Augusta Precious Metals vs Goldco
The education-first specialist vs the long-running bonus-silver brand
Edited by Gold IRA Planet Editorial Team
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The verdict
9.3/10 vs 9/10
Goldco is the stronger pick for most people - Lower reported minimum of $25,000. Full reasoning, fees and the cases where Augusta Precious Metals wins are below.
| At a glance | Augusta Precious Metals | Goldco |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $50,000 | $25,000 (reported) |
| Setup fee | ~$50 (sources vary up to ~$275) | ~$50 |
| Yearly fees | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) |
| Buyback | Buys back; no written guarantee | Buy back guarantee (advertised) |
Fees and minimums are approximate snapshots and change often - confirm current terms and the markup on your metals in writing before you invest. How we compare companies
Ideal for investors with retirement savings of $100K+
- Personalized service from start to finish
- Rated “Most Transparent Pricing” by Investopedia
- A+ BBB rating & 5,000+ 5-star reviews
Highly-rated specialists have placed over $3.5 billion in gold and silver
- Limited time: Get up to 10% in bonus silver
- Over 8,000 5-star customer reviews
- Highest industry buy back guarantee
The full breakdown
Augusta Precious Metals vs Goldco: a closer look at each
Both are established gold IRA companies, and the right pick comes down to your amount, the fees you will pay and the terms you are comfortable with. So instead of crowning a “winner,” here’s the real rundown on each - what you get, what it actually costs, and what real customers are saying - so you can pick the one that fits you.
What is Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta Precious Metals has sold gold and silver IRAs since about 2012 and is best known for investor education, including a free one-on-one web conference before you buy. The company advertises personalized service from start to finish and says it is ideal for retirement savings of $100,000 or more.
Read the full Augusta Precious Metals breakdown▾
It also advertises a "Most Transparent Pricing" rating from Investopedia, an A+ BBB rating and 5,000+ 5-star reviews. Its $50,000 minimum is one of the highest in the industry, so it is aimed at people moving a sizable 401(k) or IRA.
What you get with Augusta Precious Metals
- $50,000 minimum; pitched at savings of $100,000+
- Free one-on-one educational web conference
- Personalized service and "lifetime account support" (company claim)
- Equity Trust as custodian (reported)
- Storage at the Delaware Depository (reported)
- A+ BBB and AAA BCA ratings (reported)
Who Augusta Precious Metals is best for
- Savers moving $100,000 or more from a 401(k) or IRA
- First-time buyers who want to learn before committing
- People who value a single, long-term point of contact
What are Augusta Precious Metals’s fees?
Approximate only - sources conflict.
Full fee details▾
Yahoo Finance reports a $275 application fee plus about $225 a year for non-segregated storage or $275 a year for segregated storage. A paid press release instead lists a $50 setup fee, $125 a year for the custodian and $100-$150 a year for storage.
Either way, yearly costs land in the usual $225-$275 range. Augusta advertises transparent pricing, but the third-party sources we reviewed did not find its markups on coins and bars published, and that spread is usually the largest cost.
Fortune reports that Augusta buys metal back at about 5% below its selling price, with no written buyback guarantee. Get the fee schedule and the spread in writing before you fund the account.
Setup fee
One-time account setup (sources vary up to ~$275)
one-time
Yearly fees
Custodian admin + depository storage
annual
Minimum
Minimum to open a gold IRA
What we like about Augusta Precious Metals
- Strong focus on education before you buy
- Personal service with one long-term point of contact
- High reported BBB, BCA and Trustpilot ratings
- Reported buyback about 5% below its selling price
Worth keeping in mind
- $50,000 minimum is too high for many savers
- Fees are not published and sources disagree on them
- Per-product markups are not shown in the sources we reviewed
- No written buyback guarantee
What real Augusta Precious Metals customers are saying
Augusta Precious Metals reviews on
TrustpilotMy great experience with Autusta Precious Metals
“I've dealt with other precious metals companies but Augusta Precious Metals, by far, exceeds all expectations. They take the time to explain all aspects of the purchasing procedure.”
Al Norton
US
Interaction with Staff at Augusta Precious Metals
“The Augusta staff I interacted with were knowledgable and professional. No one exerted hard-sell tactics or other pressure in an attempt to get me to move forward with any purchase transaction with Augusta. Instead, they provided valuable educational information about purchasing and owning precious metals designed to support me in making my own decisions. They also welcomed my questions and answered all of them clearly and completely, making the overall process seemless.”
