When investors compare gold IRA companies, Augusta Precious Metals and Orion Metal Exchange often appear on the same shortlist. Augusta has built its reputation on investor education and a documented track record of institutional recognition. Orion, based in Los Angeles, positions itself on low fees, a four-metal product range, and a commission-free buyback policy. This guide gives you verified, public-facing facts for both companies and a plain-English framework for deciding which one fits your situation.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Gold and precious metals IRA accounts carry investment risk. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making retirement decisions. Goldiew is not a financial advisor.
Quick Answer: Augusta vs Orion Metal Exchange
Rankings reflect fit for different investor profiles based on verified public information, not a claim that one company is universally superior. See methodology below.
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How We Evaluated Augusta and Orion
This comparison rests on two principles: verified public facts only, and usefulness for investors actively deciding between these two companies. Both serve the US precious metals IRA market, but they approach it differently. Augusta’s entire process is built around education. Orion’s pitch centers on competitive pricing and a broader metals range. Our job was to identify where those differences are real and where they are marketing claims without public verification.
We scored each company on eight criteria based on what matters most to Goldiew readers in their actual buying process:
Sources: company websites crawled July 2026, BBB accreditation records, Goldiew internal verified review database (7 Augusta reviews, no Orion reviews at time of publication), IRS Publication 590-A, and FINRA investor alerts on precious metals fraud.
One disclosure upfront: Our methodology is identical for every company we cover, independent of any commercial relationship. We earn a commission when readers open an account through our Augusta links. This did not change the factual standard we applied to either company. Where Orion’s website disclosed facts, we used them at face value. Where information was absent, we flagged the gap rather than filling it with estimates.
Augusta Precious Metals: In-Depth Review
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for $50,000+ accounts · Education-first approach · Beverly Hills, CA
What Makes Augusta Different
Augusta was founded in 2012 and has operated under CEO Isaac Nuriani since inception. The company’s entire model is built around a single idea: investors who understand what they are buying make better long-term decisions. That philosophy is operationalized through what Augusta publicly calls their Education-First Process: Learn, Talk, Decide. Every prospective client starts with Augusta’s free Gold IRA guide, then participates in a one-on-one web conference with a member of the education team, and only then decides whether to open an account.
The feature that Goldiew readers highlight most consistently: Augusta’s educators are salaried and non-commissioned. That statement appears directly on Augusta’s public home page. It matters in the precious metals space because commission-based staff have a financial incentive to steer customers toward higher-margin premium coins over standard IRS-approved bullion. Augusta’s salaried structure removes that pressure explicitly.
On the track record side, Augusta has maintained a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints since their 2014 accreditation. That is a rare outcome in a category where aggressive sales practices and opaque pricing generate significant consumer complaints. Money Magazine named Augusta the Best Overall Gold IRA Company every year from 2022 through 2026. Investopedia awarded them Most Transparent in the same period. Both designations appear on Augusta’s public home page and were verified in our July 2026 crawl.
Fees, Minimum, and Account Setup
Augusta does not publish a specific fee schedule on their public website. Third-party sources including Money.com and Investopedia consistently report a minimum investment of around $50,000, though Augusta does not state this number on their home or about pages. Augusta’s current offer, confirmed on their public site, is a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts; the specific terms are discussed during the free consultation. If Augusta’s minimum and fee structure are decision factors for you, raise both on your first call.
Augusta uses a qualified self-directed IRA custodian for account management, per their public site. They do not name a specific custodian publicly. Storage is handled through an IRS-approved depository; specific depository names are available through Augusta during the onboarding process. Under IRS Publication 590-A, metals in a self-directed IRA must be held at an IRS-approved facility, not at home and not in a personally controlled safe deposit box.
Consult your tax advisor before making any retirement account decisions. This is not tax or investment advice.
Who Augusta Is (and Is Not) For
Pros
- BBB A+ with zero complaints since 2014
- Salaried, non-commissioned educators (stated publicly)
- Money Magazine Best Overall Gold IRA 2022-2026
- Investopedia Most Transparent 2022-2026
- Education-First Process: Learn, Talk, Decide
- Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts
- 4,000+ five-star reviews across Trustpilot, Google, Consumer Affairs
Cons
- Industry-reported minimum around $50,000 limits accessibility
- Fee details and custodian names require a consultation call
- Process takes time; not for investors who want rapid account setup
- Focused publicly on gold and silver; narrower metals selection than some competitors
Orion Metal Exchange: In-Depth Review
Orion Metal Exchange
Los Angeles, CA · 4 metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) · Commission-free buyback
What Makes Orion Different
Orion Metal Exchange is headquartered in Los Angeles, California (12301 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 412). Their about page states the co-founders bring over 40 years of combined experience in the precious metals industry, though the company does not publish individual leadership names publicly. The company carries a BBB A+ rating per their about page, has been Consumer Affairs accredited since 2018, is a member of ICTA (Industry Council for Tangible Assets), and is an authorized dealer for PCGS and NGC, the two leading third-party coin grading services in the US.
