Gold IRA Fees Explained: Complete 2025 Cost Breakdown
Quick Cost Summary
Expect to pay $150-$300 per year in total Gold IRA fees (custodian + storage). Setup fees are often waived. The biggest hidden cost is metal premiums (3-15% over spot price).
Fee Breakdown by Type
| Fee Type | Typical Range | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Setup/Account Opening | $0-$50 | One-time (often waived) |
| Annual Custodian Fee | $75-$150 | Yearly |
| Storage Fee | $100-$200 | Yearly |
| Wire Transfer Fee | $25-$50 | Per transfer |
| Metal Premiums | 3-15% over spot | At purchase |
Understanding Metal Premiums
The premium is the markup above gold's spot price. This is often the largest cost—and the least transparent:
Hidden Cost Alert
A company with "no fees" but 15% premiums costs more than one with $200/year fees and 5% premiums. On a $100,000 purchase, that's $10,000 extra vs $200.
Typical Premium Ranges
- • Gold bars: 3-5% over spot (lowest)
- • Gold Eagles: 5-8% over spot
- • Gold Buffalo: 4-6% over spot
- • Specialty coins: 10-15%+ (avoid in IRAs)
Storage Fee Structures
Flat Fee
Same annual cost regardless of account size.
Best for: Large accounts ($100k+)
Example: Birch Gold's $200/year flat fee
Percentage-Based
Fee scales with account value (0.5-1%/year).
Best for: Small accounts (under $50k)
$50k Ă— 0.5% = $250/year
10-Year Cost Comparison
Assuming $100,000 account, no additions
| Fee Structure | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|
| Flat $200/year | $2,000 |
| 0.5% of account value | $5,000+ |
| 1% of account value | $10,000+ |
Fees to Watch Out For
- ⚠️ Liquidation fees: Charged when selling metals
- ⚠️ Account termination fees: For closing your IRA
- ⚠️ Segregated storage upcharge: Extra for non-commingled storage
- ⚠️ Shipping/delivery fees: If taking physical distribution
Bottom Line
Always ask for a complete fee schedule in writing before opening an account. Compare total cost of ownership—not just annual fees. The cheapest fees mean nothing if premiums are sky-high.
See our lowest-fee Gold IRA rankings →