Goldco Review 2026
Goldco is ranked second on this site at 4.8 out of 5, with an A+ BBB rating, a $25,000 minimum and 16+ years in business according to our company data. This review starts at the exit, because the question that matters most for a retirement account is how you get out: what Goldco will pay when you sell, and how quickly a rollover reaches the point where you can ask.
Pros
- Rollover completion averaging 7 to 10 days in our data
- Gold, silver, platinum and palladium available
- Buyback program offered
- 16+ years in business per our company data
Cons
- Phone-centric communication
- Some specialty products carry a premium price
- Less educational material than Augusta or Birch
Start with the exit: Goldco's buyback
Goldco offers a buyback program, and our data describes it as paying competitive market rates. Read that sentence carefully. A buyback program is a promise to repurchase, not a promise of a price, so the useful question is what the price is calculated from.
Ask Goldco for these answers in writing before you buy anything:
- Is the buyback price set against the spot price on the day you sell, and what is the spread below spot?
- Does the buyback apply to every product in your account, or only to bullion coins and bars?
- How many business days pass between your sell order and the proceeds reaching the custodian?
- Are there any fees charged on the sale, by Goldco, the custodian or the depository?
How the rollover works
Goldco's rollover completion averages 7 to 10 days in our data, and the speed is attributed to its established custodian relationships. That covers the rollover only. The home page of this site puts a whole gold IRA, including metal purchase and depository confirmation, at 1 to 3 weeks.
Whatever the speed, insist on a direct rollover. Funds move from the 401(k) or IRA to the new custodian without passing through your hands. An indirect rollover, where you receive the money, carries a 60-day redeposit deadline and, for employer plans, mandatory 20% federal withholding that you would have to replace out of pocket.
Metals and what the IRS allows
Goldco lists gold, silver, platinum and palladium. IRS rules set minimum fineness: gold 99.5%, silver 99.9%, platinum and palladium 99.95%, with American Gold Eagle coins as the notable exception for gold. Collectible coins valued for rarity do not qualify.
Goldco also advertises storage promotions. Treat a promotion as a reason to ask about terms: which fees it waives, for how long, what balance triggers it, and what changes after it ends.
Costs in plain numbers
Our data shows about $50 to set up, about $80 per year in custodian fees and $100 to $175 per year for storage, on a $25,000 minimum. In year one that is $230 to $305, roughly 0.9% to 1.2% of a minimum account. Because the figures are approximate, ask for the exact schedule and the storage tier that applies to your balance.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum | $25,000 |
| Setup Fee | ~$50 |
| Annual Fee | ~$80 |
| Storage Fee | $100-175/year |
Phone-first service: what that means for you
Our data notes that Goldco works mainly by phone. That suits investors who prefer a conversation and are less comfortable with online dashboards, and it is a drawback if you want everything by email. Ask for written confirmation after each call, and keep the order confirmations and the custodian statements.
Our data also mentions celebrity endorsements and industry awards. These are marketing signals. Check the BBB profile and your state regulator instead.
Red flags to watch on any call
Walk away or slow down if the representative pushes collectible or proof coins, which are not eligible for most IRA purposes, if a price is quoted without a written breakdown of the spread, or if you are told a limited offer expires today. A reputable company will wait while you read the paperwork.
Pre-funding checklist
- Written fee schedule showing setup, annual and storage fees for your balance.
- Written buy price and buyback price for each product you are considering.
- Name of the custodian and depository, and the storage type.
- BBB profile and state regulator check, including how complaints were resolved.
- Terms of any storage promotion, including its end date.
Goldco against the other four
At $25,000 Goldco sits in the middle of the range: American Hartford Gold starts at $10,000, Birch Gold Group at $5,000, Noble Gold at $20,000, and Augusta at $50,000. Goldco rates 4.8, behind only Augusta at 4.9. Choose it over Augusta if your balance is below $50,000 and you value rollover speed; choose a $5,000 or $10,000 company if your balance is smaller.
Our Verdict
Goldco fits a rollover investor with $25,000 or more who is comfortable on the phone and wants a buyback program. Get the buyback formula and fee schedule in writing before funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our data shows an average of 7 to 10 days for the rollover itself. Metal purchase and depository confirmation add time, so ask for a full timeline.
The listed minimum is $25,000.
No. A buyback program commits to repurchase, so ask how the price is set against spot and what fees apply.
It can be, if you have $25,000 and are fine with phone-based service. Buyers wanting more education may prefer Augusta or Birch.
Ready to Get Started?
Request the free gold IRA kit, then ask Goldco for a written fee schedule.
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