Last Updated on December 10, 2025
Choosing the right gold IRA company is essential for securing your retirement savings and avoiding unnecessary fees, risks, or scams.
With several providers in the market, understanding their differences in setup, metals selection, storage, and buyback options is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll compare Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange, two reputable companies offering gold IRAs.
We’ll break down their setup process, fees, storage solutions, metals selection, buyback programs, and customer support to give you a clear picture of what each company provides.
By the end, you’ll know which company aligns best with your investment goals and retirement strategy.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Goldco | Orion Metal Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2017 |
| Minimum Investment | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Fees | Setup: $50–$175, Annual: $180–$250 | Setup: $50, Annual: $250 |
| Metals Offered | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium |
| Buyback Policy | Guaranteed buyback | Market-based buyback |
| BBB/Trustpilot Rating | A+/4.7 | A+/4.5 |
| Best For | Beginners and experienced investors | Investors seeking lower minimum investment |
Goldco is better suited for investors with a larger starting amount who want a highly guided, full-service Gold IRA setup and a strong buyback guarantee.
Orion Metal Exchange, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller or flexible budgets, offering lower entry minimums and a wider range of metals (including platinum and palladium).
In short, Goldco offers more structure and support, while Orion provides more flexibility and lower-cost accessibility.
2. Company Background & Trust Signals
Goldco
Founded in 2006 and based in Los Angeles, California, Goldco has established itself as a trusted gold IRA provider.
The company is privately owned and widely recognized in financial media, including Forbes, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal.
Goldco emphasizes investor education and transparency, offering guides, videos, and free consultations.
It holds an A+ BBB rating and maintains a 4.7 Trustpilot score, reflecting strong customer satisfaction.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange is a newer company, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
Despite being relatively young, Orion has quickly gained credibility by providing clear guidance on gold IRA setup, low minimum investment options, and personalized support.
It also holds an A+ BBB rating and maintains a 4.5 Trustpilot score.
Orion focuses on modern, investor-friendly services and educational resources.
Both Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange are reputable, BBB-accredited companies with strong customer reviews.
Goldco stands out for its long-standing media presence and extensive educational resources, while Orion offers modern, accessible services with a lower investment threshold.
3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process
Goldco
Goldco requires a minimum investment of $25,000. The setup process is simple and guided:
- Schedule a free consultation with a Goldco specialist.
- Choose your IRA type (Traditional or Roth).
- Fund the account via rollover or transfer.
- Select metals and storage options.
Goldco appeals to both beginners and experienced investors, offering structured guidance that simplifies the IRA setup.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange requires a lower minimum investment of $10,000, making it more accessible for new investors.
Its setup process includes:
- Consultation with an Orion specialist.
- IRA account creation and funding via rollover or contribution.
- Selection of IRS-approved metals and storage preferences.
- Ongoing guidance throughout setup.
Orion is ideal for investors seeking a lower entry point while still receiving professional support and guidance.
Goldco is suitable for investors ready to commit $25,000 and benefit from structured educational resources.
Orion provides a lower minimum investment for those looking to start smaller with personalized guidance.
4. Fees & Pricing Comparison
Goldco
Goldco’s fees are transparent and competitive:
- Setup fee: $50–$175 (depending on account type)
- Annual fee: $180–$250
- Storage fee: Included for certain depository options
Goldco avoids hidden costs and provides clear explanations of all charges upfront.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange also maintains a straightforward fee structure:
- Setup fee: $50
- Annual fee: $250
- Storage fee: Included in the annual fee
Orion emphasizes transparency, ensuring investors understand their costs before committing.
Both Goldco and Orion offer competitive, transparent fees.
Goldco provides tiered setup fees for flexibility, while Orion keeps it simple and predictable for new investors.
5. Custodian & Storage Options
Goldco
Goldco partners with IRS-approved custodians to manage IRA accounts.
Investors can choose segregated (individual) or non-segregated (pooled) storage at fully insured, secure depositories.
Goldco allows flexibility in selecting depository locations, giving investors control and peace of mind.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange also works with trusted IRS-approved custodians.
Investors can select segregated or non-segregated storage, with all metals fully insured.
Orion emphasizes helping clients choose the storage option that best fits their investment goals, providing guidance for first-time IRA investors.
Both Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange provide secure, insured storage with IRS-approved custodians.
Goldco offers more depository flexibility, while Orion focuses on personalized guidance for storage selection.
6. Metals Selection & Flexibility
Goldco
Goldco offers a wide range of IRS-approved metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Investors can choose coins or bars, with options for direct delivery.
This variety allows for portfolio diversification and caters to both beginner and experienced investors.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange provides gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, all IRS-approved for IRA accounts.
Investors can select coins or bars, and certain metals are eligible for direct delivery.
Orion emphasizes flexibility and guidance in selecting metals to meet retirement goals.
Both Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange provide a full range of metals, including palladium, with flexible options for coins, bars, and delivery.
Goldco offers structured educational resources, while Orion focuses on personalized guidance and accessibility.
7. Buyback Program & Liquidity
Goldco
Goldco offers a guaranteed buyback program, allowing investors to sell their metals back to the company at fair market prices.
This ensures liquidity and provides confidence that holdings can be converted into cash when needed.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange provides a market-based buyback program, enabling investors to sell metals at competitive pricing.
The company emphasizes guidance throughout the process, helping investors understand timing and market value.
Both Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange make it easy to liquidate metals.
Goldco provides a structured, guaranteed buyback program, while Orion offers market-based buyback with personalized guidance.
8. Education & Customer Support
Goldco
Goldco offers extensive educational resources, including guides, videos, webinars, and investor kits.
Their team provides free consultations to help both beginners and experienced investors make informed decisions.
Customer support is accessible via phone and email, ensuring clarity and assistance throughout the IRA process.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange emphasizes personalized education and support, offering one-on-one consultations and detailed investor guides.
Their specialists guide clients through setup, metals selection, and ongoing account management, ensuring investors fully understand each step.
Goldco excels in comprehensive educational materials for self-guided learning, while Orion stands out for personalized, hands-on support.
Both prioritize investor confidence and informed decision-making.
9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For
Goldco
- Wide range of IRS-approved metals, including palladium
- Extensive educational resources and investor guides
- Guaranteed buyback program
- High BBB and Trustpilot ratings
- Higher minimum investment ($25,000)
- Less personalized support compared to Orion
Best For:
- Beginners seeking structured guidance, investors wanting a broad metals selection, and those who value guaranteed buyback options.
Orion Metal Exchange
- Lower minimum investment ($10,000)
- Personalized guidance and hands-on support
- Full range of IRS-approved metals
- High BBB and Trustpilot ratings
- Market-based buyback may require careful timing
- Newer company with less media recognition
Best For:
- Investors seeking a lower entry point, personalized support, and guidance throughout setup and account management.
10. Conclusion
Both Goldco and Orion Metal Exchange are reputable gold IRA providers with secure, IRS-approved storage, strong customer ratings, and reliable buyback options.
Goldco stands out for its long-standing experience, extensive educational resources, and guaranteed buyback program, making it ideal for investors seeking structure and broad metals selection.
Orion Metal Exchange offers a lower minimum investment and personalized guidance, appealing to investors who want hands-on support and flexible entry into precious metals investing.
Goldco is best for investors seeking comprehensive educational resources, guaranteed buyback, and diverse metals.
Orion Metal Exchange is best for those who want a lower minimum investment and personalized guidance.
11. FAQ
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