TSP to Gold IRA: A Guide for Federal Employees and Veterans

Why the TSP can't hold gold

The TSP offers a fixed menu: the G, F, C, S and I funds, plus Lifecycle funds that blend them. None of them hold physical precious metals. To own gold with TSP savings, you move part of the balance into a self-directed IRA that can.

When you can move TSP money

After separating from service

Once you've left your federal job or the military, you can transfer all or part of your TSP balance to an IRA. There's no age requirement for this.

While still employed

The TSP allows in-service withdrawals once you reach 59½, which can be sent directly to an IRA. Earlier hardship withdrawals exist but generally can't be rolled over, so they're not a route to a gold IRA.

How to do it

1. Open a self-directed IRA through a gold IRA company and its custodian.
2. Request a withdrawal from the TSP and choose to transfer it to an IRA. The TSP's own transfer form needs a section completed by the receiving custodian.
3. Make sure the payment goes directly to the custodian, not to you, so no tax is withheld.
4. Once the money arrives, choose IRS-approved metals, which ship to an approved depository.

Traditional TSP money goes into a traditional IRA. Roth TSP money should go into a Roth IRA to keep its tax-free status.

What you give up

The TSP's fees are among the lowest of any retirement plan, and the G Fund can't lose principal. A gold IRA has setup, custodian and storage fees, and gold's price can fall. Moving only part of a TSP balance keeps those advantages for the rest. See gold IRA fees before deciding how much to move.

Frequently asked questions

Can I move money back into the TSP later?

The TSP accepts transfers in from some IRAs and plans, but rules apply. Check the TSP's current guidance before relying on it.

Does this work for military TSP accounts?

Yes. Uniformed services TSP accounts follow the same transfer rules after separation.