A gold IRA rollover moves eligible retirement money into a self-directed IRA that can hold qualifying metal. First confirm that the money can leave your current account, then arrange payment to the receiving custodian. Buying the gold comes afterward.
Ask the employer plan to pay the receiving IRA directly. The mandatory withholding for a payment to you does not apply to this direct route. [1]
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How do I roll over to a gold IRA?
Confirm your current account permits an eligible move, open a compatible self-directed IRA, and arrange payment to the receiving custodian. Review the metal purchase separately, including custody and all costs; keeping your existing account is also an option. Start with your account or the rule you need to check below.
Which route fits the account you have?
Your current account determines the starting instructions. An eligible employer-plan payment can use a direct rollover, while an existing IRA usually uses a trustee transfer. For TSP money, confirm the available distribution and payment instructions directly with the TSP. [1] [2]
Also check the tax label on each balance. A pre-tax balance and a designated Roth balance may need different receiving accounts. If a statement mixes the two, ask the administrator to identify each part in writing before requesting a payment.
How do you complete a gold IRA rollover?
Work through five handoffs: eligibility, the receiving account, payment instructions, the metal order, and final records. Treat a company’s help with paperwork as assistance; the old plan and the new custodian still need to accept the instructions.
- Check what can leave
Ask your current administrator about an eligible distribution, plan benefits and any exit charge.
- Set up the receiving IRA
Identify the actual custodian, tax type, charges and accepted storage arrangements.
- Arrange the direct payment
Obtain the new custodian’s payee wording and give it to the old institution. Keep a copy.
- Review the metal order
Check the exact product, total invoice, dealer margin and current repurchase bid before authorizing a trade.
- Reconcile the records
Match the payment, purchase confirmation and custody statement. Keep the tax forms for your return.
RMDs, employer-plan hardship payments and certain other distributions cannot be rolled over. Ask the payer to confirm which part of your proposed payment is eligible before it leaves the plan. [1] The IRS rollover overview explains the permitted payment routes. Use the printable rollover checklist to record who is responsible at each handoff.
Where does the money go before it becomes gold?
The receiving IRA gets the retirement money before an authorized purchase is completed. A dealer sells metal; the IRA custodian administers the account; a depository holds the metal under the custody arrangement. One company name does not answer all three questions. [3]
- 01Old retirement accountEligible money leaves the old plan or IRA.
- 02Self-directed IRA custodianThe receiving IRA holds the funds.
- 03Metal purchaseYou direct a dealer purchase through the IRA.
- 04Custodial depositoryEligible metal is held under the trustee’s storage arrangements.
Gold held in an IRA must fit the statutory coins or bullion exception. Qualifying bullion must be in the physical possession of an eligible trustee. Confirm the custodian's accepted metal and storage arrangements before purchase. [3] Ask who signs each agreement, who sends the statement and who can answer a missing-payment question.
Can you avoid receiving the money yourself?
Yes—ask for an institution-to-institution payment where the transaction permits it. That removes the need to receive a personal distribution and then redeposit it. [2]
For an existing IRA, request payment from the old trustee to the new trustee. A trustee-to-trustee transfer avoids withholding and is outside the IRA rollover frequency limit. [2]
Read direct vs indirect rollover for employer-plan money, Compare rollovers and trustee transfers for existing IRAs, and the 60-day rule for money paid to you before approving a distribution form. An eligible rollover is separate from a new annual IRA contribution. The annual contribution ceiling does not cap an otherwise eligible rollover. [5]
Which companies can you compare for a rollover?
This guide compares Goldco first and Augusta second because those are our two affiliate partners. Goldco’s first position is paid placement. The table is a starting point for questions about published terms, not evidence that either company is the right choice for you.
Scroll sideways to compare both companies →
| What to check | 01GoldcoFirst position is paid | 02Augusta Precious MetalsSecondary affiliate partner |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover / purchase minimum | $25,000 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source | $50,000 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source |
| Account opening | $50 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source | $50 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source |
| Annual administration | $125 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source | $125 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source |
| Standard annual storage | $110 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source | $110 Checked 2026-10-29 · Source |
| Published dealer spread | Not published Checked 2026-10-29 | Not published Checked 2026-10-29 |
Goldco pays for qualifying inquiries and purchases; its first placement is paid. Payment details.
Our rollover company comparison adds custodian, storage, buyback and recorded complaint or legal information. We have not opened a customer account or tested either service.
When is staying put the better choice?
Staying in your current plan may be better when its costs, investment options or withdrawal features meet your needs. A move needs a reason beyond a dealer’s willingness to handle the forms.
Gold can fall in price and pays no income. Dealer pricing, custody and storage add costs; FINRA says self-directed IRA fees are typically higher than directed-IRA fees. A rollover is not right for everyone. [4] Request the full purchase price and a same-day repurchase quote for the exact metal. The gap is a cost of entering and leaving the position; a low account fee does not remove it. [4]
Compare the fee layers and processing stages with your current account. A tax professional can help check a conversion or distribution; an adviser who is not selling the metal can help assess whether the allocation fits your circumstances.
What else should you check?
Check the account-specific rule and the conditions in each answer before approving a payment.
How do I roll over to a gold IRA?
Confirm eligibility, open a compatible self-directed IRA, arrange payment to its custodian, and separately approve any eligible metal purchase. [1] [3] Use the account guides above for the starting checks.
How do you avoid taxes on a rollover IRA?
A permitted same-tax-type rollover can preserve tax deferral, while moving pre-tax money to Roth can create tax. Request direct payment to avoid mandatory withholding on an eligible employer-plan rollover. [1] Check the payment route before approving the distribution.
What are the disadvantages of a gold IRA rollover?
Gold can fall in price and pays no income; dealer pricing, custody and storage add costs. [4] A move can also give up current-plan features, so compare the existing account’s terms before authorizing anything.
Can I just leave my money in the existing retirement account?
Keeping the account may be better if its costs, withdrawal terms and investment mix meet your needs. Ask your provider about its current terms; a dealer’s willingness to assist with a rollover is not a reason by itself to move.
Which sources support this guide?
Rule sources checked November 2, 2026; access dates are shown below. Company records carry their own checked dates beside the figures.
- IRS Topic 413: rolloversAccessed 2026-11-02.
- IRS: retirement plan and IRA rolloversAccessed 2026-11-02.
- 26 USC 408(m): coins, bullion and trustee possessionAccessed 2026-11-02.
- FINRA/CFTC: questions before buying physical metalsAccessed 2026-11-02.
- IRS Publication 590-A: IRA contributions and rolloversAccessed 2026-11-02.
Change log · November 2, 2026
Updated the hub to the keyword research plan, put all guide links immediately after the short answer, and separated account, payment, deadline and investment decisions.
Pre-launch check: metadata, answer order, link wording and publication dates reviewed. Release state: pre-launch; no production baseline.
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Choose the next guide for the decision in front of you.