How We Review Gold IRA Companies
Every company on Plain Talk Retirement is measured against the same criteria, using sources you can check yourself. Here is exactly what we look at, where the information comes from, and what we do not claim.
The 8 things we evaluate for every company
- Total cost, not just the headline feeSetup fees, annual custodian and administration fees, storage fees, and, most importantly, how openly the company discloses the markup (spread) on the metals it sells. The CFTC has warned that dealer markups can be very large, so poor disclosure counts against a company.
- Account minimumsThe published minimum investment for a gold IRA and for cash purchases, and whether it fits a typical reader’s situation.
- Track record and complaintsYears in business, BBB accreditation date and rating, and the pattern of complaints and how they were resolved.
- Buyback termsWhether the company will buy metals back, whether that is guaranteed or not, and whether there are liquidation fees. We report the company’s actual wording rather than marketing claims.
- Storage and custodyWhich IRS-approved depositories and custodians the company works with, and whether segregated or commingled storage is offered and at what price.
- Product lineupWhich metals are available (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and whether the company steers buyers toward high-markup collectible or “semi-numismatic” coins.
- Sales process and pressureHow the company communicates: education-first or high-pressure, commission-based or salaried staff where the company discloses it, and whether it uses fear-based marketing.
- Transparency and paperworkHow clearly fees, terms and risks are explained in writing before a customer commits.
Where our information comes from
| Source | What we use it for |
|---|---|
| Company websites and disclosures | Fees, minimums, buyback policies, storage partners, product lineups |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | Accreditation dates, ratings and complaint history |
| IRS (irs.gov) | Rollover and transfer rules, 60-day rule, withholding, RMDs, approved metals under IRC 408(m) |
| CFTC and FTC | Consumer advisories on precious metals fraud, markups and sales tactics |
| Reader corrections | Flags when something changes; every flag is checked against a primary source before we update |
What we do not claim. Unless an article says so, we have not opened an account with every company we review. Descriptions of a company’s process are based on its own published materials and public records. Company terms change, so always confirm current fees and terms in writing with the company before you commit.
How our affiliate relationship fits in
We are paid by one company we cover, Augusta Precious Metals, and we rank it highly for readers who meet its $50,000 minimum. We know that is a conflict of interest. To limit its influence:
- Every company, including Augusta, is judged on the same eight criteria above.
- Augusta’s drawbacks are published on every page where we recommend it.
- We tell readers when another company is the better fit, for example when they have less than $50,000 to invest or want platinum or palladium.
- No company can pay for a higher ranking or for a review.
Full details are on our Affiliate Disclosure.
How we keep pages accurate
Every guide shows a “last updated” date. We review our comparison pages when a company changes its published fees, minimums or terms, and at least once a year. If a reader reports an error through our contact page, we check it against a primary source and correct the page if the report is right.
This site provides general information only. It is not investment, tax or legal advice. Please consult a licensed financial professional before making decisions about your retirement accounts.
Related: About Us · Michael Lehman · Affiliate Disclosure