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Augusta Precious Metals Review:
Fees, Ratings, Pros and Cons
Augusta Precious Metals is a Gold and Silver IRA company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Casper, Wyoming. The company specializes in helping investors roll over existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or IRA accounts into self-directed precious metals IRAs.
Augusta requires a minimum investment of $50,000, charges $275 in first-year fees ($50 setup + $125 custodian + $100 storage), and $225 per year after that.
Augusta holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, an outstanding public record and trusted reputation, a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, and over 4,000 five-star ratings across the BBB, Google, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and TrustLink.
The company was named Best Overall Gold IRA Company by Money Magazine and Most Transparent by Investopedia.
In this review, we break down Augusta's fee structure, product selection, storage options, customer service, educational resources, and real customer complaints.
We also compare Augusta directly to competitors like Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold, and Goldco so you can decide whether this company is the right fit for your retirement savings.
Disclosure: BestGoldMoney.com participates in Augusta's affiliate program. This means we may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our analysis. We apply the same evaluation criteria to every company we review.
Call the number (833) 800-1767 to talk with an Augusta representative.
What Sets Augusta Apart from Other Gold IRA Companies?
Three things distinguish Augusta from competitors in this space:
- First, education before the sale. Augusta is one of the few Gold IRA companies that requires prospective customers to attend a one-on-one web conference before opening an account. These sessions are designed by Devlyn Steele, a Harvard-trained economic analyst who serves as the company's Director of Education. The web conference covers macroeconomic trends, how precious metals function as a hedge, and what to realistically expect from a Gold IRA. This is not a sales pitch; it is a structured educational session, and Augusta will not let you invest until you have completed it.
- Second, near-zero unresolved complaints. As of 2026, Augusta has maintained a near-perfect complaint-resolution record with the BBB. Across all major review platforms combined: Google, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, TrustLink, and the BCA, the company holds over 4,000 five-star ratings. No other Gold IRA company in our analysis matches this combination of volume and consistency.
- Third, long-term fee coverage. For qualifying accounts, Augusta pays up to 10 years of annual custodian and storage fees for customers. On a standard account paying $225 per year, that represents up to $2,250 in savings over the life of the promotion. This is the most aggressive fee waiver in the industry.
Is Augusta Right for me ? Let's have a test!
Use our free interactive quiz below to help you decide if Augusta Precious Metals is the right Gold IRA company for your retirement savings. Answer 4 quick questions about your investment budget, education preferences, metal selection, and buying style.
The quiz compares Augusta with alternatives like Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold, American Hartford Gold, Goldco, and Advantage Gold based on your specific answers. No signup required.
Is Augusta Precious Metals Right For You?
Answer 4 quick questions to find out which Gold IRA company matches your needs
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: Casper, Wyoming
- CEO: Isaac Nuriani (UCLA Economics, honors)
- Minimum investment: $50,000 (IRA) for both IRA and direct purchases
- Annual fees: $225/year ($125 custodian + $100 storage)
- First-year fees: $275 ($50 setup + $225)
- Fee promotion: Up to 10 years of fees covered for all accounts
- Metals offered: Gold and silver, platinum, and palladium are available
- Custodians: Equity Trust Company (preferred), others available.
- Storage: Delaware Depository and multiple IRS-approved locations nationwide
- BBB rating: A+ (an outstanding public record)
- BCA rating: AAA
- Reviews: 4,000+ five-star ratings across the BBB, Google, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, TrustLink
- Best for: Investors with $50,000+ who prioritize education and transparency
What is Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta Precious Metals is a Gold and Silver IRA dealer, not a custodian or depository. This distinction matters. Augusta helps you select and purchase IRS-approved precious metals for your retirement account. Still, the actual IRA is administered by a third-party custodian (usually Equity Trust), and your metals are stored at a separate IRS-approved depository.
In practical terms, Augusta's role is threefold: educate you on how precious metals IRAs work, help you choose the right metals for your goals, and coordinate the entire setup process, including paperwork, custodian selection, and depository logistics. Augusta handles approximately 95% of the paperwork funds into a new gold IRA.
Augusta does not charge management fees on your account. The only ongoing costs are the custodian fee ($125/year) and the storage fee ($100/year), both paid to third parties. Augusta makes its revenue through an amount charged above melt price on the metals you purchase, which runs approximately 5% above spot price for standard bullion and up to 33% for premium collector coins. You can find our specific article here about Gold IRA Fees.
