Goldco coordinates 401k-to-gold-IRA rollovers from the plan eligibility check through the direct trustee-to-trustee transfer. It ranks second in our table at 4.8/5, with an A+ BBB rating and a $25,000 minimum, and it stresses its buyback commitment for clients who later need cash for required minimum distributions.
Pros
- Offers a buyback commitment for rolled-over metals
- Coordinates the 401k-to-gold transfer paperwork
- Handles communication with your 401k plan administrator
- Accepts Roth 401k, 403(b), TSP and pension rollovers
- Offers a price protection guarantee during the rollover process
- Holds an A+ BBB rating
Cons
- $25,000 minimum for 401k rollovers
- Requires a phone consultation for the detailed fee schedule
- Each 401k plan administrator sets its own processing time
- Limited international rollover options
401k Rollover Overview
Goldco's team checks that your 401k plan allows a rollover, then coordinates the direct trustee-to-trustee transfer to a self-directed precious metals IRA. It handles 401k, 403(b), TSP and other employer-sponsored plans.
A direct rollover triggers no tax or early withdrawal penalty because the money moves between institutions and never reaches you. The one exception is the 401k loan: an unpaid loan balance can be treated as a distribution, so ask your plan what happens to any loan before you start.
Buyback Program for Rollover Clients
Goldco says it will repurchase your metals at the highest price when you need to liquidate or fund a required minimum distribution. That matters most to retirees, because traditional IRA owners must begin RMDs at age 73 and can sell metals to raise the cash.
Ask three things before you rely on it. How does Goldco set the buyback price relative to spot on the day you sell? What spread applies? And does your account agreement state the commitment, or does it appear only in marketing material?
401k Rollover Fees
Goldco charges nothing to process the rollover itself. The table lists a $50 setup fee, an $80 annual administrative fee, $100 to $175 in annual storage and a $30 wire fee.
The setup, administrative and storage lines add up to $230 to $305 in the first year, before wire fees and the dealer premium. Goldco's storage line has the widest range of the five companies on this site, and the detailed fee schedule requires a phone consultation, so request it in writing and compare it line by line.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Account Setup Fee | $50 |
| Annual Administrative Fee | $80 |
| Annual Storage Fee | $100 - $175 |
| Wire Transfer Fee | $30 |
| 401k Rollover Processing | $0 |
Storage for Rolled-Over Assets
Goldco stores rollover metals at IRS-approved depositories, including the Delaware Depository and Brink's Global Services. It describes the facilities as insured and regularly audited; ask for the insurance details and audit frequency in writing.
Segregated storage keeps your gold and silver separate from other clients' holdings and returns your exact coins or bars. Commingled storage pools identical items and usually costs less.
Roth 401k, 403(b) and TSP Rollovers
Goldco accepts Roth 401k rollovers into a Roth self-directed precious metals IRA, which keeps the tax-free growth status. Rolling a traditional 401k into a Roth IRA is different: it is a taxable conversion, so confirm that the old and new account types match before you request the transfer.
Whatever plan you hold, expect a tax form. A direct rollover is normally reported on Form 1099-R with distribution code G, and you still report it on your tax return even though it is not taxable.
Rollover Products and Services
After the 401k funds arrive, Goldco offers a selection of IRS-approved precious metals.
- Tax-free direct 401k rollovers to gold and silver IRAs
- 403(b), TSP, pension and Roth 401k rollovers
- A selection of IRS-approved gold and silver products
- Rollover education resources and guides
- A price protection guarantee during the rollover process
How to Verify Goldco's Claims
Treat every company claim, including the ones on this page, as something to confirm before you sign.
- Read Goldco's Better Business Bureau profile, including the complaint history and how the company resolved each one, not only the letter grade.
- Search your state securities or consumer protection regulator's site for complaints.
- Ask for the account agreement and the fee schedule in writing before you fund anything.
- Compare the buyback terms in the agreement with what the salesperson says.
- Decline any pitch that pushes collectible coins for an IRA or suggests home storage.
How Goldco Compares With the Other Four Companies
At $25,000, Goldco's minimum sits between Noble Gold ($20,000) and Augusta ($50,000), while Birch Gold starts at $5,000 and American Hartford Gold at $10,000. Its $80 administrative fee matches Augusta, Birch and Noble, and its $30 wire fee matches Birch and Noble.
American Hartford Gold often waives the setup fee that Goldco charges at $50, and Goldco's top storage price of $175 is the highest in our fee tables. Goldco's differentiators are the buyback commitment and the choice of Delaware Depository or Brink's.
Our Verdict
Goldco suits investors with a $25,000 or larger 401k balance who want the paperwork handled and a stated buyback commitment. Its fee table is clear, but the detailed schedule requires a phone call and the buyback terms deserve a close read in writing before you commit.
Get Free Kit