What is the minimum investment for a gold IRA?

Minimums vary by company: Augusta Precious Metals requires $50,000; Goldco requires $25,000; Birch Gold Group accepts accounts from $5,000. There is no IRS-mandated minimum, but fixed annual fees make accounts below $10,000 cost-inefficient.

Can I transfer my 401(k) to a gold IRA without penalty?

Yes. A direct trustee-to-trustee rollover from a 401(k) or traditional IRA to a gold IRA is tax-free and penalty-free. An indirect rollover must be completed within 60 days to avoid taxes and the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

What gold coins are approved for an IRA?

IRS-approved coins include the American Gold Eagle, American Gold Buffalo (.9999 fine), Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (.9999 fine), and Austrian Gold Philharmonic (.9999 fine). Gold bars must be at least .995 fine. Numismatic coins are prohibited.

What are the 2026 Gold IRA contribution limits?

In 2026, the limit is $7,500/year for investors under 50, or $8,600/year for those 50 and older (catch-up contribution). These limits apply combined across all IRAs.

Does Fidelity offer a gold IRA?

Fidelity does not offer a self-directed gold IRA holding physical metals. Fidelity offers gold ETFs within standard IRAs, but not physical gold. For physical gold in an IRA you must use a specialized gold IRA custodian.

How do I take distributions from a gold IRA?

You can take an in-kind distribution (physical metals shipped to you) or a cash distribution. Both are taxable as ordinary income for traditional gold IRAs. Distributions before age 59.5 incur a 10% penalty. Required Minimum Distributions begin at age 73.

What are the risks of a gold IRA?

Gold IRA risks include: fee drag ($250-$800/year), no passive income, price volatility (gold lost 28% in 2013), 3-7 day liquidity constraints, 10% early withdrawal penalty, and strict IRS home storage prohibition.

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Editorial team & methodology

Janet Okoye, Content Editor — We compare gold IRA companies using public information and our own evaluation criteria.

Last updated: Nov 2026 | Next review: January 2027 • Sources: IRS Publication 590-B (2025), SEC Investor Alert on Self-Directed IRAs (2022), FINRA.org, World Gold Council Demand Trends 2025