Horizon Trust Gold IRA: Secure Your Retirement Savings in 2026

Written by Pat Collins, edited and approved by John Halloran | 5.0 Google Review Rating | A+ BBB Rating with Zero Complaints | Serving 58,000+ Investors in All 50 States Since 1992

Content reviewed by Licensed CPA Amelia John on 5/19/26

Page Summary: A Horizon Trust Gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that allows you to invest in IRS-approved physical precious metals while maintaining tax-deferred or tax-free status as with a Roth. As a licensed custodian, Horizon Trust offers secure storage options, full account control, and compliance with IRS regulations—making it a trusted choice for investors looking to hedge against inflation and market volatility in 2025.

Are you looking to add precious metals to your portfolio? A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) with a custodian like Horizon Trust Company may be the answer. Contact the Certified Gold Exchange at 1-800-300-0715 for a no obligation consultation and we’ll help you open a self-directed gold IRA, acquire your IRS-approved gold bullion and ensure secure storage with an approved depository. 

Key Takeaways:

• Who is Horizon Trust Company?
• Benefits of gold IRAs
• How to set-up and fund your SDIRA
• How to choose the right gold bullion
• Why you want to avoid “premium” or “exclusive” coins so you don’t overpay
• Your storage options
• How the Certified Gold Exchange can guide you through the process

Benefits of a Gold IRA Investment

Many people are looking to add gold to their portfolio because of the tremendous advantages as seen below:

• Gold is an excellent hedge against inflation
• Gold investments have historically performed well during economic instability
• Precious metals like gold and silver have never been worthless
• Gold tends to do well as currencies fall in value
• Gold in your IRA is a debt free asset, you own it outright
• You can sell gold held in an IRA without paying taxes
• Gold held in your IRA can be taken as an in-kind distribution 
• You can invest in gold assets along with stocks and mutual funds
• Gold is in a cyclical bull market

When you hold gold and other precious metals in your individual retirement account it’s an effective investment strategy to protect your wealth during economically uncertain times.

Why Open a Self-Directed Gold IRA with Horizon Trust?

When you establish a SDIRA you must choose a custodian. And setting up a gold IRA with Horizon is a great opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio while protecting against inflation.

As a premier self-directed IRA custodian with over a decade’s experience, Horizon allows you to hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your retirement account. 

Horizon also offers a user-friendly online portal ensuring you always have complete control over your investment decisions. 

Flat-Fee Custodians Like Horizon Trust Help You Keep More of What You Earn

When researching your options and choosing to work with a custodian, investors are typically faced with two different pricing models: flat fees or variable fees. Flat fee custodians typically charge between $150 and $325—regardless of account value. In contrast, variable fee firms charge a percentage of the total account value annually, often 0.5% to 1.0%, which means the more your IRA grows, the more you pay. Over time, this model can be expensive, especially when the price of gold is on the rise.

At Certified Gold Exchange, we recommend working only with flat fee custodians like Horizon Trust or Strata Trust. Flat fees give investors predictability and peace of mind, ensuring their hard-earned gains aren’t eaten away by scaling charges. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Invest in Gold with a Horizon Trust Self-Directed Precious Metal IRA

Setting up a gold IRA offers a powerful way to protect your retirement savings with tangible assets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process, with Certified Gold Exchange assisting you with your investment options.

1. Setting Up a Gold IRA

Contact the Certified Gold Exchange at 800-300-0715 and we’ll help you to complete the required documentation. You can choose from the following types of IRA. 

• Traditional IRA: Tax-deferred growth with potential upfront deductions.
• Roth IRA: Tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals at retirement.
• SEP IRA: Best for self-employed individuals with higher contribution limits.
• SIMPLE IRA: Designed for small businesses with easy administration.

Your choice will depend on your financial situation and tax goals. And early withdrawal penalties will apply if you take distributions prior to 59.5.

2. Fund Your Self-Directed IRA 

Once you’ve established your self-directed IRA CGE will work with your custodian to fund it through:

• Annual Contributions are the same for either a Traditional or Roth IRA but a Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars
• Rollovers from a 401(k) or other retirement account
• Transfers from an existing IRA account

Horizon will guide you through this funding process, making sure everything is compliant.

3. Work with Certified Gold Exchange to Invest in Gold and Precious Metals

After your IRA is funded, you can purchase gold and other precious metals as approved by the IRS. The Certified Gold Exchange has over 30 years of experience and zero client complaints. We’ll help you:

• Choose the type of precious metals including gold that meet IRS rules and regulations
• Arrange secure delivery for your metal to be stored in an approved depository
• Avoid the many gold IRA pitfalls that some investors experience
• Help you understand the pros and cons of gold investing 

The Certified Gold Exchange recommends American Gold and Silver Eagles as a good investment rather than gold bars. We will ensure the metals you buy are properly handled and shipped to the vault of your choosing.