The company serves customers in all 50 states and is registered with the U.S. Mint as an authorized dealer. Augusta does offer platinum and palladium if requested, but does not offer cryptocurrency or any non-precious metals investments.
Take a look at our Full Gold IRA Guide HERE.
Who is Augusta Precious Metals Best For?
Augusta is not the right fit for every investor; the $50,000 minimum rules out anyone with a smaller retirement account. The higher minimum makes it possible for Augusta to provide outstanding service to every customer.
Although Augusta specializes in gold and silver, it is possible to purchase platinum or palladium, but there are no cryptocurrency options, which may limit diversification compared to competitors like Birch Gold Group.
And there is no way to purchase metals online because prices change daily (but are confirmed before purchase). Every transaction requires a phone call with a representative.
That said, Augusta is specifically designed for three types of investors.
- First, pre-retirees and retirees with $50,000 or more in a 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or traditional IRA who want to move a portion of their savings into physical gold or silver.
- Second, first-time precious metals investors who want to understand what they are buying before committing. Augusta's mandatory educational web conference ensures no one invests without a clear understanding of the risks and mechanics involved.
- Third, investors who prioritize long-term support over the lowest possible price. Augusta assigns a dedicated agent to every customer and provides service for the lifetime of the account. The up to 10-year fee coverage promotion can reduce ongoing costs significantly.
If your primary goal is the lowest minimum investment, American Hartford Gold ($10,000) or Advantage Gold (~$5,000) are better options. If you want cryptocurrencies in addition to gold and silver, Birch Gold Group may be the stronger choice. Augusta's strength is not breadth, it is depth of service and transparency.
Augusta Precious Metals FEE Calculator
Use our free Augusta Precious Metals fee calculator below to estimate your total Gold IRA costs over 5 to 30 years.
This tool allows you to compare Augusta's fees directly with Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold, Goldco, American Hartford Gold, GoldenCrest Metals, and Advantage Gold.
Toggle Augusta's 10-year fee promotion to see how much you can save.
Augusta Precious Metals Fee Calculator
Calculate your total IRA costs over time and see how much you can save
| Year | Augusta Annual Fee | Augusta Cumulative | Competitor Annual | Competitor Cumulative | Your Savings |
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Augusta Precious Metals Reviews, Ratings, and Complaints
Augusta’s reputation for excellence is reflected in its consistently high ratings across multiple review sites:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.94/5 stars, A+ rating, near-zero unresolved complaints
- Business Consumer Alliance (BCA): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars, AAA rating)
- Consumer Affairs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars, 142+ reviews
- Google My Business: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 stars, 500+ reviews
- Trust Link: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars, 288+ reviews
- Yelp: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 stars
Combined, Augusta has thousands of reviews across all platforms with an average rating above 4.9 out of 5. The company has an outstanding public record on the BBB, demonstrated by the high number of 5-star reviews and low number of complaints, which is rare for any financial services firm.
The most common positive themes in customer reviews are the quality of the educational web conference, the responsiveness of dedicated account agents, and the clarity of the fee structure. The most common negative feedback relates to the $50,000 minimum being too high and occasional delays in shipping during periods of high demand.
In 2019, Augusta faced a minor regulatory issue in Minnesota related to state registration requirements. The matter was resolved promptly, and the company has maintained full compliance with all regulatory bodies since then. This is the only legal issue in the company's history.
Feature-by-feature Comparison
Below is a feature-by-feature comparison of Augusta Precious Metals against the top Gold IRA companies: Birch Gold Group, Noble Gold, American Hartford Gold, Goldco, and Advantage Gold.
We compare 15 features, including minimum investment, annual fees, BBB complaint history, educational resources, metal selection, storage options, and buyback programs.
Augusta has the lowest number of complaints at the BBB, a mandatory educational web conference led by a Harvard-trained economic analyst, and up to 10 years of fee coverage for qualifying accounts.