Z.
US
Augusta responds quickly and conducts...
“Augusta responds quickly and conducts business in a very professional way. My experience doing business with them has been excellent.”
Paul Dawes
US
The experience with Alan was good
“The experience with Alan was good. He explained the process concisely and I understood what to expect when the lady called to confirm my needs and what steps to take to complete the transaction.”
Fred Rogge
US
What is Goldco?
Goldco has sold precious metals since about 2006 and is one of the most advertised names in gold and silver IRAs. The company says its specialists have placed over $3.5 billion in gold and silver, and it advertises over 8,000 5-star customer reviews, a buyback guarantee and a limited-time offer of up to 10% in bonus silver.
Read the full Goldco breakdown▾
Metals are stored at approved depositories such as the Delaware Depository and Brink's. This review looks at what Goldco reportedly charges, its minimums and the catches behind its promotions.
What you get with Goldco
- Gold and silver IRAs plus direct purchases
- Up to 10% in bonus silver on qualifying purchases (limited-time promo)
- Buyback guarantee (company claim)
- Over $3.5 billion in metals placed (company claim)
- Storage at the Delaware Depository or Brink's
- 4.4 on Trustpilot from 1,791 reviews (Oct 2026)
Who Goldco is best for
- Savers with $25,000 or more to roll over
- Buyers who want both gold and silver in one IRA
- People who prefer a well-known, established brand
What are Goldco’s fees?
Approximate only - sources disagree.
Full fee details▾
Finder reports a setup fee of about $50, and ConsumerAffairs lists about $125 a year for administration plus $100 (non-segregated) or $150 (segregated) a year for storage. Yahoo Finance instead reports a $275 application fee and about $225 a year.
CNBC reports a $10,000 minimum first purchase and a $25,000 minimum account balance. Goldco does not post its markups, and the bonus silver is tied to how much you buy - so compare the total price, not just the bonus.
Finder found that Goldco's live chat would not quote fees and pushed for a phone call. Ask for every fee, the spread and the buyback terms in writing.
Setup fee
One-time account setup (reported)
one-time
Yearly fees
Custodian admin + depository storage
annual
Minimum
Account minimum (reported)
What we like about Goldco
- Long track record and a large base of positive reviews
- Bonus-silver promotion can add value on larger purchases
- Advertised buyback guarantee for when you want to sell
- Choice of Delaware Depository or Brink's storage
Worth keeping in mind
- Fees are not published and reported figures conflict
- Promotions are tied to purchase size and can distract from markups
- Pricing generally requires a sales call
- At least one reported complaint about silver pricing
What real Goldco customers are saying
Goldco reviews on
TrustpilotI was treated on all levels with...Respect and patience
“I was treated on all levels with patience and respect. Especially Joshua Hoffman. Every time we spoke, he was clear and helped me get an understanding of all my options. This initially was a little overwhelming for me because I usually don't try to do things like this. He helped me gain an understanding of what my options were and didn't make me feel incompetent.”
Brenda Favorite
US
All the transactions with Joshua...
“All the transactions with Joshua Hoffman were easy and efficient. Great products for a reasonable price. I am heavily invested in metals but I would consider Goldco if I increase my holdings”
William Brown
US
They explained the things I didn't...
“They explained the things I didn't understand or know! Very professional!!”
Frank E. "Eddie" Elliott
US
Buying experience with Joshua
“Joshua Hoffman and Ryan thoroughly and clearly explained investing in gold and silver. Josh was especially patient with me and very accomadating in helping with the incidentals. Thanks for the attentiveness.”
Anita Kobilis
US
Augusta Precious Metals vs. Goldco: What’s the Difference?
The key differences to consider when comparing the two companies.
| Augusta Precious Metals | Goldco | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $50,000 | $25,000 (reported) |
| Setup fee | ~$50 (sources vary up to ~$275) | ~$50 |
| Yearly fees | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) |
| Storage | Delaware Depository (reported) | Delaware Depository, Brink's |
| Buyback | Buys back; no written guarantee | Buy back guarantee (advertised) |
| Current promotion | Fee waivers on qualifying accounts (varies) | Up to 10% in bonus silver |
| In business since | 2012 | 2006 |
So which one should you pick?
