Finding the right gold IRA company is one of the few retirement decisions where a bad pick can cost you thousands in unnecessary fees or land you with a company that prioritizes its commission over your outcome. Augusta Precious Metals and Rosland Capital represent two different approaches: Augusta built its brand on education and a fee-light structure for larger rollovers, while Rosland built its name on celebrity credibility and a lower entry point. This guide compares both companies across 12 dimensions so you can decide which fits your situation, or whether neither does.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This is not investment or tax advice. Consult a licensed advisor before making any retirement decisions.
Quick Verdict: Augusta vs Rosland Capital
Augusta Precious Metals
Best for: Rollovers of $50,000 or more from existing IRAs or 401(k)s
Minimum: Industry-reported around $50,000
Money Magazine #1 (2022-2026) · BBB A+ Zero Complaints
Rosland Capital
Best for: Lower-minimum physical metal purchases; investors starting under $25,000
Minimum: $2,500 (per roslandcapital.com)
Research independently at roslandcapital.com.
Rankings reflect Goldiew’s independent evaluation methodology. Our methodology is identical for every company we cover, independent of any commercial relationship. See our methodology and full disclosures.
WHY TRUST THIS COMPARISON
This comparison was built from crawling both companies’ public websites (2026), cross-referencing BBB profiles, IRS Publication 590-B, and FINRA investor alerts on precious metals fraud. For Augusta, Goldiew carries 7 verified user reviews with an average of 4.71/5. For Rosland Capital, no verified Goldiew user reviews exist at time of writing; figures cited as “per roslandcapital.com” are sourced from their public pages. No figures in this guide come from affiliate portals or unpublished materials. We did not accept payment from either company to write this comparison.
What’s in this guide
How We Evaluate Gold IRA Companies
We apply eight criteria to every company in our database. For this head-to-head, each criterion was evaluated using public information from the companies’ own websites, third-party rating sources, and Goldiew user review data where available. Our methodology is identical for every company we cover, independent of any commercial relationship.
BBB Rating and Complaints
Better Business Bureau accreditation, letter grade, and complaints volume. Zero complaints is a meaningful signal in a high-stakes retirement category.
Fee Transparency
Are setup, annual, and storage fees stated publicly? Companies that hide fees until you’re on a sales call score lower.
Sales Culture
Commissioned versus salaried staff. High-pressure sales tactics are a FINRA-flagged red flag in precious metals. We weight this heavily.
Minimum Investment
Lower minimums expand access. For IRA rollovers, a very low minimum can signal that the company targets underqualified leads.
IRA Process Clarity
How clearly does the company explain the rollover process, timeline, and paperwork? Ambiguity here leads to costly mistakes.
Storage and Depository
IRS rules require metals held in an approved depository. We verify which depositories the company uses and whether segregated storage is available.
Education Resources
Does the company help you understand what you’re buying before you buy it? We value companies that prioritize education over pressure.
Verified User Reviews
Goldiew aggregates reviews from verified customers. Where available, these are weighted in our score alongside third-party ratings.
Sources informing this methodology include IRS Publication 590-A, IRS Publication 590-B, FINRA’s investor alerts on precious metals fraud, and SEC investor resources. BBB ratings are cross-referenced from company profile pages and company websites where direct BBB page access was unavailable.
Goldiew user reviews are manually moderated before publication. We verify the reviewer’s claimed transaction and flag any signs of incentivized or fake submissions, in line with the FTC’s 2024 rule on endorsements and testimonials.
Augusta Precious Metals
Best Overall for Retirement IRA Rollovers ($50,000+)
Augusta Precious Metals has operated since 2012 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. CEO Isaac Nuriani built the company around a deliberate anti-celebrity-endorsement philosophy: instead of paying for a famous face, Augusta employs a full-time Director of Education (Devlyn Steele) whose role is to walk prospective clients through gold IRA mechanics before any transaction is discussed. This matters because many competitors in the precious metals space use celebrity spokespeople, then embed those marketing costs in what customers pay.
What Makes Augusta Different
Salaried, non-commissioned staff. Augusta’s home page explicitly states that their specialists are “salaried, non-commissioned educators.” This is the exception, not the rule, in precious metals. A commissioned salesperson earns more when you buy more, and earns nothing when you decide the IRA is not right for you. Augusta’s model removes that conflict. Per FINRA’s guidance on precious metals sales, commission-driven pressure is one of the top red flags in this category.
Education-first process. Augusta frames its onboarding as three stages: Learn, Talk, and Decide. You receive their Gold IRA guide first. Then a one-on-one call with an educator. Only after both steps do they discuss opening an account. The sequence is designed so that you reach a decision based on information rather than sales momentum.
