How We Ranked These Companies
Our rankings are based on objective, verifiable criteria—not paid placements:
- BBB Rating & Complaints: A+ rating required. Complaint volume matters.
- Fee Transparency: All fees disclosed, no hidden charges.
- Customer Reviews: Trustpilot, BBB, and ConsumerAffairs scores.
- Regulatory History: Clean record with state and federal regulators.
- Time in Business: Minimum 5 years of operational history.
- Custodian Partnerships: IRS-approved custodians only.
Detailed Company Breakdowns
#1. Augusta Precious Metals — Best Overall
Augusta earns our top spot for one simple reason: zero BBB complaints in three years. In an industry plagued by customer service issues and regulatory problems, that's extraordinary.
Their education-first approach—requiring a one-on-one web conference before investing—builds genuine understanding rather than pushing quick sales. Yes, the $50,000 minimum is high. Yes, they only offer gold and silver. But for serious investors who can meet the threshold, Augusta's combination of transparency, service quality, and clean record is unmatched.
Key Stats: A+ BBB, 4.92/5 rating, Money.com "Best Overall" 4 years running
#2. Goldco — Best Value (Free Silver Bonus)
Goldco combines massive scale ($2B+ in placements) with genuinely valuable promotions. Their up to 10% back in free silver on qualifying accounts is real money—$5,000 on a $50,000 investment.
With 7,600+ five-star reviews across platforms and Money.com's "Best Customer Service" award for three consecutive years, Goldco proves that high volume doesn't mean low quality. The $25,000 minimum is more accessible than Augusta, and they offer all four precious metals.
Key Stats: A+ BBB, 4.83/5 rating, Inc. 5000 for 10 consecutive years
#3. Birch Gold Group — Best for Large Accounts
Birch Gold's flat $200/year fee regardless of account size makes them ideal for six-figure portfolios. On a $200,000 account, that's just 0.1% annually—far better than percentage-based fees.
With a $10,000 minimum and all four metals available, they're accessible to a wide range of investors. The conservative media endorsements (Ben Shapiro, Ron Paul) resonate with their target audience.
Key Stats: A+ BBB, 4.53/5 rating, $200/year flat fee
#6. Advantage Gold — Best for Beginners
At just $5,000 minimum, Advantage Gold opens Gold IRA investing to first-timers and those with smaller accounts. Add online account opening (no phone calls required) and 24-hour buyback processing, and you have the most accessible option in the market.
Their 8 consecutive years as TrustLink's "#1 Trusted Gold IRA Company" proves that low barriers don't mean low quality.
Key Stats: A+ BBB, 4.88/5 rating, $5k minimum, 24-hour buyback
→ Read Full Advantage Gold Review
Gold IRA Basics: What You Need to Know
A Gold IRA is a self-directed Individual Retirement Account that holds physical precious metals instead of (or alongside) paper assets. The IRS allows gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet specific purity requirements.
Key Points:
- Same tax advantages as traditional/Roth IRAs
- Metals must be stored at IRS-approved depositories (not at home)
- Requires a custodian to manage the account
- Can roll over from existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or other IRAs
→ Learn more in our complete Gold IRA guide
2025 Market Context
Gold prices have surged dramatically, with spot prices reaching $4,352/oz as of December 2025—up 65% year-over-year. Major banks project continued strength:
- J.P. Morgan 2026 forecast: $5,055/oz
- Bank of America: $5,000/oz
- Goldman Sachs: $4,900/oz
This environment has increased interest in Gold IRAs, but also attracted bad actors. The collapses of Regal Assets and Gold Alliance underscore the importance of choosing established, reputable companies.