American Hartford Gold
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
American Hartford Gold (AHG) is a leading precious metals dealer based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2015, the company specializes in helping individuals invest in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, either through direct purchases or within a self-directed Gold IRA.
For those looking to diversify their retirement savings, AHG makes it easy to roll over funds from existing 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts into a Gold IRA.
If you prefer direct ownership of precious metals, AHG also offers cash purchases, allowing you to buy gold and silver bars or coins and have them securely shipped to your home.
American Hartford Gold minimum investments are reasonable – $10,000 for a Gold IRA and $5,000 for cash purchases and its customer ratings are very good on most platforms.
- Excellent Ratings
- Low Minimum Investment
- Buyback Guarantee with No Fees
- Free Shipping
- Personalized Customer Support
- No Online Pricing
- No Mobile App or Online Dashboard
- No International Shipping
- No Cryptocurrency Payment Option
Can I visit my stored gold in the depository?
Yes, but you’ll need to schedule an appointment with the depository where your metals are stored (Brinks or Delaware Depository). Access is limited for security reasons.
Can I transfer my existing Gold IRA from another company to AHG?
Yes, AHG allows IRA-to-IRA transfers and handles the rollover process to ensure a smooth transition with no tax penalties.
Are there any hidden fees with American Hartford Gold?
AHG does not disclose all fees upfront on its website, so it's important to ask about potential charges when speaking with a representative.
Products | Services | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Gold IRA Accounts | Transparent Pricing | ||
Silver IRA Accounts | Storage Options | ||
Direct Purchase | Free Shipping | ||
Buy Metals Online | International Shipping | ||
Physical Delivery | Mobile App | ||
Price Match Guarantee | Cryptocurrency Payment | ||
Buyback Guarantee | Live Chat |
Strong Reputation & Ratings Data
Over the years, American Hartford Gold has earned a reputation for strong customer service with high ratings from platforms like BBB and Trustpilot:
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.7 (1,373 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2016 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.6 (891 reviews) |
Positive reviews often highlight American Hartford Gold's knowledgeable and professional staff, who guide clients through the investment process with clarity and patience.
On the other hand, some negative feedback centers on concerns about transparency in fees and commissions.
How American Hartford Gold Handles Gold IRAs
American Hartford Gold makes it straightforward to invest in a Gold IRA, helping you protect your retirement savings with physical gold and silver. Here’s what they offer:
- Simple Rollovers & Transfers – You can roll over funds from an existing 401(k), IRA, 403(b), 457, or Thrift Savings Plan without penalties or tax consequences. Their team handles the process for you.
- Low Minimum Investment – You can start a Gold IRA with as little as $10,000, which is lower than many competitors.
- Wide Selection of IRS-Approved Metals – AHG offers a variety of gold and silver coins and bars that meet IRS purity standards for retirement accounts.
- Secure Storage Options – Your metals are safely stored in IRS-approved depositories, including Brinks and Delaware Depository, ensuring compliance and security.
- No Buyback Fees – If you ever need to sell your gold, AHG offers a buyback program without additional fees.
- Tax Advantages – Since a Gold IRA is a self-directed IRA, your investments grow tax-deferred, just like a traditional retirement account.
AHG’s dedicated specialists guide you through the process, making it a great option for investors who want to diversify their retirement savings with physical gold and silver.
Coins, Bars & More – What You Can Buy
American Hartford Gold offers a wide selection of precious metal products, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.
These metals are available for both Gold IRAs and direct purchase, giving investors flexibility in how they acquire and store their assets. Below is a breakdown of their offerings:
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Gold Products
AHG offers gold coins and bars for IRAs and direct investment. Top picks include the Gold American Eagle (U.S. Mint-backed) and the Gold American Buffalo (99.99% pure).
The Gold Canadian Maple Leaf and Austrian Philharmonic are globally recognized, while the St. Helena Boston Tea Party Coin appeals to collectors.
Gold bars (1 oz to 100 oz) provide a lower-cost alternative
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Silver Products
Silver options include IRA-approved coins and bars.
The Silver American Eagle is the U.S. Mint’s official bullion, while the Silver Canadian Maple Leaf and Austrian Philharmonic are known for purity and liquidity.
Investors looking for secure and competitive silver purchasing options will find American Hartford Gold a top choice.
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Platinum & Palladium Products
For diversification, AHG offers platinum and palladium coins.
The Platinum American Eagle is IRA-approved, while the Platinum and Palladium Canadian Maple Leaf coins are high-purity, trusted investments worldwide.
