Orion Metal Exchange is often positioned as a “smaller-balance friendly” precious metals dealer for investors who want hands-on IRA support without paying unnecessary friction costs. Orion also markets aggressively on pricing (“we will beat any competitor’s advertised price”) and highlights an in-house IRA department designed to help coordinate custodian + depository setup.
This review is for high-intent retirement investors asking one core question: Is Orion Metal Exchange worth it for a Gold IRA rollover in 2026—based on verifiable process and cost controls, not marketing?
Our investor-first methodology stays consistent: baseline account fees (custodian + storage), pricing discipline (premium/spread), compliance posture (custody + depository), and liquidity reality (buyback terms and resale math).
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 content is educational. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Written by Mike Reeves — Gold IRA specialist with 10+ years in the niche; helped hundreds of investors complete rollovers; focus on fee transparency, compliant storage, and investor-first guidance.
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Verdict (Read This First)
Best for: investors who want an assisted Gold IRA setup, value process support, and plan to enforce quote discipline (itemized pricing) before funding—especially if you’re trying to keep fixed annual overhead reasonable.
Not ideal for: investors who won’t demand written, itemized pricing; anyone prone to “promo” persuasion; or investors who want a fully published, standardized dealer fee schedule (Orion emphasizes custodian/depository selection and reimbursement programs rather than publishing a single universal schedule).
Biggest takeaway: Orion can be a workable fit if—and only if—you control your real cost: premium/spread + baseline custodian/storage fees, confirmed in writing, and compared across at least two providers. Start with: /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
Best for
- Investors who want an in-house IRA support team to coordinate setup steps
- Buyers who will compare itemized quotes and treat “price beat” claims as verifiable only on identical products
- Investors who want clarity on depository custody (no “home storage” shortcuts)
Avoid if
- You won’t request written trade confirmations with spot reference + premium-over-spot math
- You want a dealer that publishes a fully standardized, always-public fee schedule (many costs are custodian-driven)
Orion Metal Exchange at a Glance (2026)
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Minimum investment | Varies by offer and account type (confirm in writing before you start). |
| Typical baseline annual fees* | Varies by custodian + storage choice; Orion states it has programs that can reimburse set-up costs and annual fees (verify eligibility and limits in writing). |
| Custodian(s) commonly used | Orion states it can work with every precious metals IRA custodian and can help you locate one. |
| Depository options | Orion states it works with every IRS-approved depository and can facilitate placement. |
| Storage types | Depends on depository + custodian program; verify segregated vs commingled availability in writing. |
| Buyback posture | Orion advertises a commission-free buyback policy (still validate pricing method and bid/ask reality). |
| Best for | Investors who want guided setup and may be optimizing for lower friction + manageable fixed costs, while enforcing quote discipline. |
*Note: Baseline fees are custodian + storage; dealer premium/spread is separate (and often the biggest variable).
Orion Metal Exchange vs Competitors: 2026 Side-by-Side Comparison (Quick Decision Table)
| Company | Category Winner | Minimum (Typical) | Best For (Primary Fit) | Fee Transparency Signal | Storage/Custodian Flexibility | Best “Buyer Type” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orion Metal Exchange | Small-Balance | Varies | Setup help + potential fee-reimbursement programs | Moderate–High (reimbursement claim; confirm written schedules) | Moderate (claims broad compatibility; confirm approved list via custodian) | Wants support but will verify pricing |
| Augusta Precious Metals | Best Overall | $50,000 | Education-first + high-touch guidance | Publishes fee examples | Moderate | Larger rollovers, low-drama process |
| Advantage Gold | Customer Popularity | Varies | Review volume + broad options | Mixed | Higher | Wants flexibility; will compare quotes |
| American Hartford Gold | Low Fees | $10,000 IRA | Fee-sensitive + promos | Moderate | Moderate | Cost-conscious with quote discipline |
| Birch Gold Group | Fee Transparency | $10,000 | Flat-fee clarity + disclosures | High | Higher | Wants documented fee schedules |
| Goldco | Customer Service | $10,000 IRA | Hands-on onboarding | Moderate | Moderate | First-time rollover investors |
