American Hartford Gold vs Priority Gold: Which Is The Best?

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Last Updated on October 29, 2025

Choosing between American Hartford Gold and Priority Gold can be a pivotal decision for investors who want to protect their wealth with physical precious metals.

Both companies offer Gold IRA rollover services, secure storage, and personalized guidance, but they differ in reputation, transparency, and investor experience.

American Hartford Gold (AHG) has built a strong national reputation for its transparent pricing, guaranteed buyback program, and customer-first approach.

Backed by thousands of positive reviews and media endorsements, it’s become one of the most recognizable names in the Gold IRA space.

Priority Gold, on the other hand, is a newer but fast-growing firm known for its educational support and competitive pricing, appealing to investors who value personalized assistance and flexible account setup options.

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine both companies across key factors like fees, custodians, metals selection, storage options, and buyback programs, so you can make a confident, informed decision about which company best fits your retirement strategy.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	American Hartford Gold	Priority Gold
Founded	2015	2015
Minimum Investment	$10,000	$10,000
Fees	No setup fee; annual fees around $180 (custodian + storage)	Setup fee ~$50; annual fees $150–$200 depending on custodian
Metals Offered	Gold, Silver, Platinum (IRS-approved)	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyback Policy	Guaranteed buyback at current market rates	Buyback assistance, not guaranteed; market-based pricing
BBB/Trustpilot Rating	BBB: A+/4.9	BBB: A+/4.8
Best For	Investors seeking transparency, simplicity, and guaranteed liquidity	Investors wanting educational guidance and portfolio flexibility

2. Company Background & Trust Signals

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold was founded in 2015 and has quickly become one of the most recognized names in the precious metals industry.

Based in Los Angeles, AHG focuses on helping investors protect their retirement savings through Gold and Silver IRAs, as well as direct precious metals purchases.

The company is family-owned and emphasizes personalized customer service and transparent pricing.

AHG has earned a strong reputation backed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA).

It’s also been featured in major outlets like Newsmax, Fox News, and The Today Show, further solidifying its credibility.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold, headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California, was established in 2015 as well and has carved out its space as a trusted Gold IRA provider.

The company is known for its focus on investor education, offering free resources, consultations, and guides to help clients make informed decisions about precious metals investing.

Priority Gold also maintains high trust ratings, including an A+ BBB rating and positive reviews across consumer platforms like Trustpilot and ConsumerAffairs.

The firm’s commitment to transparency and personalized service makes it a strong contender among newer gold investment firms.

In terms of overall reputation, both companies score high on trust and credibility, but American Hartford Gold tends to have a stronger public presence and more extensive media coverage, while Priority Gold stands out for its hands-on customer education and accessibility.

Takeaway:

3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold stands out for having no minimum investment requirement, making it one of the most accessible gold IRA providers in the industry.

Whether you’re a first-time investor starting small or a retiree rolling over a large 401(k), AHG allows flexibility to begin at any level.

The company simplifies the setup process and you can open an account in three easy steps:

• Sign up: Complete a short online or phone application to open your self-directed IRA.

• Fund your account: Roll over funds from an existing IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account.

• Select your metals: Choose from IRS-approved gold and silver coins and bars, guided by a dedicated account specialist.

AHG’s team handles most of the paperwork and works directly with your custodian, typically Equity Trust or STRATA Trust, ensuring a seamless setup experience.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold, on the other hand, requires a minimum investment of $25,000 for new IRA accounts. This makes it more suited for investors with moderate to larger portfolios.

The setup process is similar:

• Consultation: You’ll receive a personalized consultation to determine your investment goals and asset mix.

• Account setup: The company assists in creating a self-directed IRA with a trusted custodian.

• Funding & allocation: You can transfer funds or roll over an existing retirement account, after which you select your preferred gold and silver assets.

Priority Gold’s onboarding emphasizes education and personalized guidance at each step, which is excellent for investors who appreciate a more hands-on experience.

Takeaway:

4. Fees & Pricing Comparison

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is widely recognized for its transparent and investor-friendly fee structure.

