Two gold IRA companies, two very different profiles. Augusta Precious Metals has served American retirees since 2012 with an education-first model and a track record that includes zero BBB complaints. Preserve Gold launched in 2022 with a publicly stated $10,000 minimum and a transparent fee schedule. If your retirement account is above $50,000 and you want the most vetted option in the market, the choice is straightforward. If you are working with a smaller account and want to understand your options first, this comparison gives you the facts you need to decide.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Gold IRA accounts carry investment risk. Consult a licensed financial advisor and tax professional before making any retirement account decision. We are not financial advisors.
Quick Verdict: Augusta vs. Preserve Gold
Contact Preserve Gold directly at preservegold.com or call +1 877-444-0923 to confirm current terms.
Rankings reflect best-fit per investor profile and account size, not an absolute claim that one company is universally superior. See methodology below.
In this comparison
How We Compared Augusta and Preserve Gold
A gold IRA rollover is a long-term decision. A mistake on fees, custodian selection, or IRS compliance is expensive to unwind. Goldiew evaluated both companies on eight criteria drawn from IRS Publication 590-B guidance on self-directed IRA rules, FINRA investor alerts on precious metals fraud, and SEC guidance on evaluating investment service providers.
1. Minimum investment
Entry threshold determines who each company actually serves.
2. Track record
Years in operation, customer volume, and consistency over time.
3. Fee structure
Setup, custodian, storage, and liquidation costs over a multi-year hold.
4. Sales model
Commission-based versus salaried staff, and approach to education.
5. Custodians and depositories
IRS-approved custodians and regulated vault options available.
6. IRA process
Rollover timeline, paperwork handling, and account setup experience.
7. Ratings and reputation
BBB profile, complaint history, review volume, and industry awards.
8. Buyback terms
Liquidation fees, price matching, and ease of selling metals back.
Sources used include IRS Publication 590-B, IRS Publication 590-A, FINRA’s investor alert on precious metals fraud, and the BBB public profile database. All company-specific facts trace to public sources. Consult a licensed financial advisor and tax professional before any retirement account decision.
Across all eight criteria, Augusta Precious Metals scores highest overall, earning Money Magazine’s Best Overall Gold IRA Company ranking for four consecutive years and a BBB A+ record with zero complaints on file.
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for $50,000+ Rollover Accounts · Beverly Hills, CA · Founded 2012
Augusta Precious Metals has operated in the gold IRA space since 2012. Isaac Nuriani serves as CEO; Devlyn Steele leads the company’s education department. Primary headquarters are in Beverly Hills, California, with a second location in Casper, Wyoming. The company holds a BBB A+ rating with zero complaints on record and has been BBB-accredited since 2014. Augusta reports 4,000 or more five-star ratings across Trustpilot, Google, and Consumer Affairs combined.
Education-first model
Augusta’s public onboarding process follows three public stages: LEARN (customers receive a free 2026 Gold IRA Guide), TALK (a one-on-one web conference with a salaried, non-commissioned educator), and DECIDE (customers choose whether to proceed). The salaried-and-non-commissioned structure is stated directly on Augusta’s public homepage. This means the advisor’s income does not depend on the size or type of metals a customer purchases, which is a meaningful structural difference from commission-based models.
Fees and cost approach
Augusta publicly advertises a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts. The specific duration and qualifying threshold are reviewed during the free consultation process rather than published as a fixed schedule. Augusta’s public marketing positions fee transparency and the absence of hidden charges as a core differentiator. Current terms are confirmed during the free one-on-one educational session, which carries no obligation to proceed. See Augusta’s current fee waiver terms.
Reputation and recognition
Augusta holds Money Magazine’s Best Overall Gold IRA Company designation for 2022 through 2026 and Investopedia’s Most Transparent Gold IRA Company award for the same period. Goldiew’s verified user reviews give Augusta 4.71 out of 5 with an Excellent Reputation safety classification. The BBB A+ rating with zero complaints as of 2026 is a record few long-tenured companies in this category match.