Fees and Minimum
Augusta’s fee structure is not published on their home page in specific dollar amounts. What they do state publicly is a “multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts.” The precise duration and qualifying criteria are discussed during the consultation, which is consistent with their education-first approach but less transparent than some investors prefer. Third-party sources including Money.com and Investopedia consistently report Augusta’s minimum around $50,000, though this is not confirmed on their public website. If you are working with less than $25,000, Augusta is probably not the right fit. Consult your tax advisor for the full fee impact on your specific situation.
Storage and Custodian
Augusta works with “qualified self-directed IRA custodians” per their public materials. Specific depository names are not confirmed on their public website as of this writing. All IRS-approved gold IRA custodians must store metals in facilities that meet IRS Publication 590-B requirements. Home storage of IRA metals is prohibited by the IRS regardless of which company you use.
Pros
- Salaried, non-commissioned educators (no pressure to buy)
- BBB A+ with zero complaints, accredited since 2014
- Money Magazine #1 gold IRA company five years running (2022-2026)
- Multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts
- 4,000+ five-star ratings across Trustpilot, Google, Consumer Affairs
Cons
- Industry-reported minimum around $50,000 excludes smaller investors
- Specific fee amounts not published on public website
- Custodian and depository names not confirmed on public pages
- Several consultation steps required before account details are discussed
Best for
Investors rolling over $50,000 or more from a 401(k), Traditional IRA, or similar account who want an education-first experience and no commissioned sales pressure.
Not ideal for
Investors with under $25,000 available, those wanting quick account setup without consultation steps, or investors who are not US-based.
Rosland Capital
Lower Entry Point for Physical Metal Purchases
Rosland Capital was founded in 2008 by Marin Aleksov in Los Angeles. The company reports 25 or more years of precious metals experience through its leadership team and has expanded to offices in the UK, Germany, and France in addition to its US headquarters. Its most recognizable marketing element is actor William Devane, who has appeared in Rosland television commercials for over a decade. The company sells gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in coin and bar formats, and also offers precious metals IRA accounts starting at a $2,500 minimum purchase (per roslandcapital.com).
Celebrity Endorsements: What Investors Should Know
William Devane has served as Rosland Capital’s spokesperson for years. FINRA’s investor guidance on precious metals notes that celebrity endorsements alone do not verify a company’s compliance standing, pricing fairness, or fee structure. Augusta Precious Metals directly criticizes the celebrity-endorsement model on its own website, arguing that the cost of high-profile spokespeople is ultimately embedded in what customers pay. Whether that critique applies to Rosland specifically is something you should investigate by requesting a full written fee disclosure before committing any funds.
Fees and IRA Minimum
Rosland Capital’s public website does not list specific IRA setup, annual, or storage fees. The site states that storage fees are “typically much lower than the cost of insuring and storing gold yourself” and “generally tax-deductible,” but without providing figures for comparison. The stated minimum purchase across the site is $2,500 (per roslandcapital.com), which appears to apply to general purchases; IRA-specific minimums are not separately listed on their public pages as of 2026. Request a full written fee schedule before opening an account. Consult your tax advisor regarding what is deductible in your specific situation.
IRA Process and Storage
Rosland outlines a six-step IRA process on its website: consultation with a representative, completion of IRA custodian forms, account opening, funding via direct deposit or rollover from an existing IRA, shipment to a Delaware depository, and eventual distributions at age 73 or later. The custodian is described as a “specialist IRA custodian company” without naming the specific entity (per roslandcapital.com, 2026). Metals are stored in a “secure depository in Delaware” (per roslandcapital.com/gold-iras). IRA types supported include Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SIMPLE, and Roth (per their FAQ page).
Pros
- Low $2,500 minimum purchase accessible to smaller investors
- 300,000+ customers served (per roslandcapital.com)
- A+ BBB rating and AAA BCA rating (per company’s own site, 2026)
- Supports Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and Rollover IRAs
- Global presence: US, UK, Germany, France offices
Cons
- IRA fees not published publicly; requires direct contact for pricing
- Custodian partner not named on public pages
- Celebrity marketing model that Augusta specifically criticizes as adding cost
- No verified Goldiew user reviews as of 2026
- no Goldiew-negotiated benefits available
Best for
Investors with smaller budgets, under $25,000, seeking physical metal purchases. Those who want platinum or palladium exposure alongside gold and silver.
Not ideal for
Investors who want full fee transparency upfront or who are focused on a larger retirement rollover and want an education-driven onboarding process.
