Precious Metals IRA Custodian Fees: Setup, Storage & Annual Costs
A gold IRA typically carries four fee types: a one-time setup fee, an annual custodian (administration) fee, an annual storage fee, and the dealer’s markup on the metals themselves. Across the industry, setup fees commonly run about $50–$100, annual custodian fees roughly $75–$150, and annual storage roughly $100–$150 for flat-rate depositories — though some custodians scale storage as a percentage of account value. The dealer markup is the single largest and most variable cost, and it is the one most worth comparing.
Expect four costs: setup (one-time), custodian (annual), storage (annual), and dealer markup (built into the purchase price). Flat-rate storage tends to favor larger balances; percentage-based storage can cost more as your account grows. Always ask for the markup in writing, and confirm whether any “fee-waived” promotions are time-limited. Fees do not affect whether metals are IRA-eligible — they affect your net cost of ownership.
Important: This page is educational and general in nature. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice. Fee amounts vary by provider and change over time — always confirm current fees directly with the custodian and dealer before opening an account.
The four fees every gold IRA has
1. Account setup fee (one-time)
A one-time charge to open the self-directed IRA and process the paperwork. Industry-wide this is commonly around $50–$100. Some providers waive it as a promotion, especially on larger accounts.
2. Custodian / administration fee (annual)
Paid to the IRS-approved custodian that administers the account, handles reporting, and processes transactions. This is typically a flat annual fee in the range of about $75–$150. A self-directed IRA custodian is required by law — you cannot hold IRA metals without one.
3. Depository storage fee (annual)
Paid to the IRS-approved depository that physically stores your metals. Two common models: a flat fee (often around $100–$150/year) or a scaled fee charged as a percentage of your holdings’ value. Storage can also be “segregated” (your metals stored separately) or “commingled” (pooled), with segregated storage usually costing more.
4. Dealer markup / spread (built into the purchase)
The difference between the dealer’s sale price and the metal’s underlying spot value. This is not usually itemized as a “fee” — it is embedded in the price you pay per coin or bar — yet it is generally the largest cost and varies widely between products (bullion versus premium/collectible coins) and between dealers. Ask for the markup in writing before you buy.
Flat fees vs. scaled fees: why the model matters
Two accounts holding identical metals can pay very different annual costs depending on the fee model:
Flat-fee model
A fixed dollar amount regardless of account size. Because the fee doesn’t rise with your balance, the flat model generally becomes more cost-efficient the larger the account.
Scaled (percentage) model
A fee calculated as a percentage of your holdings’ value. It can look inexpensive on a small account but grows as your balance grows, which can make it more expensive over time on larger accounts.
Neither model is universally “better” — the right choice depends on your account size and how long you plan to hold. Ask each provider to put the full annual cost in writing for your specific balance so you can compare like for like.
Hidden costs to ask about before you sign
- Promotional fee waivers: Confirm whether waived setup or storage fees are permanent or expire after a set number of years, and what the standard rate is afterward.
- Wire and transfer fees: Some custodians charge for outgoing wires or account transfers.
- Buyback spread: When you eventually sell metals back, the price you receive is typically below spot. Ask how buybacks are priced.
- Premium vs. bullion pricing: Collectible or “premium” coins can carry markups well above common bullion. Compare the total per-ounce cost, not just the fee schedule.
Precious metals IRA custodian fee schedule: what each line item covers
The table below shows common fee categories and approximate industry ranges for precious metals IRA custodians. These are illustrative ranges gathered from publicly available fee schedules — individual custodians may fall outside them. Always request the written fee schedule from your custodian before funding an account.
