Short answer: You can move a 401(k), or a lump sum from a traditional pension, into a Gold IRA once your plan allows a distribution, usually after you leave the employer. Use a direct rollover so nothing is withheld. Before you do, settle six decisions below. Several of them can’t be undone.

1. Lump sum or monthly pension check?

If you have a traditional pension, the plan may offer a monthly check for life or a one-time lump sum. Only the lump sum can go into an IRA. Once you take it, the choice is permanent, and the money is no longer insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation the way a pension check is. The monthly check never runs out; the lump sum can. Many people get a second opinion from a fee-only advisor before choosing.

2. Does your spouse have to sign?

Most traditional pension plans pay married retirees a joint lifetime benefit by default. To take a lump sum instead, your spouse usually has to consent in writing, witnessed by a notary or a plan representative. Ask your plan for its election forms early so this doesn’t hold up the rollover.

3. Will you need money between 55 and 59½?

If you leave your job in or after the year you turn 55, your 401(k) can pay you without the 10% early-withdrawal penalty. Once the money is in an IRA, that rule no longer applies and the penalty-free age becomes 59½. If you might need cash before 59½, leave enough in the 401(k).

4. Do you own company stock in the plan?

If your 401(k) holds your employer’s stock that has grown a lot, a special tax treatment called net unrealized appreciation can lower the tax on it, but only if you don’t roll that stock into an IRA. Ask a tax professional before moving employer stock.

5. All at once, or part of it?

You don’t have to put everything into gold. You can roll the whole balance into a regular IRA and move only a portion into a Gold IRA, or split the rollover between two IRAs. Gold pays no interest and its price can fall for years. If you’re already moving a large amount, the goal is keeping costs low, not buying more than you planned.

6. Direct rollover, not a check to you

If the plan pays you, the IRS requires it to withhold 20%. You’d have 60 days to deposit the full amount, making up the 20% yourself, or the shortfall is taxed. A direct rollover to the new custodian avoids this. Plan-to-IRA rollovers don’t count toward the once-a-year IRA rollover limit.

How the move works

1. Choose a Gold IRA company and open a self-directed IRA with its custodian.
2. Send your plan the custodian’s details and request a direct rollover (pre-tax money to a traditional IRA, Roth money to a Roth IRA).
3. Get written quotes for the metals, showing the price over spot, from at least two companies.
4. Approve the purchase. The metal ships to an IRS-approved depository; IRA metal can’t be stored at home.

On a large balance, the markup matters most

Yearly custodian and storage fees are fairly small next to a big balance. The markup on the metal isn’t: on $500,000, every 1% is $5,000. Ask what the price over spot is on plain bullion coins and bars, and be careful with “premium,” “limited” or “collectible” coins, which usually carry far higher markups. Our Gold IRA rankings compare each company’s fees, minimums and complaint records, and we keep them current.

Frequently asked questions

Can I roll over a 401(k) while I’m still working? Only if your plan allows in-service distributions, often at 59½. Ask your plan.

Is the rollover taxed? Not as a direct rollover between the same account types.

How long does it take? Usually two to six weeks, depending on how fast your plan sends the money.

Related: How a Gold IRA rollover works · Rolling over $100,000 or more · TSP to Gold IRA · 403(b) to Gold IRA

Sources: IRS, Rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions, checked October 23, 2026 · IRS, Retirement topics: exceptions to tax on early distributions (separation from service at 55), checked October 23, 2026 · IRS, Investments in collectibles in individually directed qualified plan accounts · Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, how PBGC insures pension plans

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.