Rosland Capital is covered with the same methodology as every company on the platform. No commission is earned from mentions of Rosland Capital on this page. Research independently at roslandcapital.com.
Full Comparison: Augusta vs Rosland Capital
12 dimensions compared side by side. All figures from company public websites or stated third-party sources as of 2026. Source citations appear at the bottom of this page.
| Dimension | Augusta Precious Metals | Rosland Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 (per augustapreciousmetals.com) | 2008 (per roslandcapital.com/about) |
| HQ | Beverly Hills, CA / Casper, WY | Los Angeles, CA |
| BBB Rating | A+ · Zero Complaints · Accredited since 2014 | A+ (per roslandcapital.com, 2026) |
| Goldiew User Rating | 4.71 / 5 (7 Goldiew verified reviews) | No Goldiew reviews at time of writing |
| Minimum Purchase | Industry-reported around $50,000 (not confirmed on public pages) | $2,500 (per roslandcapital.com) |
| Sales Staff Model | Salaried, non-commissioned educators (per augustapreciousmetals.com) | Not publicly stated |
| Fee Transparency | Multi-year waiver mentioned publicly; specific amounts by consultation only | Storage described as tax-deductible; no specific amounts published |
| Celebrity Spokesperson | None (Augusta actively criticizes celebrity-endorsement model) | William Devane (actor, long-term spokesperson) |
| IRA Types Supported | Traditional, Roth, SEP (verify during consultation) | Traditional, Rollover, SEP, SIMPLE, Roth (per roslandcapital.com FAQ) |
| Depository / Storage | Not confirmed on public website | Delaware depository (per roslandcapital.com/gold-iras) |
| Metals Offered | Gold, Silver (IRA-eligible coins and bars) | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium |
| Third-Party Awards | Money Magazine #1 (2022-2026) · Investopedia Most Transparent (2022-2026) | ICTA member · PCGS and NGC authorized dealer |
Which Company Fits Your Situation
The right choice between these two companies depends less on brand recognition and more on where you are in your retirement planning. Here is a practical framework based on account size and your primary goal.
$50,000 or more in a 401(k) or IRA
Consider Augusta
Augusta’s reported minimum aligns with this range. The education-first process and salaried-only staff are specifically designed for larger retirement rollovers where a bad decision costs more. The multi-year fee waiver for qualifying accounts can be meaningful at this account level.
Get Augusta’s free guide →Under $25,000 for physical metals
Consider Rosland Capital
Rosland’s $2,500 minimum purchase is accessible at this level. If you are buying physical gold or silver outside of a retirement account structure, or adding a smaller position to an IRA, Rosland’s entry point may fit. Request a full written fee breakdown before committing.
Research at roslandcapital.com.
Looking for alternatives
Compare More Options
Neither company may be the best fit for every investor. Birch Gold Group (industry-reported minimum around $10,000) and Noble Gold Investments (around $20,000) are Goldiew-reviewed alternatives worth evaluating for mid-range accounts.
See our full best gold IRA companies guide →Beyond account size, three factors consistently matter more than brand recognition in this category:
Fee total, not just the headline
Ask every company for a written breakdown of all fees for your specific account size: setup, annual custodian, storage, and buyback. Compare totals rather than individual line items.
Pressure during the consultation
FINRA flags high-pressure sales tactics as a top precious metals red flag. If a representative pushes you to decide in a single call, that is a warning sign regardless of the company’s ratings.
Buyback policy
Verify whether the company buys back metals at a competitive price when you want to liquidate. Some companies that sell aggressively offer poor buyback terms on the other side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Augusta Precious Metals and Rosland Capital?
The most significant differences are the minimum investment and the sales model. Augusta targets investors with larger retirement accounts (industry-reported around $50,000) and uses salaried, non-commissioned staff described as educators rather than salespeople. Rosland Capital has a lower minimum ($2,500 per their site) and is well known for its celebrity spokesperson, William Devane. Augusta actively criticizes the celebrity-endorsement model, arguing it adds cost for the investor.
Can I roll over my 401(k) to a gold IRA with either company?
Both companies offer IRA rollover services. For Augusta, the rollover process begins with their free educational consultation. For Rosland, the process involves completing forms with their IRA custodian and transferring funds to a Delaware depository (per roslandcapital.com). The mechanics of a rollover, including the direct versus indirect rollover rules and the 60-day rule, are governed by IRS Publication 590-A. Consult your tax advisor before initiating any rollover to avoid unintended taxable distributions.
What gold and silver products qualify for a precious metals IRA?
