Augusta Precious Metals
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
Augusta Precious Metals is a well-established company specializing in gold and silver investments, with a strong focus on Gold and Silver IRAs.
Augusta assists customers in setting up a self-directed IRA, helping with the paperwork and ensuring a smooth rollover from an existing retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA.
Once the account is funded, investors can choose from a selection of IRS-approved gold and silver products, including coins and bars.
Also, there is a direct purchase of precious metals for investors looking for physical gold.
- Transparent Fee Structure
- High Customer Satisfaction Ratings
- Buyback Program
- Expert Educational Resources
- Secure Storage Options
- High Minimum Investment
- No Online Pricing
- Limited International Support
- No Mobile App
- No Online Account Management
What types of accounts can be rolled over into a Gold IRA?
You can roll over 401(k), 403(b), TSP, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs, as long as they are eligible under IRS rules.
How long does the IRA rollover process take?
The rollover process typically takes 5-10 business days, depending on how quickly your current custodian processes the transfer.
Can I visit the depository where my gold is stored?
Most IRS-approved depositories allow in-person visits, but you must schedule an appointment in advance through Augusta or your custodian.
What happens if Augusta goes out of business?
Your gold and silver remain in the depository under your name, independent of Augusta, ensuring your assets are protected.
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 |
Great Reputation & Top Ratings from Customers
Augusta Precious Metals has consistently received high customer ratings on platforms such as Trustpilot, and the BBB, earning recognition as a highly rated gold and silver dealer over the years.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.8 (136 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2015 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.9 (147 reviews) |
Google Reviews | N/A |
Most customers praise Augusta Precious Metals for its exceptional customer service, one-on-one web conferences, educational resources, and transparent process.
On the other hand, the most common complaints revolve around the high minimum investment requirement ($50,000).
Augusta Gold IRA Services Explained
Augusta Precious Metals specializes in gold IRAs, providing a streamlined process for investors looking to diversify their retirement savings with physical gold.
Their services stand out due to transparency, customer education, and lifetime support. Here’s what they offer:
Simplified Gold IRA Setup – Augusta helps customers open and fund a self-directed IRA, guiding them through paperwork and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. They assist in rolling over funds from 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRAs.
Wide Selection of IRA-Eligible Gold – Investors can choose from a variety of IRS-approved gold coins and bars, including American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and other premium selections.
Secure Storage Options – Augusta partners with IRS-approved depositories across the U.S., ensuring your gold is stored in a highly secure facility. Options include locations in Los Angeles, New York, Delaware, and Utah.
Lifetime Support & Market Education – Augusta provides ongoing customer service, investment education, and market updates. Investors also get access to free web conferences led by a Harvard-trained economist.
Transparent Pricing & Buyback Guarantee – While Augusta does not display prices online, they offer competitive pricing with no hidden fees. They also provide a buyback program, making it easier to sell gold when needed.
Augusta’s Selection of Gold & Silver
Augusta Precious Metals offers a solid selection of gold and silver products, whether you’re investing through an IRA or making a direct purchase.
Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer:
- Gold Products – Augusta provides a variety of gold coins and bars that are IRA-eligible, including American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and American Buffalos. These are government-minted, ensuring authenticity and high purity (99.5% or higher).
- Silver Products – Investors can choose from silver coins and bars, such as American Silver Eagles and Canadian Silver Maple Leafs. Silver is often more affordable than gold, making it a popular option for those looking to diversify.
- Premium & Collectible Coins – Augusta also offers special edition and proof coins, which can carry higher value due to limited mintage and collector demand. These are ideal for investors looking beyond standard bullion.
All metals are shipped securely to an IRS-approved storage facility or, for direct buyers, delivered straight to your door with free shipping.
Secure Storage Options for Your Gold IRA
Augusta Precious Metals takes storage and security seriously.
While physical gold provides stability, storage and liquidity considerations are key factors to evaluate.
When purchasing metals through a Gold or Silver IRA, Augusta ships them directly to one of these facilities for safe, compliant storage.
- Trusted Depository Locations – Augusta partners with reputable facilities in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Wilmington, New Castle, Jackson, Springfield Gardens, and Mississauga (Canada).
- IRS-Approved Vaults – These depositories meet strict government regulations, ensuring compliance with IRA rules.
- Fully Insured & Secure – Metals are stored in high-security vaults, with round-the-clock surveillance, insurance coverage, and protection against theft or damage.
For non-IRA investors, Augusta offers free, insured home delivery
Augusta’s Fees: What It Really Costs
Augusta Precious Metals keeps its fees simple and transparent. Here's a table that summarize them:
Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
Custodian Application Fee (One-Time)
| $50
|
Annual Custodian Fee
| $100
|
Annual Storage Fee
| $100
|
First Year Total Fees
| $250
|
Annual Fees After First Year
| $200
|
However, Augusta does not list product prices online—customers must call to get the latest rates.
Does Augusta Accept Credit Cards or Crypto?
Augusta Precious Metals accepts bank wire transfers and checks for purchases but does not accept credit cards or cryptocurrency payments:
- Bank Wires – Faster transaction processing, ideal for IRA rollovers or large purchases.
- Checks – Accepted for direct purchases, but processing may take longer.
- No Crypto or Credit Card Payments – Unlike some competitors, Augusta doesn’t accept Bitcoin or card payments due to security and volatility concerns.
However, they do provide real-time market updates, so customers can track gold and silver prices before making a purchase.
