Best Silver IRA Companies of 2024 (Top 5 Options Ranked and Reviewed)

The growing number of silver IRA companies on the US market can make finding the right option for your retirement needs feel overwhelming. You have to carefully research each company’s offerings, fees, minimum investment, customer service reputation, and more.

Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you. In this comprehensive review, you’ll learn about the top silver IRA companies based on investment options, costs, customer reviews, and additional features.

While they’re called “silver IRA companies,” most of them also offer IRAs backed by other precious metals like gold, palladium, and platinum. So, feel free to also see this as a list of the best gold IRA or precious metals IRA companies.

In other words, there’s the flexibility to choose the investment that best aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Also, whether you’re looking to roll over an existing IRA or purchase physical silver and other metals, one of these companies should meet your specific needs.

What Is the Best Silver IRA Company?

Below are the top picks for silver IRA companies that you can use to invest in precious metals and solidify your investment portfolio.

1. Augusta Precious Metals (Best in General)

Summary

• Founded: 2012
• Key People: Isaac Nuriani (founder, CEO)
• Minimum Investment: $50,000
• Precious Metals: Gold and silver
• BBB Rating: A+
• Primary Location: Casper, Wyoming, United States

Review

Founded in 2012, Augusta Precious Metals is one of the top-rated silver IRA companies, all thanks to their good service. With Isaac Nuriani as the CEO and Devlyne Steele as the director of education, Augusta has been able to maintain a positive reputation on review platforms like BBB (where it was accredited in 2015).

On the company’s BBB profile, you’ll find that there are no complaints. This doesn’t mean that Augusta is flawless.

There are a few complaints surrounding the company, but the good news is that all of them are usually minor and not serious. If it isn’t something to do with delayed shipping, it will be something about someone asking how they generate revenue, and so on.

You’ll also find that Augusta responds promptly to the littlest of complaints and resolves everything in full. And that’s one thing that explains the good reviews they get.

Here’s an overview of the customer reviews and ratings of Augusta on some major review sites:

• BBB: A+ rating, 4.97/5 stars, 119 reviews
• Google Business: 4.9/5 stars, 417 reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 4.9/5 stars, 137 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.5/5 stars, 18 reviews

Now, some celebrities also endorse Augusta. One of them is Joe Montana, a former American football quarterback whose name appears among the greatest NFL players.

Over the years, Augusta has focused on educating American investors about silver and gold. They do so so don’t blindly put your money into something that doesn’t suit your investment goal.

As an investor looking to get started with Augusta, you get a one-to-one video conference call with Devlyn Steele. This Harvard-educated and extremely skilled guy in economics and precious metals will answer any questions so it’s easy for you to decide about a silver and gold IRA investment.

My Take

After extensive research into various precious metals IRA providers, Augusta Precious Metals stands out as the clear front-runner. As someone focused on long-term financial security, I appreciate their strong reputation and customer-first approach.

From account setup to ongoing portfolio management and storage, they guide investors every step of the way. This ensures IRA holders fully understand their investments and are empowered to make well-informed decisions.

With some of the lowest fees in the industry and a commitment to educational resources, Augusta makes it simple to benefit from tax advantages while diversifying with physical gold and silver. Their transparency gives a complete peace of mind.

Which is why, for those seeking a top-rated precious metals IRA provider and who can afford the minimum, Augusta earns my highest recommendation.

Pros

• Has some of the strongest ratings and positive reviews you can find on a gold IRA company
• The education-focused approach helps you have a full understanding of gold and silver IRA, and how the market works
• You can pay zero fees for up to 10 years depending on your situation, and there are no hidden or additional management fees
• 7-day money-back policy for first-time customers
• There’s a buyback program (although unguaranteed) whereby Augusta can purchase back your metals at competitive prices (compared to unloading metals on the open market)

Cons

• The minimum investment of $50,000 may not be suitable for smaller investors
• You’ll find no gold and silver prices beforehand on the website (you have to talk with a representative)

2. American Hartford Gold (Best for Physical Gold and Silver Cash Purchases)

Summary

• Founded: 2015
• Key People: Sanford Mann (founder, CEO)
• Minimum Investment: $10,000 (self-directed gold IRA), $5,000 (cash purchase)
• Precious Metals: Gold and silver
• BBB Rating: A+
• Primary Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Review

American Hartford Gold is another well-established silver IRA company that you can use to invest in precious metals. The company came to being in 2015 and hasn’t disappointed when it comes to building a good reputation.

American Hartford Gold makes it easy for individuals and families to invest in silver and other precious metals. That’s why they have a lower minimum investment of $10,000 for silver IRA and $5,000 if all you need is to purchase physical metals.

American Hartford Gold also provides educational resources to help you learn about your investment options. The company’s representatives provide you with all the information about the different gold and silver products available, including coins and bars.

