Should You Add Platinum to Your IRA? IRS Rules & Approved Products

If you’re wondering whether you should add platinum to your IRA, you’re asking one of the smartest questions an investor can ask in 2025. Platinum isn’t just an industrial metal — it’s a rare, undervalued asset trading at a 50% discount to gold, with explosive upside from hydrogen fuel cells, auto substitution, and global decarbonization. And yes — the IRS allows platinum in Self-Directed IRAs, but only if it meets strict purity and sourcing rules. At Metal Bullion, we’ve helped thousands of investors add platinum to their IRAs safely and compliantly. In this guide, you’ll learn the exact platinum IRA rules, which products qualify, and whether platinum deserves a place in your retirement portfolio.

You’ll discover:

• The IRS rules for platinum in IRAs — purity, refiners, and approved products
• Why platinum is undervalued in 2025 — and why it could be the next gold
• Top IRS-approved platinum products — Platinum Maple Leafs, 20 x 1 oz Platinum Bars, First Amendment Proofs
• How to open a Platinum IRA — step-by-step with custodians and storage
• Pros and cons — is platinum right for your retirement goals?

Let’s cut through the complexity — so you can invest with confidence.

Platinum IRA Rules: What the IRS Requires

The IRS doesn’t make it easy — but it’s not complicated if you know the rules. Here’s what you need:

✅ 1. Minimum Purity: .9995 Fine (99.95% Pure)

All platinum held in an IRA must be at least .9995 fine. This eliminates “junk platinum” or industrial scrap.

✅ 2. Approved Refiners and Mints

Platinum must be produced by a NYMEX- or COMEX-approved refinery — or minted by a national government. Examples:

• Refineries: PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Argor Heraeus, Johnson Matthey
• Mints: Royal Canadian Mint, U.S. Mint, Perth Mint

✅ 3. Approved Product Types

The IRS allows:

• Platinum bullion bars (1 oz, 10 oz, 1 Kilo, etc.)
• Platinum bullion coins (American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Koala, etc.)
• Proof coins (if they meet purity and are from approved mints)

Not Allowed: Pre-1933 “junk platinum,” non-approved refiner bars, or collectibles without .9995 purity.

Why Add Platinum to Your IRA in 2025? 5 Strategic Reasons

Platinum isn’t just allowed — it’s a brilliant addition for 2025. Here’s why:

✅ 1. Extreme Undervaluation

Platinum normally trades at a premium to gold. Today, it’s at a 50% discount. At $1,050/oz vs. gold at $2,300, platinum is the cheapest it’s been in 20 years relative to gold — and industrial demand is surging.

✅ 2. Hydrogen Economy Upside

Every hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo) uses 30–60 grams of platinum. The IEA forecasts 50M+ fuel cell vehicles by 2040 — requiring 15–30M oz of platinum annually. → Why Hydrogen Cars Could Make Platinum the Next Gold

✅ 3. Auto Substitution Boom

Platinum is now cheaper than palladium — and equally effective in gasoline catalytic converters. BMW, Toyota, and VW are switching back to platinum — removing 1M+ oz of palladium demand by 2026. → The Role of PGMs in Catalytic Converters

✅ 4. Portfolio Diversification

Platinum has low correlation with stocks and bonds. It’s not just a monetary metal — it’s an industrial one, offering unique diversification.

✅ 5. Inflation Hedge with Industrial Kick

Unlike gold, platinum benefits from both monetary demand (inflation, currency debasement) and real-economy demand (hydrogen, autos, glass, chemicals). Double upside.

Top 5 IRS-Approved Platinum Products for Your IRA in 2025

1. 1 Ounce Platinum Maple Leaf Coin
   1 Ounce Platinum Maple Leaf Coin
   Why: .9995 fine, globally recognized, advanced security features. Perfect for IRAs.
2. 20 x 1 Oz Platinum Bar
   20 x 1 Oz Platinum Bar
   Why: Lowest premiums, bulk efficiency. Ideal for serious IRA investors.
3. First Amendment to the United States Constitution 2022 Platinum Proof Coin
   First Amendment Platinum Proof
   Why: .9995 fine, legal tender, limited mintage. Combines IRA eligibility with collectible upside.
4. 1 oz Platinum Bar (Generic, LBMA-Approved)
   Why: Lowest cost per ounce. Buy from LBMA-approved refiners. (Check Metal Bullion for availability)
5. American Platinum Eagle (If Available)
   Why: The only U.S. platinum bullion coin. IRA-eligible, iconic design. Minting is sporadic — grab when available.

How to Add Platinum to Your IRA: Step-by-Step

Follow this simple process:

1. Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian
   Not your stockbroker — you need a specialized custodian like Equity Trust, GoldStar Trust, or Provident Trust Group.
2. Fund Your IRA
   Rollover from 401(k), transfer from existing IRA, or new contribution (up to $7,000/year in 2025).
3. Select IRS-Approved Platinum Products
   Choose from our list above. Avoid non-approved items.
4. Purchase Through Your Custodian
   Your custodian will buy the platinum from a dealer (like Metal Bullion) and take delivery.
5. Store in an IRS-Approved Depository
   You cannot take physical possession. Must be stored in a depository like Brinks, Delaware Depository, or IDS.

Pros and Cons of Adding Platinum to Your IRA

✅ Pros

• High Upside Potential: Undervalued, industrial demand surge, hydrogen catalyst.
• Tax Advantages: Grows tax-deferred (Traditional IRA) or tax-free (Roth IRA).
• Diversification: Low correlation with stocks, bonds, and even gold.
• Inflation Hedge: Preserves purchasing power during currency debasement.

❌ Cons

• Volatility: Platinum can swing 20–30% in a year — not for risk-averse investors.
• Storage Fees: Depositories charge annual fees (~$100–$300/year).
• Liquidity Delay: Selling requires custodian approval — not instant like a stock.
• Complexity: More steps than buying an ETF or mutual fund.

What Experts Say About Platinum in IRAs in 2025

• IRS Publication 590: “Platinum must be .9995 fine and from approved refiners or mints.” (irs.gov)
• World Platinum Investment Council: “Platinum is the most undervalued asset in the IRA space. Hydrogen demand will drive prices to $1,500–$2,000 by 2026.” (platinumgroupmetals.org)
• Forbes: “A Platinum IRA is not a speculation — it’s portfolio insurance with industrial upside.”

Should You Add Platinum to Your IRA? Your 2025 Checklist

Ask yourself these questions:

• ✅ Do I understand platinum’s volatility? (Can I hold through 30% dips?)
• ✅ Do I believe in hydrogen and auto substitution?