Cheapest Gold IRA Companies 2025: Complete Fee Comparison
Lowest Cost Options
The "cheapest" depends on your account size. Flat-fee companies win for large accounts; lower minimums matter for small accounts.
Complete Fee Comparison
| Company | Setup | Annual | Storage | Year 1 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch Gold | $50* | $200 flat | Included | ~$200 |
| Patriot Gold | $0 | $0* | $150-$200 | ~$175 |
| Advantage Gold | $50* | $75 | $100 | ~$175 |
| Goldco | $50* | $100 | $100-$150 | ~$200 |
| Augusta | $50* | $100 | $100 | ~$200 |
| Noble Gold | $80 | $80 | $150 | ~$310 |
| American Hartford | $0 | $75 | $100 | ~$175 |
*Often waived for new accounts or larger investments. Fees vary; always confirm current rates.
Understanding Gold IRA Fees
Gold IRA costs include more than just annual fees. Here's the complete picture:
One-Time Fees
- Setup/Account Fee: $0-$80 (often waived)
- Wire Transfer: $25-$35 per transfer
- Account Termination: $0-$150 (varies)
Recurring Fees
- Annual Maintenance: $75-$300/year
- Storage: $100-$300/year (or 0.5%)
- Insurance: Usually included in storage
The Hidden Cost: Metal Premiums
The biggest cost isn't fees—it's the premium charged over spot price when you buy metals. A company with "low fees" but high premiums costs you more. Always compare:
- • Spot price of gold: ~$2,650/oz (December 2025)
- • Fair premium: 3-8% over spot
- • Red flag premium: 15%+ over spot
Cheapest by Account Size
Small Accounts ($10,000-$50,000)
For smaller accounts, minimizing fees as a percentage of holdings matters most.
Best Choice: Patriot Gold or American Hartford Gold
Both offer $0 setup fees, keeping year-one costs around $175.
Example: $25,000 account × $200/year fees = 0.8% annual drag
Medium Accounts ($50,000-$100,000)
At this level, flat-fee structures start becoming attractive, and you gain negotiating power.
Best Choice: Birch Gold Group
Flat $200/year regardless of account size. On $75,000 = 0.27% annual drag.
Large Accounts ($100,000+)
Flat fees become dramatically cheaper at scale. Negotiate aggressively.
Best Choice: Birch Gold Group or Patriot Gold
Birch: $200/year on $500,000 = 0.04%. Patriot: potentially $0 annual fees.
10-Year Cost Comparison
Here's what fees really cost over a decade (assuming $100,000 account):
| Company | Annual Cost | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Patriot Gold | ~$175 | ~$1,750 |
| Birch Gold | $200 | $2,000 |
| Goldco | ~$200 | ~$2,000 |
| Augusta | ~$200 | ~$2,000 |
| Noble Gold | ~$230 | ~$2,300 |
Red Flags: When "Cheap" Costs More
- ⚠️ High metal premiums hiding behind "no fees"
- ⚠️ Numismatic coin upsells with 30-50% markups
- ⚠️ Unclear buyback terms that cost you at liquidation
- ⚠️ Hidden account closure fees
- ⚠️ "Home storage IRA" promotions (IRS violations)
How to Minimize Costs
- ✓ Negotiate setup fees — most companies waive them
- ✓ Compare metal premiums — the biggest hidden cost
- ✓ Choose flat-fee companies for larger accounts
- ✓ Ask about buyback spreads before you buy
- ✓ Avoid numismatic coins unless you're a collector
- ✓ Get fee schedules in writing before opening
Bottom Line: Cheapest Overall
For Most Investors:
Birch Gold Group — Flat $200/year is predictable and becomes cheaper as your account grows.
For Lowest Entry:
Advantage Gold — $5,000 minimum means less capital tied up in fees relative to holdings.
Remember: The cheapest company isn't always the best value. Factor in service quality, reputation, and metal premiums—not just fees.