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2025 Best Gold IRA Custodians | Complete Guide
With gold and silver prices on the rise, many investors are looking for the best gold IRA custodian so they can add physical precious metals to their retirement portfolio.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about precious metals IRA custodians and how to choose the best one based on your specific needs.
You’ll understand the eligible gold, silver, platinum, or palladium products a self-directed IRA allows you to hold and which IRS approved depository is best for you.
By the end, you’ll know how to avoid common pitfalls and make confident decisions to protect and grow your retirement account with precious metals.
In this Guide, You’ll Discover:
- How to Select a Reputable Gold and Silver IRA Custodian
- The difference between flat fee and sliding scale alternatives
- How to Properly Compare Custodian Fees So You Don’t Overpay
- How to Receive Step-by-Step Guidance with the Gold IRA Process
- The Best Depositories to Store Your Precious Metals Holdings
- Common Tactics Gold Dealers Use to Overcharge You
- Why Calling CGE at 800-300-0715 Should Be Your First Step
What is a Gold IRA Custodian?
A gold IRA custodian is a trust company that manages precious metals IRA accounts. They coordinate with dealers and depositories to confirm delivery, storage, and insurance of your precious metals. As fiduciaries, a self-directed IRA custodian is required to safeguard your gold IRA account and report values annually, to ensure IRS compliance.
Self-Directed Custodian vs. Traditional Custodian
Self-Directed
A self-directed IRA account (SDIRA) allows you to invest in a much wider range of assets. Along with traditional options, like stocks and bonds, you can also hold alternative investments, such as precious metals, real estate, private equity, and even cryptocurrency. Simply put, they provide much greater flexibility and ways to diversify your retirement portfolio.
Traditional
Typically, traditional custodians provide access to conventional assets, like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and they don’t permit you to invest your IRA in precious metals.
How Do Gold IRA Custodians Work?
Most self-directed IRA firms are non-bank trust companies Therefore, custodians must maintain what’s called an omnibus account with a traditional bank, allowing it to execute financial transactions. This relationship also provides that each gold IRA investor receives FDIC insurance protection of up to $250,000 of cash held in their account. Below are the custodial roles and responsibilities of a self-directed IRA provider:
- Assist in establishing and funding your precious metals IRA
- Execute your buy, sell, transfer, rollover and deposit instructions as directed
- Ensuring assets are correctly titled, inventoried and insured
- Issue quarterly statements
- Inform you of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- Fulfill IRS reporting requirements
What Self-Directed Custodians Don’t Do
Gold custodians don’t offer investment or tax advice. They won’t validate the legitimacy of your investment choices. And they are not responsible for an investment’s performance.
What Types of Self-Directed IRAs are Available to Invest in Precious Metals?
Traditional IRAs
Are by far the most common and can be used by anyone who earns income. Account owners have a contribution limit up to $7,000 pre-tax dollars annually, or if over 50 years of age, $8,000. earnings can grow tax-deferred until the owner reaches 73 at which point they’ll be obligated to take RMDs.
Roth IRAs
A Roth IRA provides tremendous tax advantages for eligible individuals because they allow post-tax contributions of up to $7,000 annually or $8,000 if over 50 years of age. Eligibility to contribute to a Roth depends on one having earned income and that their gross adjusted income doesn’t exceed limits set by the IRS. Tax-free distributions can be taken at any time after 59½, but doing so prior will result in a 10% early withdrawal penalty. You are not obligated to take RMDs with a Roth IRA.
SEP IRAs
Are Simplified Employee Pension plans that allow self-employed individuals, partners, or owners of companies, to provide a simple, low-cost retirement plan for employees. Employers can make tax-deductible contributions of up to 25% of an employee’s pay or up to $70,000 in 2025. Just like with a Traditional IRA, SEP IRA holders must begin to take RMDs at 73 years of age.