The company does not charge setup or transfer fees for new customers, which is a major plus for first-time investors.

Typical fees include:

• Account Setup Fee: $0

• Annual Custodian Fee: Around $75–$100 (varies by custodian)

• Storage Fee: $100–$150 annually, depending on whether you choose segregated or non-segregated storage.

• Minimum Investment: None

• Promotions: Up to $10,000 in free silver for qualifying new accounts.

American Hartford Gold’s pricing model is straightforward, with no hidden commissions or maintenance charges, and investors can always liquidate metals through the company’s guaranteed buyback program at competitive rates.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold also keeps its pricing relatively transparent but has a slightly higher entry threshold and annual cost structure.

Typical fees include:

• Account Setup Fee: $50

• Annual Custodian Fee: $80

• Storage Fee: $100–$150 depending on the depository.

• Minimum Investment: $25,000

• Promotions: Periodic offers such as waived fees for the first year on larger investments.

While Priority Gold’s annual fees are comparable to AHG’s, the required minimum investment makes it less accessible to smaller investors.

However, Priority Gold does provide strong educational resources and personalized portfolio support, which may justify the slightly higher starting cost for some clients.

Takeaway:

5. Custodian & Storage Options

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold partners with some of the most trusted custodians and depositories in the industry, ensuring client assets are stored securely and in full compliance with IRS regulations.

• Custodian: Equity Trust and STRATA Trust Company — both leaders in self-directed IRA services.

• Storage Options: Delaware Depository (Delaware), Brinks Global Services (Utah, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, or London)

• Storage Type: Segregated and non-segregated options available.

• Insurance: All holdings are fully insured through Lloyd’s of London.

American Hartford Gold emphasizes flexibility, allowing investors to choose a depository location closest to them.

They also offer home delivery for non-IRA precious metal purchases, ideal for investors who prefer physical possession of their gold or silver.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold, on the other hand, provides customized storage and custodian solutions to suit each investor’s goals.

• Custodian: Equity Trust and Preferred Trust Company.

• Storage Options: Brinks Depository (Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, or New York), Delaware Depository (Delaware)

• Storage Type: Both segregated and non-segregated accounts are available.

• Insurance: Fully insured under Lloyd’s of London coverage.

Priority Gold’s partnership with reputable custodians ensures that all storage facilities meet IRS and FINRA security standards.

Their advisors also help investors select the most tax-efficient storage and custodian combination for their situation.

Takeaway:

6. Metals Selection & Flexibility

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold offers a well-curated range of IRS-approved precious metals, focusing on high-quality coins and bars eligible for IRA storage as well as direct purchase.

• Metals Offered: Gold, Silver, and Platinum.

• Popular IRA-Eligible Coins: American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf (Gold & Silver), Australian Kangaroo, American Silver Eagle

• Flexibility: Investors can mix IRA and personal holdings, with home delivery available for non-IRA metals.

• Special Feature: AHG provides real-time pricing updates and direct access to specialists who can help customize a portfolio based on the investor’s goals, whether for diversification, inflation protection, or long-term wealth preservation.

AHG focuses on simplicity and its streamlined selection makes it easy for investors to understand and track their holdings without being overwhelmed by too many product options.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold provides a broader selection of precious metals, catering to investors who prefer diversification across multiple asset classes within their IRA.

• Metals Offered: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium.

• Popular IRA-Eligible Coins: American Gold Buffalo, Silver Australian Koala, Platinum American Eagle, Palladium Canadian Maple Leaf

• Flexibility: Priority Gold allows investors to hold multiple metals in a single IRA, supporting customized allocation strategies.

• Special Feature: Offers rare and collectible coins for non-IRA purchases, giving investors more variety beyond standard bullion.

Priority Gold’s approach appeals to investors who want greater product variety and flexibility to tailor their metals portfolio to changing market trends.

Takeaway:

7. Buyback Program & Liquidity

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold provides a guaranteed buyback program, giving investors a reliable and straightforward way to sell their precious metals when needed.

