Augusta Precious Metals and Monetary Gold both hold BBB A+ ratings and operate out of southern California. That’s where the similarities end. Augusta built its reputation on a structured education program, zero BBB complaints since its 2014 accreditation, and five consecutive years as Money Magazine’s top-rated gold IRA company. Monetary Gold positions itself as a direct-pricing dealer offering gold, silver, and platinum IRA accounts alongside coin inventory. This guide compares them across 13 criteria so you can decide which fits your situation.
Quick Verdict
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for education-first gold IRA setup ($50k+)
Money Magazine #1 (2022-2026) • Free, no obligation
Monetary Gold
Best for coin buyers adding IRA exposure
Visit monetarygold.com directly.
Rankings reflect best-fit per investor profile, not absolute scores. See methodology below. Goldiew earns a commission when readers sign up with Augusta through our links; this does not affect how we rate either company.
Independent Verification
This comparison draws on public information from each company’s website (crawled May 2026), BBB profile data, and Goldiew’s internal verified user reviews. No affiliate portal materials were used to source facts about either company. Monetary Gold is covered with the same methodology as every company on the platform; our coverage of their services is limited to what they state publicly.
How We Evaluate Gold IRA Companies
We assess gold IRA providers on eight criteria that affect real client outcomes. Fees compound over decades, complaint records reveal patterns that individual reviews miss, and the onboarding model shapes whether clients make informed decisions or rushed ones. Here’s what we looked at.
Accreditation status, current letter grade, and the number of resolved versus unresolved complaints over 3 years. Zero complaints over a decade is not common.
Annual custodian fees, storage fees, one-time setup costs, and any promotional waivers. Whether those figures appear on public pages or only after contact matters for comparison shopping.
The practical entry threshold. A higher minimum often correlates with a more specialized, attentive service model.
Does the company invest in helping prospective clients understand the product before buying? One-on-one guidance, structured programs, and non-commissioned advisors all matter here.
Commissioned sales staff have financial incentives to close regardless of fit. Salaried educators have incentives to find the right match. We flag which model each company uses, where publicly stated.
Editorial awards from Money Magazine, Investopedia, and similar publications. We distinguish editorially earned recognition from paid placement.
IRS-approved depository access, segregated versus commingled storage, and whether the company names its custodian and depository partners publicly.
Aggregate ratings from verified user reviews on Goldiew (manually moderated). Reflects direct customer experience, not editorial assessment.
Sources consulted for this guide: IRS Publication 590-A, IRS Publication 590-B, FINRA Precious Metals Investor Alert, SEC Gold Investments Bulletin, company websites (2026), and BBB profiles.
Goldiew user reviews are submitted by platform members and manually moderated before publication. Published review counts reflect verified entries only.
Augusta Precious Metals
Best Overall for $50,000+ Rollovers • Gold and Silver IRA Specialist
Augusta Precious Metals was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, with additional operations in Casper, Wyoming (per Augusta’s website, 2026). CEO Isaac Nuriani built the company around an education-first model: prospective clients go through a structured program before making any commitment, guided by salaried, non-commissioned staff. Director of Education Devlyn Steele leads a web conference program that walks clients through gold IRA mechanics without a sales pitch attached.
The BBB track record stands apart. Augusta has held a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints since its accreditation in 2014 (per Augusta’s website, 2026). In an industry that regularly generates BBB complaints, a zero-complaint record over more than a decade reflects a deliberate approach: Augusta declines clients who aren’t a good fit rather than maximizing transaction volume.
What Makes Augusta Different
The core differentiator is structural. Augusta’s home page explicitly states their educators are “salaried, non-commissioned” (per Augusta’s website, 2026). That distinction drives most of the downstream outcomes: lower complaint rates, higher review scores, and a client profile that tends to have thought through the decision. Their three-step process, described publicly as Learn (free Gold IRA guide), Talk (one-on-one web conference), and Decide (move forward only if it makes sense), is designed to filter out mismatched clients rather than push every inquiry toward a sale.
Five consecutive Money Magazine “Best Overall Gold IRA Company” awards (2022-2026) and Investopedia’s “Most Transparent Gold IRA Company” recognition (2022-2026) give Augusta an editorial track record that Monetary Gold does not yet match.
Fees and Costs
Augusta’s home page references a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts. Specific terms, including duration and qualifying thresholds, are discussed during the free consultation rather than published as fixed figures (per Augusta’s website, 2026). Standard self-directed IRA costs apply: custodian fees and annual storage fees. Augusta uses a qualified self-directed IRA custodian; the specific custodian name is not confirmed on their public pages as of this writing. For the full cost picture applicable to your situation, consult your tax advisor.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. We are not financial advisors. Consult a licensed advisor before making retirement decisions.
