American Hartford Gold Review

Precious metals investing helps protect wealth and make savings grow over time. American Hartford Gold company gives people ways to do this investing safely.

This in-depth review looks at how American Hartford Gold works and what they give to customers who want to invest money. We will check their different products and fees and see if other people like working with them.

Key Takeaways

About American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is a company in Los Angeles, California, that helps people invest in gold and silver. They’ve been around since 2015 and are known for good customer service and reliable investment options. They’ve grown quickly to become one of the largest gold and silver dealers in the United States.

The company was started by Sanford Mann, who is now the CEO. He and the company’s president, Max Baecker, both have over 10 years of experience with precious metals. This helps them understand the market and guide their customers.

American Hartford Gold’s main goal is to help people protect their wealth by investing in precious metals. They believe gold and silver can protect against economic uncertainty and inflation. The company tries to make precious metals investing easy for all types of customers.

One thing that makes American Hartford Gold special is their focus on teaching customers. They offer free resources to help people understand precious metals investing. This includes market updates, investment guides, and videos. They also provide one-on-one help from precious metals experts.

The company works with some well-known people to build trust. For example, they work with Bill O’Reilly, a famous TV host and author. They are also the “Exclusive Gold & Silver Company” of Rick Harrison from the TV show Pawn Stars.

Learn about other top gold IRA companies to see how American Hartford Gold compares in services, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

American Hartford Gold Products and Services

American Hartford Gold gives services for putting money in precious metals, which includes special Precious Metals IRAs for saving money when you retire, buying gold and silver directly to keep yourself, and a program where they buy back metals when you want to sell them.

Precious Metals IRAs

One main thing American Hartford Gold offers is Precious Metals IRAs. An IRA is a special savings account for retirement.

A Precious Metals IRA lets you put some of your retirement savings into real gold and silver instead of just stocks or bonds. This can help protect your savings if the economy has problems.

Here’s how it works:

• You open a special IRA account with American Hartford Gold.
• You put money into this account from your paycheck or move money from another retirement account.
• American Hartford Gold helps you choose which gold or silver to buy.
• The gold or silver is kept safe in a special storage place.
• As the value of the gold or silver changes, so does the value of your IRA.
• When you retire, you can either take the metals or sell them for cash.

American Hartford Gold offers different types of gold and silver for IRAs, including:

• Gold Coins: American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic.
• Silver Coins: American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf.
• Gold Bars: Various sizes from different mints.
• Silver Bars: Various sizes from different mints.

The company tries to make setting up and managing a Precious Metals IRA easy. They have experts who can help you with each step, from opening the account to picking the right metals for your goals.

Understand the rules for Gold IRAs to make sure you’re following the guidelines and getting the most from your precious metals retirement account.

Direct Precious Metals Purchases

You can also buy gold and silver directly from American Hartford Gold without setting up an IRA. This means you can own the actual gold or silver coins or bars yourself. Some people like this because they can see and hold their investment. It’s also more flexible than an IRA.

American Hartford Gold offers many gold and silver products for direct purchase, including:

• Gold Coins from Different Countries: This includes popular ones like American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, and Austrian Philharmonic. Each coin looks different and has a different amount of gold.
• Silver Coins: They offer silver coins from different countries too, like American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf.
• Gold Bars: These come in different sizes, usually from 1 oz to 10 oz. Gold bars are often cheaper than coins if you want to buy a lot of gold.
• Silver Bars: These also come in different sizes, usually from 1 oz to 100 oz. Silver bars can be a cheaper way to buy a lot of silver.

When you buy directly, you can have the metals sent to your home or kept in a safe storage place. If you want them sent home, American Hartford Gold makes sure the package is insured and sent secretly for your safety. If you prefer safe storage, they can keep your metals in a very secure place, like they do for IRA metals.

American Hartford Gold doesn’t show prices on their website because gold and silver prices change all the time. To get current prices, you need to call them. This makes it harder to compare prices, but it ensures you get the most up-to-date price when you’re ready to buy.

Buyback Program

American Hartford Gold offers a buyback program. This means if you buy gold or silver from them and later want to sell it, they promise to buy it back. This can make it easier to turn your gold or silver into cash if you need to.

Here’s how the buyback program works:

• You contact American Hartford Gold when you want to sell.
• They give you a price based on what gold or silver is worth that day.
• If you agree to the price, they handle the paperwork and arrange to get the gold or silver from you.
• You get paid, usually by wire transfer or check.

This program can make you feel better knowing you have a way to sell your investment if you need to. It’s especially good for people who worry about how easy it might be to sell physical gold or silver.

