Table of Contents
2025 Complete Guide To Self-Directed Gold IRA Custodians
In this Guide, You’ll Discover:
- How to Select a Reputable Self-Directed IRA Custodian
- How to Properly Compare Fee Schedules So You Don’t Overpay
- How to Receive Step-by-Step Guidance with the Gold IRA Process
- The Best Depositories to Store Your Metal
- Common Tactics Gold Dealers Use to Charge Overcharge You
- Why Calling CGE at 800-300-0715 Should Be Your First Step
What is a Gold IRA Custodian?
An IRS-approved institution that manages precious metals IRA accounts. They coordinate with dealers and depositories to confirm delivery, storage, and insurance of your physical metals. As fiduciaries, they safeguard your IRA investments and report values, to ensure regulatory compliance.
Self-Directed Custodian vs. Traditional Custodian
Self-Directed
Traditional
How Do Gold IRA Custodians Work?
Most self-directed IRA firms are non-bank trust companies They must therefore 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 typical roles and responsibilities of a self-directed IRA provider:
- Assist in establishing and funding your gold IRA
- Execute your buy, sell, transfer, rollover and deposit instructions as directed
- Ensuring assets are correctly titled and inventoried
- Issue quarterly statements
- Inform you of Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations
- Fulfill IRS reporting requirements
What Do Self-Directed Custodians Not Do?
They 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?
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
Have 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
Custodians will have 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 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 custodians, and their costs for precious metals accounts.
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 |
Where are Your Precious Metals Stored?
Per the Internal Revenue Code Section 408, the precious metals owned by your IRA must be in the physical possession of a bank or an IRS approved non-bank trustee. 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 dealers 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 from affiliate marketers that are paid a commission from the gold company.
These 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 gold. 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 or 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. These silver and gold products are typically only worth their bullion value but are market up anywhere from 33-200% above the dealers cost. These coins also have less liquidity than traditional bullion items because so few people want them.
How to Receive Step by Step Guidance
If your new to IRA gold investing and would like someone knowledgeable 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.
Whether you need an IRA or already have one, we specialize in precious metals retirement investments. For hassle-free help, call us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do self-directed IRAs offer other investment options as well?
Yes. You’re typically allowed you to invest in precious metals along with traditional retirement investments like stocks, bonds and mutual funds as well. Most will also permit alternative investments like real estate, private placements and even crypto currencies.
Are my precious metals 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. Per the IRS, precious metals within an IRA must be stored at a 3rd party vault, not in your physical possession. Your custodian will typically have relationships with a few precious metals vaults for you to choose from.
How can I sell a gold or silver IRA?
If you want to liquidate a gold or silver IRA simply call the Certified Gold Exchange and we’ll help you to get the high buyback quote available at no risk to you.
Written by Gold IRA Experts Pat Collins and John Halloran
My first order of business was to find a dealer that I could trust. After considerable research, Certified Gold Exchange was at the top of my list. When I contacted CGE, I was introduced to Pat Collins. From our first discussion, Pat clearly understood the situation and developed a plan.
Long story short, Pat earned my trust with his friendly demeanor, patience, and metals experience. I'll be calling CGE and Pat for my next transaction. Many thanks Pat!
From the beginning of contacting Patrick Collins the process was efficient and professional. Pat provided regular communication and helped me at every step. The length of time from start to finish was much quicker than I was expecting thanks to CGE.
I want to thank Pat and his team at Certified Gold Exchange for a smooth and efficient transaction.
being new to selling metals, Patrick walked me step by step in the process through distributions with my IRA. Whenever I contacted him with questions or concerns, he replied within an hour or minutes to resolve my percieved issues. What a comfort Patrick has been in this (at times) somewhat stressful process.
Thank you Patrick!
It was my first time selling precious metals and they made the process as seamless as possible, despite multiple hiccups caused by my chosen custodian failing miserably. I will choose this team for every precious metals purchase or sale in my future.
I decided to invest $60k and in just three months it's over $120k! Not only that, the team at Certified Gold Exchange has excellent customer service.
I highly recommend them.
When I spoke with coin dealer David White, he was able to give me a quote in 3.5 hours. He also explained the importance of shipping my coins via registered mail with the Post Office. David said that the Post Office requires a registered box to be sealed with brown paper tape to prevent tampering. David emailed me links to sites that showed the right tape to use and how to seal the box. He called several UPS stores in my neighborhood to try to find the tape for me. In the end, I bought the tape from the Post Office. David explained that while Fedex and UPS would ship the coins, since they are not allowed to ship gold or silver, I would have no recourse if my coins were lost. David even gave me his home number so I could reach him after hours if necessary.
My experience with Certified Gold Exchange, Inc. stands in stark contrast with how two other coin brokers responded. The firm from which I had bought most of my silver coins never called me back. On November 13 when I called the broker from whom I had bought most of my gold coins, I couldn't get through on the phone. So, I emailed them and it took 5 days for them to respond! The broker didn't give me a quote until December 2 -- and then only for some of the coins! He said he would tell me what they would pay for the other coins after I shipped them!
In addition, that broker explained that one of their customers had lost all their coins valued at $22,000 because the box was tampered with and they had failed to insure them for the full amount. However, I knew by then that if the firm had told the customer to ship the coins via registered mail as Certified Gold Exchange, Inc. does, the box could not have been tampered with.
So, Certified Gold Exchange, Inc. is the only gold and silver dealer I recommend. The level of service is truly remarkable.
Your interest in helping me on such short notice shows how much you care for your clients. I hope 🤞 to have you as one of my financial team in the future.
Avoid These 10 Gold IRA Scams.
DEALERS USE ON YOU