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What to Know Before Investing in Precious Metals

At a glance: Here's what you need to know before you initiate your precious metals investment.

Any account offered by NDTCO can invest in Precious Metals. These assets retain the tax benefits associated with the account type in which they are held. Investing in gold, silver, platinum, or palladium in your self-directed IRA is one way to diversify your retirement portfolio. 

Many people have had experience investing their personal funds in precious metals. They are now looking to capitalize on that experience by generating retirement wealth that is tax-deferred or tax-free. 

We make sure that the entire investment process takes place within your IRA, so that you can maintain the right to any tax benefits associated with the account type. 

Minimum Fineness Requirements 

  • GOLD (99.5% PURE) 
  • SILVER (99.9% PURE) 
  • PLATINUM (99.95% PURE) 
  • PALLADIUM (99.95% PURE) 

Picking a Precious Metals Source/Dealer 

Once your account is open and has been funded, you are ready to self-direct your IRA. Precious metals are most often purchased from a precious metals dealer or broker, as we do not provide the metals ourselves. New Direction Trust Company does not determine where you buy your metals. You may work with a dealer for your IRA’s purchase, aside from those on our Administratively Infeasible List. Not all dealers operate the same way. It is a good idea to talk to them about their process and pricing.  

Depository Storage Options 

Depositories play a large role in your self-directed precious metals investment. The Internal Revenue Code states that metals owned by an IRA must be physically held by a non-bank trustee or a depository that meets IRS regulations. Thus, they will need to be stored in a depository in the name of the IRA. Unlike many other IRA providers, New Direction Trust Company does not restrict you to one depository choice. The depositories available to choose from have a reputation for providing a high level of security and insurance. If you have questions regarding security, contact the depository prior to purchasing.   

You can ask your dealer if you do not know which depository to use. Precious metals dealers often have established relationships with certain depositories and can assist you with the process. Some depositories offer commingled and/or segregated storage. Please review our Precious Metals Depository Page for more information.   

Please note NDTCO establishes the account at the depository at the time of the metals purchase.   

Due Diligence 

As the IRA holder, you are responsible for performing due diligence on your IRA’s investments. Neither the IRS nor NDTCO researches or endorses the investments, precious metals dealers, or the depositories involved in your IRA’s transaction. A competent professional in the legal, financial advice or accounting fields can also be engaged if you need additional help deciding if the investment being considered is legitimate, meets your risk tolerance parameters, and is right for your investment goals.  

Allowable Precious Metals 

  • Bars (any weight: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium)   
  • American Eagle Coins (any weight: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium)   
  • Canadian Maple Leaf Coins (1 ounce: Gold, Silver) 
  • American Buffalo Coins (1 ounce: Gold, Silver) 
  • Australian Kangaroo/Kookaburra Coins (1 ounce: Gold, Silver, Platinum)   
  • Austrian Philharmonic Coins (1 ounce: Gold, Silver)   
  • Britannia Coins (1 ounce: Gold, Silver, Platinum)   
  • South African Krugerrands (1 ounce: Silver)   
  • Buffalo Rounds (1 ounce: Silver) 
  • Specialty Series Coins 
  • Unrecognized Brand Coins 

View full list of Allowable Precious Metals/Disallowed Coins here.  

Fees 

ANNUAL ADMINISTRATION FEES 

Precious Metals 

Precious Metals 

$220 Flat Rate 

If you purchase physical metals, your account may be subject to storage fees. Storage Fees are not included in this schedule. 

  

Online Trading 

$185 Flat Rate 

PROCESSING FEES FOR PRECIOUS METALS 

Purchase, Sale, or Exchange of Precious Metals 

$130 

OUTGOING MOVEMENT OF FUNDS 

Due when funds leave your account 

ACH 

$0 

Check 

$20 

Cashier or Official Bank Check 

$35 

Wire 

$35 

International Wire 

$35 

Overnight Mail 

$50 

Returned Item or Stop Payment Request or Void Check 

$50 
Annual Administration fees are charged based upon the custodial services provided and are not dependent upon an investment’s performance. Thus, Administration fees are non-refundable regardless of whether the account holder is unable to generate profits or returns.