Storage and Process
IRS rules require that gold held in a self-directed IRA be stored at an IRS-approved depository, not at home (IRS Publication 590-B). Augusta’s three-step onboarding walks clients from initial interest through account setup with continued support from the same team that managed the initial consultation. The specific depositories Augusta uses are not listed on their public-facing pages as of 2026.
Pros
- BBB A+ with zero complaints since 2014 accreditation
- Money Magazine Best Overall Gold IRA 2022-2026 (5 consecutive years)
- Investopedia Most Transparent 2022-2026
- Salaried, non-commissioned educators confirmed publicly
- 4,000+ verified 5-star ratings across Trustpilot, Google, and Consumer Affairs
- Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts
Cons
- High minimum (industry-reported ~$50,000; not stated on public site)
- Education-intensive process takes time; not suited to buyers wanting quick transactions
- Specific fees and depository names require direct consultation
- Gold and silver only; no platinum IRA option publicly listed
Best for
- Investors with $50,000+ in eligible retirement accounts
- Those approaching or in retirement (typically 55+)
- Buyers who want to understand the product before committing
- Anyone who values salaried advisors over commissioned sales
Not ideal for
- Investors with under $50,000 in retirement savings
- Buyers under 55 without substantial retirement assets
- Those needing same-day or same-week transactions
- Non-US residents
Monetary Gold
Los Angeles-Area Gold Dealer and IRA Provider • Woodland Hills, CA
5000Recognition
Monetary Gold operates from Woodland Hills, California (21800 Oxnard St, per monetarygold.com, 2026). They offer gold, silver, and platinum IRA accounts alongside direct precious metals purchases, which includes government bullion coins and numismatic coins. Their website lists 24/7 client concierge services, free information kits, and free shipping for new clients. The team bio section references “over 100 years of combined industry experience” across staff (per monetarygold.com, 2026). No founding year appears on their public pages as of this writing; no CEO or founder name is listed publicly.
On the BBB side, Monetary Gold holds an A+ accreditation. They also appear in Consumer Affairs and Retirement Living top provider lists, and are recognized on Inc. 5000’s list of fast-growing private companies (per monetarygold.com, 2026). These are legitimate recognition signals, though they don’t carry the same editorial weight as Money Magazine’s annual ranking.
What Monetary Gold Offers
The most notable product differentiation from Augusta is platinum. Monetary Gold publicly offers platinum IRA accounts alongside gold and silver (per monetarygold.com, 2026). Augusta focuses exclusively on gold and silver IRAs. If platinum exposure is part of your metals allocation, Monetary Gold deserves a direct inquiry on whether their platinum IRA terms fit your situation.
Their website describes a three-step IRA process: account setup, metal selection, and storage at a “selected depository.” They also offer a private storage IRA option, which uses a non-bank IRS-approved facility. The specific custodian and depository names do not appear on public pages as of 2026.
Fees and Costs
Monetary Gold does not publish specific fee schedules on their public website as of 2026. Their home page states products are available “without high commissions” at “fair and competitive prices,” but no annual storage fee, custodian fee, or setup fee amounts are listed. You would need to contact them directly and request fee schedules in writing. As with all gold IRAs, standard IRA custodian and annual storage fees apply. Consult your tax advisor for the cost implications in your situation.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. We are not financial advisors. Consult a licensed advisor before making retirement decisions.
Storage and Custodian
IRS rules require that gold held in a self-directed IRA be stored at an IRS-approved depository, not at home (IRS Publication 590-B). Monetary Gold references a “selected depository” for IRA storage but does not name the institution on their public website (as of 2026). Their private storage IRA option may appeal to investors who prefer a non-bank custody model, though the specific depository involved should be verified during their consultation process.
Pros
- BBB A+ accredited with Inc. 5000 recognition
- Gold, silver, and platinum IRA options (broader than Augusta)
- 24/7 client concierge services (per website)
- Broad product range: bullion, numismatic coins, IRA, direct purchase
- Private storage IRA option available
- Southern California office for local accessibility
Cons
- Fees not publicly stated; requires direct contact
- Custodian and depository names not on public site
- No independently verified editorial award equivalent to Money Magazine
- No publicly stated salaried educator model
- No founding year or leadership names on public pages
Best for
- Investors wanting platinum IRA exposure alongside gold and silver
- Buyers combining a gold IRA with direct coin or bullion purchases
- Southern California investors who value proximity to a local office
Not ideal for
- Investors who require fee transparency before first contact
- Those prioritizing a long editorial award track record
- Buyers who need a named custodian for due diligence before engaging
Full Comparison: Augusta vs. Monetary Gold
Thirteen criteria side by side. Cells show verified public data where available. Where information is not publicly stated, the cell reads “Not publicly stated” in italics rather than leaving it blank or inventing a number.
