How it works
- Open the gold IRA with a self-directed custodian, usually through your gold IRA company. See how to open a gold IRA.
- Sign a transfer request with the new custodian, naming your current IRA and the amount. Attach a recent statement.
- The new custodian requests the funds from the old one. If your old IRA holds funds or stocks, they're usually sold to cash first.
- The money arrives, typically within one to three weeks.
- You choose your metals, which ship to the depository.
Things to check with your current provider
- Any fee to transfer out or close the account.
- Whether selling your current investments triggers fund redemption fees or surrender charges.
- If you're transferring part of the balance, which holdings to sell.
Have the transfer handled for you
Our recommended provider's free kit explains its IRA transfer process, which the company coordinates with both custodians. Best fit if you have $50,000 or more to move.
Request the Free KitTransfer, not rollover
If your old provider offers to send you a check instead, decline. That would make it an indirect rollover, with a 60-day deadline and a once-a-year limit. A direct transfer avoids both. See rollover vs transfer.
Moving metal between gold IRAs
If you already have a gold IRA and want a different company or custodian, the metal itself can usually be transferred in kind, without selling. Ask both custodians about transfer fees and how long the depository needs to release the metal.