Gold IRA Fee Breakdown
| Fee Type | Typical Amount | When Charged | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account setup/opening | $50–$150 | One-time | Some companies waive for large accounts |
| Annual custodian fee | $75–$300/yr | Annually | Covers IRS reporting and account admin |
| Storage fee — commingled | $100–$150/yr | Annually | Your metals pooled with others |
| Storage fee — segregated | $150–$300/yr | Annually | Your exact metals stored separately |
| Wire transfer fee | $25–$50 | Per transaction | For funding account |
| Transaction/purchase fee | $40–$150 | Per metal purchase | Dealer markup also applies |
| Liquidation fee | $0–$150 | When selling | Some companies charge, others don't |
| Termination/closure fee | $0–$250 | If closing account | Check before opening |
Beyond custodian and storage fees, you pay a dealer markup on every metal purchase — the difference between the spot price of gold and what you actually pay. Markups vary: 3–8% for gold coins, 1–3% for gold bars. On a $50,000 purchase at 5% markup, you pay $2,500 above spot price before any fees. This is normal in the precious metals industry but worth understanding.
Setup fee: $100. Dealer markup on metals (4%): $2,000. Wire transfer: $30. First-year custodian fee: $200. First-year storage: $125. Total first-year cost: approximately $2,455 (4.9% of account). Annual ongoing cost from year 2: approximately $325 (0.65%). Compare this to your current retirement account's expense ratios before switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custodian and storage fees paid from outside the IRA (not from IRA funds) are investment expenses and may be deductible as miscellaneous itemized deductions — though the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated this for most individuals through 2025. Fees paid from inside the IRA funds are not deductible. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.
American Hartford Gold has no setup fee and competitive annual fees. Birch Gold Group has the lowest minimum investment ($10,000). Augusta Precious Metals charges slightly higher fees but includes more comprehensive service. Fee comparison should include total cost — setup, annual, storage, and markup — not just the headline fee.