Augusta vs Competitors: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
How Augusta Precious Metals stacks up against the top Gold IRA companies on what matters most
| Feature | AugustaOur #1 Pick | Birch GoldEst. 2003 | Noble GoldEst. 2016 | Am. HartfordEst. 2015 | GoldcoEst. 2006 | AdvantageEst. 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $50,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | ~$5,000 |
| Annual Fees | $225/yr | $200/yr | $230/yr | $175–250 | $250–280 | $175–225 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| Lowest Number of BBB Complaints | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mandatory Educational Web conference | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Multi-Year Fee Coverage | Up to 10 yrs | 1st yr only | ✗ | 1st yr only | 1st yr only | ✗ |
| All 4 Precious Metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Buyback Program | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ |
| Dedicated Lifetime Account Agent | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No Setup Fee | ✗ $50 | ✗ $50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ $50 | ~ |
| Online Purchasing (No Phone Required) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Segregated Storage Available | ~ Extra | ✓ | ✓ Default | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price Match Guarantee | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Harvard-Trained Economic Analyst on Staff | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Named "Best Overall" by Money Magazine | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Augusta Precious Metals: Services and What You Get
Augusta offers three core services:
- Gold and Silver IRA setup and rollovers. Augusta handles nearly the full process of opening a new self-directed IRA or rolling over an existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or traditional IRA into a precious metals IRA. The company coordinates with your current plan administrator, sets up your new custodian account, and manages approximately 95% of the paperwork with you. Most rollovers are completed within two to three weeks.
- Direct precious metals purchases. If you want to buy physical gold or silver without an IRA, Augusta offers direct purchases with the same $50,000 investment required. Metals are shipped free of charge, fully insured, with discreet packaging. This option is available to investors who want physical possession of their metals rather than holding them in a retirement account.
- Ongoing account management and buyback. Every customer is assigned a dedicated account agent, and the company remains available to provide service for the lifetime of the account. When you are ready to sell, Augusta offers a buyback program that allows you to liquidate your metals through the company. There is no obligation to use the buyback program: you can also sell through any other dealer, but having the option simplifies the exit process.
Augusta does not offer financial planning, tax advice, or portfolio management services. The company recommends consulting a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Below is our detailed rating of Augusta Precious Metals across the six categories that matter most to Gold IRA investors: transparency, education, customer service, fees, storage and security, and product selection. Augusta scores 4.7 out of 5.0 overall, with perfect scores in transparency, education, and customer service. The main areas where Augusta loses points are the $50,000 minimum investment and the limited metal selection (primarily offers gold and silver).
Augusta Precious Metals — Our Rating
How we score Augusta across the 6 categories that matter most to Gold IRA investors
How to Set Up a Gold IRA with Augusta Precious Metals
Opening a Gold IRA with Augusta takes five steps and is typically completed within two to three weeks:
Step 1: Request Augusta's Free Investment Kit. Visit Augusta's website or call (833) 800-1767. You will be assigned a dedicated customer success agent, and the company provides service to you for the lifetime of your account.
Step 2: Attend a Free Educational Web Conference. Your agent will schedule a one-on-one session designed by Devlyn Steele, Augusta's Harvard-trained Director of Education. This covers how Gold IRAs work, IRS rules, and macroeconomic factors affecting precious metals. Augusta requires this step before you can invest.
Step 3: Open Your Self-Directed IRA. Your agent coordinates the setup of a new IRA with a custodian. Augusta's preferred custodian is Equity Trust Company, but you can also choose GoldStar Trust or Kingdom Trust. Augusta handles 95% of the paperwork with you. If you are rolling over an existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or IRA, the transfer is processed as a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, which is tax-free and penalty-free.
Step 4: Select Your Precious Metals. Choose from Augusta's catalog of IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars. Your agent will help you select based on your budget, goals, and risk tolerance.
Step 5: Confirm Your Order by Phone. Augusta finalizes every order with a recorded phone confirmation. Your metals are then shipped fully insured to your chosen IRS-approved depository. You receive confirmation once storage is complete.
Here is exactly how the Augusta Precious Metals Gold IRA setup process works, from first contact to fully funded account. The entire process takes two to three weeks. Here's a summary of all the most important steps. You can use the comparator below to trace your journey step-by-step.
- Step 1: Request a free investment kit and get assigned a dedicated agent (Day 1).
- Step 2: Attend a free one-on-one educational web conference with Harvard-trained economic analyst Devlyn Steele (Week 1).
- Step 3: Open your self-directed IRA with a custodian — Augusta handles 95% of the paperwork with you(Week 1-2). Step 4: Select your IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars (Week 2).
- Step 5: metals are shipped fully insured to an IRS-approved depository like Delaware Depository (Week 2-3). Click each step below to see the full details.
Your Augusta Gold IRA Journey
From first contact to fully funded account — here is exactly what happens at each step
Why Consider an IRA Rollover with Augusta Precious Metals?
If you have funds in an existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or traditional IRA, you can transfer a portion or all of your balance into a Gold or Silver IRA with Augusta.
This is done through a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, which means the funds move directly between custodians without passing through your hands. When processed correctly, this type of rollover is tax-free and penalty-free. (Consult with your personal tax and financial advisors before purchasing.)
