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retirement

Gold IRA Guide: Hold Physical Gold in a US Retirement Account

Step-by-step guide to opening a self-directed Gold IRA, IRS-approved bullion, custodian and depository fees, and 401(k) rollover mechanics.

8 min read · Last reviewed 6/23/2026

Gold IRA Guide

A Gold IRA is a self-directed IRA that holds IRS-approved physical bullion in a third-party depository.

What gold is allowed

0.995+ fine bullion (0.9999 for most coins). Approved: American Gold Eagle, Maple Leaf, Philharmonic, Kangaroo, LBMA Good Delivery bars.

The four parties

Custodian (Equity Trust, STRATA), dealer, depository (Delaware Depository, Brink''s SLC, IDS), and you.

Typical fees

Setup $50–150; annual custodian $80–300; annual storage $100–300; dealer premium 3–8%.

401(k) rollover

Use a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to avoid the 60-day rule.

When not to do this

If your IRA balance is under ~$25k, flat fees can exceed 1%/year — IAU in a regular IRA usually wins.

Frequently asked

Can I store Gold IRA bullion at home?
No — the IRS treats home storage as a distribution, triggering taxes and a 10% penalty.
Minimum to open?
$10,000–$25,000 with most reputable custodians.