Page purpose: Help you choose the right self-directed IRA (SDIRA) custodian for a Gold IRA rollover—based on real decision factors that affect cost, compliance, processing speed, and overall friction.
Disclosure: IRA Wealth Guide may earn compensation from some links or partner placements. That never changes our evaluation criteria or recommendations.
Not financial advice: This page is educational. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Written by Mike Reeves
Mike Reeves is a Gold Individual Retirement Account specialist with over 10 years of industry experience, having evaluated dozens of providers across the United States. He has helped hundreds of investors roll over traditional retirement accounts into precious metals IRAs, with a focus on fee transparency, compliant storage, and investor-first guidance.
Last updated: January 2026
Key Takeaways (Custodian Choice, Simplified)
- In a Gold IRA rollover, your “gold IRA company” is usually the dealer selling the metal. Your retirement account is legally administered by a self-directed IRA custodian, and your metals are held at an IRS-compliant depository. The custodian is the administrative backbone of the entire transaction.
- Most SDIRA custodians are directed custodians: they execute your instructions and handle IRA administration and reporting—but they generally do not evaluate your dealer’s pricing or tell you whether a coin/bar is a “good deal.” Your pricing protection comes from your quote discipline, not the custodian’s brand name.
- The right custodian choice impacts your real-world outcome in three places: (1) fee structure (annual + transaction fees), (2) processing speed and paperwork reliability, and (3) storage/depository options (including segregated vs non-segregated).
- If you’re comparing Equity Trust vs STRATA Trust vs GoldStar, the “best” option depends on your balance size, how frequently you plan to transact, and whether you prioritize predictable flat pricing or are comfortable with value-based tiers.
- No matter which custodian you choose, the biggest variable in total cost is often the dealer’s premium/spread on the exact metals you buy. Before funding, compare two written, itemized quotes on the same IRA-eligible Metals using our checklist.
What this page will help you do
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to:
- understand what custodians do (and what they don’t),
- compare custodian fee models without getting misled by “low annual fees,”
- spot friction risks that delay rollovers,
- choose the best custodian for your investor profile, and
- follow a simple decision tree to pick confidently in under a minute.
Quick Comparison Table: Equity Trust vs STRATA Trust vs GoldStar (Gold IRA Lens)
Important: Fee schedules can change and may differ by account type. Always request the current, written fee schedule for the exact account type you’re opening.
| Custodian | Best For | Fee Model (Typical) | Standout Gold-IRA-Relevant Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity Trust | Investors who want broad SDIRA capability and are comfortable with value-based annual fees | Value-based annual maintenance tiers + service fees + storage fees | Explicit line-item disclosure includes annual fee tiers and metals storage options; includes metals liquidation fees and storage fees on its schedule |
| STRATA Trust | Metals-focused investors who want clearer “metals plan” pricing and published storage tiers | Plan-based schedules (incl. Precious Metals schedule) + storage tiers | Precious Metals schedule shows annual account fee + commingled/segregated storage; states spot values don’t include dealer markups/premiums |
| GoldStar Trust | Investors who want a published fee schedule with specific metals-related line items | Asset-type fee schedule (incl. precious metals) + service fees | Fee schedule includes depository storage options and metals-related fees; also states it does not act as a fiduciary in the SDIRA context |
Start Here: What a Gold IRA Custodian Does (and Does Not Do)
What a custodian does
A Gold IRA custodian is the regulated administrator of your self-directed IRA. In plain English, the custodian:
- Establishes and maintains the IRA account (Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, etc.)
- Handles IRA reporting and tax forms and maintains your account records
- Executes your investment directions (e.g., sending funds to purchase IRS-eligible metals through a dealer)
- Coordinates with approved storage providers so metals are held in proper custody/chain-of-control
- Processes transfers, rollovers, contributions, distributions, and (when applicable) in-kind distributions
What a custodian does not do (and why this matters)
Most SDIRA custodians are directed/passive. That means:
- They typically do not provide tax/legal/investment advice. Equity Trust states it is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice.
