Top 4 Precious Metal Depositories for Gold IRAs
When holding physical gold in a self-directed IRA, IRS-approved precious metal depositories are required for secure storage. These high-security vault facilities safeguard your gold while following all regulatory standards.
We've outlined the 4 best precious metal depositories for Gold IRAs, so you can plan ahead before opening a Gold IRA.
1. Delaware Depository
Delaware Depository (DDSC) is one of the most popular IRS-approved vaults used for Gold IRAs, known for its secure facilities and experience in precious metals storage. Their storage locations include Wilmington, DE, and Boulder City, NV, with vault ratings of Class 3. Both facilities offer segregated and non-segregated storage for Gold IRAs.
Depository Benefits:
- SOC-1 audited and CME & ICE-approved vaults with multi-layered security protocols.
- IRA Gateway™ online portal for easy management of metals.
- Supports international storage diversification in Canada and Switzerland.
- Storage fees include non‑segregated storage at 0.50% annually and segregated at 1.5% (min. $50). There is a minimum semiannual charge of $25. $102/year for storage of 1,000 oz silver bars and $180 for 100-ounce gold bars.
2. Brink's Global Services USA, Inc.
Brink's is globally recognized in secure asset transportation and storage, serving institutions, banks, and private investors for Gold IRAs. Their vaults provide a vault rating of Class 3, with segregated and commingled storage options.
Depository Benefits:
- Trusted depository brand utilizing top security protocols.
- High-security storage solutions with a high reputation.
- Popular choice between Gold IRA companies.
3. International Depository Services (IDS) Group
International Depository Services (IDS) Group is a full-service Gold IRA approved depository network offering secure storage. IDS has secure vaults located in Dallas, TX, New Castle, DE, and Mississauga, ON (Canada) with a vault rating of Class 3 and robust security measures. Both segregated and commingled storage options are provided by International Depository Services Group.
Depository Benefits:
- LBMA Associate and COMEX/CME approved.
- 24/7 monitored UL-rated vaults.
- Real-time online access through client portal.
- Combined storage & insurance fees of 0.30% ($2,500,000.01 to $5,000,000 AV) to 0.65% (up to $250,000 AV) of asset value annually. Minimum semiannual charge of $100 for storage.
4. Texas Precious Metals Depository
Texas Precious Metals Depository (TPMD) is a state-regulated storage depository with a focus on private, in-state control storge solutions for Gold IRAs. They are popularly used by the best Gold IRA Custodians due to their reliance and storage options. Their vault in Shiner, TX offers a vault rating of Class 2 and 3, but only allows for segregated storage.
Depository Benefits:
- No setup or withdrawal fees. Similar depository fees to Delaware and IDS.
- In-house armed security in a privately held vault.
- Appeal for Texas-based investors with domestic facilities.
Vault Class Ratings in Depositories
Gold IRA depositories are graded by vault class, a security rating system that reflects the level of protection each facility offers. Most IRS-approved depositories used in Gold IRAs operate Class 2 or Class 3 vaults, depending on the facility's size, layout, and asset volume. These facilities feature dual-control access, multisensor surveillance systems, daily reconciliation procedures, and annual third-party SSAE‑18 audits to ensure inventory accuracy and transparency.
All of these third-party storage facilities have insurance coverage on your physical assets with an industry standard insurance policy with per-account coverage up to $1 billion.
Vault Class Ratings:
Each precious metals storage facility also offers different types of storage, such as segregated (stored separately) or non-segregated holdings (pooled). Deciding on which type of Gold IRA storage is right for you comes down to your investment goals in retirement.
Do You Get to Pick Your Own Depository?
Usually you don't select your Gold IRA depository directly in Precious Metals IRAs. Instead, you will coordinate closely with your chosen Gold IRA company who works with a custodian who manages the storage in the bullion depository. In some cases, the company you work with may allow you to choose a depository from a short list of available options. These short list of options usually contain one of the best IRA gold depositories from our list.
The leading Gold IRA companies disclose the gold depositories they work with so you can plan ahead. You may see newer depository options offered such as CNT Depository in Massachusetts and A-M Global Logistics in Las Vegas, depending on the custodian you work with.
Storage Depository Costs
Some storage depository storage costs can be waived depending on the facility you choose and the amount invested. Gold IRA companies work with depositories offering free storage and $0-fees in Gold IRAs if you store enough metals. It's important to do your research first, and see if you quality for promotions like these. We get into how this works as well as the entire process at Gold IRA Planners with our resources and guides.