Allocated (Segregated) Storage
Definition
Allocated storage is a depository arrangement where your specific coins and bars are stored separately from other investors' metals, individually labeled and tracked. Each item is assigned to your account and can be independently audited. Allocated storage costs more than commingled storage — typically $150 to $300 per year compared to $100 to $150 per year for commingled — but it guarantees you receive your exact metals back when you take a distribution or close your account.
Why It Matters for Gold IRA Investors
If you want certainty that the specific coins or bars you purchased are the ones you receive back, allocated storage provides that guarantee. The higher annual cost is the trade-off. For investors who view their metals as collectible or who want serial-number-level tracking, allocated storage is the appropriate choice.