- They generally do not price your metals. STRATA explains that statement values reflect spot value and do not include dealer markups/premiums, and STRATA does not guarantee metals pricing.
- They typically do not “vet” your dealer’s pricing for fairness. This is exactly why your due diligence must include quote comparisons and written confirmations.
Bottom line: A custodian is your IRA’s legal administrator and gatekeeper for compliant custody—not a “deal optimizer.” Your protection is (1) a good custodian fit and (2) a disciplined quote process with your dealer.
Why the Custodian Choice Matters More Than Most Investors Think
If you’re rolling over retirement funds into metals, the custodian choice impacts:
- Cost structure (annual admin + transaction/service fees + storage handling)
- Paperwork reliability (how often issues arise with missing items, rejected forms, or delays)
- Transaction speed (how quickly funds are released and purchases are processed)
- Operational friction (how much follow-up you’ll do to get forms accepted and processed)
- Compliance posture (custodian’s process discipline for storage and documentation)
This is why “best gold IRA custodians” is not a vanity keyword—custodians control the administrative rails your rollover runs on.
Custodian Fee Models Explained (Flat vs Tiered vs Transaction-Based)
You will see three common fee structures:
1) Value-based annual fees (tiered by account value)
This is a common SDIRA model: the more assets you hold, the higher the annual fee.
Example (Equity Trust Universal IRA fee schedule): Equity lists annual maintenance fees that increase by account value tiers (e.g., “Under $50,000,” “$50,000–$99,999,” etc.).
Who this fits best:
- Investors who want a broad SDIRA platform and are comfortable with scaling annual fees
- Investors who value features/infra and expect fewer à-la-carte surprises (if the schedule is clear)
Who should be cautious:
- Larger-balance investors who may prefer flat-fee models if available
- Investors who don’t want annual fees rising as the account grows
2) Plan-based schedules (a dedicated “precious metals” schedule)
Some custodians publish a specific precious-metals schedule with a defined annual account fee and storage tiers.
Example (STRATA): STRATA lists a “Precious Metals” schedule with an annual account fee plus commingled and segregated storage fees.
Who this fits best:
- Metals-focused investors who want a clearer “metals plan” baseline
- Investors who like transparent storage tier disclosures
3) Transaction + service fee emphasis (wires, rush, document handling)
Even when annual fees look reasonable, service fees can add up in rollover-heavy periods.
Examples of service/processing line items:
- Equity Trust’s schedule includes items like wire fees and expedited processing-related fees, plus a paper statement fee.
- GoldStar’s schedule lists service fees such as wire fees, overnight fees, termination, and research assistance.
Who this fits best:
- Investors who rarely transact and keep the account simple
- Investors comfortable managing the workflow digitally and avoiding “rush” requests
Who should be cautious:
- Investors who expect multiple transactions (future buys/sells)
- Anyone who tends to rely on rush processing, paper forms, and frequent document requests
The Real-World Differentiator: Processing Speed + Paperwork Reliability
Most investors focus on fees—and ignore the bigger friction source: workflow reliability.
A custodian that is “fine on fees” but slow or strict on documentation can cost you in:
- Missed market windows (if dealer quotes expire)
- Extended time out of market during rollover
- Repeated paperwork loops
- Higher stress and more phone calls
What to measure (simple, buyer-first scorecard)
When you speak with custodians (or your dealer’s onboarding team), collect answers to these:
Processing & reliability
- Typical timeframe for incoming IRA transfer vs 401(k) rollover (ask for ranges and what causes delays)
- How they handle incomplete paperwork (reject vs “deficiency queue”)
- Whether they provide status tracking inside an online portal
- Whether a dedicated specialist is assigned or you’re routed through a general queue
Operational transparency
- Will they email the exact fee schedule that applies to your account type?
