Last Updated on December 12, 2025
When considering a gold IRA, choosing the right provider is crucial to protect your retirement savings.
With many companies offering similar products, it’s important to understand differences in fees, metals selection, storage options, and buyback policies.
This guide compares Birch Gold Group and Priority Gold, two reputable gold IRA providers, to help you make an informed decision.
We’ll break down their account setup, fees, storage, metals offerings, buyback programs, and customer support.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Birch Gold | Priority Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 | 2010 |
| Minimum Investment | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Fees | Transparent; varies by custodian | Transparent; generally low |
| Metals Offered | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium | Gold, Silver, Platinum |
| Buyback Policy | Reliable buyback program | Guaranteed buyback |
| BBB/Trustpilot Rating | A+ / 4.8 | A+ / 4.8 |
| Best For | Investors seeking education and long-term planning | Beginners and moderate investors seeking low entry |
Birch Gold is ideal for investors prioritizing education and diversification, while Priority Gold is beginner-friendly with a lower minimum and guaranteed buyback.
2. Company Background & Trust Signals
Birch Gold Group
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Burbank, California, Birch Gold Group is a well-established gold IRA provider with a strong reputation for education-driven service.
The company helps investors understand precious metals and retirement planning while offering flexible storage options.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5
- Media Mentions: Featured in financial publications for IRA guidance
- Customer Highlight: Known for patience, transparency, and thorough educational support
Priority Gold
Priority Gold was founded in 2010 and is based in California.
The company focuses on providing accessible gold IRA options, emphasizing low minimum investments and guaranteed buyback programs.
Priority Gold has built credibility with investors seeking a straightforward, reliable entry into precious metals investing.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8/5
- Customer Highlight: Recognized for responsive service, quick account setup, and risk-averse solutions
Birch Gold Group is ideal for investors seeking long-term education and guidance, while Priority Gold caters to beginners or moderate investors wanting low entry and guaranteed buyback security.
3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold requires a minimum investment of around $10,000.
The setup process is structured to educate investors at each step:
- Open a self-directed IRA through an IRS-approved custodian.
- Fund the account via rollover or transfer.
- Select IRS-approved metals with guidance from a Birch Gold specialist.
- Metals are securely stored in a depository.
Birch Gold is suitable for investors who want a mid-level entry point with in-depth guidance.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold offers a lower minimum investment of around $5,000, making it more accessible for beginners or those with smaller portfolios.
Their setup process is streamlined:
- Consult with a Priority Gold specialist.
Complete IRA paperwork and fund the account.
- Choose IRS-approved metals for storage.
- Metals are held in secure, segregated storage.
Priority Gold is ideal for first-time investors who want fast account setup and guaranteed buyback.
Birch Gold is geared toward investors seeking detailed guidance and education, while Priority Gold provides a lower barrier to entry and a simpler setup for beginners.
4. Fees & Pricing Comparison
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold provides transparent fees that vary slightly by custodian:
- Setup Fee: ~$50
- Annual Maintenance Fee: ~$80–$100
- Storage Fee: ~$100–$150 depending on segregated or non-segregated storage
Birch emphasizes upfront clarity to avoid hidden costs and ensure investors understand all expenses.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold keeps fees simple and competitive, appealing to beginner investors:
- Setup Fee: $0 (often waived)
- Annual Fee: ~$80
- Storage Fee: ~$150 for segregated storage
The pricing model is straightforward, making it easy for new investors to know total costs.
Both Birch Gold and Priority Gold maintain transparent fee structures. Birch Gold varies slightly by custodian, while Priority Gold is simple and beginner-friendly with low entry costs.
5. Custodian & Storage Options
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold partners with IRS-approved custodians such as Equity Trust and STRATA Trust.
Investors can select:
- Segregated storage: metals stored separately
- Non-segregated storage: metals pooled with other investors
All depositories are fully insured and meet IRS standards, giving investors confidence in the safety of their retirement assets.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold works with trusted custodians and emphasizes segregated storage for maximum security. Investors can store IRS-approved metals in secure, fully insured vaults.
