Is a Gold IRA a good investment?

A Gold IRA is widely considered a strong hedge against inflation, currency debasement, and stock-market volatility. Allocating 5–15% of a retirement portfolio to physical gold has historically reduced overall portfolio risk while preserving long-term purchasing power.

Can I roll over my 401(k) into a Gold IRA?

Yes. Funds in a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or pension plan can be rolled into a self-directed Gold IRA tax-free, provided the rollover is completed within 60 days or executed as a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer.

Where is my gold stored?

All IRA gold is stored at an IRS-approved depository such as Delaware Depository or Brink's Global Services in segregated or non-segregated vaults. You cannot store IRA gold at home — that constitutes a prohibited distribution under IRS rules.

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What Is a Gold IRA?

Physical Gold. Tax-Advantaged. Yours.

A Gold IRA (also called a Precious Metals IRA) is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical gold bullion coins and bars rather than paper assets like stocks or mutual funds.

Like a conventional IRA, your Gold IRA can be structured as a Traditional (pre-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth) or Roth (after-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals) account.

Gold IRAs are governed by the same IRS contribution limits and distribution rules as regular IRAs — the key difference is what's inside.

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Gold IRA vs. Traditional IRA

Feature	Gold IRA	Traditional IRA
Holdings	Physical gold	Stocks, bonds, funds
Inflation hedge	Strong	Limited
Counterparty risk	None	Yes
Tax treatment	Same	Same
Contribution limits	$7,000 / yr	$7,000 / yr

Account Types

Choose the Gold IRA Right for You

Traditional Gold IRA

Contributions may be tax-deductible. Your gold grows tax-deferred until you take distributions in retirement. Ideal if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket at retirement.

Roth Gold IRA

Funded with after-tax dollars. Your gold grows completely tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are 100% tax-free. Best for those expecting higher future tax rates.

SEP Gold IRA

Designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Contribution limits are significantly higher — up to 25% of compensation or $69,000 in 2026.

Getting Started

Open Your Gold IRA in 4 Steps

1

Contact a Gold IRA Specialist

Call us at 702.250.1730 or request a free info kit online. Your specialist will explain your options with zero pressure or obligation.

2

Open Your Self-Directed IRA

We'll help you establish a self-directed IRA with an IRS-approved custodian. The paperwork takes about 10 minutes to complete.

3

Fund Your Account

Roll over or transfer funds from an existing retirement account — or make a new contribution. Most rollovers complete within 5–7 business days.

4

Purchase IRS-Approved Gold

Select from our curated inventory of IRS-approved gold coins and bars. Your metals are shipped directly to an approved depository and insured at full value.

Common Questions

Gold IRA FAQ

What is the minimum investment for a Gold IRA?

Universal Gold Group's minimum investment is $10,000. However, most clients roll over significantly larger balances from existing retirement accounts. There is no maximum — you're limited only by IRS annual contribution limits for new money.

Which gold coins and bars are allowed in an IRA?

The IRS requires gold to be at least 99.5% pure. Approved products include the American Gold Eagle (an exception at 91.67% due to its legal tender status), American Gold Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and gold bars from approved refiners like PAMP Suisse and Credit Suisse.

How is my gold stored?

By law, IRA gold cannot be stored at home. Your metals are held at an IRS-approved, fully insured depository such as Delaware Depository or Brink's Global Services. You can choose between segregated storage (your metals kept separately) or commingled storage.

What happens to my Gold IRA when I retire?

At age 59½, you may begin taking distributions without penalty. You can receive an in-kind distribution (physical delivery of your metals), sell your metals and take cash, or continue holding your Gold IRA. Required Minimum Distributions begin at age 73 for Traditional Gold IRAs.

Are there any tax advantages to a Gold IRA?

Yes. Traditional Gold IRA contributions may be tax-deductible, and your gold grows tax-deferred. With a Roth Gold IRA, qualified withdrawals are 100% tax-free. The tax treatment mirrors that of conventional IRAs — the only difference is the underlying asset.

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