Last Updated on December 16, 2025
When planning a gold IRA, selecting the right provider is crucial for security, fees, and investment flexibility.
Both Noble Gold Investments and Orion Metal Exchange are reputable options, but they cater to different investor priorities.
Noble Gold focuses on guided setups and educational support, while Orion emphasizes competitive pricing and guaranteed buyback programs.
In this comparison, we’ll break down their fees, minimums, metals offered, storage solutions, buyback policies, and customer support, helping you understand which provider fits your retirement goals.
Takeaway: By the end of this guide, you’ll know where Noble Gold excels in guidance and investor support, and where Orion offers cost efficiency and liquidity advantages.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Noble Gold Investments | Orion Metal Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2017 |
| Minimum Investment | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Fees | Transparent; varies by custodian | Competitive and transparent; lower entry costs |
| Metals Offered | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium | Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium |
| Buyback Policy | Reliable Reliable market-based buyback | Guaranteed buyback program |
| BBB/Trustpilot Rating | A+ / 4.8 | A+ / 4.8 |
| Best For | Beginners seeking guided setup and education | Investors seeking low minimums, guaranteed liquidity, and competitive pricing |
Noble Gold focuses on education and guided setup, while Orion Metal Exchange excels for investors wanting low minimums, guaranteed buyback, and cost efficiency.
2. Company Background & Trust Signals
Noble Gold Investments
Founded in 2016 in Pasadena, California, Noble Gold Investments is known for its beginner-friendly approach and investor education.
The company focuses on guiding clients through the IRA process while providing reliable storage and buyback options.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+
- Media Mentions: Featured in Forbes, Fox Business, and Investopedia
Noble Gold has built trust through transparent fees, responsive service, and a clear educational focus.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange, founded in 2017, is a relatively newer entrant but has gained credibility for guaranteed buyback programs and competitive pricing.
It focuses on making gold IRA investing accessible, with low minimums and simplified processes.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+
- Media Mentions: Cited in retirement and investment publications
Orion’s reputation is built on transparency, predictable liquidity, and customer-first service.
Noble Gold excels in education and guided investing, while Orion stands out for guaranteed buyback and low entry costs, appealing to cost-conscious or first-time investors.
3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process
Minimum Investment
- Noble Gold Investments: Requires a minimum of ~$10,000, suitable for investors seeking a guided, educational setup.
- Orion Metal Exchange: Offers a lower minimum of ~$5,000, making it more accessible for first-time or budget-conscious investors.
Setup Process
Noble Gold Investments
- Complete an online form or speak with an advisor.
- Noble Gold coordinates with an IRS-approved custodian to open your IRA.
- Fund the account via rollover or transfer.
- Choose IRS-approved metals with guidance from Noble Gold specialists.
- Metals are delivered to your selected depository.
Orion Metal Exchange
- Submit an online request or speak with a representative.
- Orion opens a self-directed IRA with an IRS-approved custodian.
- Fund the account via transfer or rollover.
- Select metals, with Orion providing guidance for optimal diversification.
- Metals are securely stored or shipped as desired.
Who Each Appeals To
- Noble Gold: Investors seeking detailed guidance, education, and a hands-on setup process.
- Orion Metal Exchange: Beginners or cost-conscious investors wanting low entry requirements and guaranteed buyback.
Noble Gold is ideal for investors valuing education and guidance, while Orion offers simplicity, low minimums, and liquidity assurances.
4. Fees & Pricing Comparison
Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold maintains a transparent fee structure, although exact costs depend on the chosen custodian:
- Account Setup Fee: ~$50
- Annual Custodian Fee: ~$80
- Annual Storage Fee: ~$150 for segregated storage
Noble Gold emphasizes predictable pricing and avoids pushing high-premium coins, keeping overall costs reasonable.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange offers competitive, transparent pricing, appealing to cost-conscious investors:
- Account Setup Fee: Typically waived for new accounts
- Annual Fees: Around $150 total, covering custodian and storage
- No hidden fees: metals pricing is market-aligned
Orion emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it beginner-friendly.
Noble Gold is strong for guided investing, while Orion provides a cost-efficient option with clear, predictable pricing.
5. Custodian & Storage Options
Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold partners with IRS-approved custodians such as Equity Trust and STRATA Trust Company, ensuring compliance and secure account management.