Augusta handles the coordination with your current plan administrator. The typical rollover timeline is two to three weeks from start to finish.
There are four practical reasons to consider this rollover:
Advantages of Rolling Over to an Augusta Precious Metals IRA
Trustpilot Reviews
- Diversification. If your current retirement portfolio is 100% stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, you are exposed to market volatility. Adding physical gold or silver introduces a non-correlated asset that can stabilize your portfolio during downturns.
- Tax-deferred growth. Your metals can grow tax-deferred inside the IRA, just like any other IRA asset. You only pay taxes when you take distributions in retirement. For more information, consult with your own tax and financial professionals.
- No immediate tax event. If done correctly, a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer does not trigger taxes or early withdrawal penalties, regardless of your age. This is not a distribution — it is a transfer between accounts.
- Inflation protection. Physical gold and silver have historically maintained purchasing power during periods of high inflation and currency devaluation. This is the core reason most retirees add precious metals to their retirement accounts.
What Customers say about Augusta:
Augusta responds to every Trustpilot review personally, with replies signed by CEO Isaac Nuriani. Below is a sample of verified customer reviews. You can read all reviews directly on Augusta's Trustpilot page.
Augusta Precious Metals: Custodians and Storage
Augusta does not provide in-house custodianship. Your IRA is administered by a third-party custodian, and your metals are held at a separate IRS-approved depository. Here is how both work.
IRA Custodians
Augusta's preferred custodian is Equity Trust Company, one of the largest self-directed IRA administrators in the United States, managing over $30 billion in assets. Augusta also works with other custodians. If you have a preference for a different IRS-approved custodian, Augusta can accommodate that as well.
The custodian handles all IRS reporting, account statements, and regulatory compliance for your IRA. The annual custodian fee is $125, paid directly to the custodian.
Secure Storage
All IRA-held precious metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Home storage disqualifies the IRA and can trigger taxes and penalties. Augusta partners with depository facilities in 10 locations across the United States (ask for a current list):
- Delaware Depository — New Castle, Delaware
- Delaware Depository — Wilmington, Delaware
- Jackson, Ohio
- Nampa, Idaho
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Los Angeles, California
- South Fargo, North Dakota
- Bridgewater, Massachusetts
The primary storage partner is Delaware Depository, which is COMEX-certified and carries comprehensive all-risk insurance. Annual storage costs $100 for non-segregated vaulting. All shipments from Augusta to the depository are fully insured with tracking and discreet packaging.
Augusta Precious Metals: Products and Metal Selection
Augusta's catalog includes many individual gold and silver products, organized into two categories: old IRA-eligible coins and bars, and silver IRA-eligible coins and bars. All products meet IRS purity requirements for inclusion in a self-directed IRA.
Pricing is not listed on the website due to daily fluctuations in spot and melt prices. Call Augusta at (833) 800-1767 for current quotes. You should expect to pay an amount above the melt value. Augusta only sells coins and bars from recognized mints, including the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and Perth Mint.
Here is a selection of Augusta's most popular products:
- Gold American Eagle (1 oz): One of the world’s most popular gold coins, available in four weights and eligible for IRA investments.
- Gold Bar (1 oz): Crafted from 0.9999% pure gold, this bar is available in 1 oz and 10 oz sizes, making it suitable for IRA accounts.
- America the Beautiful (5 oz): This IRA-compatible silver coin features George Washington on the obverse and National Monuments on the reverse.
- 2017 Royal Canadian Mint Gold Eagle (0.25 oz): This .9999 fine gold coin is celebrated for its unique design by Claudio D'Angelo and appeals to both investors and collectors.
- Gold Liberty Eagle (0.25 oz): This stunning gold coin celebrates the United States' 250th birthday, symbolized by the "250" on a stars-and-stripes shield on the eagle's chest.
- 2021 Royal Canadian Mint Silver Soaring Eagle (1.25 oz): Known for its 99.99% silver purity and distinct eight CAD face value, this coin is a premium investment guaranteed by the Canadian government for purity, weight and legal tender value.
- 2019 Royal Canadian Mint Silver Eagle with Nest (1.25 oz): Showcasing Canada’s largest bird of prey, this coin features intricate textures and cutting-edge security: precise radial lines and a micro-engraved laser-engraved maple leaf.
- Gold American Eagle Proof: This proof coin, known for its mirror-like finish, is IRA-compatible. It is intently with meticulous detail, it comes in a velvet case with a U.S. Mint certificate.