| Noble Gold | Storage Options | $20,000 | Location/storage flexibility | Moderate | High | Values storage optionality |
Important: Annual fees are only one cost layer. The biggest variable is often premium/spread on the specific coins/bars. Use: /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
Our Scorecard for Orion Metal Exchange (Transparent, Standardized)
Total Score: 86/100 (2026 framework)
| Category | Weight | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing integrity (spreads/premiums, quote discipline) | 30% | 24/30 | “Price beat” messaging is not a substitute for itemized quotes; you must verify like-for-like products. |
| Fee transparency (custodian + storage, written schedules) | 20% | 17/20 | Orion references programs that can reimburse set-up/annual fees; strong if documented, weak if verbal-only. |
| Rollover reliability (paperwork + timelines) | 15% | 13/15 | In-house IRA department positioning supports smoother coordination when executed properly. |
| Custodian/depository standards (options + compliance posture) | 15% | 13/15 | Claims broad custodian/depository compatibility; confirm approved networks with custodian. |
| Buyback clarity (liquidation process + pricing realism) | 10% | 8/10 | Commission-free buyback is a good headline, but resale price still depends on bid/ask spread and product choice. |
| Customer experience patterns (pressure level + complaint themes) | 10% | 11/10* | BBB profile is verifiable; use it to evaluate complaint themes and resolution posture (cap at 10 in scoring). |
1) Fee Transparency and Predictability (Account-Level Costs)
Baseline fees matter because they’re the non-negotiable annual drag you pay regardless of metal performance: custodian administration + depository storage/insurance + potential transaction fees. The problem: many investors fixate on “annual fees” and ignore the bigger cost—dealer premium/spread—until it’s too late.
What we verified (what Orion states publicly)
- Orion states it has programs that can reimburse set-up costs and annual fees.
- Orion positions its IRA process as supported by an in-house IRA department that helps select a custodian and insured depository.
What you must still demand (in writing)
Because baseline fees are primarily custodian/depository-driven, your job is to get a written schedule for your exact combination:
- Custodian setup fee (if any)
- Annual custodian/admin fees
- Storage + insurance fees (segregated vs commingled)
- Transaction fees (wires, shipments, liquidation/distribution)
What earns high marks
- Written fee schedule before funding
- Clear explanation of what fees include (and don’t)
- No “moving target” answers across reps
What earns low marks
- “Fees vary” with no schedule
- Reimbursement promises not documented
- Shifting answers depending on who you speak to
CTA: For the full fee stack and what to request in writing: /gold-ira/fees/
2) Pricing Integrity (Spreads, Premiums, and Product Selection)
This is the hidden cost that dominates outcomes.
Orion prominently claims it will beat any competitor’s advertised price. That can be useful if you force apples-to-apples comparisons (same product, same quantity, same day, same payment method). But it can also mislead if you compare different coins, different spreads, or promo bundles.
What we evaluate
- Willingness to provide itemized quotes (product, quantity, unit price)
- Premium over spot explained clearly (dollars + percent)
- Whether recommended products default toward liquid IRA-eligible bullion vs high-premium “story coins”
- Whether promotions likely shift cost into spreads
What earns high marks
- Product-by-product quote discipline
- Strong default toward liquid IRA-eligible bullion
- Clean explanations without fear tactics
What earns low marks
- “Trust us” pricing
- Collectibles pushed as default without investor rationale
- “Today only” urgency + unclear pricing
Quote Discipline CTA (non-negotiable)
Use the compare quote checklist/template: /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
3) Rollover and Transfer Reliability (Process Quality)
Operational competence matters because paperwork errors and poor coordination create delays and preventable mistakes.
Orion states it has a dedicated in-house IRA department that can help you choose a custodian and IRS-approved depository, establish and fund the account, and facilitate IRA transactions at your request.
What we assess
- Explanation quality (transfer vs rollover mechanics)
- Paperwork support + document clarity
- Realistic timelines
- Coordination with custodian
What earns high marks
- Step-by-step documentation and transparent timelines
- Knowledgeable reps who avoid compliance shortcuts
- Low friction experience without urgency pressure
CTA: Rollover guide: /gold-ira/rollover/
How to Start a Gold IRA with Orion Metal Exchange (Step-by-Step)
This is the practical, compliance-first path that reduces surprises.
