Birch Gold Group is the #3 rated Gold IRA company in 2026 and one of the longest-standing companies in the industry, founded in 2003 — over 22 years of experience. The company is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and has helped over 30,000 customers protect their retirement savings with precious metals.
Birch Gold Group requires a minimum investment of $10,000 to open a Precious Metals IRA. Annual fees include a $80 custodian fee and a $100 storage fee, totaling $180 per year. Birch partners with Equity Trust Company and STRATA Trust Company as custodians, and uses Brinks Global Services and Delaware Depository for storage.
The Birch Gold IRA process: (1) a Birch specialist helps you open a self-directed IRA, (2) fund via 401(k) rollover, 403(b) rollover, TSP rollover, or IRA transfer, (3) select IRA-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, (4) metals are shipped directly to your chosen depository.
Birch Gold Group offers the broadest selection of IRA-eligible precious metals: gold (American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, gold bars), silver (American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, silver bars), platinum (American Eagle, platinum bars), and palladium (Canadian Maple Leaf, palladium bars). All metals meet IRS purity standards under IRC Section 408(m)(3).
Birch Gold Group earns a 4.7/5 rating from over 1,800 verified investors. The company holds an A+ BBB rating, a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating, and a 4.9/5 Google rating. Birch is endorsed by Ben Shapiro and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal.
Birch Gold Group pros: 22+ year track record, broadest metal selection (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), strong educational resources, and competitive flat-fee pricing. Birch Gold Group cons: slightly lower overall rating than Augusta and AHG, and the $10,000 minimum may still be a barrier for some investors.
Birch Gold Group is best for investors who want the most diversified precious metals IRA (including platinum and palladium), a company with a long proven track record, and strong educational support. Birch is also a strong choice for first-time investors who want a patient, educational approach.