United States Gold Bureau review for investors
- The United States Gold Bureau is a precious metals supplier offering gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
- It specializes in helping customers roll over existing retirement accounts into precious metals IRAs.
- The company requires a minimum investment of $30,000 to open a precious metals IRA.
The United States Gold Bureau (USGB) is a leading precious metals supplier. The company offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium for direct purchase and inclusion in retirement accounts such as IRAs. Customers can also sell their precious metals to USGB.
Below, we’ll explain USGB’s products, fees, customer experience and how the company compares with other precious metals dealers.
United States Gold Bureau overview
USGB stands out for its retirement planning services. Its specialists work with customers to assess their retirement accounts and devise a diversified portfolio of precious metals that features an asset allocation designed to adhere to their risk tolerance and investment goals.
The company helps clients roll over existing traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs into self-directed precious metals IRAs. However, clients with 401(k)s or other employer-sponsored retirement accounts typically can’t rollover funds into precious metals IRAs if they are currently employed by the company providing the plan.
USGB doesn’t serve as a custodian of retirement accounts, nor a storage facility for precious metals. It works with third-party custodians that administer retirement accounts, as well as IRS-approved depositories that store your precious metals.
Its preferred IRS-approved custodian is Equity Trust. USGB also has a relationship with the Texas Bullion Depository, the only state-backed precious metals depository in the United States. Both USGB and Texas Bullion Depository are owned by Lone Star Tangible Assets.
Overall, USGB may be a good fit for investors who want specialized guidance in creating a retirement strategy around precious metals.
United States Gold Bureau snapshot
United States Gold Bureau products and services
USGB offers gold, silver, platinum and palladium bars, coins and investment-grade coins.
Clients may purchase precious metals directly and have the product shipped to their homes. But precious metals held within IRAs must meet IRS purity requirements and be held in qualified depositories. Below are the purity requirements.
- Gold: 99.5%
- Silver: 99.9%
- Platinum: 99.95%
- Palladium: 99.95%
How do I sell gold to the U.S. Gold Bureau?
To sell gold to the U.S. Gold Bureau, contact the company by phone or through its website to request a quote. A representative will evaluate what you’re selling and provide instructions for securely shipping your metals. After the items are received, inspected and approved, USGB will finalize the sale and issue payment. According to USGB, payments are generally available within 72 hours after the sale of your products.
The company also offers to buy back metals originally purchased through USGB. The company also offers a Buy Back Guarantee, meaning it will buy back any precious metals originally purchased from the United States Gold Bureau or help facilitate the sale of those metals on your behalf.
How the United States Gold Bureau process works
To open a precious metals IRA, customers first speak with a USGB specialist from the Retirement Services Division and fill out an application. That individual would assess your retirement account, investment goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and more to come up with a diversified precious metals portfolio. A specialist will also recommend an account type and help you transfer retirement assets from your current account to your new precious metals IRA.
The typical USGB client experience looks something like this:
- Complete consultation and fill out an application. A USGB specialist will discuss your investment goals and help you complete your application and account setup.
- Fund the account. You transfer funds from an existing retirement account, such as a traditional IRA into a new precious metals IRA.
- Select metals. You choose IRS-approved precious metals with guidance from a USGB specialist.
- Arrange storage. The metals are stored in an IRS-approved facility such as the Texas Bullion Depository.
United States Gold Bureau fees and pricing considerations
As with many precious metals suppliers, USGB may not sell their bars and coins at the spot price, or the fluctuating market price for any given precious metal. Most suppliers sell precious metals at a premium to the spot price.
The USGB website states that premiums over spot prices typically range from 2% to 15%, depending on factors such as weight, type of metal and scarcity.
The company’s mandated minimum investment for setting up a precious metals IRA is $30,000, and USGB currently covers the set-up fee, according to a USGB specialist. However, you may also pay fees to the custodians administering your retirement account and the facilities that store your precious metals. Storage fees may range from $200 to $250.
It’s worth noting the company doesn't list all account fees online and recommends potential customers discuss IRA fees directly with a USGB specialist over the phone.
United States Gold Bureau reputation and customer experience
USGB has maintained an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, customer reviews listed on the BBB’s website aren’t factored into the ratings decision. These reviews are overall mixed with positive reviews praising USGB’s customer service and negative ones complaining about frequent marketing calls.
On Trustpilot, the firm has earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Most reviews here are positive with many users claiming USGB’s staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Negative reviews, however, mentioned faulty packaging and pushy sales tactics.
United States Gold Bureau pros and cons
Before committing to USGB, weigh these tradeoffs.
Pros
- Dedicated support from account specialists
- Variety of product offerings
- Vast library of educational resources
Cons
- Fee structure is not very transparent on the USGB website.
- Shipping to other countries isn’t guaranteed.
- International clients must make payment via bank wire.
United States Gold Bureau vs. competitors
Precious metals suppliers typically specialize in providing precious metals for direct purchase or for inclusion within retirement accounts like IRAs.
Where they usually differ is across fee structures and level of customer support. In this regard, USGB aims to create a personalized investing strategy involving precious metals on behalf of each client. It also stands out for its wealth of free educational material and customer support.
Bottom line
The United States Gold Bureau may be a strong choice for investors who want hands-on guidance when adding precious metals to their retirement strategy. The company offers access to all four major investment-grade precious metals, IRA rollover assistance and personalized portfolio recommendations, along with a broad selection of educational resources for newer investors.
That said, prospective customers should be prepared to speak with a representative to get a complete picture of pricing and ongoing account costs, since many fees aren't disclosed online. Comparing premiums, storage fees and custodian costs with those of other precious metals dealers can help ensure you're getting the best fit for your investment goals.
FAQs about U.S. Gold Bureau
Does the United States Gold Bureau offer Gold IRAs?
The United States Gold Bureau helps customers open self-directed precious metals IRAs and roll over eligible retirement accounts, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. The company works with third-party custodians and IRS-approved depositories to administer and store IRA assets.
What is the minimum investment for a United States Gold Bureau Gold IRA?
The United States Gold Bureau requires a minimum investment of $30,000 to open a precious metals IRA. There is no stated minimum for customers purchasing precious metals outside of an IRA.
Does the United States Gold Bureau charge storage fees?
Precious metals held in an IRA must be stored at an IRS-approved depository, which typically charges annual storage fees. According to USGB, storage and maintenance fees generally range from $200 to $250 per year, though exact costs depend on the custodian and storage provider.
Can I store my United States Gold Bureau IRA metals at home?
No. IRS rules generally require precious metals held within a self-directed IRA to be stored in an approved depository rather than at home. Customers purchasing metals outside of an IRA, however, can have eligible products shipped directly to their residence.
Is the United States Gold Bureau a legitimate company?
The United States Gold Bureau has been in business for more than two decades and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It also has strong customer ratings on Trustpilot, where many reviewers praise the company's knowledgeable staff, though some customers report concerns about sales tactics and marketing calls.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.