Gold and silver investments can be a minefield. I’ve been there, scratching my head over Goldco and Augusta Precious Metals. But after diving deep into both companies, I’ve uncovered some eye-opening facts.
This review gives you the inside scoop on prices, services, and what real customers are saying. Stick around – my findings might change your precious metals game plan.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Overview
- 2 What is Goldco?
- 3 What is Augusta Precious Metals?
- 4 Comparison of Goldco with Augusta Precious Metals
- 5 Which Company is the Right for You?
- 6 Conclusion
Quick Overview

- CEO: Trevor Gerszt
- BBB: 4.83/5 Out of 1,171 Customer Reviews
- Available Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium
- Minimum Investment: $25,000
- Promotions: Get Up to $10,000 in Free Silver on Qualified Purchases
- Free Kit Available: Yes
What is Goldco?
Goldco stands as a leading provider specializing in facilitating gold and silver investments for retirement portfolios. These precious metals serve as a protective measure against market volatility and economic uncertainties.
The company began its journey by offering personalized guidance and educational resources about precious metal investments. Through consistent growth, Goldco has established itself as an authority in retirement investment solutions.
Founder
Trevor Gerszt established Goldco in 2006, bringing his passion for precious metals and deep understanding of economic principles.
His vision centered on creating a trustworthy organization to safeguard retirement savings from major financial disruptions.
Location
Operating from its headquarters in Calabasas, California, Goldco extends its services nationwide. This strategic location positions the company at the heart of America’s financial and investment sector.
Mission and Reputation
Goldco focuses on delivering secure investment opportunities through gold and silver, specifically designed to enhance retirement planning strategies.
The organization has earned recognition for its exceptional customer service commitment, building a respected reputation through trustworthy practices and superior advisory expertise.
Endorsements
Many famous personalities support Goldco’s services:
- Sean Hannity consistently invests a portion of his wealth in gold and silver, recommending Goldco as his preferred choice.
- Chuck and Gena Norris express complete trust in Goldco, stating it’s their exclusive choice for precious metal investments.
- Ben Stein praises Goldco’s reliability, highlighting their exceptional customer service and trustworthiness.
Accolades and Achievements
- Maintains an ‘A’ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- Holds prestigious ‘Triple A’ rating from Business Consumer Alliance.
- Achieved more than 6,000 5-star ratings from satisfied customers.
- Recognized by Money.com for superior customer service excellence in 2024.
- Secured 17th position on Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies list for Pacific region in 2024.
- Awarded Gold Stevie recognition as 2024’s Fastest Growing Company.
- Proudly received the Inc. 5000 Award for seven years straight.
What is Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta Precious Metals stands as a prominent company that focuses on gold and silver IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) and precious metals products for retirement savings. With 12 years of experience, they have established themselves as experts in the precious metals industry.
Founder
Isaac Nuriani founded Augusta Precious Metals with a vision to educate investors about precious metals investments and provide opportunities for retirement portfolio diversification.
Location
Operating from its headquarters in Casper, WY, US, Augusta Precious Metals serves clients nationwide through its robust online platform.
Reputation and Mission
The company maintains a solid reputation for transparency and honesty. They prioritize customer education about precious metals investing, aiming to help clients understand both the advantages and risks of investment decisions.
Endorsements
Former NFL quarterback Joe Montana serves as a notable endorser of the company. His endorsement came after his financial advisors independently recommended Augusta’s services.
Media Mentions
Augusta has garnered recognition from prestigious publications, earning the title “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” from Money Magazine in 2023, which reinforces their position as an industry leader.
Educational Commitment
The company’s educational initiatives are led by Devlyn Steele, a Harvard-educated economist. They provide comprehensive learning resources including webinars, articles, and videos to help clients understand economic factors influencing precious metals markets.
Comparison of Goldco with Augusta Precious Metals
Both companies assist people with retirement savings through precious metals investments, each offering unique approaches to achieve this goal.
Goldco specializes in streamlined metal transactions and provides clear investment guidance. Augusta Precious Metals focuses on delivering comprehensive educational resources and personalized consultation to guide investment decisions.
Services
These companies specialize in precious metals investments, particularly through specialized gold and silver IRA accounts.
Here are the services offered by each company:
Goldco
- Types of Precious Metals IRAs: Goldco specializes in gold and silver retirement accounts, helping clients diversify their investment portfolios.
- Buyback Programs: They maintain a robust buyback service, allowing clients to sell their metals back to Goldco when desired.
- Education Resources: The company offers comprehensive learning materials and personalized guidance for precious metals investing.
- Storage and Custodian Services: They partner with trusted custodians and secure storage facilities, ensuring IRS compliance.
Augusta Precious Metals
- Types of Precious Metals IRAs: Augusta facilitates gold and silver IRA investments, managing purchases according to IRS guidelines.