• Guaranteed Buyback: AHG promises to repurchase metals at current market rates, ensuring predictable liquidity.

• Ease of Use: Investors can initiate a buyback by contacting their account specialist or through AHG’s online platform.

• Speed: Most buybacks are processed within a few business days, providing fast access to cash if required.

• Transparency: Prices are based on real-time market valuations, with no hidden fees.

This program is ideal for investors who want peace of mind, knowing they can liquidate their metals quickly without worrying about finding a buyer.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers a market-based buyback approach, which provides flexibility but does not guarantee a fixed price.

• Buyback Assistance: Priority Gold helps investors sell metals at current spot prices through reputable dealers.

• Flexibility: Investors can choose the timing of their sales to potentially maximize returns based on market conditions.

• Speed: Buybacks are typically processed within a few business days, depending on the dealer and transaction size.

• Transparency: Spot pricing is clearly communicated, though values may fluctuate with market conditions.

While not guaranteed, this approach gives investors control over timing and pricing, which can be advantageous in favorable markets.

Takeaway:

8. Education & Customer Support

American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold prioritizes personalized support and investor guidance, making it easier for clients, especially first-time investors, to navigate the Gold IRA process.

• Resources: Free Gold IRA kits, webinars, and market updates.

• Support: Dedicated account specialists provide one-on-one assistance for account setup, metal selection, and buybacks.

• Ease of Communication: Phone and email support available, ensuring questions are answered promptly.

AHG’s educational resources are concise and approachable, perfect for investors who want clear guidance without feeling overwhelmed.

Priority Gold

Priority Gold places a strong emphasis on education-driven investing, helping clients make informed decisions at every stage.

• Resources: Free Gold IRA guides, in-depth eBooks, newsletters, and regular market insights.

• Support: Personalized consultations with IRA specialists who advise on account setup, custodian selection, and metal allocation.

• Investor Focus: Guidance is designed to empower investors, providing the knowledge needed to manage and diversify their portfolios effectively.

Priority Gold’s approach is ideal for investors who value education and detailed explanations of the IRA process and investment strategies.

Takeaway:

9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For

After analyzing key aspects like fees, metals selection, storage, buyback programs, and customer support, here’s a breakdown of each company’s strengths and considerations:

American Hartford Gold

• No minimum investment, making it accessible to all investors

• Transparent fees with no setup costs

• Guaranteed buyback program for predictable liquidity

• Secure, insured storage options with multiple depositories

• Dedicated, responsive account specialists

• Metals selection is limited to Gold, Silver, and Platinum

• Primarily focused on retirement investors rather than collectors

Best For:

• Investors who want simplicity, transparency, and guaranteed liquidity

• Beginners or retirees seeking hands-on support

• Those who prioritize predictable costs and secure storage

Priority Gold

• Broad metals selection including Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium

• Personalized guidance and consultative setup process

• Educational resources to help investors understand the IRA process

• Secure, IRS-approved storage with reputable custodians

• Higher minimum investment ($25,000)

• Buyback is market-based, not guaranteed

• Setup may take longer due to educational consultations

Best For:

• Investors seeking education-driven guidance

• Those with larger portfolios who want flexible metal allocation

• Investors who value strategic planning and portfolio diversification

10. Conclusion

When comparing American Hartford Gold vs Priority Gold, both companies provide reliable, IRS-approved Gold IRA solutions with secure storage, reputable custodians, and strong customer support.

However, their approaches cater to different investor priorities:

American Hartford Gold (AHG) emphasizes simplicity, transparent pricing, and a guaranteed buyback program, making it ideal for investors who want predictable liquidity and straightforward setup.

Priority Gold focuses on education, personalized guidance, and diversified metals selection, appealing to investors who prefer a hands-on, consultative approach to building a retirement portfolio.

Rather than declaring a single “winner,” the best choice depends on your investment goals, portfolio size, and preference for guidance vs simplicity.

Take the next step toward securing your retirement with a trusted Gold IRA provider:

11. FAQ