Priority Gold focuses on simplicity and security, making it easy for beginners to understand where their metals are held.
Both companies use reputable custodians and secure, insured depositories. Birch Gold offers both segregated and non-segregated options, while Priority Gold emphasizes segregated storage for maximum safety and simplicity.
6. Metals Selection & Flexibility
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold offers a diverse range of IRS-approved metals, including:
- Gold: Coins and bars
- Silver: Coins and bars
- Platinum: Limited IRS-approved options
- Palladium: Select coins and bars
Investors can select metals based on long-term goals and portfolio diversification, with guidance from Birch Gold specialists.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold provides a slightly more focused selection of IRS-approved metals:
- Gold: Coins and bars
- Silver: Coins and bars
- Platinum: Select IRS-approved products
Priority Gold emphasizes simplicity for beginners, helping them choose metals that fit a small or mid-level IRA while offering guaranteed buyback for added security.
Birch Gold is ideal for investors seeking a broad metal selection for portfolio diversification, while Priority Gold focuses on simplicity and guaranteed buyback for beginner-friendly investment.
7. Buyback Program & Liquidity
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold offers a reliable buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals back to the company at fair market value.
While not guaranteed, the program has a strong track record of timely and fair processing, giving investors confidence in liquidity when needed.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold provides a guaranteed buyback program, ensuring investors can sell metals at market value anytime.
The program is fast and straightforward, making it ideal for beginners or risk-averse investors who want assurance of liquidity.
Birch Gold delivers a trustworthy buyback program, whereas Priority Gold goes a step further with a guaranteed, hassle-free buyback—especially appealing to first-time investors.
8. Education & Customer Support
Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold is well-known for its education-first approach, offering:
- In-depth guides on gold IRAs and precious metals
- Market updates and investment insights
- One-on-one consultations with specialists
Their team is patient and thorough, helping investors understand all aspects of gold IRA investing.
Priority Gold
Priority Gold emphasizes clear, responsive support for beginners.
Their resources include:
- Easy-to-follow IRA guides
- Video explainers
- Personalized consultations
Support is fast and approachable, helping new investors feel confident in their decisions and account setup.
Birch Gold excels in comprehensive education and guidance, while Priority Gold focuses on simplicity and responsive support for beginners.
9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For
Birch Gold Group
- Established company with long-term credibility
- Wide selection of IRS-approved metals including palladium
- Strong educational resources and guidance
- Multiple storage options (segregated and non-segregated)
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Higher minimum investment (~$10,000)
- Buyback program reliable but not guaranteed
Best For:
- Investors seeking comprehensive education and guidance
- Those with mid-level portfolios ready for long-term planning
- Investors who value flexible storage options
Priority Gold
- Lower minimum investment (~$5,000)
- Guaranteed buyback program
- Segregated storage for maximum security
- Simple, beginner-friendly setup
- Responsive customer support
- Newer company with less long-term track record
- Slightly smaller metals selection than Birch Gold
Best For:
- Beginners or small investors entering gold IRAs
- Investors who want guaranteed liquidity and fast setup
- Those seeking simplicity and clear guidance
10. Conclusion
Both Birch Gold Group and Priority Gold are reputable gold IRA providers, but they cater to slightly different investor needs.
Birch Gold Group shines with long-term experience, comprehensive educational resources, and flexible storage options, making it ideal for investors seeking guidance and portfolio diversification.
Priority Gold, meanwhile, offers a lower minimum investment, guaranteed buyback, and fast, beginner-friendly setup, making it perfect for new or smaller investors.
Birch Gold Group is best for investors prioritizing education, guidance, and metal diversification.
Priority Gold is best for beginners or small investors seeking low entry, guaranteed liquidity, and simplicity.
Explore what Birch Gold Group offers to build a diversified, long-term retirement portfolio.
Discover how Priority Gold makes investing in gold IRAs simple, secure, and beginner-friendly.
11. FAQ
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