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When it comes to securing your retirement with physical gold and silver, choosing the right IRA custodian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) that allows precious metals gives you control over your portfolio, but only certain custodians are approved to handle IRS-compliant metals and ensure proper storage, reporting, and tax treatment. The best custodians make the process easy, transparent, and cost-effective.
Below is our curated list of the top Gold IRA custodians in 2025—starting with the two industry leaders, Equity Trust and The Entrust Group.
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1. Equity Trust Company
Best Overall for Precious Metals IRAs
Founded in 1974, Equity Trust is one of the largest and most reputable self-directed IRA custodians, managing over 409,000 accounts and $66 billion in assets.
The company offers access to a wide range of alternative assets including gold, silver, real estate, and private equity. Their user-friendly myEQUITY platform allows for seamless account management, and they are known for top-tier educational resources and customer service.
- Headquarters: Westlake, OH
- Assets under custody: $66B+
- Annual fees: Vary by account size and asset type
- BBB rating: A+
2. The Entrust Group
Best for Hands-On Customers
The Entrust Group has over four decades of experience helping Americans diversify their retirement savings. They provide access to IRS-approved precious metals, along with real estate, private lending, and other alternative investments.
Their fees are competitive, and their online client portal makes account management easy and transparent.
- Headquarters: Oakland, CA
- Assets under custody: $5B+
- Annual fee: Starts at $199
- Setup fee: $50
3. STRATA Trust Company
Great for Transparent Pricing
STRATA Trust specializes in alternative asset custody, including precious metals. With over $5 billion in assets, they offer a straightforward fee schedule and responsive customer service.
STRATA is a popular choice among gold IRA companies due to their reliability and efficiency in executing rollovers.
4. New Direction Trust Company
Best for Customer Education
Based in Colorado, New Direction Trust Company is known for its commitment to customer education. With 71,000+ accounts and more than $4 billion in assets, their digital platform offers premier customer service. They allow online access to accounts 24/7, making it easy to manage assets.
5. GoldStar Trust Company
Best for Long-Term Experience
GoldStar Trust has been in the business of self-directed IRAs since 1989. They’re especially well-known for their work with gold and silver IRAs. With $3.6 billion in assets, they offer decades of experience and solid support for their 60,000+ account holders.
6. Pacific Premier Trust
Best for High-Net-Worth Accounts
Formerly known as PENSCO Trust, Pacific Premier is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify into private equity, real estate, or precious metals.
The self-directed IRA custodian recently announced a merger with Umpqua Bank. With more than $17 billion in assets under custody, Pacific Premier is a trusted name for SDIRAs.
Buy Physical Gold with Your 401(k) or IRA
Free Guide from GoldenCrest Metals Reveals How to Buy Physical Gold & Silver with Your Retirement Savings.
7. IRA Financial Trust
Great for Tech-Savvy Customers
IRA Financial Trust provides an all-digital experience with options to open checkbook control IRAs or standard custodial IRAs. Their pricing is more fixed than asset-based, which can be beneficial depending on your investment strategy. Note that their annual fees are higher than some competitors on this list.
8. Madison Trust Company
Strong Customer Support
Madison Trust is known for hands-on customer service and simple fee structures. While their precious metals offering may be more limited in terms of dealers and depositories, they’re a solid choice for those wanting responsive support.
9. Advanta IRA
Best for Personalized Service
Advanta IRA prides itself on assigning a dedicated account manager to each customer. With $3 billion in client assets, they are a smaller custodian. Advanta IRA offers personalized attention and support a wide range of alternative investments, including gold and silver.
10. Horizon Trust
Good for Diverse Portfolios
Horizon Trust allows for a mix of alternative assets from private equity to cryptocurrencies. Horizon Trust is an excellent option for those wanting to combine gold IRAs with other types of investments.
However, their startup fees are higher than many competitors, which may not appeal to cost-conscious savers.
Gold IRA Custodian FAQ
What is a Gold IRA custodian?
A Gold IRA custodian is a financial institution approved by the IRS to hold and administer physical precious metals (like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) on behalf of retirement account holders.
They ensure your metals are stored properly, report to the IRS, and follow all tax rules.
Can I store the gold from my IRA at home?
No. IRS rules require that precious metals in a self-directed IRA be stored in an approved depository. Storing metals at home disqualifies the IRA and could result in penalties and taxes.
What fees should I expect with a Gold IRA custodian?
Typical fees include a one-time account setup fee, annual account maintenance fees, and storage fees (segregated or non-segregated). Some custodians also charge transaction or wire fees. Always ask for a detailed fee schedule.
How do I choose the right custodian?
Look for custodians with a strong reputation, transparent pricing, solid customer service, and experience handling precious metals. Make sure they work with the depository and metals dealer you prefer.
Can I roll over my 401(k) or traditional IRA into a Gold IRA?
Yes. Most custodians will help you complete a tax-free rollover or transfer from a qualified retirement account like a 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRA into a self-directed Gold IRA.
Ready to Open a Gold IRA?
If you're considering a Gold IRA but aren’t sure where to begin, GoldenCrest Metals can help. Their specialists work with trusted custodians like The Entrust Group to make the process fast, easy, and fully IRS-compliant.
Whether you're rolling over a 401(k) or starting from scratch, GoldenCrest Metals offers transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and secure storage options.
→ Request your free 2025 Gold IRA Guide from GoldenCrest Metals today.
Buy Physical Gold with Your 401(k) or IRA
Free Guide from GoldenCrest Metals Reveals How to Buy Physical Gold & Silver with Your Retirement Savings.