Pros
- Money Magazine #1 four consecutive years (2022-2026)
- BBB A+ with zero complaints, accredited since 2014
- Salaried, non-commissioned educators (stated on homepage)
- Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying accounts
- 14+ years of operating history in the gold IRA space
- 4,000+ five-star ratings across major review platforms
Cons
- Industry-reported ~$50,000 minimum excludes smaller accounts
- Specific fee waiver terms disclosed during consultation, not pre-published
- Not the primary fit for accounts needing home delivery or non-IRA-focused purchases
Investors with $50,000 or more in eligible retirement assets (IRA, 401k, 403b, 457b, TSP) who prioritize a long-standing track record, salaried advisors, and a multi-year fee waiver.
Investors with accounts below $50,000; those who want a fully published fee schedule before booking any consultation; those whose primary goal is home-delivery physical metals rather than an IRA.
Preserve Gold
Accessible for $10,000+ Accounts · Woodland Hills, CA · Founded 2022 (industry-reported)
Preserve Gold is a Woodland Hills, California company that opened in 2022 according to publicly available sources. Founder Daniel Boston previously held roles at other precious metals firms, and the company describes itself as family-owned. The $10,000 minimum for IRA transfers and cash purchases makes it one of the more accessible entry points among IRA-focused precious metals companies. Goldiew holds three verified user reviews for Preserve Gold, giving a 3.67 out of 5 rating and a Mixed Feedback safety classification. That sample size is small, and the rating reflects early-stage review volume rather than a definitive pattern.
Verification note: Preserve Gold’s official website was temporarily unavailable for direct review at the time this guide was written (July 2026). Facts about fees, custodians, depositories, and minimums are drawn from the BBB public database (A+ rating confirmed), Goldiew’s verified review records, and publicly available third-party sources. Verify all figures directly with Preserve Gold before opening any account.
Published fee structure
Based on publicly reported information from third-party sources, Preserve Gold’s IRA fee structure includes a $50 setup fee (reported as waived for accounts above $20,000), a $30 wire transfer fee, a $175 annual custodian administration fee, and annual storage of $100 for non-segregated or $150 for segregated storage. Liquidation fees are reported as zero, meaning no charge when selling metals back. Price-matching and free shipping to depositories are also described in publicly available marketing materials. Confirm all current figures directly with Preserve Gold before committing.
Custodians, depositories, and products
Industry-reported custodian partners for Preserve Gold include GoldStar Trust and Horizon Trust Company. Storage is reported through Delaware Depository (locations in Wilmington, Delaware and Boulder City, Nevada), International Depository Services, and Texas Precious Metals Depository. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in coin and bar formats are offered for IRA accounts. Modern proof coins and rare coins are described as available for non-IRA cash purchases. Promotional marketing has described up to $15,000 in free precious metals with qualifying purchases, subject to terms. Confirm eligibility and current offers with Preserve Gold directly.
Track record and ratings
Founded in 2022, Preserve Gold has a shorter operating history than Augusta’s 14 years. The company holds a BBB A+ accreditation per the public BBB database as of 2026, with no publicly reported lawsuits or regulatory actions on file. Goldiew’s three verified reviews give a 3.67 rating. For investors who place weight on years of market operation and an extensive public review history, Augusta’s track record is more developed at this point. For investors prioritizing a lower entry threshold and a stated fee schedule, Preserve Gold addresses those needs. Read our full Preserve Gold review on Goldiew.
Pros
- $10,000 minimum (lower than most major competitors)
- Published fee schedule for cost clarity before consultation
- No liquidation fees on buyback (industry-reported)
- BBB A+ accredited (2026 public record)
- Multiple depository options across several US states
- 24-hour satisfaction guarantee and price-matching (industry-reported)
Cons
- Founded in 2022, shorter operational track record
- Only 3 Goldiew user reviews (small sample size)
- No long-form independent industry awards on record
- Official website temporarily unavailable for direct verification (July 2026)
Investors with $10,000 to $49,999 in eligible retirement assets, or those who specifically want a published fee schedule before committing to any consultation.
Investors with $50,000+ who prioritize an established multi-year industry award track record, or those who require an extensive library of verified user reviews before deciding.
