Provider Comparison Worksheet
Every Gold IRA company's website emphasizes different strengths and buries different weaknesses. SEC guidance on self-directed IRAs warns that investors often lack a consistent framework for comparing providers, which leads to decisions based on marketing rather than data (Source: SEC Investor Alert). Without asking the same questions of every provider, you end up comparing a sales pitch from one company against a fact sheet from another. This worksheet gives you a structured side-by-side format — print it, copy it into a spreadsheet, or use the categories below as a checklist when you call each company.
How Do You Use This Worksheet?
- Pick three providers. More than three makes the comparison unwieldy. Use the criteria in our fee breakdown to narrow your list.
- Fill in each category. Use the seven categories below. Get the information directly from each provider — not from third-party ads or promotional sites.
- Request everything in writing. Verbal quotes change. Written fee schedules do not. If a provider will not put fees in writing, remove them from your list.
- Compare totals, not individual line items. A provider with a higher setup fee but lower markups may cost less overall. Use our fee guide to understand how the layers stack up.
- Decide based on your priorities. Not every investor cares about the same things. Some prioritize low minimums. Others want segregated storage. The worksheet helps you see which provider best matches your priorities.
Fill In Your Worksheet
Enter the details for each provider you are evaluating. You can compare up to five providers side by side. Your data stays in your browser and is never sent anywhere.
Fees
Requirements
Reputation
Terms
Notes
This worksheet is for your personal use only. Data stays in your browser and is not saved or sent anywhere.
What Categories Should You Compare?
These seven categories cover the factors that matter most when choosing a Gold IRA provider. Each one includes what to look for and why it matters.
1. Fees and Total Cost
Record the setup fee, annual maintenance fee, storage fee, and dealer markup for each provider. Calculate the first-year total and the five-year total. The fee breakdown explains each layer in detail. Watch for providers that waive one fee but inflate another.
2. Minimum Investment
Minimums range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the provider. A high minimum is not necessarily bad — it may come with lower fees or better service — but it needs to match your available funds. Note whether the minimum applies to the initial deposit only or to ongoing contributions as well.
3. Storage Options
Find out which depositories each provider uses, whether they offer segregated and commingled storage, and where the vaults are located. Some investors prefer domestic depositories; others want geographic diversification. Confirm that the depository carries appropriate insurance.
4. Metals Selection
Check which IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products are available. Some providers focus narrowly on a handful of coins and bars. Others offer a wider range. Be cautious of providers that push high-markup numismatic coins or “exclusive” products not available elsewhere.
5. Reputation and Track Record
Check the Better Business Bureau rating, years in business, any regulatory actions or lawsuits, and customer complaint history. Our scoring methodology explains how we weight reputation factors. A company that has been in business for two years with no BBB complaints is not the same as one with a fifteen-year track record.
6. Buyback Policy
Ask about the buyback spread — the gap between what you paid for metals and what the provider will pay you when you sell. Some providers guarantee they will buy back your metals; others do not. Get the buyback terms in writing, including whether they buy at spot price, a percentage below spot, or a fixed discount.
7. Customer Experience
Evaluate how the provider communicates: dedicated account representative or a call center? Online portal for account management? Response time for questions? Quality of educational materials? The onboarding experience often predicts the ongoing service quality.
Example: Three Providers Compared
The table below shows how a completed worksheet might look, using publicly available information from three well-known Gold IRA providers. This is an example of the format, not a recommendation. Verify all details directly with each provider before making a decision.
| Category | Augusta Precious Metals | Goldco | American Hartford Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $50,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Setup fee | $50 | $50 | $0 (waived) |
| Annual maintenance | $80 | $80 | $75 |
| Storage fee | $100/yr | $100/yr | $100/yr |
| Storage type | Segregated & commingled | Segregated & commingled | Segregated & commingled |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| Buyback policy | Yes, at market price | Yes, guaranteed buyback | Yes, guaranteed buyback |
| Dedicated rep | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PrizeMining score | 87/100 | 82/100 | 79/100 |
Dealer markups are not included because they vary by product and are typically disclosed only during a phone consultation. Always request markup information in writing.
What Questions Should You Ask Each Provider?
When you contact a provider, use these questions to fill in your worksheet. Asking the same questions in the same order makes comparison easier.
- What is your complete fee schedule? Please provide it in writing.
- What is the dealer markup on American Gold Eagle 1 oz coins? On gold bars?
- What is your buyback spread? Will you buy back metals at spot price or below?
- Which depositories do you use, and do you offer segregated storage?
- What is the minimum investment, and does it apply to the initial purchase only?
- Are there account termination fees or wire transfer charges?
- How long does the account setup and funding process take?
- Will I have a dedicated account representative?
- Can I see a sample account statement before I commit?
- What happens if I want to liquidate my entire account? What is the process and timeline?
What Matters Most in Your Decision?
After filling in the worksheet, resist the urge to pick the provider with the lowest number in any single category. The best provider for you depends on your situation.
- If fees are your top concern, calculate total five-year cost including the dealer markup, not just the annual fees. A provider with higher annual fees but lower markups may save you thousands.
- If you have a smaller budget, focus on providers with lower minimums and flat-fee structures. A percentage-based custodian fee may work in your favor at $10,000 but hurt at $100,000.
- If you value transparency, weigh how willingly each provider shared information. The ones that answered your questions clearly and in writing are usually the ones that treat you fairly after you have signed.
- If you are a first-time investor, consider the quality of educational materials and onboarding support. A provider that helps you understand the process reduces the chance of costly mistakes.
For the full picture on fees, rollovers, and risks, see the Gold IRA hub.
James Hartley
Former financial journalist (8 years) · Series 65 license holder
James covers retirement planning and precious metals investing. He spent eight years as a financial journalist before joining PrizeMining to research Gold IRA providers, fee structures, and regulatory requirements.
Sources
Gold IRA Due Diligence Checklist
10 items to verify before you open an account: fee transparency, custodian credentials, storage terms, buyback policies, and more. Free PDF, straight to your inbox.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. Gold IRAs carry risks including price volatility, limited liquidity, and fees that can erode returns. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making retirement investment decisions.