goldco pros and cons

Goldco Pros and Cons 101: 5 Drawbacks to Avoid

As a reader of my website, and someone that landed on this page, I am assuming you know the benefits of a Gold IRA and are deciding which company to go with.

So in this article, I have laid out the Goldco Pros and Cons as well as placed a few links to other IRA providers like Augusta Precious Metals so you can make your most informed decision.

I’ve also layered in a few links with information on other precious metals like palladium and platinum, if you are interested.

This article is definitely in-depth, so if you plan to read it in full expect to spend around 13 minutes to do so.

You may be able to read it a bit faster if you use the charts I have created.

Gold IRAs offer a unique way to diversify your retirement portfolio with physical gold.

Quick Disclaimer:

The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any decisions regarding Precious Metals, investments, or IRAs. Additionally, this article contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.


Another question, I have been asked is, “What Gold IRA companies are the best” or “Which IRA companies are the most trusted?”.

If you’d like more information, below is a link to a comparison PDF by Augusta Precious Metals that could be useful. (It’s also free.)

Augusta Gold IRA Company Integrity Checklist


Pros of Investing with Goldco

Alright, so let’s kick this off.

Goldco has established itself as a reliable choice among investors.

In this section we will look at some of the attractive features and investment options offered by Goldco, in order to help you to understand why it stands out in the market to many investors.

Attractive Features of Goldco

Goldco offers several appealing features that make it a favorable option for those looking to invest in gold-related assets.

Reputation and Credibility: Goldco has a solid reputation in the industry, backed by positive reviews and endorsements from various financial publications.

For a detailed review, check out our Goldco review.

Customer Service: Goldco provides excellent customer support to help clients throughout their investment journey.

They are known for their attentive service and expertise in guiding investors. For any issues, see goldco complaints.

Buyback Guarantee: Goldco offers a buyback guarantee on precious metals, making it easier for investors to sell their assets if needed.

This feature adds an extra layer of security and convenience.

Educational Resources: Goldco offers a wealth of informational resources, including guides and webinars, to help investors make informed decisions about their Gold IRAs.

Compliance and Security: Goldco ensures that all investments comply with IRS regulations, providing peace of mind for investors concerned about adherence to legal standards.

Investment Options Offered

Goldco provides a range of investment options tailored for those interested in diversifying their portfolios with precious metals.

  1. Precious Metals IRA: Goldco’s flagship offering is the Precious Metals IRA. This allows you to include gold and other metals in your retirement portfolio, offering tax benefits and protection against economic uncertainty.

  2. Gold and Silver Coins: Goldco offers a curated selection of gold and silver coins. These coins are IRA-approved and can be included in your portfolio or purchased outright for personal investment. According to Business Insider, the selection includes various unique and historical coins, enhancing the investment value.

For more details on Goldco’s offerings, compare them with investment options offered by Augusta Precious Metals.

  1. Home Storage Options: Goldco also allows customers to purchase gold and have it shipped directly to their homes. This is beneficial for those who prefer to have physical possession of their investments, although it is important to understand the potential risks and compliance requirements (Business Insider).

For additional tips on investing in Gold IRAs, refer to our guide on choosing the right gold type.


Another common question I get asked about sales tactics used by Gold IRA companies is about how silver is leveraged and mentioned.

If you want to learn more, below are two free PDFs by Augusta Precious Metals that break down how to check the integrity of an IRA provider as well as information on how Silver is used as a sales tactic.

Augusta Precious Metals Links:

Someone writing Goldco Pros and Cons

Cons of Investing with Goldco

Investing in a Gold IRA with Goldco comes with its own set of challenges that I have learned about from reading negative reviews of Goldco.

One of the primary cons I have come across is associated to their fees.

Fee Structure

Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with Goldco:

Fee TypeAmount
One-Time Setup Fee$50
Annual Custodian Fee$200 – $250
Minimum Purchase for Direct Buy$15,000

Figures courtesy Business Insider

  1. Setup Fee: Goldco charges a one-time setup fee of $50 to establish your account.
  2. Annual Custodian Fee: The annual fee ranges between $200 and $250, depending on the third-party custodian you choose. This fee covers storage and insurance.
  3. Minimum Purchase Requirement: If you decide to buy gold or silver directly, you need a minimum investment of around $15,000.

The fees and expenses associated with a Gold IRA can impact your returns.

Consider opening a Gold IRA with $25,000 or more to minimize the impact of fees (Goldco).

For more detailed information on fees, you can refer to our comprehensive goldco fees page.

Limitations and Drawbacks

While Goldco offers several attractive features, it also comes with some limitations and drawbacks:

Limited Access to Funds: One significant limitation is that you can’t access your funds as freely as you might with other types of investments. This constraint can be particularly challenging during financial emergencies.

Inability to Store Gold at Home: With Goldco, you are not permitted to store your gold at home. This restriction is in line with IRS regulations but can be a drawback for those who prefer direct control over their assets.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Starting at age 72, you are required to take minimum distributions from your Gold IRA, which could pose a challenge in managing your investments.

Associated Fees: Beyond the annual custodian and setup fees, there are other associated costs, including the commission (spread) on purchases. These fees may accumulate over time, impacting your overall returns.

Minimum Investment Barriers: Goldco requires a minimum purchase of around $15,000 for direct investments in gold or silver. This can be a prohibitive factor for investors with smaller sums.

For additional insights into how Goldco compares with other companies, you might find our goldco vs augusta precious metals section helpful.

We also recommend checking out goldco complaints to see what other users are saying and potentially addressing any concerns you may have.

For a deeper dive into other precious metals IRA providers, consider reading our reviews on birch gold group review and american bullion reviews for a broader perspective.

A female banker comparing the Goldco Pros and Cons

Comparing Goldco with Competitors

When considering Goldco for your Gold IRA needs, it’s essential to understand how they stack up against other providers.

This comparison focuses on custodian fees and investment options.

Custodian Fees Comparison

Custodian fees are a significant factor when evaluating different Gold IRA providers. Here’s how Goldco’s fees compare to some of their competitors.

ProviderOne-time Set-up FeeAnnual Custodian FeeStorage and Insurance
Goldco$50$200 – $250Included
Augusta Precious Metals$50$80 – $250Included
American Hartford Gold$50$75 – $180Included
Birch Gold Group$50$180Included
  • Goldco: Charges a one-time set-up fee of $50 and between $200 and $250 per year for the custodian fee, which includes storage and insurance (Business Insider).
  • Augusta Precious Metals: Fees range from $80 to $250 annually, with a $50 set-up fee.
  • American Hartford Gold: Fees range between $75 and $180 per year, also including a $50 set-up fee.
  • Birch Gold Group: Fixed annual custodian fee of $180, plus a $50 set-up fee.

Investment Options Comparison

Goldco offers a variety of investment options tailored to those looking to add precious metals to their portfolio.

Below is a comparison of Goldco’s investment offerings alongside those of its competitors.

ProviderInvestment OptionsUnique Offerings
GoldcoPrecious Metals IRA, Gold & Silver CoinsGoldco Free Silver Promotion
Augusta Precious MetalsGold & Silver IRAs, Physical Gold & SilverBuyback Program, Secure Delivery
American Hartford GoldGold, Silver, Platinum Coins, BarsPrice Match Guarantee, Buyback Commitment
Birch Gold GroupGold, Silver, Platinum, PalladiumSecure Storage Options, Free Information Kit
  • Goldco: Specializes in Precious Metals IRAs and a selection of gold and silver coins (Business Insider).
  • Augusta Precious Metals: Provides a wide array of investment options including IRAs, physical gold, and silver. They also offer a buyback program and secure delivery services.
  • American Hartford Gold: Offers investment in gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars with additional features like a price match guarantee and a buyback commitment.
  • Birch Gold Group: Provides a diversified range of options, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, along with secure storage and free informational resources.

For in-depth articles on specific competitors, visit our detailed reviews on Augusta Precious Metals Review 2024 and American Bullion Reviews.

For more detailed insights about Goldco, check out our Goldco Review.

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