How to Include Precious Metals in Your IRA

What Is a Precious Metals IRA?

A Precious Metals IRA—also known as a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)—allows you to hold alternative assets such as physical bullion inside a tax-advantaged retirement account. Unlike a traditional or Roth IRA that limits you to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, an SDIRA expands your investment options to include IRS-approved metals.

This account type is popular among investors seeking long-term stability, inflation protection, and diversification.

Why Add Precious Metals to Your IRA?

Hedge Against Inflation

Gold and silver have historically maintained purchasing power during periods of rising inflation.

Portfolio Diversification

Precious metals are non-correlated assets, helping reduce overall market risk.

Safe-Haven Asset

During market volatility, geopolitical tension, or currency weakness, metals often outperform traditional investments.

Long-Term Wealth Preservation

Physical gold and silver remain globally recognized stores of value.

IRS Requirements for a Precious Metals IRA

To remain compliant with IRS regulations:

Metals must be held in an IRS-approved depository.
You cannot store IRA metals at home.
Metals must meet IRS purity standards: gold 99.5% (American Eagles are an exception), silver 99.9%, platinum 99.95%, palladium 99.95%.
Only approved bullion coins and bars qualify.

Approved products include popular items like American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and bars from accredited refiners.

Add to IRA

Easily Add Gold & Other Precious Metals to Your IRA

Why should I consider adding gold & precious metals to a Self-Directed IRA?

Allows you to strategically balance your portfolio due to the negative correlation between metals and traditional assets, such as stocks.
Provides what many consider to be the fourth asset class (Precious Metals) working in conjunction with traditional stocks, bonds and cash.
Helps your portfolio achieve what many advisers recommend: a 4-12% allocation in Precious Metals.

A Self-Directed IRA provides:

All the benefits of a traditional IRA.
Alternative investments in assets such as Precious Metals that traditional IRAs do not allow.
The owner full control of their IRA.

Product qualifications for Self-Directed Precious Metal IRAs

Primarily funded: Bullion
Minimum fineness requirements as set by the IRS:
- Gold: .995 fine (Gold American Eagle is the only exception)
- Silver: .999 fine
- Platinum: .9995 fine
- Palladium: .9995 fine
Coins allowed: See our IRA eligible coins here

How to get started with a Precious Metals IRA

1. Verify or Create your Self-Directed Precious Metals IRA.

The IRS requires precious metals to be added to a self-directed IRA. Our first step will involve you confirming your existing IRA qualifies or opening a new IRA that does.

2. Fund the Account.

Roll over an existing IRA or 401(k)
Establish a new Precious Metals IRA

3. Deposit Your Bullion with a Custodian.

An IRS-approved custodian bank must hold gold added to an IRA. Blanchard has a longstanding relationship with GoldStar Trust Company, but we’ll gladly help you get started with any IRS-approved custodial institution you choose.

Once your account is funded, we can help you determine what type and what quantity you should purchase based on your needs and investment goals.

Buying through Blanchard allows for:

Competitive pricing, which increases the value of your investment.
A dedicated IRA Specialist to help you understand your options and walk you through the process.
Full transparency of buying and selling.
No additional fee for purchasing IRA products through Blanchard.
The price on our website is the price you pay.
A large selection of IRA approved products.
You can choose the products that make sense for your portfolio.

FAQ’s

Can I transfer an existing IRA?

Yes, you may transfer all or part of an existing IRA.

Can I have more than one IRA account?

Yes, you may have more than one account though the maximum annual contribution remains the same.

Can I move my existing bullion into a precious metals IRA?

No, you cannot transfer any coins you already own.

Fees Involved in a Precious Metals IRA

in a Precious Metals IRA

When opening a Precious Metals IRA, expect:

Custodial fees
Storage fees
Transaction fees
Dealer premiums

Compare providers to ensure competitive pricing and transparent terms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Attempting home storage (IRS does not allow it)
Buying non-approved or collectible coins
Missing rollover deadlines
Choosing unvetted providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take physical possession of my metals?

Yes—once you take a qualified distribution from your IRA.

Are my metals insured?

Yes. Approved depositories provide fully insured storage.

Can I mix metals and traditional assets in one IRA?

Yes—Self-Directed IRAs support both.

What purity is required?

Purity requirements vary by metal, but general standards include gold 99.5%, silver 99.9%, and platinum/palladium 99.95%.

Final Thoughts

Adding precious metals to your IRA is a proven strategy to strengthen long-term financial resilience. With the right custodian, proper IRS compliance, and expert guidance, you can build a well-balanced retirement portfolio that includes physical gold and silver.

If you’d like help sourcing IRS-approved metals for your IRA, our team is here to assist every step of the way.