Similar to Augusta, American Hartford Gold has a BBB rating of A+. The thousands of customer reviews it has gathered over the years on various review platforms prove its quality of service.

Below’s a highlight of some of American Hartford Gold’s online reviews and ratings:

• BBB: A+ rating, 4.89/5 stars, 504 reviews
• Google Business: 4.8/5 stars, 849 reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 4.7/5 stars, 828 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.9/5 stars, 1,211 reviews

A few well-known media personalities also back American Hartford Gold. They include Bill O’Reilly (commentator, journalist), Rick Harrison (businessman), and Lou Dobbs (political commentator, author, former TV host).

To invest with the company, you can either fill out a form on their website and receive a guide or call their business phone number. From there, your dedicated account representative will help you learn what you need to know, make an order, and get any other support you need.

My Take

American Hartford Gold stands out as a great option for investors at any stage. While some companies require large minimum deposits, American Hartford is uniquely positioned to serve both small and large portfolios.

With a low minimum investment of just $10,000, it removes barriers that prevent many from diversifying with physical gold and silver. This accessibility, combined with their simple purchase and rollover processes for IRA, 401(k), and TSP, makes American Hartford an ideal choice for novice retirement investors.

However, don’t let the low barrier to entry fool you. American Hartford also caters expertly to sizeable portfolios through dedicated advisors and account managers. Their storage facilities and security protocols also meet the highest standards in the industry.

Pros

• There are thousands of positive reviews on the Internet about American Hartford Gold
• A low minimum investment that suits small investors and novices
• They provide you with the knowledge you need to decide whether to invest with them or in precious metals generally
• 7-day refund policy and a buyback program that won’t charge you additional liquidation fees

Cons

• Only gold and silver are listed, as much as they say they have access to palladium and platinum as well
• There’s no pricing information on their product listings

2. Noble Gold Investments (Best for Rare Coins)

Summary

• Founded: 2016
• Key People: Colin Plume (founder, CEO)
• Minimum Investment: $20,000
• Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
• BBB Rating: A+
• Primary Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Review

Noble Gold Investments has been in business for less than 10 years, but its expertise comes from more than 2 decades of working in the precious metals industry. This silver IRA company’s founder, Colin Plume is someone who has created and maintained wealth in precious metals and other industries for over 16 years.

Under his leadership, the company has managed to secure more than $1 billion worth of precious metals for customers. Account managers are available to provide guidance and help you choose the right products.

Also, Noble Gold is a company that focuses on properly securing your belongings. First of all, for cash purchases where you need home delivery, they have their specialized service known as Noble Express.

You can also store your silver and other metals in a US-based or offshore depository. They place your holdings in segregated storages, that are separate from those of other investors.

As for Noble Gold’s customer reviews, here’s a broad look at it:

• BBB: A+ rating, 4.98/5 stars, 145 reviews
• Google Business: 4.9/5 stars, 452 reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 5/5 stars, 732 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.7/5 stars, 119 reviews

Because we’ve seen a trend of celebrities endorsing the top-rated silver IRA companies, Noble Gold isn’t to be left out. Charlie Kirk, an activist and radio talk show host, recommends Noble Gold.

This company suits new investors and even offers a free coin to get you started. To claim the coin, you need to set up an investment account on the Nobel Gold website.

My Take

Noble Gold has a competitive minimum investment that allows for an affordable entry into silver retirement accounts. Even more noteworthy is Noble Gold’s incentive of gifting a free silver coin to new IRA clients.

This small token goes a long way in making the customer experience a positive one from the start. If you need such an incentive to choose your ideal silver IRA company, you have your answer.

For those seeking more specialized products beyond basic bullion, Noble Gold’s rare coin selection sets them apart. Whether building a diversified portfolio or pursuing a passionate hobby, their extensive rare coin inventory caters to a range of collector interests and budgets.

Pros

• An impressive 5-star rating on Consumer Affairs across hundreds of reviews
• One of the quickest setup processes as they can get you started in 5 minutes
• You get a free coin for opening an account
• There are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars, as well as rare coins
• A proper home delivery service for precious metals called Noble Express
• Guaranteed buyback program that provides you with peace of mind knowing you can sell directly back to them without being asked questions

Cons

• I only found one location online where they run their operations
• Different fee structures for gold IRAs versus silver IRAs (costlier)

4. Goldco (Best Gold and Silver Buyback Guarantee)

Summary

• Founded: 2006
• Key People: Trevor Gerszt (founder, CEO)
• Minimum Investment: $25,000
• Precious Metals: Gold and silver
• BBB Rating: A+
• Primary Location: Calabasas, California, United States

Review

Next on the list of the best silver IRA companies is Goldco. Given its founding date of 2006, you can see that it’s one of the oldest players in the industry.