American Hartford Gold Storage: Is It Secure?
American Hartford Gold provides secure, IRS-approved storage for investors who hold a Gold IRA. Since IRS regulations prohibit home storage for IRAs, AHG partners with trusted depositories to ensure the highest level of protection.
Storage Options:
- Brinks Global Services – A world-renowned security firm with high-tech vaults and 24/7 monitoring.
- Delaware Depository – One of the largest and most trusted U.S. depositories, offering $1 billion in all-risk insurance coverage through Lloyd’s of London.
- Multiple Locations – Investors can choose storage facilities in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, or Wilmington, Delaware.
- Commingled or Segregated Storage – Choose between storing metals with others (commingled) or in a separate vault (segregated).
For direct purchases, AHG offers insured, free shipping to your home via FedEx, UPS, or USPS. Packages are discreetly labeled to protect privacy.
American Hartford Gold’s Fees & Pricing Structure
American Hartford Gold offers competitive pricing but does not list exact prices for gold and silver products online.
Customers must call a representative to get real-time pricing. The company does, however, have standard fees for its Gold IRA services, including account setup, storage, and custodial fees.
Investors can qualify for fee waivers based on the size of their investment:
- Over $50,000: First-year IRA fees waived
- Over $100,000: Up to three years of IRA fees waived
Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $230 |
Annual Storage & Maintenance Fee | $200 – $280 |
Shipping Fee | Free |
Price Match Guarantee
American Hartford Gold stands by its pricing and offers a lowest price guarantee.
If you find a competitor offering a lower price for the same precious metal product, AHG will match it. This ensures that investors get the best possible deal on their gold and silver purchases.
However, the company does not publish live prices online, so customers must call a representative to get real-time pricing and availability.
Website Navigation & Buying Process: What to Expect
American Hartford Gold’s website is clean and easy to navigate, but it lacks some key details, such as live pricing for gold and silver.
Instead, users must call a representative for product prices, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer to compare rates online.
The site does offer educational resources, including a free Gold IRA guide, market news, and investment insights.
However, there’s no mobile app, which could make it easier for investors to manage their accounts on the go.
Promotional Offers & Fee Waivers
AHG frequently runs special promotions for new investors, including:
- Up to $15,000 in Free Silver – For qualifying Gold IRA accounts.
- Fee Waivers for Large Investments – If you invest over $50,000, AHG waives IRA setup, insurance, and storage fees for the first year. For investments over $100,000, they waive fees for up to three years.
However, the special offers change from time to time, so makes sure to check it when talking to the American Hartford Gold representative.
Does American Hartford Gold Buy Back Your Gold?
American Hartford Gold offers a buyback commitment, allowing investors to sell their precious metals back to the company when they’re ready to liquidate. The process is straightforward—investors contact AHG, receive a price quote, and ship their metals using insured packaging provided by AHG.
For IRA investors, liquidation is simple—funds from the sale can be transferred directly back into their retirement account or distributed as cash.
One major benefit is that AHG does not charge buyback fees, making it easier to cash out when needed. However, the buyback price depends on market conditions, and there’s no guarantee of a fixed price.
Also, AHG does not provide an online selling platform, meaning investors must call a representative to initiate the process.
American Hartford Gold’s Customer Service: What to Expect
American Hartford Gold is known for responsive and knowledgeable customer support, offering multiple ways for investors to get assistance.
Customers can reach AHG via phone and email for inquiries about pricing, account setup, rollovers, and buyback options.
A standout feature is their one-on-one consultations with a dedicated specialist, ensuring a smooth and informed investment process.
Contact Option | Details |
|---|---|
Phone Support | 800-462-0071 |
Email Support | info@hgoldgroup.com |
Hours Of Operation | Monday to Friday – 6:00am to 5:00pm PST Saturday – 6:00am to 4:00pm PST |
Pros & Cons
While the company offers several strong features, there are also some considerations to keep in mind.
Below is a breakdown of what works well and what could be improved.
- Excellent Ratings
The company has an A+ rating with the BBB and thousands of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, showing a strong reputation for reliability and customer service.
- Low Minimum Investment
You can start a Gold IRA with just $10,000 or buy physical gold with a minimum of $5,000, which is lower than many competitors.
- Buyback Guarantee with No Fees
AHG offers a buyback program that lets you sell your metals back to the company without extra charges, making liquidation easier.
- Free Shipping
AHG offers free, insured shipping for direct purchases, ensuring safe and discreet delivery.
