Cheapest Gold IRA Fees in 2025: Top Low-Cost Custodians Compared

Compare the cheapest Gold IRA fees of 2025. Uncover low-cost custodians, avoid hidden charges, and maximize your retirement savings with expert tips.

When it comes to investing in a Gold IRA, fees can eat into your profits if you’re not careful. Many investors are surprised to learn how widely Gold IRA fees can vary between custodians. Whether you’re rolling over your 401(k) or starting a self-directed IRA from scratch, finding the cheapest Gold IRA fees is essential to maximize your retirement savings.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top low-cost Gold IRA companies in 2025 based on setup, storage, maintenance, and hidden fees. We’ll also explain how to calculate your total annual cost and help you choose the most affordable custodian without sacrificing quality service or security.

Quick Summary: Top Gold IRA Companies with the Lowest Fees

Company	Setup Fee	Annual Maintenance	Storage Fee	Total Annual Cost	Minimum Investment
iTrustCapital	$0	$0	1% per trade	~$100/year	$1,000
Augusta Precious Metals	$50–$100	$100	$100	$200–$250	$50,000
Goldco	$50–$100	$80	$100–$150	~$230–$330	$25,000
Birch Gold Group	$50–$100	$100	$100	~$250–$300	$10,000
American Hartford Gold	$0–$50	$75–$100	$100	~$200–$250	$10,000

What Are Gold IRA Fees?

Before comparing providers, it’s important to understand the different types of Gold IRA fees:

Setup Fees: A one-time charge to establish your account.
Annual Maintenance Fees: Recurring admin fees for managing your IRA.
Storage Fees: Costs to securely store your physical gold in IRS-approved depositories.
Transaction Fees: Charged when you buy or sell gold or silver.
Markup/Spread: The difference between what the company pays for the metal and what they charge you.
Hidden Fees: Miscellaneous fees such as wire transfer, delivery, or insurance charges.

Detailed Comparison of the Most Affordablecheapest Gold IRA fees Companies

1. iTrustCapital – Best for Low-Cost, Self-Directed Trading

Fees

Setup Fee: $0
Annual Maintenance: $0
Storage: 1% per transaction
Hidden Fees: None
Minimum Investment: $1,000

Why It’s Affordable
iTrustCapital is known for its transparent and minimal fee structure, especially for active traders. There are no annual fees, and you only pay 1% per trade—ideal for cost-conscious investors who prefer flexibility.

Customer Feedback
“iTrustCapital is a game-changer. No hidden fees, no annual fees. The 1% trading fee is totally worth it for the convenience and control.” – David M., Trustpilot

Best For: DIY investors who want control and the lowest overall cost over time.

2. Augusta Precious Metals – Best Premium Service with Fair Fees

Fees

Setup Fee: $50–$100
Annual Maintenance: $100
Storage: $100
Hidden Fees: None reported
Minimum Investment: $50,000

Why It’s Affordable
Though Augusta has a higher entry point, it offers flat-rate pricing and lifetime support. If you’re investing a larger amount, their low storage and maintenance fees make long-term costs predictable and competitive.

Customer Feedback
“You pay a bit more upfront, but Augusta’s service is top-notch. I love the lifetime account support.” – Samantha T., Better Business Bureau

Best For: High-net-worth investors looking for long-term savings and white-glove service.

3. Goldco – Best for Rollovers and Hands-On Guidance

Fees

Setup Fee: $50–$100
Annual Maintenance: $80
Storage: $100–$150
Hidden Fees: Minor shipping/handling
Minimum Investment: $25,000

Why It’s Affordable
Goldco’s fees are competitive, especially for those doing a 401(k) or IRA rollover. Their educational resources and white-glove service justify the slightly higher price tag.

Customer Feedback
“Goldco made my rollover easy and gave me full fee transparency. A bit higher on storage, but worth it.” – Robert J., ConsumerAffairs

Best For: Investors who want personalized service and education with fair pricing.

4. Birch Gold Group – Good Overall Value with Clear Pricing

Fees

Setup Fee: $50–$100
Annual Maintenance: $100
Storage: $100
Hidden Fees: Wire transfer, delivery
Minimum Investment: $10,000

Why It’s Affordable
Birch Gold is known for solid service at fair prices, especially for smaller investors. Their all-in pricing keeps things straightforward, although some minor fees may apply.

Customer Feedback
“I liked that Birch was upfront with costs. No surprises. Good for beginners like me.” – Michelle A., Trustpilot

Best For: First-time investors looking for reliability without high fees.

5. American Hartford Gold – No Setup Fees & Flexible Investment

Fees

Setup Fee: $0–$50
Annual Maintenance: $75–$100
Storage: $100
Hidden Fees: Possible shipping/handling
Minimum Investment: $10,000

Why It’s Affordable
American Hartford Gold often runs promotions waiving setup fees and offering up to 3 years of free storage, making it extremely cost-effective in the short term.

Customer Feedback
“They waived my setup and storage fees—huge win. Very professional service.” – Ken P., BBB

Best For: Budget-conscious investors who want flexibility and promotions.

How to Calculate Total Annual Fees for a Gold IRA

Here’s a simple formula to estimate your total cost per year:

Total Annual Fees = Setup Fee (one-time) ÷ years + Maintenance Fee + Storage Fee + Avg. Transaction Fees

For example:

Setup: $100
Maintenance: $100
Storage: $100
Trading (1% on $10,000): $100

Total Annual Fee = $100/5 + $100 + $100 + $100 = $420/year

If you hold your investment for 5 years, your blended annual fee drops significantly over time.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Some Gold IRA companies advertise “low fees” but include hidden charges like:

Shipping & handling
Insurance premiums
Transaction markups
Wire transfer fees

Always request a full fee schedule in writing and ask:

Are storage fees flat or scaled?
Are there penalties for early liquidation?
What is the buy-sell spread?

Our Top Picks by Investor Type

Investor Type	Recommended Company
Budget Investor (<$10K)	iTrustCapital
Large Investor (>$50K)	Augusta Precious Metals
Hands-On Rollover Help	Goldco
Beginner-Friendly	Birch Gold Group
Promo/Bonus Seeker	American Hartford Gold

Final Thoughts: The Cheapest Isn’t Always the Best

While finding the cheapest Gold IRA fees is important, you should balance cost with:

Reputation and customer service
Transparency and education
Investment flexibility and depository security

A few extra dollars a year may be worth it if you’re getting better service, better storage, or peace of mind.

Ready to Open Your Gold IRA?

Before you invest, request a free Gold IRA investor kit from your preferred company. Many offer guides, fee breakdowns, and even free consultations.

FAQs

Q: Can I avoid storage fees with a Gold IRA?
A: No. IRS rules require your gold to be held in an approved depository. Home storage is not allowed.

Q: What is a good total annual fee for a Gold IRA?
A: Anywhere between $180–$300 is competitive, depending on account size and service level.

Q: Are annual fees tax deductible?
A: Not usually. IRA custodial fees paid by the account are not deductible. Always consult your tax advisor.