Gold IRA fees are the single most misunderstood aspect of precious metals investing. Many companies advertise “low fees” or “no setup costs” while building substantial margins into their metal premiums — costs that rarely show up in fee comparison charts. This guide cuts through the marketing to reveal the true, all-in cost of owning a gold IRA at each of the eight leading companies.
We analyze five distinct fee categories, compare costs across multiple account sizes, and provide an interactive calculator so you can model the total cost of ownership for your specific situation. Whether you are evaluating a $10,000 starter account or a $500,000 rollover, the numbers below will help you make a more informed decision.
Gold IRA Fee Structure: The Five Cost Categories
Every gold IRA involves five primary cost categories. Understanding each one is essential to accurately comparing companies and calculating your long-term expenses.
1. Setup Fee (One-Time)
A one-time charge to open your self-directed IRA account. This fee covers the administrative cost of establishing your account with the custodian, setting up your depository allocation, and processing initial paperwork. Setup fees among the major companies range from $0 (waived) to $80. While this is the smallest cost in the long run, it is worth noting which companies waive it as a sign of competitive pricing.
Range across top companies: $0 - $80
2. Annual Administration Fee
A recurring annual fee that covers account maintenance, regulatory compliance, quarterly statements, and annual tax reporting (Form 5498, Form 1099-R when applicable). This fee is typically charged as a flat rate regardless of account size. Most companies charge between $180 and $225 per year. This is the core cost of having a custodian manage your self-directed IRA.
Range across top companies: $180 - $225/year
3. Storage Fee
Paid to the depository (such as Delaware Depository or Brinks Global Services) for the secure, insured storage of your physical metals. The standard storage fee across the industry is approximately $150 per year for commingled storage. Segregated storage — where your metals are stored separately from other investors' holdings — typically costs $50-$100 more per year. Some companies include storage in their annual fee; others charge it separately.
Range across top companies: $150/year (commingled), $200-$250/year (segregated)
4. Transaction / Wire Fees
Small per-transaction fees charged for wire transfers, metal purchases, or account distributions. Most companies charge $25-$50 per wire transfer. These fees are relatively minor individually, but they can add up if you make frequent transactions. Some companies waive wire fees for larger accounts or include a certain number of free transactions per year.
Range across top companies: $25 - $50 per transaction
5. Dealer Markup (Premium Over Spot)
This is often the largest and most opaque cost in a gold IRA. The dealer markup is the difference between the spot price of gold and the price you actually pay for coins or bars. Markups vary widely depending on the product type (bullion bars have lower markups than proof coins), the dealer, and the volume of your purchase. Typical markups range from 3-5% for popular bullion products to 10-30% or more for numismatic or proof coins. Because markups are not listed in standard fee schedules, many investors underestimate this cost.
Typical range: 3-5% for standard bullion, higher for specialty coins
Interactive Fee Calculator
Use our interactive calculator to compare the total annual and multi-year costs across gold IRA companies. Enter your planned investment amount and select the companies you want to compare. The calculator shows setup fees, recurring costs, and the fee-to-investment ratio.
Gold IRA Fee Comparison Calculator
Compare total costs across leading Gold IRA companies
Select Companies to Compare
| Company | Setup Fee | Year 1 Total | 5-Year Total | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Hartford GoldLowest Cost | $0 | $330 0.66% of investment | $1,650 3.30% | $3,300 6.60% |
| Goldco | $50 | $380 0.76% of investment | $1,700 3.40% | $3,350 6.70% |
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50 | $400 0.80% of investment | $1,800 3.60% | $3,550 7.10% |
Fee estimates are based on publicly available information and may vary. Contact each company for exact pricing. Fees shown do not include potential dealer markups on precious metals.
All 8 Companies: Complete Fee Comparison
The table below compares the published fee schedules of all eight gold IRA companies we track. First-year and five-year totals include setup fees plus recurring annual and storage costs. These figures do not include dealer markups on metals purchases, which vary by product and transaction.
| Company | Setup Fee | Annual Fee | Storage Fee | Year 1 Total | 5-Year Total | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | $50 | $200 | $150 | $400 | $1,800 | $50,000 |
| Goldco | $50 | $180 | $150 | $380 | $1,700 | $25,000 |
| American Hartford Gold | $0* | $180 | $150 | $330 | $1,650 | $10,000 |
| Birch Gold Group | $50 | $200 | $150 | $400 | $1,800 | $10,000 |
| Noble Gold Investments | $80 | $225 | $150 | $455 | $1,955 | $20,000 |
| Advantage Gold | $50 | $200 | $150 | $400 | $1,800 | $25,000 |
| Patriot Gold Group | $0* | $200 | $150 | $350 | $1,750 | $25,000 |
| Rosland Capital | $50 | $225 | $150 | $425 | $1,925 | $2,000 |
*Setup fees marked with an asterisk are frequently waived for qualifying accounts. Fees shown are based on publicly available information and may change. Contact each company for current pricing. Does not include dealer markup on metals.
How to Evaluate Total Cost of Ownership
Focusing on any single fee in isolation is a mistake. The true cost of a gold IRA is the sum of all fees over your expected holding period, plus the dealer markup on your initial purchase and any future transactions. Here is a framework for evaluating total cost:
Total Cost Formula
Total Cost = Setup Fee
+ (Annual Fee + Storage Fee) x Years
+ Dealer Markup on Purchases
+ Transaction Fees (wires, shipping)
- Buyback Premium (if favorable)
For example, a $50,000 investment held for 10 years with a $50 setup fee, $350/year in annual + storage fees, a 4% dealer markup, and $100 in transaction fees would cost approximately: $50 + $3,500 + $2,000 + $100 = $5,650, or about 11.3% of the original investment over the decade. On the same investment, a company with no setup fee, $330/year, and a 3% markup would cost $3,300 + $1,500 = $4,800, or 9.6%.
Fee Impact by Account Size
Because most gold IRA companies charge flat annual fees, the percentage impact of those fees varies dramatically based on account size. The table below illustrates this using a typical fee structure of $380/year (annual + storage).
| Account Size | Annual Fees ($380) | Fee as % of Account | 10-Year Fee Total | 10-Year as % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $380 | 1.52% | $3,800 | 15.20% |
| $50,000 | $380 | 0.76% | $3,800 | 7.60% |
| $100,000 | $380 | 0.38% | $3,800 | 3.80% |
| $250,000 | $380 | 0.15% | $3,800 | 1.52% |
The data makes clear that gold IRAs are most cost-efficient for larger accounts. At $250,000, the annual fee drag is just 0.15% — comparable to many low-cost ETFs. At $25,000, the same fees consume 1.52% of the account value each year, which is a meaningful drag on returns. This does not mean smaller accounts should avoid gold IRAs, but it is an important factor in the decision.