A Gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that allows investors to hold physical precious metals — including gold, silver, platinum and palladium — instead of traditional paper assets like stocks and bonds. These accounts provide the same tax advantages as traditional IRAs while offering portfolio diversification through tangible assets that have historically served as hedges against inflation and economic uncertainty.
Gold has experienced pretty remarkable performance in 2025, with prices surging over 25% since the first part of the year, and now reaching record highs above $3,000 per ounce. This surge has been driven by persistent inflation, economic uncertainty, trade policy volatility and geopolitical tensions. Financial experts predict gold could potentially reach $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026, as central banks continue purchasing gold and investors seek safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.
Rising gold prices have prompted many investors to explore Gold IRAs as a way to protect their retirement savings. Unlike traditional IRAs that limit holdings to paper assets, Gold IRAs allow the inclusion of IRS-approved physical precious metals that must meet specific purity standards and be stored in approved third-party depositories. These accounts operate under the same rules as traditional IRAs, including required minimum distributions beginning at age 72 and penalty-free withdrawals after age 59½.
In this article: American Hartford Gold, Thor Metals and Priority Gold
However, Gold IRAs come with additional complexities and costs not found in traditional retirement accounts, including storage fees, custodian fees and insurance costs. The IRS treats gold as a collectible, meaning capital gains can be taxed at rates up to 28%, plus a potential 3.8% surtax for high earners. Financial experts typically recommend limiting precious metals investments to a maximum of 10% of a total retirement portfolio, treating gold as a hedge rather than a growth investment.
If you're interested in investing in Gold IRAs, it's important to thoroughly research your options. Not all Gold IRAs are the same — they differ in transparency, fees and other factors that can make or break your investment.
American Hartford Gold offers an accessible entry point into precious metals investing thanks to its low account minimum, no setup fees, price match guarantee and buyback program. Account setup is fast, and some accounts are eligible for up to $25,000 of free silver. American Hartford Gold has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and partnerships with secure depositories like Brinks Global Services and Delaware Depository for IRA storage.
Thor Metals Group positions itself as a transparent, customer-first company offering free Gold IRA setup, full price transparency with no hidden fees and zero account fees for qualifying accounts. The company has a partnership with the U.S. Mint to source its metals, and offers free insurance on all orders. Thor Metals Group offers free educational resources including a "Gold IRA Quick Start Guide."
Priority Gold offers free account setup, free storage for up to five years and free insured shipping with its Priority Platinum Package. It also offers a guaranteed buyback program and up to $20,000 in free silver for qualifying accounts. You can request a free guide to learn about gold and silver investing, or work with a specialist to learn about investing in Gold IRAs or other precious metal investments.
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