Storage options include:
- Delaware Depository: highly secure, industry-standard vault
- Texas Storage Facility: segregated storage with insurance
All storage options are fully insured, IRS-compliant, and offer flexibility for investors who want dedicated storage.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion works with IRS-approved custodians and provides segregated and non-segregated storage options.
Metals are stored in secure, insured vaults, and the company emphasizes easy access and transparent policies.
Storage locations include the Delaware Depository and other IRS-approved facilities.
Noble Gold is ideal for investors seeking flexibility and multiple storage locations, while Orion emphasizes security and straightforward, IRS-compliant storage.
6. Metals Selection & Flexibility
Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold provides a wide range of IRS-approved metals, including:
- Gold: Coins and bars (American Gold Eagle, Gold Buffalo, etc.)
- Silver: IRA-approved coins and bars
- Platinum & Palladium: Select IRS-approved products
They also offer specialty packs, like Royal Survival Packs, for investors who want both IRA and personal holdings.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange offers a similar selection of IRA-eligible metals, including:
- Gold: Coins and bars
- Silver: Coins and bars
- Platinum & Palladium: Select IRA-approved products
Orion emphasizes market-priced bullion, avoiding high-premium collectible coins, which appeals to cost-conscious investors.
Direct Delivery Options
- Both companies allow insured direct delivery of metals for personal holdings outside of an IRA.
Noble Gold stands out for specialty products and educational guidance, while Orion focuses on cost-efficient, IRA-compliant metals for straightforward investing.
7. Buyback Program & Liquidity
Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold offers a reliable, market-based buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals efficiently when needed.
The process is:
- Contact Noble Gold support
- Receive a competitive market offer
- Complete the transaction quickly and securely
The program provides confidence for investors who may need liquidity or want to rebalance their portfolio.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange provides a guaranteed buyback program, ensuring investors can sell metals at market value anytime.
This predictable liquidity is ideal for first-time investors or those who want certainty when exiting a position.
Noble Gold offers reliable buyback, while Orion gives guaranteed, predictable liquidity, making it attractive for investors who prioritize easy access to funds.
8. Education & Customer Support
Noble Gold Investments
Noble Gold emphasizes investor education and personalized guidance, offering:
- Comprehensive guides on gold IRAs and retirement investing
- Market insights and investment strategies
- One-on-one consultations to walk investors through account setup and metals selection
Their customer service is responsive and supportive, ideal for beginners who need detailed explanations.
Orion Metal Exchange
Orion Metal Exchange provides straightforward, beginner-friendly support, including:
- Educational guides focused on IRA compliance and metals selection
- Transparent explanations of fees and buyback processes
- Responsive customer service to assist with account setup and metal purchases
- Orion’s approach prioritizes simplicity and accessibility for new investors.
Noble Gold excels in deep educational resources and personalized support, while Orion is better for investors seeking clear, simple guidance and fast setup.
9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For
Noble Gold Investments
- Strong educational resources and personalized guidance
- IRS-approved metals including specialty products
- Reliable, market-based buyback program
- Transparent fees and trustworthy custodians
- Beginner-friendly setup process
Higher minimum investment (~$10,000)
Limited storage location options compared to some competitors
Best For:
Investors seeking guided setup, educational support, and specialty IRA options, ideal for beginners or those prioritizing hands-on guidance.
Orion Metal Exchange
- Lower minimum investment (~$5,000)
- Guaranteed buyback program for predictable liquidity
- Competitive, transparent pricing
- IRS-approved metals with cost-efficient options
- Simple, beginner-friendly setup
- Less emphasis on specialty products or in-depth educational resources
- Fewer hands-on guidance services
Best For:
- Budget-conscious or first-time investors who want low entry, guaranteed liquidity, and simple, cost-efficient investing.
10. Conclusion
Both Noble Gold Investments and Orion Metal Exchange are reputable gold IRA providers, but they cater to different investor priorities.
Noble Gold is ideal for those seeking hands-on guidance, educational support, and specialty products, providing a detailed and investor-friendly IRA setup.
Orion Metal Exchange appeals to budget-conscious or first-time investors, offering low minimums, guaranteed buyback, and cost-efficient, transparent pricing.
Noble Gold Investments: Best for investors who value guidance, education, and specialty IRA options.
Orion Metal Exchange: Best for cost-conscious investors seeking low entry, guaranteed liquidity, and simplified setup.
11. FAQ
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