A precious metals IRA involves several types of fees. Understanding them upfront helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Typical Fee Categories
Setup Fee
A one-time fee to establish your self-directed IRA account. Typically \$50-\$150 depending on the custodian.
Annual Custodian Fee
An ongoing fee for account administration, reporting, and compliance. Typically \$75-\$300 per year.
Storage Fee
Charged by the depository for holding and insuring your metals. Typically \$100-\$300 per year depending on account value and storage type.
- Segregated storage — your metals are held separately, identified as yours. Usually costs more
- Commingled storage — your metals are pooled with others of the same type. Lower cost but less privacy
Transaction Fees
Some custodians charge per-transaction fees when you buy or sell metals within the IRA. Typically \$25-\$50 per transaction.
Dealer Premium
The markup above spot price charged by the metals dealer. This is not a fee per se, but it affects your total cost. At Intervault Trading, premiums start at 15% for standard orders and drop to as low as 5% for volume purchases.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
- Wire transfer fees — some custodians charge \$25-\$50 per wire
- Account termination fees — fees to close your account or transfer to a new custodian
- Shipping and handling — costs to transport metals to and from the depository
- Insurance riders — additional coverage beyond standard depository insurance
How to Minimize Costs
- Compare custodians — fee structures vary significantly
- Buy in volume — larger purchases typically earn lower premiums per ounce
- Choose the right storage — segregated costs more but offers more privacy
- Minimize transactions — fewer buy/sell events means fewer transaction fees