Full Side-by-Side Comparison
Green cells indicate a publicly confirmed advantage. Italic entries marked “industry-reported” reflect figures from third-party sources, not directly verified on each company’s own website at write time. Confirm all figures with each company directly before any account decision.
| Dimension | Augusta Precious Metals | Preserve Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Goldiew Rating | 4.71 / 5 · Excellent Reputation | 3.67 / 5 · Mixed Feedback (3 reviews) |
| BBB Rating | A+ · Zero Complaints · Accredited since 2014 | A+ · Accredited (2026 public record) |
| Founded | 2012 (14 years in operation) | 2022 (industry-reported) |
| Headquarters | Beverly Hills, CA + Casper, WY | Woodland Hills, CA |
| Minimum investment | ~$50,000 (industry-reported) | $10,000 (industry-reported) |
| Sales model | Salaried, non-commissioned educators (stated on homepage) | Not publicly stated |
| Annual fees (estimated) | Multi-year waiver for qualifying accounts; terms confirmed during consultation | ~$275/yr (custodian $175 + storage $100); setup $50, waived above $20K (industry-reported) |
| Custodians | IRS-approved qualified custodians (confirmed during consultation) | GoldStar Trust, Horizon Trust Company (industry-reported) |
| Depositories | IRS-approved depositories (specific names confirmed during consultation) | Delaware Depository, IDS, Texas Precious Metals Depository (industry-reported) |
| Buyback / liquidation | Buyback program available; terms confirmed with Augusta directly | No liquidation fees; price-matching policy (industry-reported) |
| Industry awards | Money Magazine Best Overall (2022-2026); Investopedia Most Transparent (2022-2026) | No major independent awards on record |
| Promotional offer | Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts | Up to $15,000 in free metals with qualifying purchase (industry-reported, terms vary) |
| Take action | Get Augusta’s free guide → | Visit preservegold.com to confirm current terms |
Who Should Choose Which
Account size is the primary decision variable, but not the only one. Use these scenario cards as a starting framework, then confirm specifics with each company before opening any account. This information does not constitute financial or tax advice.
Augusta’s minimum is met, and their multi-year fee waiver carries the most weight at higher balances. The salaried-educator model, 14-year operating history, and zero-complaint BBB record make this the more fully vetted option for larger rollovers. Investors approaching or in retirement with six-figure accounts are Augusta’s stated target audience.
Get Augusta’s free Gold IRA guide + 1-on-1 callMoney Magazine #1 (2022-2026) · BBB A+ Zero Complaints · Free, no obligation
Augusta’s minimum is not met at this range. Preserve Gold is one option with a $10,000 entry point and a published fee structure. Compare at least two providers, read each company’s current BBB profile, and confirm all fees and terms directly before opening any account. A licensed financial advisor can help evaluate whether a gold IRA fits your situation at this balance level.
Confirm current minimums, fees, and terms with Preserve Gold at +1 877-444-0923.
Augusta’s publicly stated salaried-and-non-commissioned model means the advisor has no financial incentive tied to what you buy or how much you spend. That structure is confirmed on Augusta’s homepage. If how the sales process is designed matters to your evaluation, that public commitment is a concrete differentiator.
See Augusta’s zero-fees offer for qualifying rolloversSalaried specialists · No commission-based sales · Multi-year fee waiver
Preserve Gold publicly describes its fee structure before any consultation. Augusta’s fee waiver specifics are disclosed during the free educational session. For investors who want dollar figures before scheduling any call, Preserve Gold’s public fee schedule addresses that directly. Verify the published figures are current at the time of your inquiry.
Confirm all current terms with Preserve Gold directly before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Augusta Precious Metals or Preserve Gold?
For accounts of $50,000 or more, Augusta Precious Metals has the stronger documented record: 14 years of operation, zero BBB complaints, four consecutive years as Money Magazine’s Best Overall Gold IRA Company, and a salaried-educator model confirmed on its homepage. For smaller accounts in the $10,000 to $49,999 range where Augusta’s minimum is not met, Preserve Gold is one option to evaluate. The right answer depends on your account size, priorities, and a direct conversation with each provider. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed advisor before any decision.
What is the minimum investment for Augusta Precious Metals?
Augusta does not publish a specific dollar minimum on its homepage. Multiple independent sources, including Money.com and Investopedia, consistently cite around $50,000 in eligible retirement assets as the threshold. Augusta confirms the actual minimum during the free educational consultation. If your account is below that range, Augusta may direct you to evaluate whether they are the right fit for your situation.
What is the minimum investment for Preserve Gold?
Preserve Gold’s minimum is industry-reported at $10,000 for both IRA transfers and cash purchases. This figure comes from publicly available third-party sources, not directly from Preserve Gold’s official website, which was unavailable for review at write time. Confirm the current minimum with Preserve Gold directly at preservegold.com or by calling +1 877-444-0923 before making any decisions.