| Fee category | Typical range | Frequency | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account setup | $0–$100 | One-time | Opening the self-directed IRA, processing paperwork. Often waived on larger accounts. |
| Annual administration / custodian | $75–$150 | Annual | Account maintenance, IRS reporting, statement generation. Usually a flat fee. |
| Depository storage (flat) | $100–$150 | Annual | Physical vault storage at an IRS-approved depository. Segregated storage costs more than commingled. |
| Depository storage (scaled) | 0.5%–1% of value | Annual | Alternative to flat-rate: a percentage of the account’s holdings value. Can become costly as the balance grows. |
| Transaction / trade | $0–$50 | Per trade | Charged by some custodians each time metals are bought or sold within the account. |
| Wire / transfer | $25–$50 | Per event | Outgoing wires or account-to-account transfers. Some custodians bundle this into the admin fee. |
| Account closing / termination | $0–$250 | One-time | Charged by some custodians when the IRA is closed or assets are transferred out. |
| Dealer markup / spread | Varies widely | Per purchase | Not a custodian fee — paid to the dealer and built into the per-coin/bar price. Usually the single largest cost. Ask for the markup over spot in writing. |
Note: Ranges are illustrative industry estimates compiled from publicly available custodian fee schedules and are not quotes. Individual providers may charge more or less. Confirm the current written fee schedule directly with the custodian before making any decision.
See the numbers for yourself
Fees are only half the picture. See how inflation has historically eroded the purchasing power of cash and other assets over 5–30 years, side by side, with our free interactive tool.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gold IRA cost per year?
Recurring costs are usually the annual custodian fee (about $75–$150) plus annual storage (often $100–$150 flat, or a percentage of value). So many flat-fee accounts run roughly $175–$300 per year, separate from the one-time setup fee and the dealer markup paid when you buy.
Are gold IRA fees tax-deductible?
This is a question for a licensed tax professional. Treatment of IRA-related fees depends on your individual situation and current tax rules. We do not provide tax advice.
Why is the dealer markup not listed as a fee?
The markup is built into the per-coin or per-bar price rather than billed separately, so it does not appear on a fee schedule. It is still a real cost — ask the dealer to state the markup over spot in writing.
Can I avoid storage fees by keeping the metals at home?
No. IRA metals must be held by an IRS-approved depository. Storing them at home can be treated by the IRS as a taxable distribution. Storage fees are a required cost of a compliant gold IRA.
Do fees make a gold IRA a bad idea?
Fees are simply the cost of ownership; whether a gold IRA suits you depends on your own circumstances and goals. This page explains the costs so you can compare providers — it is not a recommendation. Consult a licensed advisor.
What fees does a precious metals IRA custodian charge?
A custodian typically charges an annual administration or maintenance fee (commonly $75–$150 flat) and may also charge a one-time setup fee, per-trade transaction fees, wire fees, and an account-closing fee. Storage at the depository is often billed separately. Ask for the full written fee schedule — including any items that may be waived temporarily — before funding the account.
Is the custodian fee the same as the storage fee?
No. The custodian fee covers account administration, IRS reporting, and transaction processing. The storage fee is paid to the depository that physically holds the metal. They are separate charges, even when the same company bundles the experience.
Rolling over a specific account type?
Fee structures are similar across custodians, but eligibility rules vary by plan. Explore the guide for your account:
Sources & authoritative references
This page draws on primary sources. Rules can change — always confirm current details with the official source or a licensed professional before acting.
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to Individual Retirement ArrangementsOfficial IRS rules on IRA contributions and eligibility.
- 26 U.S. Code § 408(m) — Investment in collectibles (bullion exception)The federal statute defining which coins and bullion an IRA may hold.
- FINRA — Investor InsightsIndependent investor-education articles from the securities-industry regulator.
About this guide
Published and maintained by Metals Retirement Audit · Last reviewed July 2026
Metals Retirement Audit publishes educational reference material on precious-metals retirement accounts for U.S. savers. Guides are written and maintained under the organization’s name rather than attributed to an individual, and they are reviewed on a recurring schedule so the rules, limits, and figures they cite stay current.
Sourced from primary documents
Rules and figures are drawn from IRS publications, the U.S. Code, and federal regulators such as the SEC, CFTC, and FINRA — cited on each page so you can check them yourself.
Reviewed and dated
Every guide carries a visible review date. Tax figures and contribution limits are re-checked against the current year’s official guidance when that date changes.
Corrections welcome
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This page is educational and general in nature. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice and does not account for your individual circumstances. Fee ranges are illustrative industry estimates that vary by provider and change over time. Confirm current fees directly with the custodian and dealer before making any decision.
Disclosure: We may earn a referral fee when you connect with a precious metals company through this site, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence the educational information above. We are not a financial advisor, broker, or dealer.