- Personalized Customer Support
AHG provides one-on-one consultations with specialists to guide you through Gold IRAs, rollovers, and direct purchases.
- No Online Pricing
Unlike some competitors, AHG does not display live metal prices online, requiring a phone call for quotes.
- No Mobile App or Online Dashboard
Investors can’t track their holdings online, as there’s no app or digital account access.
- No International Shipping
AHG only ships within the U.S., so international investors must look elsewhere.
- No Cryptocurrency Payment Option
If you’re looking to buy gold with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, AHG does not support crypto payments.
Getting Started with American Hartford Gold
Investing with American Hartford Gold is a straightforward process, whether you're interested in setting up a Gold IRA or purchasing physical precious metals. Here's a step-by-step guide for both:
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Setting Up a Gold IRA
Investing in a Gold IRA with American Hartford Gold is a simple process, and their team guides you every step of the way. Here’s how it works:
- Open an Account – Contact AHG to set up a self-directed IRA. A representative will walk you through the application process, and you’ll complete the paperwork via DocuSign.
- Fund Your IRA – You can roll over an existing 401(k), IRA, or another retirement account without penalties or tax consequences. AHG coordinates with your current custodian to transfer funds.
- Select Your Metals – Once your IRA is funded, you’ll choose from IRS-approved gold and silver bars or coins. An AHG specialist can help you pick the right mix for your portfolio.
- Secure Storage – Your metals are shipped to an IRS-approved depository (Brinks or Delaware Depository), where they are fully insured and securely stored.
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Buying Physical Gold & Silver
If you prefer to own gold and silver directly, AHG makes it easy to buy and receive physical metals at your doorstep.
- Contact AHG for Pricing – Since they don’t list prices online, you’ll need to call a representative to get the latest rates.
- Choose Your Metals – Select from gold, silver, platinum, or palladium bars and coins based on your investment goals.
- Make Your Purchase – AHG requires a minimum investment of $5,000 for direct purchases. Payments can be made via wire transfer or check (no crypto payments available).
- Secure Shipping – Your metals are shipped via insured FedEx, UPS, or USPS in a discreet package to protect privacy. Shipping is free on qualifying orders.
- Optional Buyback Program – If you ever want to sell your metals, AHG offers a hassle-free buyback program with no extra fees.
FAQ
The process typically takes 3 to 10 business days, depending on how quickly your current retirement custodian processes the transfer. AHG’s team helps streamline the paperwork to speed things up.
No, IRS rules require Gold IRA assets to be stored in an approved depository. However, once you take a distribution, you can have the metals shipped to you or sold for cash.
No, AHG requires full payment upfront via wire transfer, check, or other approved payment methods before processing an order.
No, AHG does not currently offer an auto-investment program, but you can call anytime to make additional purchases or contributions to your Gold IRA.
Review Gold Dealers For Direct Purchase & Gold IRA
How We Rated Gold & Silver Dealers: Review Methodology
At The Smart Investor, we evaluated gold brokers & dealers based on their overall value, pricing transparency, and investment options compared to other leading alternatives. Our hands-on testing focused on key factors that matter most to precious metals investors, including fees, security, product selection, and IRA investment options. Each broker was rated based on the following criteria:
- Pricing & Fees (15%): We prioritized brokers with transparent pricing, low markups on gold and silver, and fair premiums. Some platforms had hidden costs, including storage and liquidation fees.
- User Experience & Buying Process (20%): A smooth, intuitive, and secure buying process scored highest. Some brokers had complex procedures, slow transactions, or unclear order processing.
- Reputation & Ratings (10%): We factored in customer reviews, industry ratings, and regulatory compliance. Highly rated brokers had strong reputations for reliability, trustworthiness, and investor protection. Some had mixed reviews or unresolved complaints.
- Customer Support & Service (15%): We tested response times, availability, and helpfulness of support via phone, chat, and email. The best brokers provided knowledgeable assistance with fast, professional service, while others were slow or unresponsive
- Security & Storage Options (10%): We favored brokers offering secure vault storage, insured holdings, and direct delivery options. Some lacked proper security measures, increasing investment risks.
- IRA & Retirement Investment Options (20%): The best brokers offered Gold & Silver IRA accounts with IRS-approved metals, simple setup, and rollover assistance. Some lacked IRA services or charged high fees.
- Precious Metals Selection (10%): We rated brokers higher if they offered a wide range of gold and silver products, including bullion, coins, and bars. Some had limited selections, restricting investment choices.