4. Secure Your Investment in an IRS-Approved Depository

The IRS requires investors to hold their metal in an approved vault — not at home. Horizon coordinates with vault partners to ensure your precious metals are safely stored and fully compliant with federal regulations.

5. Monitor and Manage Your Precious Metals IRA Investment

Once your metals are secured, you can monitor your IRA holdings via an online portal. You’ll also receive regular account updates, and Certified Gold Exchange remains available to advise you on any future transactions or account management.

Is a Horizon Gold IRA a Good Investment?

Over the long term gold typically rises with inflation however it has been volatile at times. Before you start investing you should understand the pros and cons of gold IRA to determine if it is a suitable investment for you.  

Horizon offers a range of precious metals IRA options if you’re looking to diversify your portfolio and protect against inflation.

Through self-directed IRAs, clients can invest in physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, provided they meet IRS purity standards—gold at 99.5%, silver at 99.9%, and platinum and palladium at 99.95% .

These precious metals are securely stored in IRS-approved vaults, ensuring compliance and safety. Horizon various account types, the most common being a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Their user-friendly platform and dedicated support empower investors to manage their retirement assets confidently.

With comprehensive educational resources and a commitment to transparency, Horizon Trust stands as a reliable partner for those looking to incorporate precious metals into their retirement strategy.

You should also bring yourself up to speed about costly gold IRA scams before selecting a precious metals dealer. This is likely the most dangerous part of the process and it has nothing to do with Horizon since these are self directed accounts that you alone will make the decisions on. 

Contact Horizon today for a free 15-minute consultation or the Certified Gold Exchange to determine if gold IRA investing is a smart way to diversify. 

What Other Investments Does Horizon Trust Offer?

While Horizon Trust is widely known for facilitating Gold and Silver IRAs, the company also supports a wide variety of alternative and traditional assets. Investors looking to diversify beyond stocks, bonds and ETFs can also hold real estate (residential, commercial, raw land), private equity, LLCs, promissory notes, tax lien certificates, and even cryptocurrency. This flexibility allows retirement portfolios to be tailored to individual risk tolerance and long-term growth goals.

By allowing full control over asset selection, Horizon empowers investors to pursue unique opportunities not available in traditional retirement accounts. Whether you’re looking to purchase rental property, invest in a startup, or gain exposure to blockchain technology, Horizon acts as a passive custodian—handling the paperwork and compliance while leaving all investment decisions in your hands. This makes them a popular choice among experienced investors seeking more than just the standard Wall Street offerings.

FAQs About Horizon Trust Gold IRAs

How long does it take to set up a traditional self-directed IRA with Horizon Trust?

Once you’ve submitted the paper to establish your IRA, it’ll typically be set-up within 2 days.

What storage options are available for my Gold IRA?

Horizon provides secure for account holders at the Delaware Depository (DDSC) with locations in either DE or NV. Per IRS rules, you must store your gold in an IRS-approved depository. Storage fees may vary.

Is physical gold a good long-term investment?

Gold has long been a good long-term investment if you buy at the right time. Like all assets, you want to buy low and sell high. The type of gold you buy is also important. And gold is considered to be in a bull market right now.

Are gold stocks a good investment?

Gold stocks require a lot of due diligence. They’re much more complicated than a physical precious metals investment where you own the assets outright. 

How do I liquidate gold and silver in my Horizon Gold IRA?

To sell a gold or silver IRA simply call the Certified Gold Exchange at 800-300-0715 and we’ll quickly provide you with a buyback quote. We’ll then help you complete the required documentation for your authorization. 

The complete transaction will typically take a few weeks to complete meaning you will have funds placed in your account. This process can be much quicker if you have your metals stored at the Delaware Depository (DDSC). 

Conclusion

Diversifying your retirement portfolio with a Gold IRA through Horizon Trust and the Certified Gold Exchange, is a strategic way to build a more secure financial future.

Investing in physical gold offers stability and protection against market volatility, making it a valuable addition to your retirement plan.

With expert guidance, transparent pricing, and secure gold storage solutions, Certified Gold Exchange ensures a seamless and stress-free process, empowering you to confidently achieve your financial goals.

Ready to take the next step? Certified Gold Exchange simplifies the process of opening your gold IRA with Horizon Trust. Call 1-800-300-0715 to set up your Gold IRA today and strengthen your retirement account. Start planning for a more resilient, easy to manage financial future today.