Retirement Accounts
Precious Metals IRAs
A self-directed IRA can hold eligible physical gold and silver alongside more familiar retirement assets. Here is how the account works, who is involved, and what to consider before you decide.
The Basics
What a self-directed precious-metals IRA is
A self-directed IRA is an individual retirement account that permits a broader range of assets than a typical brokerage IRA, including physical precious metals that meet IRS fineness standards. The account itself follows the same contribution, distribution, and reporting rules as any other IRA of its type.
The key structural difference is custody. Metals held inside a retirement account cannot be kept at home or in a personal safe while they remain in the account. They are purchased by the account and delivered to an approved depository, which holds them on the account's behalf.
Who does what
Aurum Wealth Group
Provides education, helps you compare eligible products, and coordinates the paperwork between parties. We are not the custodian and we do not hold your metals or your funds.
The IRA custodian
An independent, regulated company that opens and administers the self-directed account, processes transfers, holds the account records, and reports to the IRS.
The depository
An independent, insured storage facility that receives and holds the physical metals on behalf of the account, with periodic reporting and audits.
Eligibility
Accounts that may be eligible to move
Eligibility depends on your plan's rules and your employment status. Your plan administrator can confirm what applies to you.
- Traditional IRA
- Roth IRA
- SEP IRA
- SIMPLE IRA
- 401(k) from a former employer
- 403(b)
- 457(b)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Certain pension and profit-sharing plans
Funding
Transfers and rollovers
A direct transfer moves funds from one custodian to another without the money passing through your hands. It is the most common approach and is generally not treated as a distribution.
A rollover typically involves funds being distributed to you and redeposited within the allowed window. Rollovers carry timing requirements and potential tax consequences if handled incorrectly.
Aurum Wealth Group does not provide tax advice. Please review your circumstances with a qualified tax professional before moving retirement funds.
Custody
Storage and depositories
Metals in a retirement account are held at an independent, insured depository selected in coordination with your custodian.
- Segregated storage keeps your specific items separated and identified as belonging to your account.
- Commingled storage holds like items together while your ownership of a specific quantity and type is recorded.
- Insurance and audits are maintained by the depository; your custodian can provide the current documentation.
- Annual fees apply for custody and storage and vary by provider, account size, and storage type.
Balance
Risks and considerations
- Metal prices fluctuate and can decline, sometimes for extended periods.
- Metals do not pay interest or dividends.
- Custody and storage costs continue for as long as the account is held.
- Buy and sell prices differ; the spread affects what you would receive on a sale.
- Taking personal possession while metals remain in the account is generally treated as a distribution.
Next Step
Have questions about your retirement account?
We will explain what may be eligible, what it costs, and what to weigh — with no obligation to proceed.