Find the line that sounds like you - that’s your answer.
Here’s the short version
Augusta Precious Metals and Goldco are two of the most searched gold IRA companies. Augusta, founded around 2012, focuses on education and larger accounts with a $50,000 minimum.
Goldco, in business since 2006, has a lower reported $25,000 minimum and advertises up to 10% in bonus silver.
The quick answer
Go with Goldco if you want
- Lower reported minimum of $25,000
- Buyback guarantee (advertised)
- Up to 10% in bonus silver on qualifying purchases
Augusta Precious Metals makes more sense if you want
- Strong focus on education, including a one-on-one web conference
- BBB A+ and BCA AAA (reported), Trustpilot 4.8 (376 reviews)
- Lifetime account support
Had to pick one for most people? Goldco. The numbers and customer feedback below are why - and where Augusta Precious Metals wins instead.
We may be paid if you request a kit or open an account through these links. Not financial advice.
Augusta vs Goldco: FAQs
Which is better, Augusta vs Goldco?
Goldco is our overall pick: its lower reported minimum, advertised buyback guarantee and bonus-silver offer suit a wider range of savers. Augusta is the better fit if you plan to invest $100,000 or more and want a slower, education-led process with a one-on-one web conference and lifetime account support. Yearly fees are similar at both, so the bigger cost to compare is the price you pay for the metal itself - ask each company for the markup in writing.
Which has the lower minimum, Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco?
Augusta asks for $50,000 to open an IRA, consistently across sources. Goldco's minimum is reported at $25,000 (CNBC describes a $10,000 initial purchase and a $25,000 balance).
Which has lower or clearer fees, Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco?
Both land at roughly $225-$275 a year for custodian and storage fees. Sources disagree on setup costs for both - from about $50 up to about $275. Augusta cites an Investopedia "Most Transparent Pricing" award; one reviewer (Finder) found Goldco's live chat would not quote fees. Confirm the schedule in writing.
Which offers better education and support, Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco?
Augusta is known for its educational approach, including a one-on-one web conference, personalized service and lifetime account support. Goldco offers guidance too, but leans more on its offers and a sales call.
Which has better buyback terms, Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco?
Goldco advertises up to 10% in bonus silver and a buyback guarantee. Augusta offers fee waivers on qualifying accounts and has no written buyback guarantee, though it buys back in practice - Fortune reported about 5% under its sell price.
Which has the better track record, Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco?
Goldco has operated since 2006, shows Trustpilot 4.4 from 1,791 reviews (Oct 2026) and says it has placed over $3.5 billion. Augusta reports BBB A+, BCA AAA and a higher Trustpilot score (4.8 from 376 reviews); Goldco has the longer track record and more reviews.
Related Comparisons
Sources & methodology
We built this comparison of Augusta Precious Metals and Goldco from each company's published information and third-party reviews of its fees and minimums, cross-checked against BBB and Trustpilot records and regulator and court records. Fee figures are approximate - sources often disagree, and we show ranges where they do. IRA rules come from the IRS and the tax code.
Company information
Minimums, setup and yearly fees, storage and buyback terms - the same fields for every company.
- Augusta Precious Metals - full fee & minimum breakdown
- Goldco - full fee & minimum breakdown
Company data checked October 2026
Customer & community feedback
Third-party signals shown on this page and in our full reviews: Trustpilot ratings and BBB and BCA records, as captured on the dates we note. We report what these sources say - we never fold their ratings into our own scores.
Regulatory & public-record references
- 1.Retirement topics - IRA contribution limits - Internal Revenue Service
- 2.Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) - Internal Revenue Service
- 3.Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) - Internal Revenue Service
- 4.26 U.S. Code § 408 - Individual retirement accounts - Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School
- 5.10 Things to Ask Before Buying Physical Gold, Silver, or Other Metals - Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- 6.CFTC, SEC and states charge Red Rock Secured in precious metals fraud - Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- 7.Investor Alert: Self-Directed IRAs and the Risk of Fraud - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Investor.gov)
- 8.FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking - Federal Trade Commission
Last reviewed October 2026. We revisit comparisons when companies change their fees or policies. This page is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice - always confirm current fees, minimums and the markup on your metals in writing before you invest.