Does Augusta Precious Metals charge annual fees?
Augusta publicly advertises a multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts. The specific duration and the account threshold that qualifies are reviewed during the free one-on-one consultation rather than published as a fixed schedule. Augusta’s public messaging emphasizes fee transparency as a differentiator. Confirm current terms with Augusta during the free educational web conference, which carries no obligation to open an account.
What are Preserve Gold’s annual fees?
Based on industry-reported figures, Preserve Gold’s estimated ongoing IRA costs include approximately $175 for annual custodian administration and $100 for non-segregated storage ($150 for segregated). A one-time $50 setup fee is reported as waived for accounts above $20,000. A $30 wire transfer fee also applies. Liquidation fees are reported as zero. These are third-party reported figures and should be confirmed directly with Preserve Gold before any account decision.
Can I roll over a 401(k) to either company?
Both companies offer gold IRA services capable of receiving rollovers from 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP, and traditional IRA accounts, subject to IRS eligibility rules. The IRS generally recognizes two rollover methods: a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer (no funds pass through your hands) and a 60-day indirect rollover (funds are distributed to you, then re-deposited within 60 days). Direct transfers avoid the 20% withholding tax that applies to indirect rollovers from employer plans. For tax implications specific to your account, consult your tax advisor. See IRS Publication 590-A for the controlling rules.
Is home storage of IRA gold allowed?
No. The IRS requires that metals held inside a self-directed IRA be stored at an IRS-approved depository, not at a personal residence or home safe. Storing IRA-owned metals at home is treated as a taxable distribution, potentially triggering income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty for account holders under age 59½. Both Augusta and Preserve Gold use IRS-approved third-party depositories for IRA storage. See IRS Publication 590-B for the governing rules.
What gold products qualify for an IRA?
The IRS requires gold held in a self-directed IRA to meet a minimum fineness of 99.5% (0.995). Eligible coins include the American Gold Eagle (which receives a statutory exemption from the fineness rule), the American Gold Buffalo, and the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, among others meeting the purity standard. Collectibles and most proof coins do not qualify under IRC Section 408(m). Both Augusta and Preserve Gold offer IRS-eligible products; verify product eligibility with your IRA custodian before purchase.
How do I verify a gold IRA company’s legitimacy?
Start with the BBB’s public database at bbb.org: check the accreditation status, letter rating, and complaint count for the past three years. Review FINRA’s investor alerts for the precious metals space at finra.org. The SEC’s investor.gov publishes specific guidance on fraud red flags in investment products. For any company you are evaluating, look for the number of resolved versus unresolved complaints, the response pattern to reviews, and whether the stated IRA custodians are IRS-approved. Augusta holds a BBB A+ with zero complaints (2026). Preserve Gold holds a BBB A+ accreditation per the public database (2026).
Is Preserve Gold a reputable company?
Preserve Gold holds a BBB A+ accreditation per the public BBB database as of 2026 and has no publicly reported regulatory actions or lawsuits on file at the time of this review. The company is a newer entrant, founded in 2022, with a smaller public review footprint than longer-established firms. Goldiew holds three verified reviews for Preserve Gold with a 3.67 rating. As with any financial services provider, read the current BBB profile, verify credentials, and consult a licensed advisor before committing funds.
Sources and Methodology
Goldiew compared Augusta Precious Metals and Preserve Gold using publicly accessible sources reviewed in 2026. Company-specific figures noted as “industry-reported” come from consistent citations by independent review publications and should be confirmed directly with each company.
- IRS Publication 590-B: Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements
- IRS Publication 590-A: Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
- FINRA Investor Alert: Precious Metals Fraud
- SEC: Ten Things to Consider Before You Make Investing Decisions
- BBB Public Profiles: Augusta Precious Metals and Preserve Gold
- Augusta Precious Metals public website (2026)
- Goldiew verified user reviews: Augusta Precious Metals
- Goldiew verified user reviews: Preserve Gold
- Goldiew guide: Best Gold IRA Companies
- SEC investor.gov: Self-Directed IRAs and Risk of Fraud
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Past performance of any asset is not a guarantee of future results. Consult a licensed financial advisor and tax professional before making any retirement account decision.