Setting up a precious metals IRA is simpler than most people expect. Here is the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Choose a Self-Directed IRA Custodian
A self-directed IRA custodian is a financial institution that administers your account and ensures IRS compliance. Unlike a standard brokerage, a self-directed custodian allows alternative investments including precious metals.
- The custodian handles all paperwork, reporting, and regulatory compliance
- Custodians are regulated by federal and state authorities
- Intervault Trading works with established custodian partners
Step 2: Fund Your Account
There are several ways to fund a gold IRA:
- Rollover — transfer funds from an existing 401(k), 403(b), TSP, or IRA without triggering taxes or penalties
- Transfer — move funds directly between IRA custodians (trustee-to-trustee)
- Direct contribution — make annual contributions up to the IRS limit (\$7,000 for 2024, \$8,000 if age 50+)
Step 3: Select Your Metals
Not all precious metals qualify for IRA inclusion. The IRS has specific purity requirements:
Our team helps you select products that are IRA-eligible, competitively priced, and aligned with your investment goals.
- Gold — must be .995 fine or higher (except American Gold Eagles at .9167)
- Silver — must be .999 fine or higher
- Platinum — must be .9995 fine or higher
- Palladium — must be .9995 fine or higher
Step 4: Purchase and Ship to Depository
Once you have selected your metals, the custodian directs payment to the dealer. The metals are then shipped directly to the IRS-approved depository — never to your home.
Step 5: Secure, Insured Storage
Your metals are stored in a secure, audited depository. Most investors choose segregated storage, meaning your specific coins and bars are held separately and identified as yours.
Step 6: Monitor and Manage
Your custodian provides regular statements showing your holdings, their current value, and any transactions. You can add metals, change allocations, or take distributions according to IRS rules.