Orion’s public differentiators from Augusta center on product range and stated pricing philosophy. Where Augusta focuses publicly on gold and silver, Orion offers all four IRS-approved precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. For investors who want to hold a multi-metal position in their IRA, that is a meaningful distinction. Per IRS Publication 590-A, platinum must be 99.95% pure and palladium must be 99.95% pure to qualify for IRA inclusion; both requirements apply regardless of which company you use.
On fees, Orion states on their public about page that their fees are “lower than half of what our competitors charge,” and their FAQ references programs that can reimburse IRA setup costs and annual fees. They do not publish specific dollar amounts for setup, annual maintenance, or storage on their public pages. Exact figures require a direct call. Orion’s phone number, per their public contact page, is 1-800-559-0088.
One feature worth noting: Orion publicly offers insured home delivery for non-IRA precious metals purchases. This is not an IRA feature. Metals held in a self-directed IRA must remain at an IRS-approved depository; home storage of IRA metals is a violation that triggers distribution penalties. The home delivery option at Orion applies only to physical purchases made outside a retirement account.
Custodians, Depositories, and Buyback
Orion names specific depository partners on their public FAQ: Brinks, Delaware Depository (DDSC), and International Depository Services (IDS). All three are IRS-approved for self-directed precious metals IRA storage. Having named depositories on a public page gives investors who want to research storage partners before making their first call a head start. Augusta does not name its depositories publicly; those details come up during the consultation.
For custodians, Orion’s FAQ references an “IRS-approved custodian” in general terms without naming a specific institution. Neither company provides publicly visible custodian names upfront, though Orion names its depositories while Augusta names neither.
Orion’s public website advertises a commission-free buyback policy. This means that when you are ready to liquidate metals from your account, Orion does not charge a sales commission on the repurchase. The specific terms and pricing methodology for buybacks are not detailed publicly; ask during your initial call. Augusta’s public site does not describe a specific buyback program in the same terms.
Consult your tax advisor before making any retirement account decisions. This is not investment advice.
Who Orion Is (and Is Not) For
Pros
- BBB A+ rating (per Orion’s about page, verified July 2026)
- Four metals: gold, silver, platinum, palladium
- Named depositories publicly: Brinks, Delaware Depository, IDS
- Commission-free buyback policy stated on public site
- Consumer Affairs accredited since 2018
- ICTA member; authorized PCGS and NGC dealer
- Chicago Tribune recognized; Money.com “Best for low fees” (2022)
- Live online pricing transparency
Cons
- Founded year not stated publicly
- Minimum investment not stated publicly
- Individual leadership names not published
- Specific fee amounts require a call; no published schedule
- Sales staff compensation model not stated publicly
- no verified user reviews on this platform
Note: Orion Metal Exchange is covered with the same methodology as every company on the platform. All facts above are from Orion’s public website, crawled July 2026. Verify current BBB standing directly at bbb.org before making any decision.
Full Comparison: Augusta vs Orion Metal Exchange
The table below uses verified public facts only. Where a company has not disclosed information publicly, we use italic text rather than guessing. Both companies were reviewed in July 2026.
| Dimension | Augusta Precious Metals | Orion Metal Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Goldiew Rating | 4.71 / 5 (7 verified reviews) | Not yet reviewed on Goldiew |
| Founded | 2012 | Not publicly stated |
| Headquarters | Beverly Hills, CA (+ Casper, WY) | Los Angeles, CA |
| Leadership | CEO: Isaac Nuriani (public) | Co-founders not named publicly |
| Minimum Investment | Industry-reported around $50,000; not on public site | Not publicly stated |
| BBB Rating | A+ · Zero complaints · Accredited since 2014 | A+ (per About page) · Accredited status: verify at bbb.org |
| Sales Staff Model | Salaried, non-commissioned (stated on home page) | Not publicly stated |
| Custodian | Qualified self-directed IRA custodian (name requires consultation) | IRS-approved custodian (name not specified publicly) |
| Depositories | IRS-approved depository (names require consultation) | Brinks, Delaware Depository (DDSC), IDS (per FAQ) |
| Metals Offered | Gold, Silver | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium |
| Buyback Program | Not described publicly | Commission-free buyback (per public site) |
| Fee Structure | Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts (terms via consultation) | Claims fees “lower than half of competitors”; programs to reimburse setup and annual fees (no amounts stated) |
| Key Awards | Money Magazine Best Overall (2022-2026) · Investopedia Most Transparent (2022-2026) | Chicago Tribune recognized · Money.com Best for Low Fees (2022) · Consumer Affairs accredited |
| Goldiew Affiliate | Yes (we earn a commission on referrals) | No |
Which Company Fits Your Situation
The choice between Augusta and Orion Metal Exchange comes down to three variables: your account size, the metals you want to hold, and how much you value having public information available before your first call. Here is how to work through it:
This decision guide reflects typical use cases based on publicly verified information. It is not financial or investment advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making any retirement account decision.