Key things about the buyback program:

• No Fees: They don’t charge any fees when you sell back to them.
• Any Condition: They’ll buy back metals even if they’re not in perfect shape, but the price might be lower.
• Fast Process: They try to make selling quick and easy, often finishing in a few days.
• Fair Prices: They try to offer good market prices when buying back, but prices can change.

Remember, the buyback program doesn’t guarantee you’ll make money on your investment. The price you get depends on what gold and silver are worth when you sell, which can go up or down. Always think about your investment goals and the risks before investing.

American Hartford Gold Fees and Pricing

Precious metals companies like American Hartford Gold have different-different fees and prices which help customers to invest in gold and silver.

In 2023, the company gives many options to customers who want to invest money in precious metals. The fees structure is very important to understand because it affects how much profit you can make from your investment.

Fees

Understanding the fees for precious metals investments is important. They can affect how much your investment grows. Here are the main fees American Hartford Gold charges:

For Precious Metals IRAs:

1. Setup Fee: $50 (one-time). This is for opening your account and setting up the paperwork.
2. Annual Maintenance Fee: $75. This is for managing your IRA account each year.
3. Storage Fee: $100-$150 per year (depends on how much metal you have). This is for keeping your metals safe.
4. Insurance Fee: Included in the storage fee. This protects your investment if something happens to it in storage.

For direct purchases:

• No fees if you take the metals home. You just pay for the metals themselves.
• If you choose safe storage, fees are about the same as IRA storage fees ($100-$150 per year).

Sometimes American Hartford Gold offers deals where they don’t charge fees for the first year. This can save you money at first, but remember you’ll pay fees in future years. Always think about these ongoing costs when considering your investment.

Minimum Investment

American Hartford Gold has minimum amounts you need to invest. This is to make sure your investment is big enough to be worth the costs. Here are the details:

• For Precious Metals IRAs: $10,000. This minimum helps make sure your investment is big enough to be worth the yearly fees and possibly grow over time.
• For Direct Purchases: $5,000. This lower amount makes it easier for people to start investing in precious metals without needing to open a full IRA.

These minimums are similar to what other precious metals companies require. Some companies ask for less, while others ask for more.

The $10,000 minimum for IRAs might seem high, but it’s meant to make sure the investment is big enough compared to the yearly fees. Remember, $225 in yearly fees on a $10,000 investment is 2.25%, which is a lot.

For direct purchases, the $5,000 minimum is easier to reach. This could be good if you want to start with a smaller investment or if you’re new to precious metals investing and want to try it out before investing more.

Promotions

American Hartford Gold often has special deals to attract new customers and give extra value. These can change, but here are some examples of what they might offer:

1. No Fees: They might not charge fees for the first 1-3 years for new IRA accounts. This can save you a lot of money, especially in the first year when you’d normally pay setup fees.
2. Free Silver: Sometimes they give free silver coins when you buy a certain amount. For example, they might give you 5 silver coins when you open an IRA.
3. Price Match: They promise to match any verified competitor’s price. This helps make sure you’re getting a good rate.
4. Special Offers for Big Investments: They might give extra benefits or discounts if you invest more than a certain amount.

While these deals can save you money, it’s important to look at the long-term costs too. Not paying fees for one year is nice, but you’ll still pay fees in future years. Always think about the total cost of your investment over time, not just the initial savings from a deal.

Pricing

American Hartford Gold doesn’t show prices on their website. This is common for precious metals companies because prices change quickly based on the market. To get current prices, you need to call and talk to someone. This has good and bad points:

Good points:

• You get the most up-to-date prices, based on what’s happening in the market right now.
• A person can explain the prices and answer any questions you have about the products or how to invest.
• You can talk about what you want to do with your investment and get advice just for you.

Bad points:

• It’s harder to quickly compare prices with other companies without making lots of phone calls.
• You might feel pressured to buy during the call, although a good company shouldn’t push you too hard.
• It’s less convenient if you prefer to research and decide on your own online.

American Hartford Gold says they offer competitive prices, but it’s hard for customers to check this easily. Some customers have said their prices are higher than some competitors. But others think the higher prices are okay because of the good service and educational resources they provide.

When thinking about pricing, remember to consider the total cost:

• The price of the metals themselves.
• Any extra costs above the spot price (the current market price for immediate delivery of a metal).
• Fees for storage and maintenance (for IRAs).
• Shipping costs (for direct purchases).

American Hartford Gold Reviews and Reputation

American Hartford Gold is a company that helps people invest in precious metals and has many good reviews from different places. In 1983, they started helping customers buy gold and silver and now they have become very popular.

The company gets good ratings from many different review websites for example BBB, Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs which shows that customers are happy with their services.

BBB

American Hartford Gold has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is the best rating possible and means the BBB thinks the company treats its customers fairly.

The company has been BBB accredited since 2017, which means they’ve agreed to follow the BBB’s rules for good business practices.

