Augusta Precious Metals Review 2026

Augusta Precious Metals was founded in 2012, holds a BBB A+ rating and scores 4.9/5 in our ranking. It also sets the highest minimum of the five companies on this site: $50,000. This review explains what that minimum buys, what the published fee table adds up to, and which points to settle in writing before you fund an account.

Who Augusta Fits, and Who Should Look Elsewhere

Augusta suits a saver who already holds $50,000 or more in a 401(k), 403(b), TSP or traditional IRA and wants to ask questions before moving any money. The company leads with education: a free web conference led by Devlyn Steele, described on this site as a Harvard-trained economist, comes before any sales conversation.

It is a poor match for anyone starting below the minimum. Noble Gold is listed at $2,000 in its review, and Birch Gold Group starts at $5,000 and American Hartford Gold at $10,000. Savers who want a broad catalog of products should also note that this site lists Augusta's product selection as focused rather than extensive.

• Fits: balances of $50,000 or more, a first gold IRA, a preference for a named representative
• Look elsewhere: balances under $50,000, and buyers who want to compare many product types

What Augusta Offers

Augusta sells gold and other IRA-eligible metals inside a self-directed IRA. Delaware Depository and Brink's handle the storage, and each client works with a dedicated representative. Equity Trust Company is the custodian this site lists as Augusta's preferred partner.

The free kit is a printed guide with an economist webinar, a fee schedule and a metals catalog. Printed copies arrive by mail in 3-5 days, and webinar access is instant.

What It Costs

The minimum is $50,000. The published schedule is $50 to set up the account, $80 a year for the custodian and $100 a year for storage.

Those two recurring items add up to $180 a year. On a $50,000 account that is 0.36% of the balance per year, before the setup fee and before the dealer spread on the metals themselves. The fee schedule does not show the spread, so ask for it separately.

How the Process Works, Step by Step

A gold IRA with Augusta generally moves through the stages below.

• Request the kit and read the fee schedule before you speak to anyone
• Attend the one-on-one web conference and write down every figure the host quotes
• Open the self-directed IRA with the custodian (Equity Trust Company is the one this site lists)
• Fund the account by trustee-to-trustee transfer, which avoids the 60-day deadline and the risk of tax withholding that come with an indirect rollover
• Choose the metals, then confirm in writing which depository will hold them and whether the storage is segregated or commingled

Fee Questions to Ask Before You Fund

A fee table lists three charges, but a gold IRA has more cost points than that. Put these questions to Augusta, and keep the answers in writing:

• What is the buy price above spot for each coin or bar I am considering?
• What price will you pay if I sell the same item back, and when does that price apply?
• Is the $100 storage fee for segregated or commingled storage?
• Does the custodian charge a fee to close the account or to ship metal to me?
• Which of the listed promotions apply to my balance, and what must I keep in the account to qualify?

Red Flags and How to Verify Claims

Treat any figure in a ranking, including the 4.9/5 score on this page, as a starting point. Check the BBB profile directly, read the complaint history, and confirm the company's registration with your state's securities or consumer-protection office. Compare the kit's fee schedule with the account agreement before you sign.

Walk away from any offer that asks you to store IRA metal at home, to buy collectible coins, or to decide on the day of the first call. Home storage and collectibles both break the IRA rules covered in the guide on our home page.

How Augusta Compares With the Other Four Companies

Augusta has the highest minimum ($50,000) and a recurring-fee total ($180 a year) at the low end of the group. Goldco starts at $25,000 and lists $180 to $255 a year. American Hartford Gold starts at $10,000, often waives the setup fee and lists $175 to $250 a year. Birch Gold Group starts at $5,000 and lists variable storage, so its total depends on the depository. Noble Gold lists $180 to $250 a year plus an $80 setup fee.

The kits also differ. Augusta and Goldco mail printed material, while American Hartford Gold, Birch and Noble send a PDF at once.