Get Augusta’s free Gold IRA guide and comparison checklistFrequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Augusta Precious Metals and Orion Metal Exchange?
Augusta targets investors with larger accounts (industry-reported around $50,000) and delivers a structured education-first consultation with salaried, non-commissioned staff. Its national award record (Money Magazine, Investopedia, BBB A+ zero complaints since 2014) is multi-year and publicly verifiable. Orion Metal Exchange offers a broader metals lineup (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), names its depositories publicly (Brinks, DDSC, IDS), and advertises a commission-free buyback policy. Neither publishes specific fee amounts upfront. Our methodology is identical for every company we cover, independent of any commercial relationship.
Which company has the lower minimum investment?
Orion Metal Exchange does not state a minimum investment on their public website. Augusta’s minimum is industry-reported around $50,000, a figure consistently cited by Money.com and Investopedia, though Augusta does not post this on their home or about pages. If your eligible retirement balance falls below $50,000, contact Orion directly to confirm whether you qualify; their phone is 1-800-559-0088. Contact Augusta directly for confirmation of their current minimums as well, since industry-reported figures can change.
What precious metals can I hold in an IRA with Orion versus Augusta?
Per IRS Publication 590-A, precious metals held in a self-directed IRA must meet minimum purity standards: gold at 99.5%, silver at 99.9%, platinum at 99.95%, and palladium at 99.95%. Augusta’s public site focuses on gold and silver. Orion’s public site lists all four metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. If a multi-metal IRA is part of your strategy, Orion’s stated product range is broader. Confirm specific available products and premium pricing with either company directly before opening an account.
How do the fees compare between Augusta and Orion?
Neither company publishes a specific fee schedule on public pages. Augusta offers a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts; exact terms require a consultation. Orion claims on their about page that their fees are “lower than half of what our competitors charge” and mentions fee reimbursement programs in their FAQ, but no specific setup, annual, or storage amounts are listed publicly. Before committing to either company, ask for a written total-cost breakdown covering setup fees, annual custodian fees, storage fees, and the dealer markup on the specific metals you plan to purchase.
Does Orion Metal Exchange offer a buyback program?
Orion’s public website advertises a commission-free buyback policy. This means the company does not charge a sales commission when repurchasing metals from you. The specific pricing methodology (how they determine buyback prices relative to spot price) is not detailed on public pages; ask for those specifics during your initial call. Augusta’s public site does not describe an equivalent commission-free buyback program by name. Either way, before opening an account with any precious metals company, confirm the liquidation process and costs in writing.
Are both companies BBB accredited with A+ ratings?
Augusta Precious Metals holds a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints since their accreditation in 2014, per Augusta’s public website (verified July 2026). Orion Metal Exchange states a BBB A+ rating on their about page (verified July 2026). Complaint volume and current ratings can change; always verify the current standing for both companies directly at bbb.org before making a final decision. A+ ratings with low or zero complaint counts are a meaningful trust signal in the precious metals category, where consumer complaints about high-pressure sales are common.
Can I store IRA gold at home with either company?
No. Under IRS rules, metals held in a self-directed precious metals IRA must be stored at an IRS-approved third-party depository. Home storage of IRA metals is a prohibited transaction under Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m) that can cause the IRA to be treated as distributed, triggering income taxes and potential early withdrawal penalties. Orion offers insured home delivery for non-IRA physical precious metals purchases, which is a separate product category. For IRA accounts, both Augusta and Orion use IRS-approved depositories. Consult your tax advisor before any IRA transaction.
How does a 401(k) or IRA rollover to a precious metals IRA work?
The process works the same regardless of which company you use. You direct your existing 401(k) or IRA custodian to transfer funds to a new self-directed IRA custodian set up on your behalf by the precious metals company. The IRS allows two rollover types: a direct rollover (custodian to custodian, no tax event) and an indirect rollover (funds go to you first, then you have 60 days to reinvest, subject to the one-rollover-per-year rule). Direct rollovers are simpler and avoid the 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers from 401(k) plans. Augusta walks you through this in their Education-First consultation. Orion supports rollover setup via their in-house IRA department. Consult a tax advisor before initiating any rollover.
Sources
All factual claims in this guide are sourced from public-facing pages or qualified as industry-reported. Both company websites were crawled in July 2026. Orion Metal Exchange facts are sourced from their home, about, and FAQ pages. Augusta facts are cross-referenced against Goldiew’s company verification records.
- IRS Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
- FINRA Investor Alert: Precious Metals Fraud
- SEC Investor Alerts (investor.gov)
- Augusta Precious Metals home page (crawled July 2026)
- Augusta Precious Metals about page (crawled July 2026)
- Orion Metal Exchange home page (crawled July 2026)
- Orion Metal Exchange about page (crawled July 2026)
- Orion Metal Exchange FAQ page (crawled July 2026)
- Better Business Bureau accreditation records
- Goldiew internal user review database: 7 verified Augusta reviews, 0 Orion reviews (July 2026)
Any investment involves risk. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice.