Side by side
| Gold IRA | Gold ETF in an IRA | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Specific coins and bars | Shares in a fund that holds gold |
| Ongoing cost | Custodian and storage fees, ~$200–$300/yr | A small annual fund fee, as a % of value |
| Buying cost | Dealer markup | Brokerage spread, often tiny |
| Selling | A few days, through a dealer | Instantly, during market hours |
| Take delivery of metal | Yes, as an in-kind distribution | Generally no |
| Relies on | Custodian and depository | Fund sponsor, custodian bank and broker |
Why people choose a gold IRA
- They want direct ownership of identifiable metal, not a claim on a fund.
- They want the option to take the actual coins later.
- They want part of their savings outside the stock-market system entirely.
Why people choose an ETF
- Lower cost, especially for smaller amounts.
- Instant buying and selling, and easy rebalancing.
- No new account: it sits in the IRA you already have.
Prefer to own the metal?
Our recommended provider's free kit explains how to hold physical gold in a retirement account. Best fit if you have $50,000 or more to diversify.
Request the Free KitA rule of thumb
For a few thousand dollars of gold exposure, an ETF is usually the cheaper tool. For a larger, long-term holding where you value physical ownership, a gold IRA's flat fees become a smaller share and its advantages matter more. Some investors hold both. See minimum investment for the fee math.