How Do I Buy Gold for My Self-Directed IRA?

Written by Pat Collins and John Halloran | 5.0 Google Review Rating | A+ BBB Rating with Zero Complaints | 58,000+ Served in All 50 States Since 1992 | Updated 10/25/2026

Buying precious metals with your self-directed IRA is simple. You choose which type of gold and silver items you’d like, we quote them through our Verified Fair Pricing, and you sign an investment direction form. Your price gets locked in as soon as we receive it back, and the metal arrives at your depository within 7 to 10 days.

How does the investment process work?

Once your self-directed retirement account is funded, the process of buying itself is quick.

Step 1: We help you choose your precious metals for your IRA

We help you decide on a combination of gold and other precious metals based on what you want to accomplish and how long you plan on holding.

Step 2: We verify pricing on your chosen items

We run our Verified Fair Pricing on your selected precious metals, in the quantity you want, and provide you a quote.

Step 3: You sign the investment direction form

Once we agree on pricing, in order to buy physical gold, we’ll send you an investment direction form to sign, which authorizes your transaction. We’ll lock your pricing in as soon as we receive the signed form back.

Step 4: We ship your precious metals to the depository

Your metal will typically arrive at your IRS-approved depository within 7 to 10 days of us locking your price in, often sooner. We’ll let you know when it ships and when it arrives.

Step 5: Your custodian will update your holdings

The depository takes a few days to inventory your metal to ensure everything is in good order. Once complete they’ll report to your gold IRA custodian, and they’ll take a couple of days to update their system, after which you can see your IRA assets in your account online.

What if I don’t have a self-directed IRA yet?

Most IRA providers don’t allow you to hold gold in an IRA. So in order to add gold to your retirement portfolio you’ll need a specialized account with a custodian that allows you to hold physical precious metals. We’ll help you complete the application to open your account.

There are three ways to fund it. In our experience, most clients transfer money from an existing IRA, some rollover a 401(k) or other employer plan, and a few use new contributions.

• Transfer from an existing IRA. Money moves directly from your current IRA account to your new self-directed IRA. No taxes are due and nothing is withheld. Once your new IRA account is set up, a transfer typically takes 7 to 10 days. See how a gold IRA transfer works.
• Rollover from a 401(k) or other employer plan. It’ll typically take one to two weeks for the funds to arrive from the day you contact your 401(k) provider. See how to move a 401(k) into gold.
• New contributions. For 2026 annual contribution limits are up to $7,500 to an IRA, plus a $1,100 catch-up if you are 50 or older (IRS). Some clients choose to add to a gold IRA they already have by making annual contributions. We don’t recommend you open a gold IRA for physical metals with a single year’s contribution, because the annual account and storage fees take too large a share of a balance that size.

Certified Gold Exchange can work with any self-directed IRA custodian. But we prefer Strata Trust for its fee structure and customer service, and the examples on this page use Strata.

What physical precious metals can I invest in with my self-directed IRA?

Self-directed IRAs can hold select gold, silver, platinum and palladium products, as long as they meet IRS purity standards. Most of our clients invest in gold and silver, which must be at least 99.5% and 99.9% pure, respectively. The American Gold Eagle is the exception: it’s allowed even though it’s 22 karat. Collectible coins are not permitted in an IRA (IRS).

The gold coins and bullion most commonly held in IRAs:

• American Gold Eagle. The most widely recognized gold coin in the U.S.
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. 99.99% pure.
• Gold bars from recognized refiners. Typically the 1 oz size.

The silver bars and coins most commonly held in IRAs:

• American Silver Eagle. 99.9% pure, and the most widely recognized silver coin in the U.S.
• Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. 99.99% pure.
• Silver bars from recognized refiners.

Many investors hold gold as well as silver in their gold IRAs. See how clients decide on their investment options.

Should I invest in gold coins or bars?

It depends on what you’re looking to accomplish. Many investors turn to gold as a hedge against inflation.

• Bars typically cost less than coins, and the larger the bar the closer you tend to pay to the spot price. That works both ways because when you sell, a bar also typically buys back for less than an Eagle would.
• Coins like American Eagles and Maple Leafs are what most retirement investment accounts hold, so there tends to be more liquidity and buyers when it’s time to sell. When demand for Eagles is high, the premium they sell back for rises too, which means a better buyback for you.

