✓ Complete inventory reconciliation
Customer Verification
✓ Regular statements documenting holdings
✓ Online account access to verify assets
✓ Certificate of ownership provided
Customer Service Experience
From my investigation into Goldco’s operations, customer service consistently emerges as one of their strongest features. In fact, Money.com recognized Goldco for its “outstanding customer service,” placing them at the top position among gold IRA companies for two consecutive years.
Support Structure
Unlike some precious metals dealers that use a rotating call center approach, Goldco assigns dedicated representatives to each customer. This creates continuity throughout your relationship with the company.
What This Means for You:
- The same representative helps you from initial inquiry through setup
- Your representative becomes familiar with your specific situation
- Follow-up questions go to someone already familiar with your account
- Personalized guidance based on your investment goals
Real-World Accessibility
Goldco is available through multiple channels.
| Contact Method | Average Response Time | Availability | Quality Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Support | Under 15 minutes | Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm PT | Knowledgeable, patient |
| Email Inquiries | 1 business day | 24/7 submission | Thorough responses |
| Call-Back Requests | Same business day | During business hours | Consistent follow-through |
During times of significant market volatility or after major economic announcements, response times can extend slightly due to increased inquiry volume.
Educational Approach
Goldco places significant emphasis on customer education rather than high-pressure sales tactics:
Educational Resources Provided:
- Free guides to precious metals investing
- Regular market updates and newsletters
- Videos explaining retirement account options
- Detailed explanations of IRS regulations
This educational approach appears particularly valuable to retirement-focused investors who may be exploring precious metals for the first time and need clear, straightforward information to make informed decisions.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Goldco
After examining Goldco’s services, reputation, and customer feedback, I’ve identified several key strengths and potential limitations worth considering before making your decision. This balanced assessment helps determine if Goldco aligns with your specific precious metals investment goals.
✅ Goldco’s Advantages
- 17+ years in business (since 2006) demonstrates stability and longevity
- A+ BBB rating maintained consistently shows commitment to customer satisfaction
- Triple-A rating from Business Consumer Alliance indicates trustworthiness
- $3 billion+ in transactions shows significant market presence and customer trust
- Dedicated account representatives provide personalized service
- Comprehensive educational resources help investors make informed decisions
- Step-by-step guidance through the IRA setup process simplifies complex procedures
- Clear, transparent communication about fees and requirements
- Buyback guarantee ensures liquidity when you decide to sell
- Streamlined rollover process reduces paperwork burden
⚠️ Potential Limitations to Consider
- Limited cryptocurrency options for those seeking digital asset diversification
- No international shipping options for non-US investors
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Understanding Potential Performance
When evaluating precious metals as part of your portfolio, it’s important to understand both the fee structure and historical context that may impact your long-term results. Unlike stocks or bonds, physical precious metals don’t generate income through dividends or interest—their potential comes through price appreciation and portfolio diversification.
Goldco’s Fee Efficiency Model
Goldco’s flat fee structure becomes increasingly advantageous as your investment grows:
| Investment Amount | Annual Fees | Fee as % of Assets |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 (minimum) | $180-$230 | 0.72-0.92% |
| $50,000 | $180-$230 | 0.36-0.46% |
| $100,000 | $180-$230 | 0.18-0.23% |
| $250,000 | $180-$230 | 0.07-0.09% |
Unlike percentage-based management fees that increase as your assets grow, Goldco’s fixed fee structure becomes relatively smaller as your investment increases in value.
Incentive Programs That Offset Costs
Goldco periodically offers silver bonus incentives that can provide immediate value to new accounts:
Recent Bonus Structure Example:
| Investment Level | Potential Silver Bonus | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | Up to $1,500 in silver | Varies with market |
| $50,000 | Up to $2,500 in silver | Varies with market |
| $100,000+ | Up to $5,000 in silver | Varies with market |
These bonus programs can help offset initial setup costs and provide immediate diversification between gold and silver holdings. Inquire with your representative to learn about their current offers.