IRS rules require gold to be at least 99.5% pure and silver at least 99.9% pure to qualify for inclusion in a self-directed IRA. Approved coins include American Gold Eagles, American Silver Eagles, and Canadian Maple Leafs, among others. Collectible or numismatic coins and jewelry do not qualify. Per IRS Publication 590-B, the custodian must hold qualifying assets in an IRS-approved depository. Never store IRA metals at home, as this constitutes a taxable distribution.
Is home storage of gold IRA metals allowed?
No. The IRS prohibits home storage of metals held in an IRA. Any metals in a self-directed IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. Holding IRA metals at home constitutes a distribution, which triggers income taxes on the full amount plus a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if you are under 59½. Some companies market “home storage gold IRAs” as a workaround; the IRS and SEC have consistently flagged these as non-compliant. See SEC investor resources for more detail.
How do fees compare between Augusta and Rosland Capital?
Neither company publishes specific fee amounts on their public websites. Augusta publicly references a “multi-year fee waiver for qualifying rollover accounts” (terms discussed during consultation). Rosland says storage fees are “generally tax-deductible” without specifying amounts. To compare actual fees, request a full written fee schedule from both companies, covering setup, annual custodian, and storage fees for your specific account size. Consult your tax advisor regarding which fees are deductible in your situation.
What should I make of William Devane’s endorsement of Rosland Capital?
Celebrity endorsements do not verify a company’s pricing, fees, or regulatory standing. The FTC requires that endorsements reflect genuine opinions and that any material connection (such as payment) be disclosed. FINRA’s precious metals investor guidance explicitly notes that celebrity endorsements should not replace your own due diligence. Evaluate Rosland through its BBB profile, fee transparency, and independent reviews rather than its advertising.
At what age can I take distributions from a gold IRA?
For Traditional gold IRAs, you can begin taking penalty-free distributions at age 59½. You must begin Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 73, per the SECURE 2.0 Act for those who turn 73 after 2022. RMDs from a physical metals IRA can be taken as physical metal or as the cash equivalent after the metals are sold. Roth gold IRAs are not subject to RMDs during the owner’s lifetime. All of this is governed by IRS Publication 590-B. Your specific situation may vary; consult your tax advisor.
Which company has the lower minimum investment?
Rosland Capital’s stated minimum purchase is $2,500 (per roslandcapital.com). Augusta Precious Metals does not state a minimum on its public website; third-party sources including Money.com and Investopedia consistently report around $50,000. If you are working with a smaller amount, Rosland is the more accessible of the two. Birch Gold Group (industry-reported around $10,000) is also worth evaluating for mid-range accounts.
Should I choose a gold IRA based on a celebrity recommendation?
No financial regulator suggests selecting any investment product based solely on celebrity endorsement. Per FINRA’s guidance, investors should verify any precious metals company by checking its BBB standing, requesting a full written fee disclosure, and confirming that its custodian is IRS-approved. We are not financial advisors; consult a licensed advisor before making retirement decisions.
How long does a 401(k) to gold IRA rollover typically take?
A typical direct rollover from a 401(k) to a self-directed gold IRA takes 4 to 8 weeks from account opening to metal delivery at the depository. The timeline includes opening the new IRA account, transferring funds from the existing 401(k) custodian (which can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the institution), selecting metals, and arranging delivery. An indirect rollover where funds are paid to you first must be completed within 60 days to avoid tax consequences, per IRS Publication 590-A. Direct rollovers are generally recommended to avoid this risk.
Sources and Methodology
This guide is based on independent research conducted in 2026. All company facts cited are sourced from the companies’ own public websites, third-party ratings bodies, or official government publications. No facts come from affiliate portals, training documents, or unpublished materials.
- ↗ Augusta Precious Metals official website (crawled May 2026)
- ↗ Rosland Capital official website (crawled May 2026)
- ↗ Rosland Capital: About page (founding year, CEO, HQ)
- ↗ Rosland Capital: Gold IRAs (IRA process, storage, depository)
- ↗ IRS Publication 590-A: Contributions to IRAs
- ↗ IRS Publication 590-B: Distributions from IRAs
- ↗ FINRA: Precious Metals Fraud Investor Alert
- ↗ SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
- ↗ Better Business Bureau (ratings verification, cross-referenced from company pages)
- ↗ Goldiew internal user reviews (7 verified Augusta reviews, manually moderated)
- ↗ Money.com and Investopedia (Augusta award citations and third-party minimum reporting)
Methodology: Goldiew evaluated both companies across eight criteria using public information only. Augusta’s Goldiew score (4.71/5) reflects 7 user-submitted reviews that have been manually verified and published. Rosland Capital holds no Goldiew reviews at time of writing; all Rosland figures are cited per their public pages. This comparison was last reviewed on May 14, 2026.
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