| Criteria | Augusta Precious Metals | Monetary Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Goldiew Rating | 4.71 / 5 (7 verified reviews) | 4.00 / 5 (5 verified reviews) |
| BBB Rating | A+ , Zero Complaints (accredited 2014) | A+ Accredited |
| Founded | 2012 (per Augusta website) | Not publicly stated |
| Headquarters | Beverly Hills, CA / Casper, WY | Woodland Hills, CA |
| Minimum Investment | ~$50,000 (industry-reported; not on public site) | Not publicly stated |
| Fee Transparency | Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying accounts (terms by consultation) | Not publicly stated |
| Staff Model | Salaried, non-commissioned educators (per Augusta website) | Not publicly stated |
| Metals Offered (IRA) | Gold, Silver | Gold, Silver, Platinum |
| Custodian | Qualified self-directed IRA custodian (name not confirmed publicly) | Not publicly stated |
| Storage Options | IRS-approved depository (specific names not on public site) | Segregated, pooled, and private storage IRA options |
| Awards | Money Magazine Best Overall 2022-2026; Investopedia Most Transparent 2022-2026; 4,000+ 5-star ratings | Inc. 5000; Consumer Affairs Top 5; Retirement Living Top 5 |
| Education Model | Structured LEARN / TALK / DECIDE program with dedicated Director of Education | Free information kits and workshops (per website) |
| Concierge Support | Ongoing support via salaried team | 24/7 client concierge services (per website) |
How to Choose Between Augusta and Monetary Gold
Account size is the most practical starting point. The right answer also depends on whether fee transparency before first contact matters to you, whether platinum exposure is part of your plan, and how much weight you place on an editorial award track record.
Build first, revisit later
Neither company publicly targets accounts below $25,000. At this account size, standard IRA vehicles typically offer better economics. Consult a licensed financial advisor on appropriate retirement account options before exploring precious metals IRAs.
Monetary Gold worth a direct inquiry
Augusta’s typical client profile starts at around $50,000 in eligible retirement savings. Monetary Gold does not publish a minimum, making them worth a direct call at this range. Ask for their current minimum and request fee schedules in writing before proceeding.
Augusta fits well here
At $50,000+, you’re in Augusta’s core customer profile. Their education-first process and multi-year fee waiver for qualifying accounts are built for this range. The zero-complaint BBB record over 12 years is meaningful at this investment level.
Augusta strongly preferred
A six-figure rollover warrants thorough due diligence. Augusta’s five-year editorial award track record, salaried advisor model, and structured onboarding reduce the risk of a rushed decision. Monetary Gold’s fee opacity becomes a larger concern at this account size.
Augusta is the clear choice
For rollovers above $250,000, the non-commissioned staff model and a BBB zero-complaint record matter most. Augusta’s multi-year fee waiver on qualifying accounts can represent meaningful savings at this level. This is Augusta’s strongest territory.
Beyond account size, three factors often drive the final decision:
Both companies require direct contact for specific fee numbers. Augusta’s fee waiver is confirmed publicly; Monetary Gold mentions competitive pricing without publishing specifics. Neither is fully transparent before you engage, so request written fee schedules from both before committing.
Monetary Gold publicly offers platinum IRA accounts alongside gold and silver (per monetarygold.com, 2026). Augusta focuses on gold and silver only. If platinum is part of your metals plan, Monetary Gold is the relevant starting point for that inquiry.
Monetary Gold operates as a full-service precious metals dealer with coin and bullion inventory for direct purchase outside an IRA. Augusta focuses on gold and silver IRA accounts specifically. If you want to combine IRA setup with direct coin purchases, Monetary Gold’s broader catalog is more relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monetary Gold a legitimate company?
Yes. Monetary Gold holds a BBB A+ accreditation and appears in the Inc. 5000 list of fast-growing private US companies (per monetarygold.com, 2026). They are not accredited by editorial publications like Money Magazine, but their BBB standing is positive. Before committing funds to any gold IRA provider, check the current BBB profile directly and cross-reference against SEC investor alerts and the FINRA BrokerCheck database.
How does Augusta’s fee waiver work?
Augusta’s public website references a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts. Specific terms, including duration and qualifying thresholds, are discussed during the free one-on-one consultation rather than published as fixed figures (per Augusta’s website, 2026). Ask directly what conditions apply to your rollover amount. Consult your tax advisor for the full cost implications in your specific situation.