SIMPLE IRAs
Are for small businesses with less than 100 employees and self-employed individuals. Employees under 50 years of age can contribute $16,500 per year. If 50 or over and your plan permits, you may contribute up to an additional $3,500 as a catch-up contribution. Employers can match up to 3% of the employee’s pay. Again, account owners must take RMDs upon reaching 73 years of age. Visit our Gold IRA Eligible page for more information and to confirm if you can transfer your current account into a gold IRA.
Self-Directed IRA Fees in 2025
Custodians charge one of two fee structures:
- An annual fixed rate regardless of the account value
- A sliding scale based on the value of your account
Custodians with fixed fee schedules for their precious metals retirement accounts are the most cost effective. So unless you have a very good reason to choose a firm with a sliding scale, you should avoid them.
In the table below, you’ll find a complete list of the Self Directed IRA custodians of 2025, and their costs for handling precious metals.
| Custodian | Flat Fee Storage | Annual Storage Costs | Set-Up Fee | Annual Fee | Minimum Balance | Fee Schedule |
| AccuPlan | Yes | $144 | $50 | $195 | $325 | Fee Schedule |
| Advanta IRA | No | .001 x Value Per Year $125 Minimum | $50 | $250 | No | Fee Schedule |
| CNB Custody | No | $1 per $1,000 $100 Minimum | $50 | No | No | Fee Schedule |
| Entrust Group | No | .80 – $3.50 per $1,000 $95 Minimum | $50 | $199 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Equity Trust | Yes | $100 | $50 | $125 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Forge Trust | No | $1 per $1,000 $190 Minimum | $50 | $100 | No | Fee Schedule |
| GoldStar Trust | No | $1 per $1,000 $100 Minimum | $50 | $190 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Horizon Trust | Yes | $100 | $250 | $395 | No | Fee Schedule |
| iPlan Group | No | $150 | $50 | $250 – $2,000 | No | Fee Schedule |
| IRA Financial Trust Company | No | .80 per $1,000 $95 Minimum | $0 | $495 | $500 | Fee Schedule |
| IRA Innovations | No | .80 per $1,000 $95 Minimum | $50 | $100 | $500 | Fee Schedule |
| Madison Trust | No | $1 per $1,000 $100 Minimum | $50 | $400 | $500 | Fee Schedule |
| Midland Trust | No | Varies* | $50 | $325 | $250 | Fee Schedule |
| Inspira Financial | No | .70 – .80 per $1,000 $60 Minimum | $50 | $100 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Mountain West IRA | No | $1 per $1,000 $125 Minimum | $50 | $130 – $300 | $500 | Fee Schedule |
| New DirectionTrust Company | No | .80 per $1,000. $95 Minimum | $30 | $150 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Next Generation Trust Company | No | .80 per $1,000 $95 Minimum | $50 | $100 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Preferred Trust Company | No | Varies* | $50 | $100 | $500 | Fee Schedule |
| Provident Trust | No | Varies* | $50 | $395 | No | Fee Schedule |
| Strata Trust | Yes | $100 – $150 | $50 | $95 | No | Fee Schedule |
| uDirect IRA Services | No | $10 – $18 per month | $50 | $275 | $325 | Fee Schedule |
| Vantage IRA | No | $1 per $1,000 $125 Minimum | $50 | $275 | No | Fee Schedule |
Precious Metals Storage Options
Per the Internal Revenue Code Section 408, the precious metals within an IRA must be in the physical possession of a bank or an IRS approved non-bank trustee. Top gold IRA custodians will have a handful of preferred vaults they work with. Below is a list of the most common vaults used for your precious metals safekeeping.
| Company Name | Company Name | Company Name |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Depository (302) 765-3889 ddsops@delawaredepository.com | Brinks Global Services (877) 527-4657 Us.salesinfo@brinks.com | International Depository Services (888) 322-6150 info@ids-delaware.com |
| First State Depository (302) 765-2760 http://www.fsdepository.com | CNT Depository (508) 807-4815 | Loomis (877) 877-0560 |
| Idaho Armored Vaults (208) 468-3600 info@goldsilvervault.com | Delaware Depository - Nevada (302) 765-3889 | Texas Depository (361) 594-3624 notices@texasdepository.com |
How Some Gold IRA Companies Take Advantage of You
Not all gold IRA companies are created equal. In fact, there are quite a few that are unscrupulous and will try to take advantage of you. Below are the most common tactics to be aware of and avoid.