The company has helped thousands of Americans invest more than $2 billion in precious metals. They’ve achieved such numbers by helping users make an informed decision with detailed explanations of how it all works.

With Goldco, similar to Augusta and American Hartford Gold, you have two ways to invest. You can transfer funds from an existing IRA, 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or another tax-advantaged retirement account, or use your savings.

Since we’re here for the top-rated companies, Goldco doesn’t lack in that area as well. They have more than 5,000 5-star ratings online and a BBB accreditation since 2011.

Check out this overview of the customer reviews and ratings:

• BBB: A+ rating, 4.81/5 stars, 777 reviews
• Google Business: 4.9/5 stars, 2,300+ reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 4.9/5 stars, 1685 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.8/5 stars, 1,266 reviews

Chuck Norris, a famous actor, and Sean Hannity, a TV and radio personality, are some of the public figures who have endorsed Goldco in the past. Their support for Goldco has propelled the company’s profile toward more eyes and solidified its reputation.

Getting started with Goldco is simple. You just need to request a free Goldco wealth protection kit on the official site and one of the company’s team members will be in touch.

My Take

In my research into reputable precious metals IRA providers, I found that Goldco consistently receives rave reviews from satisfied customers. Boasting over 2,000 Google reviews averaging a near-perfect 4.9-star rating is a true testament to their exceptional service and results.

One of Goldco’s most compelling offers is its buyback guarantee which removes the risk of reselling on the open market. Investors can rest assured knowing Goldco promises the highest buyback price should circumstances change and metals need liquidating in the future.

Though some competitors have even lower minimums, Goldco’s accessible $25,000 minimum is reasonable for most investors dipping their toes into precious metals for the first time. Their simple processes for setting up new accounts or rolling over existing retirement funds also help newcomers get started with ease.

Pros

• Over 2,000 positive reviews on Google Business from satisfied buyers
• The affordable minimum investment that’s not too high
• The company insures your shipment and can refund or replace it if assets are lost while in transit
• Goldco’s highest buyback guarantee is available should circumstances change and you need to liquidate (while getting the highest prices)

Cons

• Shows gold and silver prices on its website, but not for individual products it offers
• No platinum or palladium products are listed
• No refunds upon receiving the shipment, as is the case with Augusta and the like

5. Birch Gold Group (Best for Low Silver IRA Fees)

Summary

• Founded: 2003
• Key People: Laith Alsarraf (founder, CEO)
• Minimum Investment: $10,000
• Precious Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
• BBB Rating: A+
• Primary Location: Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Review

Birch Gold Group stands out as the oldest silver IRA company on this list. It has been in business for more than 2 decades, meaning that you’ll be dealing with a well-experienced precious metals dealer, should you choose to invest with them.

Another thing about Birch Gold is that they not only offer silver and gold but also platinum and palladium in both bars and rounds. With such a variety, you can enjoy significant flexibility in how you diversify your holdings.

On top of that, I noticed that the company also lists some unique coin products that aren’t as commonly available from other precious metals brokers. If you’re looking for the rare stuff, Birch Gold may be your best bet, and you only need $10,000 to start.

The longstanding company’s reputation is worth being applauded. It has managed to maintain a good relationship with over 20,000 customers over the years.

Here’s a quick view of their online reviews and ratings:

• BBB: A+ rating, 4.53/5 stars, 136 reviews
• Google Business: 4.7/5 stars, 278 reviews
• Consumer Affairs: 4.8/5 stars, 134 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.5/5 stars, 154 reviews

As if that’s not enough, Ben Shapiro, a renowned commentator endorses Birch Gold Group. He has been doing so since 2016 and has helped educate Americans on the importance of precious metals.

Getting started with Birh Gold isn’t any complicated. You simply need to visit their site and request a free information kit through the displayed form, or contact them on the phone.

My Take

If you’re looking to diversify your precious metals holdings or open a self-directed IRA with low fees, I would highly recommend considering Birch Gold Group. Their first-year fee coverage (for significant investments) and wide selection of investment products sets them apart.

In addition to the standard gold and silver coins and bars, Birch Gold also offers platinum and palladium. This greater variety gives investors more flexibility to strategically allocate across different precious metals.

Also, Birch Gold’s lower minimum threshold opens the door for more people to benefit from the tax advantages of holding eligible metals in a retirement fund. It lowers the barrier to entry.

So, if you feel precious metals deserve a place in your portfolio but want options beyond just gold and silver, or need an affordable way to set up an IRA, Birch Gold is worth serious consideration.

Pros

• Low minimum of $10,000 for opening a self-directed IRA or cash purchases
• Birch Gold covers your first-year fees if you transfer over $50,000
• Offers a variety of coins and bars not seen on competitor sites
• Includes platinum and palladium products in its listings

Cons

• They only list their primary location, Des Moines, without any information about other places they’ve set up operations
• Although the reviews are positive, they’re fewer in number compared to some newer silver IRA companies on the market
• There’s little information about the company’s key leader(s)

Evaluating the Top Silver IRA Companies

I did a lot of research into the different companies out there. It was kind of overwhelming with how many options exist, and I needed to use a systematic process. 

