How to Build a Gold IRA: Step-by-Step + Approved Products

If you’re wondering how to build a gold IRA, you’re not alone. In 2025, record numbers of investors are moving retirement savings into physical gold — not as a gamble, but as a shield against inflation, currency devaluation, and stock market volatility. A Gold IRA (officially a “Self-Directed IRA with precious metals”) lets you hold IRS-approved physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium inside your retirement account — with the same tax advantages as a traditional IRA.

At Metal Bullion, we’ve helped thousands of investors build gold IRAs safely and compliantly. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:

• Exactly how to build a gold IRA — from choosing a custodian to funding and storage
• Which gold products are IRS-approved (and which are not)
• Top product picks for 2025 — from American Gold Eagles to PAMP Suisse Bars
• How to avoid costly mistakes — like buying non-approved metals or using the wrong custodian
• Where to store your gold — and why home storage is not allowed

Let’s turn your retirement account into a fortress of real, physical wealth.

Step 1: Understand What a Gold IRA Is (And Why You Should Build One)

A Gold IRA is not a separate account — it’s a Self-Directed IRA that holds physical precious metals instead of (or in addition to) stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

Key Benefits of Building a Gold IRA:

• Tax Advantages: Contributions may be tax-deductible (Traditional IRA) or grow tax-free (Roth IRA).
• Inflation Hedge: Gold has preserved purchasing power for 5,000 years — unlike paper currencies.
• Portfolio Diversification: Gold has low correlation with stocks — reducing overall risk.
• Crisis Protection: In market crashes or bank failures, physical gold retains value.

According to the IRS Publication 590, only specific metals and purities qualify for inclusion in an IRA. We’ll cover those in Step 3.

Step 2: Choose a Gold IRA Custodian — Your First Critical Decision

You cannot build a gold IRA with your current stockbroker or bank. You need a specialized Self-Directed IRA custodian approved to hold physical precious metals.

What a Custodian Does:

• Opens and administers your IRA
• Processes purchases and sales
• Ensures IRS compliance
• Arranges secure, IRS-approved storage

Top Gold IRA Custodians in 2025:

• Equity Trust Company: One of the largest, most trusted. Partners with top dealers.
• GoldStar Trust Company: Specializes in precious metals IRAs. Low fees.
• Provident Trust Group: Excellent customer service, educational resources.

Pro Tip: Avoid “promoters” who push specific products or charge hidden fees. Choose a neutral custodian first — then select your metals.

Step 3: Select IRS-Approved Gold Products — The Core of Your Gold IRA

This is where most investors fail to build a gold IRA correctly. The IRS only allows gold that is:

• .995 fine (99.5% pure) or higher
• Produced by a NYMEX- or COMEX-approved refinery
• Minted by a national government (for coins)

✅ IRS-Approved Gold Coins:

• American Gold Eagle (.9167 fine — the only exception to the .995 rule)
• American Gold Buffalo (.9999 fine)
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (.9999 fine)
• Australian Gold Kangaroo (.9999 fine)
• Austrian Gold Philharmonic (.9999 fine)

✅ IRS-Approved Gold Bars:

• PAMP Suisse Gold Bars (.9999 fine, LBMA-approved)
• Argor Heraeus Gold Bars (.9999 fine, LBMA-approved)
• Italpreziosi Gold Bars (.9999 fine, LBMA-approved)
• Valcambi Gold CombiBars (.9999 fine, LBMA-approved)

❌ NOT Approved for Gold IRAs:

• Collectible or graded coins (unless in original mint packaging)
• Pre-1933 “junk gold” coins
• Themed bars (e.g., Mount Trumpmore or James Bond)
• Non-LBMA refiners or generic bars without assay certification

Step 4: Fund Your Gold IRA — Rollover, Transfer, or New Contribution

You can fund your Gold IRA three ways:

1. IRA Rollover: Move funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA. Must be completed within 60 days to avoid taxes/penalties.
2. IRA Transfer: Direct transfer from custodian to custodian. No 60-day rule — safest method.
3. New Contribution: Add new money (up to $7,000/year in 2025, or $8,000 if 50+).

Pro Tip: Always use a “direct transfer” to avoid the 60-day rule. Your new custodian will handle the paperwork.

