The strong performance of gold in 2024 and up to now this 12 months has everyone seeking to add a bit of glitter to their portfolios. As of January 29, gold’s price is over $2,759.30 per troy ounce, good for a gain of greater than 35% over the past 12 months and hovering around its all-time high.
That gain over the past 12 months has outperformed the stock market by greater than 12%. For investors seeking to gain exposure to the precious metal as a way of diversifying their portfolios, investing in a gold individual retirement account (IRA) will be appealing. But, gold IRAs are quite different from traditional or Roth IRAs, and the strategy of opening one will be overwhelming.
To assist investors latest to this asset class make the adjustment, some gold dealers and gold IRA providers offer specialized gold IRA kits. These kits contain comprehensive guides and resources, and should include other perks like account credits or discounts on storage.
Here’s what that you must find out about gold IRA kits, and where you’ll be able to get one without cost.
What’s a gold IRA kit?
Unlike employer-sponsored retirement plans and traditional or Roth IRAs, which only permit you to speculate in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs, a gold IRA is a sort of self-directed retirement account — or SDIRA — that lets you spend money on gold, other precious metals and alternative assets like real estate.
Gold IRA kits are packages of materials offered by some gold IRA firms. These kits are designed as starter guides for brand new gold investors. Although the specifics of every kit will vary by company, gold IRA kits normally include the next:
- Details on gold IRAs: Gold IRA kits will include in-depth information on gold IRAs, how they work, how they differ from traditional or Roth IRAs, details about secure gold storage and insuring your precious metals in addition to the professionals and cons of investing in gold.
- Information on IRA transfers: In the event you’re planning on opening a gold IRA by transferring an existing IRA or converting a 401(k) into an SDIRA, the gold IRA kit may have step-by-step instructions on accomplish that.
- Latest trends: Gold IRA kits will normally include the most recent information in regards to the gold and precious metals industry, including updated pricing information, historical data on gold’s performance and expert evaluation.
- Other perks: With some firms, gold IRA kits can even include other advantages. For instance, you could be eligible without cost silver for those who rollover one other IRA, or you could be eligible for discounted or free storage at a gold depository.
Kits can are available in many forms, including hard copies that you simply receive within the mail, videos or online or mobile-friendly guides.
Popular gold IRA kits
There are many firms offering precious metal IRAs and gold IRA kits, but these are a number of the leading options available now:
American Hartford Gold
Since 2015, American Hartford has been a number one precious metals dealer. The Los Angeles-based company offers a free gold IRA kit to latest investors, and the kit is powerful.
Whenever you join for the gold IRA kit with American Hartford Gold, you’ll be able to enjoy advantages like free account setup, free insured shipping, free storage for as much as five years and academic materials. Plus, you may be eligible to receive as much as $15,000 in free silver after making qualifying purchases to fund a latest gold IRA.
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold Group has been in operation since 2003. The Iowa-based company offers a wide range of precious metals and is a number one gold IRA provider.
Birch Gold Group’s gold IRA kit is a 24-page document outlining information on gold IRAs, the valuable metals industry and details on complying with the IRS. Plus, for those who invest $50,000 or more in a gold IRA with the corporate, you’ll be able to qualify without cost precious metals; depending on how much you invest or rollover, you could be eligible for as much as $10,000 of free gold.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold is a gold IRA provider and precious metals dealer positioned in Texas. With its gold IRA kit and wealth preservation guide, you’ll be able to get detailed information on the gold industry and step-by-step suggestions for organising a latest account.
Whenever you open a latest Priority Gold IRA and meet certain rollover requirements, you’ll be able to qualify for as much as $5,000 in free precious metals. Moreover, Priority Gold offers other perks, equivalent to free shipping and storage for some customers.
Opening a gold IRA
In the event you’re latest to the valuable metals industry and wish to open a gold IRA, follow these steps:
- Select a gold IRA company: Many firms offer gold IRAs, but they differ by way of fees, available precious metals and customer support. You possibly can take a look at our picks for the best gold IRA firms to start.
- Determine find your IRA: Typically, you’ll be able to rollover an existing IRA or 401(k). Or, you could invest latest money by transferring funds out of your bank. Nevertheless, bear in mind that gold IRAs are subject to the identical contribution limits as other IRAs. As of 2025, the contribution limit is $7,000 (or $8,000 for those who’re age 50 or older).
- Select your investments: With a gold IRA, you’ll be able to only spend money on gold coins and bars that meet IRS purity standards. Potential options include American Eagle bullion and proof coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins and U.S. Buffalo bullion coins.
- Diversify your investments: While gold could also be a worthwhile addition to your portfolio, experts recommend limiting your gold to a percentage of your portfolio. Most experts agree that alternative investments, including gold, should make up not more than 5–10% of your overall portfolio to be sure that you are properly diversified.
To learn more, read Money’s guides to the best gold IRA firms and the best online gold dealers.
More from Money:
Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Precious Metals