- Will they confirm in writing which depositories you can use?
- Will they confirm in writing how segregated vs commingled storage is billed?
Metals-specific clarity
- How they value metals on statements and what is excluded (markups/premiums)
- Whether they support in-kind distribution (taking physical delivery from the IRA at distribution time) and the exact fees
STRATA’s own support notes that statement values are based on spot and do not include dealer premiums/markups, which is a useful reality check when you compare “account value” displays versus what you paid.
What Custodians Will/Won’t Allow (Product Approval, Depositories, Structure)
IRS custody basics: physical possession by an approved trustee
The IRS states that certain bullion may qualify if a bank or approved non-bank trustee keeps physical possession.
That single sentence is why:
- Legit Gold IRA Companies typically use an approved depository (not home storage inside the IRA)
- Custodians insist on specific documentation and chain-of-custody processes
Product “approval” in practice
Custodians generally require that metals purchased inside the IRA meet:
- IRS eligibility standards (fineness/coin exceptions) and
- Proper custody/storage handling
Your custodian may also have restrictions on:
- Which dealers they will process (or what documentation is needed)
- Which depositories are acceptable
- How orders must be submitted (direction of investment forms, invoices, etc.)
Depository options and storage types
If you’re comparing custodians for a Gold IRA, do not stop at “Do you offer storage?”
Instead ask:
- Which depositories are available?
- Is segregated storage available for my metals type?
- How are storage fees billed and when?
STRATA example: STRATA’s published schedule lists commingled storage at $100 and segregated storage at $175 (with notes on which metals qualify).
Equity example: Equity’s fee schedule shows storage fees (segregated and non-segregated) as line items and notes that storage fees are charged when metals are received and each January thereafter.
GoldStar example: GoldStar’s fee schedule lists commingled and segregated depository storage fees.
Service Model: Support Access, Complaint Patterns, and “Directed Custodian” Reality
Here is the honest truth: most investor frustration in Gold IRAs is not about gold—it’s about service friction.
What to evaluate (beyond marketing)
- Accessibility: phone access, callback speed, and availability windows
- Consistency: dedicated rep vs whoever answers next
- Documentation quality: are forms clear and standardized?
- Resolution behavior: do they fix issues quickly or bounce you between departments?
Read the fine print on responsibility
Custodians often disclose (explicitly) that they:
- Do not sponsor/endorse/sell investments
- Do not provide due diligence on third parties
- Do not provide advice
STRATA’s page states it performs the duties of a directed custodian and does not provide due diligence on third parties such as dealers or service providers.
Equity Trust similarly discloses it does not provide tax/legal/investment advice.
GoldStar’s fee schedule includes disclosures that it does not exercise investment discretion and is not a fiduciary in the SDIRA context.
What this means for you: Even with a great custodian, you must personally protect yourself against overpriced products and bad dealer behavior by demanding itemized quotes and comparing them.
Custodian Deep Dive: Fees and What They Usually Mean (With Published Examples)
Below are examples pulled directly from published schedules. Use them as a framework for comparing—not as a substitute for requesting the current schedule from each custodian.
Equity Trust (example schedule highlights)
Equity’s Universal IRA fee schedule includes:
- Account set-up fees (online vs paper application)
- Annual maintenance fees based on asset value tiers
- Metals storage fees (segregated vs non-segregated)
- Service fees (wire, expedited processing, paper statement, etc.)
- Metals-related line items such as liquidation fee and in-kind distribution/transfer out fee
Equity’s site also states it is a directed custodian and does not provide tax/legal/investment advice.
STRATA Trust (published “Precious Metals” schedule highlights)
STRATA’s “Precious Metals” schedule lists:
- Annual account fee: $125
- Storage fees: commingled $100; segregated $175 (with notes)
- Deposit requirement language for precious metals
STRATA also clarifies that statement values reflect spot value and exclude dealer markups/premiums, and STRATA does not guarantee metals pricing.
