1
Rank
Augusta Precious Metals
Best overall — education & transparency
- Transparent pricing
- Dedicated specialist
- Education-first
- Lifetime support
Quick answer: A precious metals IRA is a self-directed IRA that can hold IRS-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. It works like a gold IRA but offers a broader metals lineup, each with its own minimum fineness standard.
On this pageThe four eligible metalsWhy diversify across metalsHow it worksPrecious metals IRA vs gold IRA
A precious metals IRA is essentially a gold IRA with more options. The structure, tax treatment, and storage rules are identical — the difference is that you can diversify across four metals rather than one, which appeals to investors who want broader exposure.
The four eligible metals
Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can all be held, provided they meet IRS fineness standards: gold .995, silver .999, and platinum and palladium .9995. Each metal has its own approved coins and bars.
Why diversify across metals
Silver tends to be more volatile and industrial-demand-driven than gold, while platinum and palladium are tied heavily to industrial use. Holding a mix can spread risk, though gold remains the core holding for most precious-metals investors.
How it works
Like any self-directed IRA, you fund it by contribution or rollover, buy eligible metal through a dealer, and store it at an approved depository. Not every company offers all four metals — Birch Gold Group is one that does.
Precious metals IRA vs gold IRA
The terms are often used interchangeably. A gold IRA simply emphasizes gold; a precious metals IRA highlights the option to add silver, platinum, and palladium. The rules and custody requirements are the same.
| Metal | Minimum fineness |
|---|---|
| Gold | .995 (Gold Eagle exempt) |
| Silver | .999 |
| Platinum | .9995 |
| Palladium | .9995 |
Top Gold IRA companies (2026)
Updated June 20262
Rank
Goldco
Best for 401(k) & IRA rollovers
- Rollover specialists
- Wide selection
- Buyback program
- Responsive support
3
Rank
Priority Gold
Best for low minimums
- Lower entry minimum
- Price-match offer
- Secure storage
- Simple setup
4
Rank
American Hartford Gold
Best for first-time buyers
- No-minimum option
- Family-owned
- Promotional offers
- Buyback commitment
5
Rank
Birch Gold Group
Best for metals variety
- Broad selection
- Long track record
- Fee transparency
- Strong education
Order is editorial; we may earn a commission from links above. Scores are illustrative placeholders pending your own verification.
Frequently asked questions
What metals can a precious metals IRA hold?
IRS-eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet the minimum fineness standards for each metal.
Is a precious metals IRA the same as a gold IRA?
Effectively yes — the rules are identical; a precious metals IRA just emphasizes the option to add silver, platinum, and palladium.
Which companies offer all four metals?
Birch Gold Group is a well-known provider that offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium for IRAs.
Related guides
Authoritative resources & where to get help
Verify the rules yourself and know where to turn. Official government and regulator sources:
IRS: IRA contribution limitsIRS Pub 590-B: distributions & RMDsU.S. Code §408(m): allowed metalsCFTC: precious-metals fraudFTC: report fraudU.S. Mint
On Gold Advisor: Top 5 companies · Calculators · Fee index · Avoid scams
See the full Gold IRA rules, regulators & resources hub for IRS publications, how to vet a company, and where to file a complaint.