The same trade-off applies to silver bars and Silver Eagles. In our experience, most clients choose coins, but if you want bars, we’ll guide you through the process and your options just the same.

Why we stick to widely traded bullion

Coins like Eagles and Maple Leafs are the most common items held in retirement accounts, which makes them the most liquid when you want to buy more or sell. Their prices are also published on countless websites, so you always know you’re getting a fair deal.

What about “premium” or “exclusive” coins?

In our experience, so-called “premium” or “exclusive” coins are a disaster for the client. Gold dealers that steer you toward these coins are typically marking them up by 30% or more. It’s frequently hard to track the price of these coins because few if any other dealers sell them, and when it’s time to sell them back, you’d be lucky to get the spot price. Read how these markups work.

Should I buy gold, silver, or both?

Most clients think about investing in a “gold IRA,” but when you hold precious metals it’s good practice to diversify within them. The right mix depends on what you want to accomplish and how long you plan on holding your metal.

• Gold tends to be more stable, but costs a lot more.
• Silver is cheaper, but tends to be more volatile, with more upside potential.

What we’ve seen over the years is that gold tends to move first in a bull market and silver lags. But once silver eventually catches up, it has tended to outperform gold by about two to three times.

When a client is ready to invest in precious metals and is deciding what combination of gold and silver to buy, we typically look at which metal is more undervalued at that time. We judge that by how far each is below its all-time high. This helps us put together a portfolio that ideally has the most upside potential. Platinum and palladium are also allowed in an IRA, but very few clients hold them.

What should I expect to pay for gold and silver?

Every coin and bar sells for a premium above the spot price. That difference covers minting, distribution and the dealer’s margin. Premiums fluctuate with demand, so what you pay over the spot price can change from day to day. On widely traded gold and silver bullion, investors typically pay around 5% over metal value, sometimes a bit more and sometimes a bit less.

Here is what the difference looks like on a $100,000 IRA if you sold right after buying metals:

The gap grows when you sell: premium coins typically cost a lot more when you buy them and bring back a lot less when you sell.

How do I know I’m paying a fair price?

Two things decide it: what you buy, and who you buy it from.

• Buy widely traded bullion products. American Eagles, Maple Leafs and select bars are sold by countless dealers across the country, so you can verify what they’re selling for. With so-called “exclusive” or “premium” coins you typically can’t, because few if any other dealers sell them.
• Work with a reputable precious metals company. Look for a long track record of exemplary service and honest pricing for past clients. Complaint records, such as the company’s Better Business Bureau history, are public and easy to check.

At Certified Gold Exchange, we research pricing on your exact items from two of the largest online bullion dealers and work to beat it on qualifying transactions. See how Verified Fair Pricing works.

Where are my precious metals stored?

IRS rules require your precious metals investment to be stored in an IRS-approved depository (26 U.S.C. § 408(m)(3)). At the depositories we work with, your holdings are fully insured by Lloyd’s of London.

• Commingled storage holds your metal with other clients’ items. If you were to take physical possession, you’d get back the same type and quantity.
• Segregated storage keeps your specific items apart. It’s only available for gold; if storing physical silver as well, storage is commingled, because silver is too bulky.

You get to choose the depository from those your custodian offers. We usually recommend Delaware Depository, which has facilities in Wilmington, Delaware and in Nevada, because our trading partners hold accounts there. That means when you buy or sell, your metal can move internally instead of being shipped across the country.

What are the fees to hold precious metals in an IRA?

With Strata Trust, our preferred custodian, current fees are:

See a full breakdown of gold IRA costs.

Why you want to avoid “zero fees” offers from gold IRA companies

Some gold dealers advertise that they’ll cover your custodial fees. In our experience, they’re going to charge you a lot more for your metal and pay the fees themselves. A few hundred dollars a year in fees is small next to a markup of around 30% on your purchase. We don’t cover client fees; we’d rather offer you a fair price for your precious metals instead.

How are precious metals taxed within an IRA?

Precious metals in an IRA get the same tax treatment as anything else in the account.