As of 2024, they have a customer review rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars on the BBB website. This is based on over 630 customer reviews. Here’s how the ratings break down:

• 5 stars: 89%
• 4 stars: 7%
• 3 stars: 2%
• 2 stars: 1%
• 1 star: 1%

The BBB has closed 50 complaints about American Hartford Gold in the last 3 years. This is not many for a company their size, especially in a business that deals with big financial transactions.

Most complaints were about problems with products or services. Importantly, the company has responded to all complaints, which shows they care about customer satisfaction.

Good reviews often mention:

• Knowledgeable and patient staff.
• Smooth transaction process.
• Good communication throughout the investment process.
• Helpful educational resources.

Bad reviews, though there are fewer, sometimes mention:

• Delays in delivery or processing.
• Disagreements about pricing or fees.
• Occasional communication issues.

It’s a good idea to get prices from several companies before deciding. This can help you make sure you’re getting a fair price. But remember that the lowest price isn’t always the best deal – think about the company’s reputation, customer service, and extra services when making your decision.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, American Hartford Gold has an “Excellent” rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. This is based on over 1,300 reviews, which is a lot and gives a good idea of customer experiences. Here’s how the ratings break down:

• Excellent: 90%
• Great: 7%
• Average: 1%
• Poor: 1%
• Bad: 1%

Many good reviews on Trustpilot highlight:

• Helpful and knowledgeable staff who take time to explain things.
• Smooth and easy purchase process, even for people new to precious metals investing.
• Good communication throughout the transaction, keeping customers informed.
• Appreciation for the educational resources provided.
• Satisfaction with the quality of products received.

Bad reviews, while much less common, often mention:

• Delays in delivery or processing, especially during busy times.
• Disagreements about pricing or market values.
• Difficulty reaching customer service sometimes.
• Occasional issues with order accuracy.

ConsumerAffairs

On ConsumerAffairs, American Hartford Gold has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. This is based on over 860 ratings submitted in the last year, giving another good look at customer satisfaction.

Many good reviews on ConsumerAffairs emphasize:

• The company’s educational resources that help customers learn about investing in precious metals.
• Professional and polite staff who are patient with questions.
• Smooth and easy transactions, even for first-time investors.
• Appreciation for the company’s openness about fees and processes.
• Satisfaction with the overall investment experience.

Complaints on ConsumerAffairs, though less frequent, often focus on:

• Concerns about pushy sales tactics from some representatives.
• Unexpected fees or costs that weren’t clearly explained at first.
• Delays in processing or shipping, particularly during busy times.
• Disagreements about the buyback process or pricing.

Overall, American Hartford Gold has a strong reputation across multiple review platforms. They consistently get high ratings from customers, with most reviews being positive.

However, like any company, they do have some negative reviews. Most complaints seem to be addressed quickly by the company, which shows they care about customer satisfaction.

It’s worth noting that in the precious metals industry, even highly-rated companies often have some negative reviews. This is partly because investing in precious metals can be complicated, and market changes can lead to customer dissatisfaction, especially if expectations aren’t managed properly.

When reading reviews, it’s important to look at overall trends rather than focusing on a few extremely good or bad reviews. It’s also good to remember that people are more likely to write reviews when they have very good or very bad experiences, which can make the results look a bit different.

The mostly positive trend across multiple platforms suggests that most customers have good experiences with American Hartford Gold.

Pros and Cons of American Hartford Gold

Precious metals investments with American Hartford Gold have many good and bad points that people should know about.

Pros:

• Strong Reputation: High ratings on BBB, Trustpilot, and other review sites show a history of customer satisfaction.
• Comprehensive Offerings: Offers both Precious Metals IRAs and direct purchases of gold and silver, giving options for different investment strategies.
• Educational Resources: Provides lots of free information to help customers understand precious metals investing, including market updates and investment guides.
• Buyback Program: Promises to buy back metals from customers with no fees, offering a way to sell if needed.
• Experienced Leadership: Led by a team with many years of experience in precious metals, providing expertise and market insights.
• Personalized Service: Many reviews praise their helpful and patient customer service, especially valuable for new investors.
• Secure Storage Options: Partners with trusted storage facilities for safe keeping of metals, important for IRA investments.
• Variety of Products: Offers a good selection of gold and silver coins and bars from various mints.
• Clear About Fees: Clearly explains their fee structure, helping customers understand the total cost of their investment.
• Price Match Guarantee: Will match verified prices from competitors, ensuring competitive pricing.
• Celebrity Endorsements: Partnerships with well-known personalities may provide additional credibility for some investors.

