Checked November 10, 2026. A gold IRA can hold certain precious metals inside an IRA structure, but the account can carry costs that a simple stock or bond fund may not have. This guide focuses on the costs and risks you can verify.
The main costs
- Dealer premium: the amount charged above the metal's reference value.
- Dealer spread: the gap between what a dealer sells for and what the dealer will pay to buy back.
- Custodian fees: charges for account setup, records, transactions, and administration.
- Storage and insurance: charges for an approved depository to hold the metal.
- Distribution costs and taxes: withdrawals can create taxes or penalties depending on the account and your situation.
Why the spread matters
The CFTC says dealers normally sell above spot and buy below spot. The wider that gap is, the more the metal price must rise before you break even. Ask for the dealer's retail price and the same-day buyback price in writing.
IRA storage is not the same as home storage
The IRS says qualifying bullion in an IRA must be in the physical possession of a bank or an approved nonbank trustee. Do not rely on a sales pitch that says you can freely keep IRA-owned bullion at home.
A simple quote worksheet
- Write down the metal and exact weight.
- Write down the dealer's total purchase price.
- Write down every setup, wire, storage, insurance, and yearly fee.
- Ask for the dealer's current buyback price for the same product.
- Keep the written quote before you move retirement funds.
Example only: Birch Gold's published IRA fees
Birch Gold currently publishes an example of $50 setup, $30 wire, about $110 yearly storage/insurance, and about $125 yearly account management. That is a provider example, not an industry-wide fee schedule.
Sources
- CFTC: 10 questions before buying precious metals
- IRS: IRA investment and bullion storage FAQ
- Birch Gold prices and fee example
Educational use only. This page does not tell you how much gold to own or whether a gold IRA is right for you.