Best Gold IRA Company or Custodian Reviews
Beware of the so-called best or top gold IRA companies. The reviews you’ll find online are frequently from affiliate marketers that are paid a commission from the gold company.
These gold IRA companies are almost always in Southern California, have tons of complaints, and charge the highest buy/sell spreads in the industry.
To verify if a gold company gives a chunk of your retirement account to affiliates, call 800-300-0715 today and ask for our complete list of “FAKE REVIEW DEALERS”.
Celebrity Endorsements
If a company is endorsed by a conservative celebrity, chances are you’re going to overpay when you buy precious metals. Their compensation typically runs in the $20,000 – $30,000 a month range. And that’s usually generated by charging clients outrageous commissions.
Free Gold and Silver Promotions
If a company is offering you “free” metals as a reward for doing business with them, watch out. You’re paying for those apparently “free” metals out of the commissions they’re charging you. No reputable firm is able to give away free precious metals.
Premium or Exclusive Coins
If you’re being pressured to purchase what are called “premium” or “exclusive” coins, you’re about to get scammed. The dealer will tell you these silver and gold products are collectible, but they’re typically only worth the spot price. But they’ll mark them up anywhere from 33-200% above the dealer’s cost. These coins also have less liquidity than traditional gold bullion or silver bullion items because so few people want them.
How to Receive Step by Step Guidance to Diversify Your Retirement Portfolio with Precious Metals
If you’re new to precious metals IRA investing and would like knowledgeable experts to guide you through the process, simply call CGE at 800-300-0715. We’ve been in business for over 30 years and have never had a single client complaint.
If you’re looking to protect your retirement savings with precious metals, call us now for hassle free help at 800-300-0715.
Conclusion – Who is the best gold IRA custodian?
In our experience, you want to choose a precious metals IRA custodian that charges a flat rate to store your metal. The only two that do are:
- Strata Trust
- Equity Trust
We prefer Strata Trust because their customer service is better than with Equity. They also tend to execute transactions more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do self-directed IRAs offer other investment options as well?
Yes. You’re typically allowed to invest in precious metals along with traditional retirement investments, like stocks, bonds and mutual funds as well. Most will also permit alternative assets, like real estate, private placements and even crypto currencies.
When I buy precious metals are they physical?
Yes, when you invest in gold with the Certified Gold Exchange, we only deal in tangible metals mostly government-issued from sovereign mints.
Can I store my gold at home?
No, home storage gold IRAs are prohibited. To maintain compliance with IRS rules, precious metals within an IRA must be stored at a 3rd party vault, not in your physical possession. Reputable custodians will never offer this option. Your selected IRA custodian will typically have relationships with a few precious metals vaults for you to choose from.
How can I sell precious metals in my IRA?
If you want to liquidate a gold or silver IRA, simply call the Certified Gold Exchange at 800-300-0715, and we’ll help you to get the highest buyback quote available at no risk to you.
Do I need an IRA to buy precious metals with CGE?
No. If you would like to buy precious metals for home delivery, CGE can help. Just call us at 800-300-0715.
Is it important that my IRA custodian has a Better Business Bureau rating?
No. The Better Business Bureau can rate a company an A+ even though they may have multiple serious complaints from clients. So it’s important to read what people have to say about the company you’re investigating, not just check for a rating.
The Certified Gold Exchange is one of a few firms that has never had a client complaint with the BBB in over three decades of business. So for help choosing the best gold IRA custodian in 2025, contact us at 800-300-0715 today.
Written by Gold IRA Specialists Pat Collins and John Halloran
Avoid These 10 Gold IRA Scams.
DEALERS USE ON YOU