- Buyback Programs: While not offering direct buybacks, Augusta guides clients through market-based selling processes.
- Education Resources: The company excels in client education, providing expert consultations and regular webinars for informed investment decisions.
- Storage and Custodian Services: Augusta collaborates with respected custodians and uses IRS-approved facilities for secure metal storage.
Products
Both companies stand as leaders in the precious metals industry. They provide extensive product options to support investment strategies.
Here’s a detailed look at their offerings:
Goldco
Types of Metals Offered
- Gold: Goldco markets premium gold coins and bars, featuring sought-after products like American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf, alongside their signature gold bars.
- Silver: Their silver collection includes numerous options, highlighting the American Silver Eagle and Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, which attract both collectors and investors.
- Platinum and Palladium: While less common than gold and silver investments, Goldco maintains options for platinum and palladium enthusiasts.
Popular Products
Gold:
- American Gold Buffalo
- Gold American Eagle
- Gold American Eagle Proof
- Gold Maple Leaf
Silver:
- Silver American Eagle
- Silver Maple Leaf
- Silver Great Barrier Reef | Stingray
- Silver First Moon Landing
Precious Metals IRA: Goldco facilitates precious metals additions to retirement accounts within IRS guidelines. Their metal selection supports IRA diversification strategies.
Direct Sales: Beyond IRA services, Goldco enables direct physical metal purchases, providing concrete investment opportunities.
Augusta Precious Metals
Types of Metals Offered
- Gold: Augusta provides premium gold coins and bars including the American Eagle and Australian Kangaroo, which stand out for their exceptional design and market worth.
- Silver: The company offers a comprehensive range of silver products, featuring the British Silver Britannia and American Silver Eagle.
Popular Products
Gold:
- Gold American Eagle
- Gold American Buffalo
- Gold Canadian Maple Leaf
- Austrian 1 oz Gold Philharmonic BU
Silver:
- American Silver Eagle
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
- Austrian Philharmonic Silver
- America The Beautiful – 5oz Cumberland Gap
Precious Metals IRA: Augusta specializes in incorporating precious metals into IRAs, offering professional guidance and efficient processing. They emphasize educating customers about making informed investment decisions with metals.
Direct Sales: Augusta enables investors to purchase physical metals for direct delivery, guaranteeing safe shipping to enhance personal collections beyond traditional markets.
Fees and Costs
For investors looking to work with precious metal companies like these two, understanding their pricing structure and related expenses becomes essential.
Here is a breakdown of potential fees and costs you may face with these companies:
Goldco
Fee Category: | Description: | Amount: |
Account Setup Fee | One-time initial account setup | $50 |
Annual Account Fees | Yearly account maintenance | $25 |
Gold IRA Storage Fees: | ||
– Non-Segregated Storage | Assets pooled with others | $100 per year |
– Segregated Storage | Specific assets stored separately | $150 per year |
Investment: | ||
– Minimum Investment | Required initial investment | $25,000 |
Annual Fees on Minimum Investment: | ||
– Total Annual Fees | (Non-Segregated Storage) | $225 |
– Effective Annual Fee Rate | For $25,000 investment | 0.90% |
– Effective Annual Fee Rate | For $100,000 investment | 0.23% |
Augusta Precious Metals
Item: | Cost/Requirement: |
One-Time Fees: | |
– Custodian Application Fee | $50 |
– First-Year Custodian Annual Fee | $100 |
– First-Year Sample Depository Fee | $100 |
– Total One-Time Setup Fee | $250 |
Annual Fees (After First Year): | |
– Custodian Annual Fee | $100 |
– Sample Annual Storage Fee | $100 |
– Total Recurring Annual Fees | $200 |
Minimum Investment: | |
– Minimum Contribution | $50,000 |
Payment Methods: | |
– Bank Wire | No limit |
– Personal Check | Up to $50,000 |
– Retirement Rollover | Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b) |
Total Initial Cost to Invest: | |
– Minimum Contribution + Setup Fee | $50,250 |
Annual Costs After First Year: | $200 |
Storage Options
Precious metals investment requires careful consideration of storage options to ensure maximum security and protection of your valuable assets.
Here’s a detailed look at the storage solutions offered by both companies:
Goldco
Goldco partners with the Delaware Depository to provide secure storage for your gold and silver investments.
The facility maintains strict compliance with precious metals storage regulations. Its strategic location offers convenient accessibility while ensuring maximum security protocols.
Your Storage Choices
Goldco presents two storage alternatives for your precious metals:
- Non-Segregated Storage: This option stores your gold and silver alongside other investors’ holdings. It provides a cost-effective solution for securing your valuables.