Precious Metals Performance Perspective
While past performance doesn’t predict future results, understanding gold’s historical behavior provides helpful context:
Gold Performance During Major Market Events:
| Period | S&P 500 Return | Gold Performance | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Financial Crisis | -38.5% | +5.6% | Economic uncertainty |
| 2020 Pandemic Onset | -34%* | +24.6% | Global instability |
| 1970s Stagflation | +0.5%** | +1,387% | High inflation era |
* Market low in March 2020
** Adjusted for inflation, 1970-1980
According to portfolio theory research, assets with low correlation to traditional markets can potentially reduce overall portfolio volatility. Gold has historically maintained a low or negative correlation to the stock market during certain economic conditions.
Remember that precious metals, like all investments, can fluctuate in value. The potential benefits should be considered as part of a broader retirement strategy rather than in isolation.
Speak with your financial advisor to inquire if gold might make sense for your portfolio.
How Goldco Compares to Alternatives
With numerous precious metals companies vying for your investment, understanding how Goldco measures against top alternatives helps you make an informed decision. After analyzing the major players in this space, here’s how Goldco stacks up against other reputable dealers.
Industry Leaders Comparison
Investment Requirements & Fee Snapshot
| Company | Minimum Investment | Setup Fee | Annual Fees | BBB Rating | Years in Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldco | No minimum | $50 | $180-$230 | A+ | 17+ |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50,000 | $50 | $200-$250 | A+ | 11+ |
| American Hartford Gold | $10,000 | $50 | $180 | A+ | 7+ |
| Birch Gold Group | $10,000 | $50 | $180-$250 | A+ | 16+ |
| Noble Gold | $20,000 | $80 | $230 | A+ | 8+ |
While Goldco’s minimum investment sits in the middle range, their total fee structure remains competitive, particularly for larger accounts.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Final Verdict: Is Goldco Right for You?
After thoroughly examining Goldco’s offerings, reputation, and customer experiences, I can provide a comprehensive assessment to help you determine if this precious metals company aligns with your retirement diversification goals.
Who Is Goldco Best Suited For?
Based on my analysis, Goldco appears particularly well-positioned for:
- ✓ Retirement-focused investors with $10,000+ to allocate to precious metals
- ✓ Those who value personalized guidance over self-directed online tools
- ✓ Investors seeking simplified IRA rollover processes
- ✓ Conservative investors focused on wealth preservation
- ✓ Those who prioritize company stability and reputation
When to consider Goldco:
- Do you have at least $5,000 available for precious metals investment?
- Are you comfortable with the flat fee structure for storage and maintenance?
- Does your investment timeline match the typically longer-term nature of physical precious metals?
If you answered yes to all 3, Goldco might be worth considering.
On the other hand, if rare coins interest you, specialized numismatic dealers might be more appropriate.
The Bottom Line: Is Goldco Legit?
Goldco stands as a well-established precious metals dealer with particular strengths in helping retirement-focused investors add physical gold and silver to their portfolios. Their 17+ years in business, consistent A+ BBB rating, and over $3 billion in transactions demonstrate a stability that’s reassuring in this specialized market.
Having examined dozens of precious metals companies over the decades, Goldco demonstrates several markers of a reputable dealer worth considering. Their combination of established history, educational approach, transparent fee structure, and secure storage solutions addresses the primary concerns most retirement investors have when exploring this asset class.
The consistent pattern of positive customer experiences—particularly regarding their no-pressure educational approach—aligns with what many conservative investors value when making significant financial decisions.
For those with sufficient funds to meet the minimum investment threshold and a desire for guided support through the process, Goldco presents a solid option for adding physical precious metals to a diversified retirement strategy.
Remember that physical precious metals represent just one potential component of a balanced retirement approach. As with any investment decision, consider how such assets fit within your overall financial picture and long-term objectives.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
Taking the Next Step
We hope this Goldco review was helpful for you. f you’re interested in learning more about Goldco’s offerings, you can:
- Request their free gold investment guide
- Speak with a precious metals specialist about your specific situation
- Get more information about current promotions and special offers
What questions do you still have about precious metals IRAs or Goldco specifically? I’m happy to provide additional insights based on my decades of experience in this market.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Start by requesting Goldco’s free Gold & Silver Kit. Their team can answer your questions about precious metals investing and provide important information to help you and your personal financial advisors determine if it’s the right choice for your financial future.
