AuBullionVerdict

Educational

The 2026 Gold IRA Guide

Six steps from your first phone call to a fully funded, IRS-compliant Gold IRA — plus the pitfalls smart investors avoid.

  1. 1

    Choose a Gold IRA company

    Compare top providers on fees, custodians, and complaint history. Avoid anyone pushing rare or proof coins as 'IRA-eligible'.

  2. 2

    Open a self-directed IRA

    Your provider connects you with an IRS-approved custodian (Equity Trust, STRATA, Kingdom Trust). Account opens in 1–3 days.

  3. 3

    Fund the account

    Initiate a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover from your 401(k), TSP, 403(b), or IRA. Tax-free and penalty-free. 7–14 day clearance.

  4. 4

    Select your metals

    Choose from IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium bullion. Look for low spreads on common bullion (Eagles, Maples, bars).

  5. 5

    Store in a depository

    Metals ship directly to a Lloyd's-insured depository (Delaware Depository, Brink's, IDS Texas). You never take personal possession.

  6. 6

    Manage and eventually distribute

    At age 73 you must take Required Minimum Distributions — either in cash via the company's buy-back program or as physical metal.

IRS-Approved Metals

  • • Gold: 99.5% purity (Eagles exempt)
  • • Silver: 99.9% purity
  • • Platinum: 99.95% purity
  • • Palladium: 99.95% purity
  • • Must come from an approved mint or refiner

Common Pitfalls

  • • "Home storage" schemes — disqualifies your account
  • • High-markup proof or "rare" coins pushed as IRA assets
  • • Indirect rollovers that miss the 60-day window
  • • Providers without a written buy-back commitment
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