- Segregated Storage: This premium option maintains your precious metals separately from other investments. Your gold and silver receive dedicated storage space, offering enhanced security and individual attention.
The choice between these storage options depends on your personal preferences and security requirements.
Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals utilizes external storage facilities rather than maintaining their own. They recommend the Delaware Depository, which carries Lloyd’s of London insurance coverage up to $1 billion.
For clients seeking alternative locations, Augusta offers storage facilities across major cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York.
They collaborate with established custodians such as Equity Trust, GoldStar Trust Company, and Kingdom Trust to safeguard your investments.
These storage facilities feature state-of-the-art security systems and maintain proper licensing. Augusta strategically positions your precious metals away from financial and political hubs, while ensuring accessibility and viewing opportunities upon request.
Customer Service and Support
A comprehensive overview of customer service and support offerings.
Goldco
Goldco specializes in precious metals investments, particularly gold and silver, with exceptional customer service standards.
- Personal Advisor: Each investor receives a dedicated expert who guides them throughout their investment journey.
- Educational Resources: The company provides comprehensive educational materials including articles and video content for a better understanding of precious metals investments.
- Support Hotline: Immediate assistance is available through their dedicated phone support system.
Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta stands out as a premier precious metals investment company, known for transparency and clear communication.
- Investment Specialist: Clients receive guidance from knowledgeable investment professionals who provide personalized assistance.
- Virtual Education: The company offers online educational sessions led by financial experts to enhance investment knowledge.
- Support Team: Augusta maintains a transparent fee structure and provides responsive customer support for all inquiries.
These companies have established strong reputations among investors. Their approach combines individualized guidance, educational resources, and transparent communication.
Such commitment to customer service has resulted in high satisfaction rates and positive testimonials from their client base.
3rd Party Reviews
Both companies have received favorable reviews from independent sources, which emphasize their excellent customer service standards and straightforward investment procedures.
A comparison table shows their performance across various review platforms:
Platform: | Goldco: | Augusta Precious Metals: |
Better Business Bureau: | A+ with 1,171 reviews | A+ with 90 reviews |
TrustLink: | 4.8/5 from 254 reviews | 4.9/5 from 290 reviews |
Trustpilot: | 4.8/5 from 1,586 reviews | 4.8/5 from 157 reviews |
ConsumerAffairs: | 4.8/5 from 1,689 reviews | 4.9/5 from 148 reviews |
Google Reviews | 4.9/5 from 2,915 reviews | 4.9/5 from 547 reviews |
Understanding Pros and Cons
A detailed comparison helps make informed investment decisions between these companies.
Let’s examine their advantages and disadvantages:
Goldco
Pros:
- Gold and Silver Expertise: Goldco specializes in precious metals investments, providing expert guidance to investors.
- Easy Setup Process: The company offers streamlined procedures for investing, including retirement fund transfers.
- Educational Resources: They provide comprehensive learning materials that benefit both novice and seasoned investors.
- Strong Reputation: Years of positive customer feedback and recommendations have established their credibility.
- Secure Storage Solutions: Partnership with reliable depositories ensures safe storage of precious metal investments.
Cons:
- Limited Metal Options: Their product range is smaller compared to other companies in the market.
- High Initial Investment: The required starting amount may be challenging for some potential investors.
Augusta Precious Metals
Pros:
- Transparent Pricing: Augusta maintains clear fee structures, eliminating hidden costs and building trust.
- Educational Focus: Regular webinars and personalized learning sessions help investors understand market dynamics.
- Consistent Customer Care: They provide reliable support throughout the investment journey.
- Proven Customer Satisfaction: Positive reviews demonstrate their commitment to service excellence.
Cons:
- Metal Selection Constraints: Focus solely on gold and silver may restrict investment diversification options.
- Website Information Gaps: The online platform could benefit from more detailed product information, requiring direct contact for complete details.
Which Company is the Right for You?
These gold investment companies offer unique advantages, and your selection should align with your investment objectives and preferences.
Goldco stands out as a perfect match for newcomers seeking easy-to-follow guidance and efficient rollover procedures, providing dedicated support at every step.
However, investors looking for extensive metal selections or lower initial investment amounts might need to explore other options.
Augusta Precious Metals works well for investors who appreciate detailed pricing information and continuous learning resources, making it suitable for those planning long-term investment strategies.
The company might not suit investors wanting quick setup processes or wider metal choices. Your decision should reflect your priorities regarding simplicity, educational needs, and investment diversity.
Conclusion
Examining these companies shows they both provide excellent precious metal investment opportunities.
Goldco has built its reputation through quality educational resources and strong customer focus. Augusta Precious Metals stands out for delivering transparent, personalized service.
These companies serve as reliable options for investors aiming to diversify their portfolios with gold and silver, though the best choice depends on individual investment requirements.