I knew I wanted to focus on ones that were really established and reputable. So what I did was look at companies that had been recommended by financial experts I respect.

You know, the big names in the finance and precious metals space. If the experts gave them a thumbs up, that was a good sign to me.

Customer reviews were also huge. Nothing means more than hearing straight from people who have actually used a company.

So I checked places like TrustPilot to see what real clients were saying about things like customer service, pricing, product quality, you name it. Their ratings told me a lot.

I also consider companies endorsed by celebrities. As you’ve seen on my list, each silver IRA option has a public figure who has recommended it.

Last but not least, I reached out to some of the companies to get information straight from the source. The responses gave me new insights into their products and services.

After filtering through all that, it helped narrow down the field. I was able to identify the top five that consistently got high marks across the board – from celebrities, customers, and publications alike.

Hope this gives you a better idea of how I evaluated the top silver IRA companies!

Silver IRA FAQs

What Are the Fees for a Silver IRA?

The amount varies depending on the silver IRA company, custodian, and storage you use. You can expect to pay anything between $100 and $300 per year, covering things like the setup, storage, and custodian fees.

Some gold and silver IRAs can cover all fees for you for the first year or another specified period. It depends on your situation, such as the investment amount.

While fees among reputable silver IRA companies tend to be comparable, it’s smart to compare options and inquire about any additional costs. Understanding the fee structure upfront helps ensure that the account remains cost-effective for your long-term retirement goals. 

Can You Hold Other Metals In Silver IRA?

So you’re wondering if a silver IRA lets you hold other precious metals too, right? The short answer is yes, absolutely.

Most of the big companies that offer these types of retirement accounts will actually let you diversify beyond just silver. In addition to good ol’ Ag, you’ll usually have the option to invest in gold, platinum, and palladium as well.

Some people like the idea of holding a mix instead of going all in on one thing. Personally, I think it’s a smart way to balance your portfolio within the IRA.

As long as it’s physical metal and IRS-compliant, you should be good to include it.

Which Accounts Can You Roll Over into a Silver IRA?

You’ve got a few different options as far as eligible retirement plans. The big ones that can typically be directly transferred are traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and even 401(k)s and 403 (b)s from previous employers.

In general, if it’s a qualified retirement account under IRS rules, there’s a good chance you can roll the funds over. Just be aware the transfer may take some paperwork and coordination between custodians.

The nice part is that once the money is in a silver IRA, you’ve got the flexibility to invest it into physical silver, gold, platinum, or whatever else they allow.

Can You Store Your Silver IRA at Home?

That’s a common question people have when first getting into precious metals IRAs. The short answer is – it’s not allowed, and probably not a great long-term solution.

Reputable IRA companies won’t allow you to self-custody the actual physical metals, for liability reasons. They want the silver, gold, etc. securely held in professional vaults so it’s insured and audited regularly.

Keeping it all at home opens you up to risks of theft, fire, flooding, you name it. You won’t get the tax benefits of having it in a retirement account, and risk facing legal troubles and tax penalties.

While you can’t typically store IRA metals at home long-term, there’s an exception for physical silver or gold you purchase with after-tax cash outside of any retirement account.

In that case, reputable dealers will securely ship the precious metals directly to your home or office for storage. And since it’s not part of an IRA, you have full control and custody of those assets.

Is Silver IRA a Good Investment?

Whether a silver IRA is a good investment really depends on your individual situation and investment goals. Here are a few thoughts on the pros and cons:

On the pro side, silver has tended to hold its value well over the long term. Sometimes, it does better than traditional stocks and bonds during periods of high inflation or economic uncertainty.

Having it in an IRA gives your silver assets the same tax advantages as other retirement accounts. And since silver isn’t as heavily invested in as gold, its price doesn’t always move in tandem with gold.

However, you’ll also have additional fees compared to other IRA types since you have to pay for storage and insurance of the physical metal. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it comes down to your individual risk tolerance, timeline, and how this investment aligns with your broader financial goals.

Best Silver IRA Companies: Conclusion

As you can see, numerous silver IRA companies exist. However, the 5 companies discussed – Augusta Precious Metals, American Hartford Gold, Goldco, Birch Gold Group, and Noble Gold Investments – stand out as top providers in the industry.

Each of them has years of experience helping investors diversify their retirement portfolios with physical precious metals. They offer competitive pricing on government-backed silver coins and bars along with storage in fully insured IRS-approved depositories.

The customer service and educational resources these companies provide are also highly rated. You can be sure that if you select any of the listed silver investment companies, you’ll get the knowledge you need to get started and understand the market.