Cons:

• Higher Minimum Investment: $10,000 minimum for IRAs is higher than some competitors, which may be too much for smaller investors.
• No Online Ordering: Must call to get prices and place orders, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer online transactions.
• Limited Platinum and Palladium Options: Focuses mainly on gold and silver, offering less variety for investors interested in other precious metals.
• Some Complaints About Pushy Sales: A few customers have reported feeling pressured to buy, though this isn’t a common complaint.
• Fees Can be High: Annual fees for IRAs are on the higher end of the industry average, which can affect long-term returns.
• No International Shipping: Only ships within the United States, limiting options for international investors.
• Limited Payment Options: Doesn’t accept credit cards for precious metals purchases, which may be inconvenient for some customers.
• Potential for Delays: Some customers have reported delays in processing or shipping, particularly during busy periods.
• No Real-Time Pricing: Can’t see current prices without talking to a representative, making quick price comparisons difficult.
• Minimum Holding Period: Some promotions may require you to keep your investment for a certain time, which could limit short-term selling.

American Hartford Gold Alternatives

Different companies offer precious metals investment services, and we can look at some popular ones like Goldco and Augusta Precious Metals.

These companies have different-different features for example minimum investment amounts, fees, and special services that they give to customers.

In current scenario it is important to understand these companies so you can choose the best one for your investment needs.

Goldco

Goldco is another well-known company in the precious metals industry. Like American Hartford Gold, they offer both Precious Metals IRAs and direct purchases of gold and silver. Here’s how they compare:

Similarities:

• Both offer gold and silver IRAs and direct purchases.
• Both have strong customer ratings and good reputations in the industry.
• Both provide educational resources to help customers understand precious metals investing.
• Both offer buyback programs for customer convenience.

Differences:

• Goldco has a higher minimum investment for IRAs ($25,000 vs American Hartford Gold’s $10,000).
• Goldco offers more options for platinum and palladium, providing more variety in metal choices.
• Goldco tends to have slightly lower fees, which could result in better long-term returns.
• Goldco has been in business longer (since 2006), potentially offering more established processes.

Goldco might be a better choice if you want to invest in platinum or palladium, or if you prefer a company with lower fees and a longer track record.

However, American Hartford Gold’s lower minimum investment for IRAs could be better for some investors, especially those just starting out with precious metals.

Compare Goldco and American Hartford Gold in detail to see which might be a better fit for your needs, considering factors like investment minimums, fees, metal options, and customer service.

Augusta Precious Metals

Augusta Precious Metals is known for its focus on education and customer service. Here’s how they compare to American Hartford Gold:

Similarities:

• Both offer gold and silver IRAs and direct purchases.
• Both have strong reputations for customer service.
• Both provide educational materials to help investors understand precious metals.
• Both have buyback programs for customer convenience.

Differences:

• Augusta has a much higher minimum investment ($50,000) compared to American Hartford Gold ($10,000 for IRAs).
• Augusta offers a unique one-on-one web conference with their lead analyst, providing personalized education.
• Augusta tends to have lower ongoing fees, which could result in better long-term returns.
• Augusta has a lifetime customer support promise, offering continued assistance even after your purchase.

Augusta might be better if you have a larger amount to invest and want very in-depth, personalized education about precious metals investing. Their lower fees could also be beneficial for long-term investors.

However, American Hartford Gold could be better if you want to start with a smaller investment or if you prefer a company with more accessible minimums.

Learn more about how Augusta Precious Metals compares to American Hartford Gold to see which company might be a better fit for your investment needs and preferences.

Conclusion

American Hartford Gold is a reputable company in the precious metals industry. They offer both Precious Metals IRAs and direct purchases of gold and silver, with a strong focus on customer education and service.

Their high ratings across multiple review platforms suggest that most customers have positive experiences with the company.

Key strengths of American Hartford Gold include:

• Strong reputation and customer satisfaction.
• Comprehensive educational resources.
• Personalized customer service.
• Buyback program for added convenience.
• Variety of gold and silver products.

However, potential drawbacks to consider are:

• Higher fees compared to some competitors.
• Lack of online pricing and ordering.
• Limited options for platinum and palladium.
• Higher minimum investment for IRAs compared to some alternatives.

When deciding if American Hartford Gold is right for you, consider your investment goals, budget, and preferences.

If you value strong customer service and educational support, and are comfortable with their minimum investment requirements, American Hartford Gold could be a good choice.

However, if you’re looking for lower fees or want to invest in a wider range of precious metals, you might want to explore other options.

Remember, investing in precious metals can be complex, and it’s important to do your own research and possibly consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Consider factors like your overall investment strategy.

BEST COMPANY

9.8

Goldco Precious Metals

• Goldco Surpasses $2 Billion in Precious Metals Placements
• Over 6,000 Five-Star Ratings on BBB, Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs
• Seven-Time Winer on the Inc. 5000 List

 

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