Gold IRA Custodians: What Are They, and What Do They Do?

One of the most common questions we hear about Gold IRAs and other precious metal investments is where the materials go after you purchase them. As it turns out, gold you buy as part of a self-directed Gold IRA cannot remain with you. Instead, this gold (or other precious metals) must be placed in the hands of a trusted company called a Gold IRA custodian. 

While you may prefer the idea of holding onto your precious metals for safekeeping, there are plenty of reasons Gold IRA custodians are necessary. In addition to being an IRS requirement, they also provide critical security for your investment.  

Let’s look at what Gold IRA custodians do and how you can select the best one for your needs. 

What Is a Gold IRA Custodian?

Gold IRA custodians are specialized financial institutions responsible for holding and safeguarding physical precious metals in a Gold IRA. A custodian ensures all IRS-approved precious metals—including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—are stored according to federal regulations. 

Gold IRA custodians play a critical role in managing paperwork and transactions associated with the purchase, sale, and transference of assets within the IRA. This ensures compliance with tax laws and offers investors a secure way to diversify their retirement portfolios with precious metals. 

What Do Gold IRA Custodians Do?

Gold IRA custodians’ pivotal role in managing and securing Gold IRAs goes beyond simply holding precious metals. They also ensure all assets within the IRA meet IRS regulations. That includes overseeing their storage in approved depositories. Their management of paperwork and IRS reporting requirements provides a seamless experience for investors who want to include precious metals in retirement portfolios. 

While they’re instrumental in the operational side of managing precious metals IRAs, Gold IRA custodians don’t do certain things. They won’t (and can’t) offer investment advice or recommend specific metals to purchase. They also won’t assess the value or the potential returns of precious metals within the IRA. Their function is purely compliance- and security-focused, not to act as financial advisors or market analysts. 

Is a Gold IRA Company and a Gold IRA Custodian the Same Thing?

Some might use Gold IRA custodians and Gold IRA companies as interchangeable terms, but they’re not the same thing. 

A Gold IRA custodian is an IRS-approved entity that holds the assets in your self-directed IRA. 

A Gold IRA company typically refers to a business that sells gold products and helps customers with the initial setup of their precious metals IRA. This work typically involves connecting investors with custodians and facilitating the proper paperwork to open the account and purchase those assets. 

How to Choose a Gold IRA Custodian

As you look for a Gold IRA custodian, consider several factors to make sure your retirement investments are both secure and managed efficiently. Some key points include:  

• Reputation: Research the custodian’s track record and reputation within the industry. Seek out reviews and testimonials—good and bad—from former and current clients. This will help gauge the reliability and quality of services. 
• Security: Make sure the custodian has plenty of security measures in place to store precious metals. That includes choosing IRS-approved depositories with state-of-the-art security features. 

• Accessibility: Think about how easy it will be to access your account and assets. Good custodians should offer online account access and transparent reporting for your investments. 
• Fees: A good IRA custodian will be transparent about the fees involved in managing your account. This includes setup fees, annual storage fees, and any transaction fees. As you compare pricing among different custodians, you’ll likely find a cost-effective option. 
• Experience: Seek IRA custodians with extensive experience handling IRAs and other precious metals investments. An experienced custodian is more likely to provide knowledgeable, efficient service. 
• Compliance: The custodian should be well-versed in IRS regulations and committed to maintaining compliance to protect your investment. 
• Customer service: Good customer service involves addressing any questions or concerns you have in a prompt, transparent manner. Choose one that is responsive and offers personalized support. 
• Educational resources: Some custodians offer educational materials or resources to help you understand precious metals investment and all its nuances. This is invaluable for making informed decisions. 

Gold IRA companies typically work with trusted custodians and can help narrow down your choices. In many cases, there is a longstanding relationship between the Gold IRA company and custodians that can help simplify the process of moving your investments into precious metals. 

Common Gold IRA Custodians

Among Gold IRA custodians, several names stand out due to their reputation, experience, and the comprehensive services they offer. Some of the most common and highly regarded Gold IRA custodians include the following firms: 

• Equity Trust 
• STRATA Trust Company 
• GoldStar Trust Company 
• New Direction Trust Company 
• The Entrust Group 

Among these custodians, Equity Trust and STRATA Trust Company stand out as Advantage Gold partners and are among the most popular in the industry. 

Gold IRA Custodian FAQs

Can You Switch Gold Custodians?

If you find another custodian that better suits your needs or offers more competitive fees, you can switch. The process typically involves setting up a new IRA with the new custodian and executing a rollover of your assets from the old one to the new one. It’s important to ensure this process is performed correctly to avoid any tax penalties. 

Do Custodians Insure Your Gold?

Most reputable Gold IRA custodians ensure that the precious metals stored on behalf of their clients are fully insured. The insurance covers risks like theft or physical damage while the metals are in an IRS-approved depository’s custody. That said, always confirm the details and extent of your custodian’s insurance coverage before they take possession of the gold. 

Can I Store My Gold at Home?

While you may feel more comfortable storing your gold at home, IRS rules for self-directed IRAs require storing precious metals at an IRS-approved depository to maintain the IRA’s tax-advantaged status. Therefore, storing gold or other precious metals at home isn’t allowed. If you try to do it, you could incur massive penalties and taxes, which ultimately negate your IRA’s tax benefits. 

Do Custodians Allow You to See Your Precious Metals?

Most custodians will allow you to see your precious metals under specific conditions. You must view them at the depository where they’re stored. You’ll also need to arrange the visit in advance. Some custodians and depositories may offer digital viewing options like photos or videos as an alternative to physical visits. 

Need Help Selecting a Custodian for Your Gold IRA?

Selecting a custodian for your Gold IRA isn’t a hard decision, but it is one that requires some forethought. If you’re having trouble narrowing down your options, consider partnering with Advantage Gold to manage your Gold IRA. We can help you find a custodian that meets your unique needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about gold custodian requirements and benefits or to answer any other questions about Gold IRAs you might have.