Step 1: Request the consultation—and ask for these documents immediately
Ask Orion for:
- Written custodian fee schedule options
- Depository options and storage type pricing (segregated vs commingled)
- The “reimbursement” program terms in writing (eligibility, limits, timing)
- Written policy on itemized quotes (before funding)
Step 2: Choose your funding route (transfer vs rollover)
- IRA transfer (trustee-to-trustee): typically simpler and less error-prone
- 401(k) rollover: depends on plan rules and distribution timing
Step 3: Select the custodian (dealer recommendation vs your choice)
Even if Orion “works with every custodian,” your custodian is the rule-setter for fees and approved storage networks.
Link: /gold-ira/custodians/
Step 4: Pick IRA-eligible metals (avoid common traps)
Confirm IRS eligibility and avoid accidental distribution risk.
Link: /gold-ira/irs-approved-metals/
Step 5: Choose storage type + depository (segregated vs commingled)
Confirm the annual storage/insurance fees in writing, and verify the facility is on your custodian’s approved list.
Links: /gold-ira/storage-types/ and /gold-ira/depositories/
Step 6: Demand a written, itemized trade confirmation before funding
Must include:
- Product list + quantities
- Unit prices (all-in)
- Spot reference time
- Premium over spot (dollars + percent)
- All custodian/storage/transaction fees that apply
Link: /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
Step 7: Funding, purchase execution, and custody confirmation
“Done” looks like:
- Custodian statement reflects holdings
- Storage placement is confirmed through approved channels
- You save the quote + confirmations for your records
Mini checklist (copy/paste)
- I have fees in writing (custodian + storage).
- I have an itemized quote and premium-over-spot clarity.
- I compared at least one competing quote.
- I understand liquidation/buyback mechanics before I buy.
4) Custodian and Depository Standards (Options and Compliance Posture)
A compliant Gold IRA structure has three roles:
- Dealer: sells the metal
- Custodian: administers the IRA and rules/process
- Depository: stores metal in qualified custody
Orion explicitly frames the IRA as using an insured depository and supports selecting a custodian/depository pairing.
Orion’s FAQ also addresses “home storage” and does not present it as a simple, universally accepted shortcut—investors should treat any “home storage IRA” pitch as a high-risk area requiring independent professional guidance.
Related pages:
- Storage Types → /gold-ira/storage-types/
- Depositories → /gold-ira/depositories/
- Custodians → /gold-ira/custodians/
5) Buyback Programs and Liquidity Clarity (Selling Reality)
Start here: there are two exit paths:
- Liquidation for cash (sell metals and distribute/transfer cash per IRA rules)
- In-kind distribution (take physical delivery as a distribution—tax rules apply)
Orion advertises a commission-free buyback policy, which is directionally favorable—but it does not automatically mean “good resale price.”
Your resale outcome depends on:
- The bid/ask spread at time of sale
- The specific products you bought
- Whether you were sold high-premium items that widen the “break-even” gap
The liquidity trap (what hurts investors)
The trap is simple: high-premium products can be harder to resell at anything close to purchase price, even if gold is up. The less standardized the product, the more “story value” you paid—often not recoverable at liquidation.
Red flags: buyback language that is meaningless
- “Guaranteed buyback” with no pricing method
- Refusal to explain bid logic
- No written buyback workflow and fee disclosure
Pre-purchase buyback test script (copy/paste)
“If I needed to liquidate in 30 days, how would you price the repurchase on the exact items you’re recommending today? Please explain the pricing method and any fees.”
CTA: Buyback guide: /gold-ira/buyback/
6) Customer Experience Patterns (Complaint Themes and Pressure Level)
Reviews matter only as patterns. Popularity is not the same thing as best economics.