What is the minimum investment required for Augusta?
Augusta does not publish a minimum investment amount on their public home or about pages as of 2026. Third-party review publications including Money.com and Investopedia consistently reference around $50,000 in eligible retirement funds. Augusta’s own public positioning targets clients “approaching or in retirement” with existing retirement savings. Confirm the actual figure for your situation directly with Augusta during their free consultation.
Can I roll over a 401(k) to a gold IRA with either company?
Both Augusta and Monetary Gold offer IRA rollover services. The IRS permits direct rollovers from qualified 401(k) plans into a self-directed IRA holding gold, provided the metals meet IRS purity standards (IRS Publication 590-A). Eligible retirement accounts for rollovers include traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most 401(k) plans. Rules differ for 403(b) and 457 plans. Consult your tax advisor before initiating any rollover to understand the tax treatment for your specific plan type.
Which company has lower fees?
Neither Augusta nor Monetary Gold publishes a complete fee schedule on their public websites as of 2026. Augusta’s public materials confirm a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying accounts; Monetary Gold’s site describes “fair and competitive prices” without high commissions but lists no specific fee amounts. To compare total cost accurately, request written fee schedules from both companies before opening an account. Consult your tax advisor to understand how fees compound over a multi-year holding period in your situation.
What is the difference in their onboarding processes?
Augusta uses a structured three-step model: a free Gold IRA guide (LEARN), a one-on-one web conference with a salaried, non-commissioned educator (TALK), and a decision only if the product fits (DECIDE). This process is publicly described and consistently referenced in reviews (per Augusta’s website, 2026). Monetary Gold’s public website describes account setup, metal selection, and depository storage as the three steps, and offers free information kits and workshops, but does not describe a structured non-commissioned educator model publicly.
Does Augusta have a buyback program?
Augusta’s public website does not detail a specific buyback program or guaranteed buyback price policy in the materials reviewed for this guide (2026). Ask about buyback terms during your free consultation with Augusta. Under IRS rules, gold in a self-directed IRA must remain in depository custody while in the account; buyback terms typically apply when you take a distribution or close the IRA position.
What does Monetary Gold’s private storage IRA option mean?
Monetary Gold’s website mentions a private storage IRA option (per monetarygold.com, 2026). A private storage IRA uses a non-bank IRS-approved depository rather than a traditional bank custodian model. IRS rules still apply: the metals must be at an IRS-approved facility, not at home (IRS Publication 590-B). The specific institution Monetary Gold uses for private storage is not named on their public website; ask directly for the depository name and IRS-approval documentation before opening an account.
Why does Augusta have zero BBB complaints?
Augusta has held a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints since their 2014 accreditation (per Augusta’s website, 2026). Their own explanation is their salaried, non-commissioned model and their practice of declining clients who aren’t a strong fit for a gold IRA. Rather than maximizing sales volume, they work with a smaller number of well-matched clients. That structural choice produces fewer mismatched expectations and fewer reasons for complaints. A zero-complaint record does not guarantee future outcomes. Check the current BBB profile directly for the most recent status.
Who should not use Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta is not the right fit for everyone. If you have less than $50,000 in eligible retirement funds, Augusta’s typical client profile likely does not apply. If you are under 55 without substantial existing retirement savings, the timing may not be right for a gold IRA rollover. If you need platinum in your metals IRA, Augusta does not publicly offer that option. If you want same-day or same-week processing, Augusta’s structured multi-step process takes longer than a direct dealer model. Non-US residents are generally outside their service area.
Sources and Methodology
All company facts trace to public-facing pages. No affiliate portal materials were used. Monetary Gold facts cite “per monetarygold.com (2026).” Augusta facts trace to Goldiew’s company verification records canonical database, verified against Augusta’s website in 2026. Goldiew’s internal ratings are from verified, manually moderated user reviews (published count only).
- Augusta Precious Metals official website (crawled May 2026)
- Monetary Gold official website (crawled May 2026)
- IRS Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
- IRS Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements
- FINRA Investor Alert: Precious Metals Fraud
- SEC Investor Bulletin: Gold Investments
- Better Business Bureau business profiles
- Goldiew: Augusta Precious Metals review page (Goldiew verified user reviews)
- Goldiew: Monetary Gold review page (Goldiew verified user reviews)
- Goldiew: Best Gold IRA Companies (reference comparison)
This guide covers publicly available facts as of 2026. Company policies, fees, and ratings change. Verify current terms directly with each company before opening an account.