• Traditional IRA. Growth is tax-deferred. You can buy, sell and trade precious metals within your IRA without any tax consequences. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
• Roth IRA. You can also buy, sell and trade metal within your account without tax consequences, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
• Compared with metals held outside an IRA. The IRS treats physical precious metals as collectibles, and long-term gains on collectibles are taxed at up to 28% when sold (IRS).

Confirm how these rules apply to you with your tax advisor.

Can I add to my gold IRA later?

Yes. If you already have an IRA that holds precious metals, you can add money with annual contributions or another transfer. Each purchase follows the same steps as your first one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy gold through my IRA account?

Yes, but most regular IRAs at banks and brokerages can’t hold physical gold, so you first move the money to a self-directed IRA with a custodian that allows precious metals. A transfer or rollover from your existing IRA funds the new account without taxes or penalties when it’s done custodian to custodian. 

How to hold physical gold in an IRA?

Physical gold in an IRA must be stored at an approved depository that works with your custodian, because the IRS doesn’t allow home or personal-safe storage. The custodian manages the account, the depository stores and insures the metal, and the dealer buys and sells metal at your direction.

Where can I purchase a gold IRA?

You don’t buy a gold IRA as a product: you open a self-directed IRA with a gold IRA custodian, then buy the metal from a dealer you choose. The dealer can help set up the account, but compare its prices with independent dealers and avoid high-markup premium coins.

How do I know if a gold IRA company is legitimate?

Confirm how long they’ve been in business and what their clients say about them. Check out their complaint history with the Better Business Bureau and other review platforms. Then think about how you found them. Were they ranked the “best gold IRA company” on a list, or does your favorite conservative celebrity endorse them? In our experience, affiliate rankings and celebrity spokespeople are expensive, and that cost typically comes back to you through much higher markups on your coins. See the tactics to watch for.

Is there a minimum to buy gold for my IRA?

Our minimum for new clients is typically $25,000, but we frequently make exceptions. On a smaller IRA, annual account fees can outweigh the benefit, so we’ll help you work out whether a physical gold IRA makes sense for you. If it doesn’t, a gold ETF may be a better fit but you’ll want to inquire with your financial advisor.

Can I move part of my IRA into gold, not all of it?

Yes. You choose the amount. You can transfer any portion of an existing IRA into a gold and silver IRA and leave the rest where it is.

Can I invest in gold with a Roth IRA?

Yes. A self-directed Roth IRA can include gold and follows the same rules as traditional IRAs.

How do I sell the metal in my IRA?

Call us at 800-300-0715 and request a no-obligation buyback quote, even if you didn’t buy from us in the first place. A sale typically takes 10 to 14 days before we wire the cash to your IRA. From there you can leave it, move it to another brokerage account, or request a distribution. How selling a gold IRA works.

Can I take physical possession of some of my IRA precious metal?

Yes. Call us, and we’ll help you complete a distribution request form stating which metal you’d like to have delivered. Your custodian will then contact you with a shipping quote, which you can pay over the phone or with a card on file. Your metal will then be shipped fully insured to your home, typically within a week, depending on the type of metal being sent. The metal’s value on the day it’s distributed is taxed like any other IRA withdrawal, and before the age of 59½ a 10% additional tax generally applies (IRS). Confirm with your tax advisor to make sure you comply with IRS rules.

How do I take an RMD from a precious metals IRA?

You have two options. You can sell enough metal to take your RMD in cash, or you can take delivery of a portion of your metal to cover the amount. We can help with either. Required minimum distributions generally begin at age 73 (IRS). Confirm the details with your tax advisor. 

Conclusion

Buying precious metals for your IRA is simple once your self-directed IRA is funded. You simply choose your approved gold and silver, get a verified quote, sign one form, and your metal arrives at the depository within 7 to 10 days. Always stick to widely traded bullion and make sure you work with a reputable precious metals company with a longstanding track record of being honest. You may also want to check with your financial advisor before you buy.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This content is for general education and is not personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Certified Gold Exchange is a precious metals dealer, not a financial or tax advisor. Confirm how specific IRS rules apply to your situation with a qualified tax advisor.