Goldco vs American Gold and Silver Group
An established brand vs a newer name with a refund guarantee
Edited by Gold IRA Planet Editorial Team
Fact-checks this site’s content · How we review
Some companies on this page pay us when you request a kit or open an account through our links. This can affect which companies we list and where, but not the facts we publish (our disclosure). Not financial advice.
The verdict
9.3/10 vs 8.6/10
Goldco is the stronger pick for most people - In business since 2006. Full reasoning, fees and the cases where American Gold and Silver Group wins are below.
| At a glance | Goldco | American Gold and Silver Group |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | $25,000 (reported) | Ask the company (not published) |
| Setup fee | ~$50 | Set by custodian (ask for a quote) |
| Yearly fees | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) | Set by custodian (ask for a quote) |
| Buyback | Buy back guarantee (advertised) | No buy-back fees (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
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
Effortless tax & penalty-free gold IRA setup
- 100% satisfaction guarantee & 7 day full refund
- Up to $15,000 in free silver
- Lowest price guarantee & no buy-back fees
The full breakdown
Goldco vs American Gold and Silver Group: 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 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
What is American Gold and Silver Group?
American Gold and Silver Group offers gold and silver IRAs and advertises an "effortless" tax- and penalty-free IRA setup. The company advertises a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 7-day full refund, a lowest price guarantee, no buy-back fees and up to $15,000 in free silver.
Read the full American Gold and Silver Group breakdown▾
We could not find independent reviews, ratings or published fee data for this company, so this review sets out what it advertises and the questions to ask before you open an account.
What you get with American Gold and Silver Group
- Gold and silver IRAs and rollovers (company claim)
- 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 7-day full refund (company claim)
- Lowest price guarantee (company claim)
- No buy-back fees (company claim)
- Up to $15,000 in free silver (promo, terms vary)
- Storage at approved US depositories through your custodian
Who American Gold and Silver Group is best for
- Buyers who value an advertised refund window and price guarantee
- Savers who will compare quotes from several companies
- People who prefer to work with a representative by phone
What are American Gold and Silver Group’s fees?
American Gold and Silver Group does not publish its fees, and we found no third-party fee figures.
Full fee details▾
Setup and yearly fees are normally set by the custodian and depository; across the industry they typically run about $175-$300 a year in total, but ask for this company's actual numbers. Free-silver offers are usually tied to how much you buy, so compare the total price of the metal, not just the bonus.
Before you fund an account, get the minimum, every fee, the markup on each product, the buyback price and the exact refund and price-guarantee terms in writing.
Setup fee
Set by the custodian - ask for a quote
one-time
Yearly fees
Custodian admin + depository storage
annual
Minimum
Not published - ask the company
What we like about American Gold and Silver Group
- Advertised 7-day full refund window
- Advertised lowest price guarantee and no buy-back fees
- Free-silver offer can add value on qualifying purchases
- Offers both gold and silver IRAs
Worth keeping in mind
- No customer reviews yet - its Trustpilot profile (as American Gold Group, claimed July 2026) showed 0 reviews in October 2026
- No third-party fee data found
- Fees, minimum and founding year are not published
- Markups on coins and bars are not disclosed upfront
- Free-silver offer likely depends on purchase size
Goldco vs. American Gold and Silver Group: What’s the Difference?
The key differences to consider when comparing the two companies.
| Goldco | American Gold and Silver Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | $25,000 (reported) | Ask the company (not published) |
| Setup fee | ~$50 | Set by custodian (ask for a quote) |
| Yearly fees | ~$225-$275/yr (custodian + storage) | Set by custodian (ask for a quote) |
| Storage | Delaware Depository, Brink's | Approved US depositories |
| Buyback | Buy back guarantee (advertised) | No buy-back fees (advertised) |
| Current promotion | Up to 10% in bonus silver | Up to $15,000 in free silver |
| In business since | 2006 | Not published |
So which one should you pick?
Find the line that sounds like you - that’s your answer.
Here’s the short version
Goldco has been in business since 2006, reports a $25,000 minimum and advertises up to 10% in bonus silver. American Gold and Silver Group advertises a 7-day full refund, up to $15,000 in free silver and no buy-back fees, but we found little independent information on its minimums or fees.
The quick answer
Go with Goldco if you want
- In business since 2006
- Trustpilot 4.4 from 1,791 reviews (Oct 2026)
- Buyback guarantee (advertised)
American Gold and Silver Group makes more sense if you want
- 7-day full refund (advertised)
- Lowest price guarantee (advertised)
- Up to $15,000 in free silver (advertised)
Had to pick one for most people? Goldco. The numbers and customer feedback below are why - and where American Gold and Silver Group wins instead.
We may be paid if you request a kit or open an account through these links. Not financial advice.
Goldco vs American Gold and Silver Group: FAQs
Which is better, Goldco vs American Gold and Silver Group?
Goldco is our pick for most savers because you can check its record: it has operated since 2006, shows Trustpilot 4.4 from 1,791 reviews and advertises a buyback guarantee. American Gold and Silver Group may appeal if a 7-day full refund matters most to you, but ask for its minimum, fees and markup in writing first. On larger purchases, compare Goldco's percentage-based bonus with AGSG's flat cap.
Which has the lower minimum, Goldco or American Gold and Silver Group?
Goldco's minimum is reported at $25,000, with about $50 setup and $225-$275 a year. We found no published minimum or third-party fee figures for American Gold and Silver Group - ask for both in writing.
Which has the better promotion, Goldco or American Gold and Silver Group?
Goldco advertises up to 10% in bonus silver; American Gold and Silver Group advertises up to $15,000 in free silver. A percentage bonus grows with your purchase, while a flat cap does not. Either is only worth it if the metal's price is fair.
Which has better buyback terms, Goldco or American Gold and Silver Group?
American Gold and Silver Group advertises a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 7-day full refund. We did not find a comparable refund window advertised by Goldco.
Which has the better track record, Goldco or American Gold and Silver Group?
Goldco has operated since 2006, shows Trustpilot 4.4 from 1,791 reviews (Oct 2026) and says it has placed over $3.5 billion. We found little independent review history for American Gold and Silver Group.
Related Comparisons
Sources & methodology
We built this comparison of Goldco and American Gold and Silver Group 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.
- Goldco - full fee & minimum breakdown
- American Gold and Silver Group - 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.