Precious Metals IRAs are a type of retirement savings account that many investors are seeking for peace of mind for their futures. Unlike traditional IRAs that are sensitive to inflation and a turbulent economy, precious metal IRAs are low-risk and resistant to economic upheaval. No investment is entirely without risk, but precious metals are a low-risk, tax-advantageous option for anyone worried about the future.
Choosing the right company to work with when opening a self-directed precious metals IRA account can be a daunting task. There are dozens of options and it can be hard to know what the right choice is. With the future on the line, this isn’t a decision to be made lightly.
This guide will give you the details on two major precious metal brokerage companies: Augusta Precious Metals and American Hartford Gold.
We will look at each company’s details, fees, and rollover opportunities. By the end, we hope you will have the information you need to make the best choice for your future.
Overview: Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is one of the leaders in the precious metals brokerage industry due to its exemplary customer service, comprehensive educational resources, and ethical and transparent business practices. It was founded in 2012. It deals in gold and silver IRAs, including assisting in rollover from existing retirement accounts.
Augusta’s main selling point is its exceptional lifelong customer service. Augusta’s industry experts are available to its customers for the entire length of time that they have a precious metals IRA account.
Augusta has one of the best reputations in the industry. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a AAA rating with the Business Consumer Alliance, and a 4.96 out of 5 stars from customer reviews. ConsumerAffairs and TrustLink both rate Augusta as a 4.9 out of 5 stars.
 | $50,000 Minimum Investment Free portfolio reviews for all clients | *Most Professional *Best Pricing |
Overview: American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold is a precious metals brokerage company that was founded in 2015. It operates out of Los Angeles, CA. American Hartford has a reputation for a no-nonsense buyback program and exceptional customer service. It also offers a price match guarantee.
American Hartford is extremely well reviewed by industry regulatory bodies and customers. It has a 4.9 out of 5 stars with ConsumerAffairs, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a AA rating with the Business Consumer Alliance, and 4.9 out of 5 stars with TrustLink.
American Hartford offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products including bouillon and coins.
Augusta Precious Metals & Goldco Comparison Chart
Header | Augusta Precious Metals | American Hartford Gold |
|---|---|---|
Company Founded | 2012 | 2015 |
Minimum Investment | $50,000 | No minimum |
Avg Comprehensive Rating | 4.9 | 4.8 |
Precious Metals Available | Gold & silver | Gold, silver, & platinum |
Is Price Matching Available? | Yes | Yes |
Assistance with Current IRA Rollover? | Yes | Yes |
Average Delivery Time | 2 weeks | "Fast delivery" |
Customer Support Level | Life-long comprehensive and personalized support | Comprehensive and ongoing support |
Buy-Back Program? | Yes | Yes |
Rollover Opportunities: Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals offers assistance to its customers wishing to roll over existing IRA accounts to a new precious metals IRA account. Most types of retirement accounts qualify, including 401(k)s and traditional IRAs.
Augusta provides customers with step-by-step assistance with rolling over existing accounts from the moment they first make contact until the precious metals have been purchased and shipped to the secure facility.
Rollover Opportunities: American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold offers IRA rollover assistance to its customers. It provides assistance in completing the necessary paperwork and its experts are available every step of the way. It offers assistance in rolling over the entirety of existing accounts and partial amounts.
American Hartford is able to assist customers in rolling over most types of traditional retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs and 401(k)s.
 | *No Minimum Investment *Buy-back program *Price-match guarantee |
Fees: Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals has a reputation for honesty, transparency, and good ethical business practices. It publishes a complete list of one time and annual fees on its website. There are no hidden fees to worry about.
This is a comprehensive list of Augusta’s one-time and annual fees:
Header | Augusta Precious Metals |
|---|---|
One-time account setup fee | $50 |
Annual custodial fee | $80 |
Annual depository storage fee | $100 |
Shipping and transit costs | Waived |
Minimum investment | $50,000 |
Cost of precious metals | Fluctuates according to market value |
Fees: American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold does not publish a list of its fees on its website. There is little information offered about what its customers can expect to pay to set up an account or what they will be required to pay annually in maintenance and custodial fees.
It does state that there are no shipping fees and some customers can potentially qualify for free annual storage, depending on the monetary value of the account.
Header | American Hartford Gold |
|---|---|
One-time account setup fee | Not listed |
One-time money wiring fee | Not listed |
Annual maintenance fee | Varies |
Annual custodial fee | $100 |
Minimum investment | No minimum |
Cost of precious metals | Fluctuates according to market value |
Choosing Between Augusta Precious Metals and American Hartford Gold
Augusta Precious Metals and American Hartford Gold are two of the best precious metals brokerage companies in the industry. They have many similarities, including a focus on customer service and educational resources. Both offer assistance with IRA rollover. The real decision is in the differences.
Augusta is transparent with its fees and has a reputation for ethical business practices. Augusta also offers lifelong customer service to its customers. However, it only offers gold and silver products.
American Hartford does not publish its fees. It offers gold, silver, platinum, and paladium products.
Both Augusta and American Hartford are excellent choices for new or veteran investors. There is no clear winner.
 | $50,000 Minimum Investment Free portfolio reviews for all clients | *Most Professional *Best Pricing |