Use verifiable sources (like BBB) to check:
- Pricing disputes / bait-and-switch allegations
- Pressure/urgency scripts
- Delivery/distribution problems
- Complaint resolution behavior
CTA: Scams and red flags: /gold-ira/scams/
Pros and Cons (No Fluff)
Pros
- States it has an in-house IRA department to help coordinate custodian + depository selection and account setup
- Advertises commission-free buyback (good headline; still verify bid pricing method)
- Positions itself as able to work broadly across custodians/depositories (verify with your custodian’s approved list)
- Mentions programs that may reimburse set-up and annual fees (strong if documented)
Cons
- Pricing slogans (“beat any competitor’s advertised price”) don’t replace itemized quote discipline
- Baseline fee clarity depends on getting the custodian + storage schedule in writing (not a single universal dealer schedule)
- Like all dealers, your biggest risk is overpaying on premiums if you don’t compare quotes
Who This Company Is Best For (Investor Fit)
Choose Orion Metal Exchange if you:
- Want setup support and a guided IRA workflow
- Are cost-aware and will confirm reimbursement/fee terms in writing
- Will compare at least one competing quote on identical products (/gold-ira/compare-quotes/)
Who Should Avoid It (Mismatch Profile)
Consider alternatives if you:
- Won’t demand written, itemized trade confirmations
- Prefer companies that publish more standardized, always-visible fee examples
- Are susceptible to urgency scripts or promotional framing
Smart Questions to Ask Orion Metal Exchange (Use These Verbatim)
Pricing
- “What is the all-in price per ounce for each product you’re recommending today?”
- “What is the premium over spot in dollars and percent for each item?”
- “Will you provide the quote itemized in writing before I fund?”
Fees / custody / storage
- “Which custodian will administer my IRA, and can I see the fee schedule in writing?”
- “Which depository will store my metals, and what are segregated vs commingled storage costs?”
- “Do you offer any reimbursement programs for setup/annual fees—and what are the written terms?”
Buyback
- “How is repurchase pricing determined (spot-based formula, bid/ask spread)?”
- “What happens step-by-step if I liquidate inside the IRA or take an in-kind distribution?”
Bottom Line (Mid-article decision logic)
Orion is worth considering if you want setup support and potentially lower friction on baseline costs—but only if you:
- Get custodian + storage fees in writing
- Get a written, itemized quote with premium-over-spot clarity
- Compare at least one competing quote (/gold-ira/compare-quotes/)
- Test buyback pricing method before you buy
FAQs: Orion Metal Exchange Review (2026) (People Also Ask)
Is Orion Metal Exchange good for a Gold IRA rollover?
It can be, especially for investors who want guided setup support and are willing to enforce quote discipline. Orion emphasizes an in-house IRA department and support selecting a custodian and insured depository.
Does Orion Metal Exchange publish its Gold IRA fees?
Baseline fees depend on the custodian and storage option. Orion references programs that can reimburse set-up costs and annual fees, but you should request the written terms and the custodian’s fee schedule.
What does “we beat any competitor’s advertised price” actually mean?
Treat it as a claim that must be validated with identical products, quantities, and timing. It is not a substitute for a written, itemized quote with premium-over-spot clarity.
Does Orion Metal Exchange have a buyback program?
Orion advertises a commission-free buyback policy. You should still ask how buyback pricing is calculated and request the method in writing.
Where are Orion Gold IRA metals stored?
Gold IRA metals are typically stored at an IRS-approved depository under the custodian’s approved network. Orion states it can help clients locate a custodian and an IRS-approved depository.
How long does an Orion Gold IRA rollover take?
Timelines vary by the current custodian/401(k) plan and paperwork accuracy. The best way to reduce delays is to follow a documented step-by-step process and avoid compliance shortcuts. (See: /gold-ira/rollover/)
How do I avoid overpaying with Orion (or any dealer)?
Demand a written, itemized quote and compare it against at least one competitor for the same IRA-eligible products: /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
Bottom Line: Orion Metal Exchange Review (2026)
Orion Metal Exchange is best viewed as a process-and-support-first dealer that may appeal to smaller-balance or cost-aware investors—especially if you value an in-house IRA support workflow and you confirm all custodian/storage costs and any reimbursement terms in writing.
The deciding factor, as always, is not the headline promise—it’s your all-in economics: premium/spread + baseline custodian/storage fees + liquidity reality at resale. Your next step should follow this sequence: Compare Quotes → /gold-ira/compare-quotes/, then confirm Fees → /gold-ira/fees/, pressure-test against Scams → /gold-ira/scams/, and benchmark alternatives in Best Companies → /best-gold-ira-companies/.
Conversion CTA Module (End of Page)
- Primary CTA: Compare Quotes → /gold-ira/compare-quotes/
- Secondary CTA: Fees → /gold-ira/fees/
- Rollover CTA: Rollover Guide → /gold-ira/rollover/
- Trust CTA: Scams → /gold-ira/scams/
- Category CTA: Best Gold IRA Companies → /best-gold-ira-companies/