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (1 oz): A top choice for silver IRAs, featuring Canada’s iconic maple leaf and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Augusta does not publish prices online because precious metals prices change daily based on spot and melt prices and market conditions. To receive a current quote on any product, contact Augusta directly at (833) 800-1767. Augusta’s order desk will confirm IRA eligibility and provide a written price before you commit to any purchase.
Augusta Precious Metals: Complete Fee Breakdown
Augusta's fee structure is one of the most transparent in the Gold IRA industry. Here is every cost you can expect:
First-Year Costs
- One-time IRA setup fee: $50
- Annual custodian fee: $125 (paid to Equity Trust or your chosen custodian)
- Annual storage fee: $100 (non-segregated vaulting at Delaware Depository)
- Total first-year cost: $275
Ongoing Annual Costs
- Annual custodian fee: $125
- Annual storage fee: $100
- Total annual cost after year one: $225
Augusta does not charge management fees, wire transfer fees, or account maintenance fees beyond the custodian and storage costs listed above.
Fee Promotion
For all accounts, Augusta covers up to 10 years of annual custodian and storage fees. On a standard account paying $225 per year, this promotion represents up to $2,250 in savings over the life of the offer. Contact Augusta directly to confirm current eligibility requirements.
Minimum Investment
- IRA accounts: $50,000
- Direct (non-IRA) purchases: No minimum
Product Markups
- Augusta charges an amount over the melt price.
How Augusta Compares on Fees
Augusta's $225 annual cost is in line with industry averages. Birch Gold Group charges $200 per year flat. Noble Gold charges $230 per year. American Hartford Gold charges $175 to $250, depending on storage type. Augusta's fee coverage promotion can make it the lowest net cost option over 10 years for qualifying investors.
Augusta Precious Metals Management Team
Augusta Precious Metals’ leadership team is composed of experienced professionals who bring expertise in economics, finance, risk management, and customer education. Their commitment to customer success, ethical practices, and transparency is evident in their active roles within the company and the industry at large.
Founder and CEO: Isaac Nuriani
Isaac Nuriani founded Augusta Precious Metals in 2012. He graduated with honors in economics from UCLA and is a member of Ethics.net and the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA). Nuriani holds a 98% approval rating from employees on Glassdoor.
CFO: Howard Smith
Howard Smith joined Augusta in 2018. He is a CPA and economics/finance graduate from the University of Toronto with over 20 years of experience in capital markets, banking, and risk management. Smith oversees Augusta's financial operations and compliance.
Director of Education: Devlyn Steele
Devlyn Steele designed Augusta's one-on-one educational web conferences. He is a member of Harvard Business School's analytics program and has served on the board of several U.S. technology companies. Steele is known for his data-driven, no-pressure approach to investor education.
Augusta Precious Metals Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
| Company | Founded | Min. Investment | Setup Fee | Annual Fees | BBB | Metals | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals Our #1 | 2012 | $50,000 | $50 | $225/yr | A+ | Education & transparency | |
| Birch Gold Group | 2003 | $10,000 | $50 | $200/yr | A+ | Metal variety & flat-rate fees | |
| Noble Gold | 2016 | $20,000 | $80 | $275/yr | A+ | Segregated storage, all 4 metals | |
| American Hartford Gold | 2015 | $10,000 | $0 | $175–$250/yr | A+ | Low fees, fast setup | |
| GoldenCrest Metals | 2023 | $10,000 | $50 | $199 + 0.005% | A- | Best promos, CEO access | |
| Goldco | 2006 | $25,000 | $50 | $250–$280/yr | A+ | Rollover expertise, buyback guarantee | |
| Advantage Gold | 2014 | ~$5,000 | Varies | $175–$225/yr | A+ | First-time investors, lowest minimum |
Our Final Verdict on Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is not the cheapest option nor the most diverse in metal selection. What it is, consistently, is the most transparent and education-focused Gold IRA company in the market.
If you have $50,000 or more in retirement savings and want a company that will explain exactly what you are buying, why, and at what cost before you commit a single dollar, Augusta is the strongest choice available. Having the best public record at the BBB, 10 years of fee coverage, and a mandatory educational web conference sets a standard that no other company on our list fully matches.
If your budget is below $50,000, consider American Hartford Gold ($10,000 minimum) or Advantage Gold (~$5,000). If you want cryptocurrency alongside gold and silver, Birch Gold Group is the better fit. For a full comparison of all providers, read our Best Gold IRA Companies guide.
To get started with Augusta, call (833) 800-1767 or request your free investment kit on their website.