Before you fund an account, pin down the real costs of a gold IRA. Transparent pricing helps you compare providers, avoid surprises, and protect your long-term returns.
Below, you’ll see each fee type, where markups often hide, and a quick checklist you can use before you move a single dollar.
Cost Categories You Should Confirm in Writing
- Setup fee: One-time charge to open the IRA.
- Annual admin fee: Custodian’s yearly account maintenance.
- Storage fee: Depository charge for securing metals (flat or %).
- Insurance/audit: Sometimes bundled with storage; verify details.
- Product markup: Premium over spot for coins/bars you purchase.
- Shipping/handling: If applicable, for initial vault intake.
Setup and Annual Admin Fees
Most custodians charge a small one-time setup fee. Then, they bill an annual admin fee to maintain records, reporting, and compliance. Because admin work doesn’t scale with metal weight, flat annual pricing is common.
Storage: Flat vs Percentage Pricing
Depositories typically charge a flat rate or a percentage of the asset value. Consequently, flat pricing stays predictable as your balance grows; percentage pricing rises with metal prices. Therefore, compare both models using your target account size.
Segregated vs Non-Segregated Storage
Segregated storage reserves specific, labeled inventory for your account, and it often costs more. Non-segregated (commingled) storage groups like-for-like items while tracking your ownership in the vault’s ledger. Choose the model that fits your audit and distribution preferences.
Understanding Product Markups
Dealers add a premium above spot to cover sourcing, hedging, and operations. Consequently, highly marketed or collectible-leaning pieces often carry higher markups. Stick with common bullion coins and bars when you want tight spreads and easy resale.
- Ask for the premium over spot in dollars and percent.
- Compare like-for-like items (same weight, purity, and brand).
- Avoid vague “specials” that don’t show exact math.
Common Ways Costs Get Hidden
Some quotes look low up front yet shift costs elsewhere. For example, a dealer may discount storage while raising product markups. Therefore, request the full, written schedule before you commit funds.
- “Free storage” paired with higher premiums.
- Bundled “packages” that mask per-item pricing.
- Tiered fees that jump at modest balance thresholds.
Simple Math: Estimate Your Year-One and Year-Two Costs
To compare providers fairly, total all fees plus estimated markups for the same purchase plan. Then, project the same basket into year two without setup fees. As a result, you’ll see whether ongoing costs or product spreads drive most of the difference.
Quick Checklist: Real Costs of a Gold IRA
- Setup fee (one-time) shown clearly.
- Annual admin fee listed as flat or tiered.
- Storage model (segregated vs non-segregated) and pricing method.
- Insurance and audit details included or itemized.
- Per-item premium over spot disclosed in writing.
- No vague bundles or hidden handling add-ons.
Want deeper context on eligible products and compliance? Review IRA-Approved Precious Metals, and browse our Expanded Gold IRA FAQ for related guidance.
Fees & Markups FAQs
Is a flat storage fee better than a percentage fee?
It depends on account size and market moves. Flat fees help larger balances, while a percentage model can favor small balances—at least early on.
How do I compare dealer premiums fairly?
Compare the same coin or bar by weight, purity, and brand. Then, ask for the dollar and percent premium above spot on the same day.
Are “free storage” offers really free?
Usually not. Dealers often raise product markups to offset “free” services. Always check the total out-the-door cost before you buy.
Next step: Request a full fee schedule and a written quote that shows premiums over spot.
Then, use our checklist to compare providers line-by-line so you can choose with confidence.