Step 5: Purchase and Store Your Gold — The Final Step to Build Gold IRA

Once funded, you’ll work with your custodian and a dealer (like Metal Bullion) to purchase approved metals.

Critical Rule: You cannot take physical possession. Gold must be stored in an IRS-approved depository.

Top Approved Depositories:

• Brinks: Global leader, high-security vaults in Delaware, Utah, and Toronto.
• Delaware Depository: Specializes in precious metals IRAs. Fully insured.
• International Depository Services (IDS): Locations in Texas and New Hampshire.

Your custodian will arrange storage — you just approve the purchase.

Top 5 Gold Products to Buy for Your IRA in 2025

1. American Gold Eagle (1 oz):
   2023 1 oz American Gold Eagle BU
   Why: The only coin allowed below .995 purity. Most liquid, easiest to resell.
2. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (1 oz):
   2021 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (MintID)
   Why: .9999 pure, advanced security features, globally recognized.
3. PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna Gold Bar (1 oz):
   1 oz PAMP Suisse Lady Fortuna (In Assay)
   Why: LBMA-approved, sealed authenticity, lowest premiums for bars.
4. American Gold Buffalo (1 oz):
   2022 1 oz American Gold Buffalo BU
   Why: .9999 pure, iconic American design, IRA-approved.
5. Valcambi Gold CombiBar (100 x 1g):
   100 x 1g Valcambi CombiBar™ (In Assay)
   Why: Fractional gold for future flexibility. LBMA-approved, sealed in assay.

Common Mistakes When You Build Gold IRA — And How to Avoid Them

• Mistake #1: Buying Non-Approved Metals
  Solution: Stick to our approved list above. Avoid collectibles, pre-1933 coins, or themed bars.
• Mistake #2: Taking Physical Possession
  Solution: Gold must stay in an approved depository. Home storage = taxable distribution + penalties.
• Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Custodian
  Solution: Pick a neutral, reputable custodian — not one tied to a specific dealer.
• Mistake #4: Ignoring Fees
  Solution: Compare setup, annual, and storage fees. Typical annual cost: $200–$300.
• Mistake #5: Not Understanding Buyback
  Solution: When you sell, your custodian facilitates the transaction. You can’t just walk into a coin shop.

What Experts Say About Building a Gold IRA in 2025

• IRS: “Only specific gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars may be held in an IRA.” (irs.gov)
• World Gold Council: “Gold IRAs grew 300% from 2020–2024 as investors sought inflation protection.” (gold.org)
• Forbes: “A Gold IRA is not a speculation — it’s portfolio insurance for retirement.”

How to Build Gold IRA: Your 2025 Checklist

Before you start, run through this checklist:

• ✅ Choose a reputable Self-Directed IRA custodian (Equity Trust, GoldStar, etc.)
• ✅ Select IRS-approved gold products (Eagles, Maples, PAMP bars, etc.)
• ✅ Decide funding method (rollover, transfer, or new contribution)
• ✅ Never take physical possession — use approved depository (Brinks, IDS, etc.)
• ✅ Understand all fees (setup, annual, storage)
• ✅ Keep records of all transactions for tax purposes

Top 3 Gold IRA Starter Bundles for 2025

1. The Classic IRA Bundle:
   10 x 1 oz American Gold Eagles + 5 x Silver Eagle Tubes
   Why: Maximum liquidity, IRS-approved, perfect core holding.
2. The Pure Gold Bundle:
   5 x 1 oz PAMP Suisse Gold Bars + 1 x 1 Kilo Italpreziosi Gold Bar
   Why: Lowest premiums, highest purity, LBMA-approved.
3. The Diversified Metals Bundle:
   Multigram Portfolio + 1 x 1 oz Platinum Bar + 1 x 1 oz Palladium Bar
   Why: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium — all IRS-approved, all in one package.

Ready to Build Gold IRA? Start Here

Don’t wait for the next market crash or inflation spike. Secure your retirement today.

👉 Shop IRS-Approved Gold Products
→ Start with: American Gold Eagles or PAMP Suisse Gold Bars

👉 See Full List of Approved Products
→ Ensure compliance before you buy.

👉 How to Open a Precious Metals IRA
→ Next step after choosing your metals.

Have questions? Our IRA specialists are standing by at support@metalbullion.store or 1-800-GOLD-IRA.