GoldStar Trust (published fee schedule highlights)
GoldStar’s schedule (Rev. 12/2025) includes:
- A “precious metals” section with annual maintenance and metals-related fees
- Commingled vs segregated depository storage pricing
- Service fees such as wire and overnight fees
GoldStar’s disclosures also emphasize the self-directed nature of the account and that it does not act as a fiduciary or exercise investment discretion in this context.
Best For: Which Custodian Fits Your Profile?
Best for small-balance investors (who need fees to stay proportional)
Look for:
- Lower annual fees at low balances (or a plan designed for metals-only with clear baseline)
- Reasonable storage fees
- Minimal “gotcha” service fees
Action: Run your expected first-year total cost using the checklist and quote template below.
Best for larger balances (where fee model matters more)
Look for:
- Whether annual fees scale with account value (value-based) versus staying flat (plan-based)
- Whether holding multiple asset types triggers additional holding fees (if you expand beyond metals)
Action: Compare how annual fees change at $50k, $100k, $250k, and $500k (using published schedules where available).
Best for frequent trading / multiple future buys
If you expect to add metals later (or actively rebalance), prioritize:
- Low/clear transaction processing fees
- Efficient paperwork flow and predictable timelines
- Digital portal usability (reduces service fees tied to paper and rush processing)
Action: Ask specifically about fees for:
- Additional purchases inside the IRA
- Wires/transactions
- “Processing” fees for buys/sells
Decision Tree: Pick Your Custodian in 60 Seconds
Use this fast decision logic before you get pulled into sales calls.
Step 1: Are you holding only precious metals in the SDIRA?
- Yes → prioritize a custodian with a clearly published metals schedule and storage tiers (easier cost forecasting). STRATA publishes a dedicated precious metals schedule with storage tiers.
- No / maybe later → consider a broader SDIRA platform where you can hold other alternatives too (but watch value-based annual fees).
Step 2: Is your rollover balance likely to be under $50,000?
- Yes → you must optimize for predictable baseline fees and low service-fee friction (paperwork efficiency).
- No → model the annual fee impact as your balance grows (especially if the custodian uses value-based tiers). Equity publishes value-tier annual fees on its schedule.
Step 3: Do you want segregated storage?
- Yes → confirm (in writing) the annual segregated cost and any metal-type limitations. STRATA notes segregated storage pricing and includes a limitation note.
- No → confirm commingled/non-segregated pricing and billing timing.
Step 4: Are you extremely sensitive to administrative friction?
- Yes → choose the custodian that gives you:
- written fee schedule promptly
- clear forms
- a realistic timeline range for rollover funding
- a single point of contact (or clearly defined escalation path)
Step 5: Final sanity check
Whichever custodian you choose:
- Confirm they are a directed custodian (you direct the investments) and understand what they do not evaluate (dealer pricing).
- Then protect yourself on pricing using your Compare Quotes process.
The #1 Mistake: Picking a Custodian Based Only on the Annual Fee
For Gold IRAs, the fee you see can be the smaller number.
STRATA explicitly notes that reported values do not include dealer markups/premiums and spot values are not a firm buy price from any dealer.
Translation: Your “hidden cost” is often the dealer’s spread on the specific coins/bars—so you must compare written itemized quotes even if the custodian fees look great.
Custodian Selection Checklist (Copy/Paste)
Use this checklist to standardize your comparison.