How Augusta’s Buyback Program Works
One of the standout features Augusta Precious Metals offers is its buyback guarantee, giving investors peace of mind if they ever decide to sell their gold or silver.
- No obligation to sell back, but Augusta provides the option.
- Prices are based on real-time market rates.
- A smoother, hassle-free selling process compared to finding a private buyer.
This feature is particularly useful for investors who may want to liquidate their metals later without worrying about how to offload them or dealing with lowball offers from third parties.
Free Educational Resources & Web Conferences
Augusta goes beyond just selling gold and silver—they prioritize educating investors. They offer a free one-on-one web conference hosted by a Harvard-trained economist, which covers:
- How gold and silver can hedge against inflation.
- How to avoid gold IRA scams.
- The role of precious metals in retirement planning.
Additionally, they provide market updates, a video library, and weekly reports, so investors can stay informed before making investment decisions.
How to Use Augusta’s Online Features
Augusta Precious Metals provides a smooth user experience with a well-designed website that’s easy to navigate.
The site focuses on education-first, offering market updates, a video library, and scam awareness tips to help investors make informed decisions.
One of the standout features is the free web conference, where investors can learn directly from a Harvard-trained economist about gold IRAs, economic trends, and investment strategies. There’s also a free investment kit available for download.
However, Augusta doesn’t display prices online, requiring users to call for product pricing.
Additionally, they don’t offer a mobile app or an online account management portal—everything is handled via phone and email.
Augusta’s Customer Service: What to Expect
Augusta Precious Metals offers top-tier customer service, ensuring investors get continuous support before, during, and after their investment.
Their team is available via phone, email, and live chat, and every investor is assigned a dedicated success agent for personalized assistance.
Contact Option | Details |
|---|---|
Phone Support | (1-800-700-1008) |
Email Support | info@augustapreciousmetals.com |
Live Chat | Available on the website |
Availability | 7 AM – 4 PM (Weekdays) |
One standout feature is Augusta’s free one-on-one web conference, where customers can learn about gold IRAs and market trends.
Pros & Cons
Below is a breakdown of the key pros and cons when choosing Augusta Precious Metals:
- Transparent Fee Structure
Augusta clearly outlines its IRA fees ($250 for the first year, then $200 annually), with no hidden costs. They also cover shipping and liability insurance.
- High Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Augusta maintains top ratings across major review platforms (BBB, TrustPilot, Consumer Affairs) with minimal customer complaints.
- Buyback Program
Augusta offers a hassle-free buyback option, allowing investors to sell their metals back at market-based pricing, making liquidation easier.
- Expert Educational Resources
Augusta offers free one-on-one web conferences with a Harvard-trained economist, a comprehensive video library, and market updates to help investors make informed decisions.
- Secure Storage Options
The company partners with IRS-approved depositories in multiple U.S. locations, ensuring safe and compliant storage for gold IRAs.
- High Minimum Investment
Augusta requires a $50,000 minimum investment, making it inaccessible for smaller investors looking to start with lower amounts.
- No Online Pricing
Investors must call for product prices, which can be inconvenient compared to competitors that provide real-time pricing on their websites.
- Limited International Support
Augusta only ships to U.S. customers, with one depository option in Canada, limiting global investors’ access.
- No Mobile App
The company does not offer a mobile application, so customers must manage their accounts via phone, email, or live chat.
- No Online Account Management
While Augusta provides excellent support, there is no self-service online portal, meaning investors must rely on phone or email for account updates.
Getting Started with Augusta Precious Metals
Whether you're interested in finding a Gold IRA company or purchasing physical precious metals, Augusta provides a straightforward way to get started.
Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the process.
-
Investing in a Gold IRA
A gold IRA allows you to hold physical gold within a tax-advantaged retirement account. Augusta makes the process simple:
- Open a Self-Directed IRA – Contact Augusta’s team to set up an IRS-approved self-directed IRA through a trusted custodian. They help with all necessary paperwork.
- Transfer or Rollover Funds – You can transfer funds from an existing retirement account (401(k), 403(b), Roth IRA, etc.) into your new gold IRA. Augusta’s team assists with completing the documentation.
- Choose Your Gold – Once your account is funded, you’ll select from Augusta’s list of IRS-approved gold coins and bars. Their specialists guide you based on your investment goals.
- Secure Storage – Augusta ships your metals directly to an IRS-approved depository, ensuring full compliance with IRA regulations. Your gold is securely stored until retirement.
-
Buying Physical Gold & Silver
If you want to buy gold or silver directly instead of an IRA, Augusta makes it easy:
- Browse & Select Metals – Choose from gold and silver coins or bars available for direct purchase.
- Confirm Your Order – Call Augusta’s order desk to confirm pricing and complete the transaction.
- Secure Payment – Payments are accepted via bank wire or check (credit cards and cryptocurrency are not supported).
- Insured Home Delivery – Augusta ships your metals discreetly and fully insured to your doorstep at no extra cost.
FAQ
Yes, Augusta has been in business since 2012, is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, and holds a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA).
Yes, if you already have a Gold IRA with another company, Augusta can assist in transferring it to their custodian partner.
No, Augusta only offers IRS-approved, full-sized gold and silver coins and bars that meet purity requirements.
For non-IRA purchases, Augusta provides fully insured, discreetly packaged, and free shipping to your designated address.
Once you confirm your purchase over the phone, Augusta locks in the price based on the market rate at that time, protecting you from fluctuations.
For direct purchases, metals typically ship within 7-10 business days. IRA purchases are sent to a depository in the same timeframe.
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.
