Short answer: these are our top two Gold IRA companies, only 0.1 points apart: Birch Gold Group 8.2, Augusta Precious Metals 8.1. Both publish their fees, and the fees are nearly identical. The real differences are the minimum (Birch $5,000, Augusta $50,000) and the complaint record (Augusta’s is better). Under $50,000, Birch is the clear choice. At $50,000 or more, it comes down to complaints versus metal choice.

Side by side

Fees

The fees are almost the same. Both charge $235 a year after the first year. Birch’s first year is $30 higher because of a wire fee. Over 10 years that’s about $2,430 at Birch and $2,400 at Augusta.

Neither figure includes the markup on the metal, which is usually the biggest cost. On a $50,000 purchase, every 1% of markup is $500. Ask both for the price over spot in writing.

Minimum investment

This decides it for most people. Birch recommends $5,000. Augusta needs $50,000. If you’re moving less than $50,000, Birch is the one of the two you can open.

Complaint record

Augusta had 1 BBB complaint in three years, about 0.7 per 100 reviews. Birch had 9, about 3.9 per 100. Both are solid, but Augusta’s record is among the best we track.

Metals and storage

Birch offers all four IRS-approved metals and five depositories: Delaware Depository, Brink’s, International Depository Services, Texas Precious Metals Depository and Texas Bullion Depository. Augusta sells gold and silver only. If you want platinum or palladium in your IRA, Birch is the one.

Selling your metal back

Neither publishes buyback pricing. Birch says it will buy back what it sold, priced case by case. Augusta says it charges no separate liquidation fee. Get both companies’ terms in writing.

Promotions

Birch pays the first year’s fees on transfers over $50,000. Augusta says it pays up to 10 years of custodian and depository fees. We don’t count promotions in our scores. Get the conditions in writing.

Which one should you choose?

Choose Birch Gold Group if you have under $50,000, or you want platinum or palladium. Read our Birch Gold review.

Choose Augusta if you have $50,000 or more and the lowest complaint rate matters most to you. Read our Augusta review.

Visit Birch Gold Group →Visit Augusta Precious Metals →

Or see all seven companies side by side: Gold IRA companies ranked on what they actually charge →

Frequently asked questions

Is Birch Gold or Augusta cheaper? Nearly the same: both charge $235 a year after the first year. Augusta’s first year is $285, Birch’s $315.

What is the minimum for Birch Gold Group and Augusta? Birch recommends $5,000. Augusta’s minimum is $50,000.

Which has fewer complaints? Augusta: 1 BBB complaint in three years against Birch’s 9.

Can I hold platinum with Augusta? Augusta offers gold and silver only. Birch offers all four metals.

Are Birch Gold and Augusta legitimate? Both hold A+ BBB ratings, and we found no regulatory action against either in the last five years.

Sources: BBB profiles for Birch Gold Group and Augusta Precious Metals, checked October 21, 2026 · Birch Gold Group precious metals IRA page, checked October 21, 2026 · Augusta Precious Metals FAQ, checked October 21, 2026

About this guide

Written by Mark Sandulli, founder of BestGoldPrice.com. Mark is not a financial advisor, tax professional, attorney or precious-metals dealer. This guide is general information based on public sources, not financial, tax or legal advice, and it may contain errors or be out of date. Precious metals can lose value. Confirm prices, fees and rules with the company and a licensed professional before you buy. We may earn a commission from some links. Read our full disclaimer.