A) Compliance + structure
- Custodian confirms they are an approved custodian/trustee for SDIRAs
- Custodian confirms metals will be held with an approved depository consistent with IRS custody rules
- Custodian confirms which metals are permitted and what documentation is required
B) Fee clarity (in writing)
- Account opening fee (online vs paper, if different)
- Annual maintenance fee model (flat vs tiered vs plan-based)
- Storage fees (commingled/non-segregated vs segregated) and billing timing
- Transaction/processing fees for metals purchases/sales
- Wire fees, overnight fees, rush fees, statement fees
- Termination/transfer-out/in-kind distribution fees
C) Operational reliability
- Typical rollover timelines (transfer vs rollover) and what causes delays
- Portal access + ability to upload forms digitally
- Whether you get a dedicated rep or general queue
- Escalation path if paperwork stalls
D) Metals valuation clarity
- Custodian explains how metals appear on statements and what is excluded (dealer premiums/markups)
Compare Quote Template (Use This to Protect Yourself)
CTA: After you shortlist custodians, use your Compare Quotes page to compare dealer pricing apples-to-apples. (Recommended internal link: “Compare Gold IRA Quotes” → /gold-ira/compare-quotes/)
Copy this table into a doc or spreadsheet and fill it in for each dealer + custodian combo.
| Category | Custodian A | Custodian B | Custodian C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account opening fee | |||
| Annual maintenance fee (year 1) | |||
| Annual maintenance fee (ongoing) | |||
| Storage type (seg/commingled) | |||
| Storage fee & billing timing | |||
| Wire fee | |||
| Transaction/processing fee (metals buy) | |||
| Transaction/processing fee (metals sell) | |||
| In-kind distribution fee | |||
| Transfer-out / termination fee | |||
| Dealer quote: exact items (coins/bars) | |||
| All-in price per item (ask for written confirmation) | |||
| Premium over spot (per item, at time of quote) | |||
| Buyback terms (how pricing is determined) |
Rule: Compare at least two dealers using the same IRA-eligible items before funding.
FAQs: Best Gold IRA Custodians (2026)
Is the custodian the same as the gold IRA company?
Usually not. The “gold IRA company” is typically the dealer selling metals. The custodian administers the IRA and executes your directions; the depository stores metals.
Do custodians set or guarantee the price of my gold?
Typically no. STRATA states it does not independently determine or guarantee precious metals pricing and that statement spot values don’t include dealer markups/premiums.
Why does the IRS require depository storage?
The IRS indicates that bullion can qualify when a bank or approved non-bank trustee maintains physical possession.
What fee should I focus on most?
You need the full picture:
- annual custodian fee + storage fee + service/transaction fees
- plus the dealer’s premium/spread (often the biggest variable)
What’s the fastest way to pick the right custodian?
Use the 60-second decision tree above, then run the Compare Quote Template and demand written fee schedules.
Which custodian is “best overall”?
“Best” depends on your priorities (small balance vs larger balance, metals-only vs multi-asset SDIRA, storage preference, and tolerance for service friction). Your goal is not to pick the most famous custodian—it’s to pick the custodian whose fee model and operations match your plan.
Bottom Line: Which Gold IRA custodian should you choose in 2026?
For most rollover investors, the “best” custodian is not the one with the biggest name—it’s the one that can provide (1) a current written fee schedule, (2) clear metals storage options, and (3) consistent, low-friction processing for your rollover timeline.
Use this decision rule:
- Choose STRATA Trust if you want a metals-forward setup with a clearly defined precious-metals fee schedule and you prefer predictable storage tiers (commingled vs segregated) without guessing what your baseline will be.
- Choose Equity Trust if you want a broad SDIRA platform (especially if you may hold other alternative assets beyond metals) and you’re comfortable with value-based annual fees that can rise as your account grows.
- Choose GoldStar Trust if you want a published, line-item fee schedule and you’re optimizing for clarity on metals-related administrative and storage charges—especially if you value straightforward documentation and disclosures.
Non-negotiable buyer protection: no custodian choice can “save you” from a bad metals price. Your biggest variable is usually the dealer’s premium/spread on the exact coins and bars you buy. Before you fund, get two written, itemized quotes on the same IRA-eligible products and compare them using our Compare Quotes process.
If a provider (dealer or custodian) won’t put fees, storage terms, and processing steps in writing, treat that as a stop sign—then move to the next option.