Birch Gold Group review

Birch Gold Group ranks first because it pairs a low entry point with clear fee figures. Its FAQ sets the minimum at $5,000 for both IRAs and direct purchases, and says total annual custodial fees average around $235 per year. The Gold IRA page breaks that down into a $50 account setup fee, a $30 wire fee, $110 for storage and insurance and $125 in management fees, and says Birch Gold pays the first year's fees on new accounts over $50,000. Birch has been in business since 2011 and lists five depository options, including two in Texas. It offers IRAs in all four IRA-eligible metals and a Roth version. The limits: the minimum can change with market conditions, the custodian and depository bill you separately, and you work through a specialist by phone rather than buying online. We compared documented fees and policies and did not open an account.

Who it is for

first-time savers with $5,000 to $50,000

Price

$5,000 minimum; custodian and storage fees average about $235 a year; first year's fees paid on accounts over $50,000.

Depending on your selections, total annual custodial fees typically average around $235 per year, and Birch Gold covers the first year’s fees for accounts over $50,000.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• $5,000 minimum investment for both IRAs and direct purchases
• Published fee example: $50 setup, $30 wire, $110 storage and insurance, $125 management per year
• Birch Gold pays the first year's fees on new accounts over $50,000
• IRAs for gold, silver, platinum and palladium, including Roth gold IRAs
• Storage options listed at Delaware Depository, Brink's Global Services, International Depository Services, Texas Precious Metals Depository and Texas Bullion Depository

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lowest published minimum among the full-service IRA firms we compared, tied with Swiss America at $5,000
• Strength: Itemized fee example on its own Gold IRA page
• Strength: Will quote a buyback price based on the exact product, mint and size you own
• Weakness: The $5,000 minimum can change with market conditions and product availability, per its FAQ
• Weakness: Fees are charged by a separate custodian and depository, so the final figure depends on your choices
• Weakness: Ordering runs through a phone specialist, not an online checkout

Key facts

• Minimum: $5,000
• Annual fees: About $235
• Fee waiver: First year over $50,000
• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium

Where it ranks

Birch Gold Group is No. 1 in our Best Gold IRA Companies verdict.