Confused about where your Gold IRA is stored? Learn the difference between segregated and commingled storage, explore top facilities like Delaware Depository, and understand storage fees, insurance, and security options.

So, you’ve decided to invest in a Gold IRA. That’s a smart move if you’re looking to hedge against inflation, diversify your retirement, or just hold something tangible instead of digital numbers on a screen.

But there’s one important piece many new investors overlook: where is your gold actually stored?

When you open a Gold IRA, you don’t take physical possession of the gold. It has to be held in an IRS-approved depository. Not in your home. Not in a safe in your office. Not buried in your backyard.

In this post, we’ll walk you through physical Gold IRA storage options, explain the difference between segregated and commingled storage, break down the top storage facilities in the U.S., and cover what you need to know about security, insurance, and storage fees.

Let’s get into it.

Why You Can’t Store Your Gold at Home

First, let’s clear up a big misconception.

With a Gold IRA, you cannot store the gold yourself. The IRS requires all IRA-owned precious metals to be held by a qualified trustee or custodian. That means the metals must be stored at an IRS-approved depository.

Why?

Because a Gold IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account, and the IRS wants to ensure:

• The gold is real, not tampered with.
• You don’t use it before retirement.
• All transactions are recorded and reported correctly.

If you take possession of the gold yourself—even for a short time—it could trigger a distribution event, meaning you’ll owe taxes and possibly penalties. Not worth the risk.

Segregated vs. Commingled Storage: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a storage option for your Gold IRA, you’ll hear two terms: segregated storage and commingled storage.

Both are legal, IRS-approved, and secure—but they come with different pros, cons, and price tags.

1. Segregated Storage

Segregated storage means your gold is stored separately from everyone else’s. Your coins or bars are placed in a dedicated space labeled with your name or account number.

Pros:

1. Your exact metals are returned to you.
2. Easier for auditing or account transfers.
3. Extra peace of mind.

Cons:

• More expensive.
• Limited availability at some facilities.

2. Commingled Storage

Commingled storage means your metals are stored together with others’ assets of the same type and quality. When you take a distribution, you get “like-kind” metals, but not necessarily the same exact coins or bars.

Pros:

• More affordable.
• Standard practice at many facilities.
• Still secure and insured.

Cons:

• You don’t get your exact metals back.
• May feel less personal.

Which should you choose?

If you’re buying standard bullion (like American Gold Eagles or gold bars), commingled storage is usually fine and more cost-effective. If you’re buying unique or collectible items—or just want full control—segregated storage may be worth the extra cost.

Top Gold IRA Storage Facilities in the U.S.

Not all storage facilities are created equal. Here are the most respected, IRS-approved depositories used by top Gold IRA custodians and providers.

1. Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE)

Why it’s trusted:
Delaware Depository is one of the most widely used facilities in the Gold IRA world. It offers both commingled and segregated storage and is fully insured by Lloyd’s of London.

Security features:

• Class 3 vaults
• 24/7 surveillance
• Motion and sound detection
• Biometric access controls

Insurance:
Up to $1 billion in all-risk insurance coverage.

Gold IRA providers that use them:
Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco, Birch Gold Group, and many more.

Storage type:
Both segregated and commingled.

2. Brinks Global Services (Multiple U.S. Locations)

Why it’s trusted:
Brinks is a household name in security. They’ve been around since the 1800s and offer top-tier logistics and armored transport as well as precious metals storage.

Security features:

• Secure transportation systems
• Armed guards
• Redundant alarm systems
• Strict access controls

Insurance:
Fully insured through Lloyd’s of London and internal policies.

Locations:
Salt Lake City, New York City, Los Angeles, and others.

Storage type:
Segregated and commingled.

3. International Depository Services (IDS)

Locations: Dallas, Texas and New Castle, Delaware

Why it’s trusted:
IDS is a newer but fast-growing name in the precious metals storage business. They’re fully IRS-approved and known for excellent service and customer communication.

Security features:

• UL-rated vaults
• Multiple physical and electronic barriers
• Constant video monitoring

Insurance:
All-risk policy underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.

Used by:
Noble Gold, Goldco, and others.

Storage type:
Segregated and commingled.

4. Texas Precious Metals Depository

Location: Shiner, Texas

Why it’s trusted:
Built by Texas Precious Metals, this is the first state-administered depository in the U.S. It’s privately operated but regulated by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Security features:

• Class 2 UL-rated vault
• Armed security
• Bulletproof walls and floors

Insurance:
Coverage through Lloyd’s of London.

Storage type:
Segregated and commingled.

Bonus:
Some investors choose this facility for state-level oversight and independence from larger banks.

How Secure Is Gold IRA Storage, Really?

This is one of the most common concerns—and it’s fair.

You’re trusting a vault across the country with your life savings. So let’s talk about how secure these places really are.

Here’s what all top-tier depositories provide:

• Vaults rated for extreme force
• On-site armed guards
• 24/7 surveillance and motion sensors
• Redundant power, access, and monitoring systems
• Strict personnel screening and limited access

It’s not just about locking a door. These places are built to withstand fire, flood, armed robbery, and even natural disasters.

And if something does happen? That’s where insurance comes in.

Insurance: What’s Covered?

All IRS-approved Gold IRA storage facilities carry “all-risk” insurance policies. These typically cover:

• Theft
• Damage
• Loss in transit
• Natural disasters

Most facilities are insured up to hundreds of millions—or even billions—of dollars. But be sure to confirm with your IRA custodian or provider.

Important note:
Insurance covers the full replacement value, not just the market price at the time of storage. That gives you added peace of mind.

Storage Costs: What to Expect

Now the big question: how much does it cost to store your gold?

Storage fees vary based on:

• Whether you choose segregated or commingled storage
• The total value of your assets
• Which custodian or provider you work with

Here’s a general breakdown:

Storage Type	Typical Annual Cost
Commingled	$100–$150 per year
Segregated	$200–$300+ per year

Some custodians charge a flat annual fee, while others base the cost on a percentage of your account value (usually around 0.5% to 1%).

Tips to reduce storage fees:

• Consolidate multiple metals into a single depository.
• Choose a provider with flat-rate fees.
• Ask about promotional storage rates for new clients.

physical Gold IRA storage options

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Storage Option

When evaluating your Gold IRA provider or custodian, don’t be shy about asking these questions:

1. Which depository do you use?
2. Do I have a choice between segregated and commingled storage?
3. Is my gold insured? If so, for how much and under what policy?
4. Are there any extra fees for moving or accessing my metals?
5. Can I visit the facility (even just for peace of mind)?
6. What happens if I want to take a distribution or cash out?

A good provider will walk you through the pros and cons and make sure you understand exactly where your gold is and how it’s being protected.

Final Thoughts: Make Storage Part of Your Gold IRA Strategy

When people think about Gold IRAs, they focus on the metal itself—how much to buy, what kind of coins or bars, and when to invest.

But where your gold is stored matters just as much. It’s the foundation of security, legal compliance, and long-term peace of mind.

Here’s the recap:

• You can’t store your own Gold IRA metals—it must be held by an IRS-approved custodian.
• You’ll need to choose between segregated vs. commingled storage based on your preferences and budget.
• Top-tier facilities like Delaware Depository, Brinks, IDS, and Texas Precious Metals Depository offer secure, insured options.
• Expect to pay around $100–$300 per year for storage, depending on your setup.

When you choose wisely, your gold doesn’t just sit in a vault. It stands as a shield for your retirement, backed by physical security, legal compliance, and peace of mind.