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What are the steps to invest in precious metals?

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) allows you to invest in physical precious metals as part of your retirement strategy. Understanding the process upfront can help ensure a smooth investment experience.

To see examples of IRA-allowable gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bullion, please visit our IRA Allowable Precious Metals page. 

Quick Links: (1) Open & fund | (2) Choose a dealer | (3) Direct your investment | Resources

 

Step 1: Open and fund 

To open an IRA, visit our Get Started page. During the application, you will select your account type and fund your IRA. Your account must have sufficient funds to cover:

  • Annual IRA fee
  • Precious metals depository storage fee
  • Purchase price of the metals
  • Any applicable processing fees

(See STRATA’s IRA Fee Schedule  for current rates.)

Funding timelines vary depending on the method used and the processing time of external providers. Once STRATA receives your funds, they typically post to your account within 2–3 business days.  Funds received by check may be subject to a four-business-day hold. 

Quick Links: (1) Open & fund | (2) Choose a dealer | (3) Direct your investment | Resources


 

Step 2: Choose your precious metals dealer

STRATA does not buy, sell, or exchange precious metals. You will work directly with a dealer of your choice to:

  • Select the metals you want to purchase
  • Negotiate pricing
  • Place your order

Important considerations:

  • STRATA is not affiliated with any precious metals dealer and does not endorse any dealer, investment, or sales representative.

  • As a directed custodian, STRATA does not perform due diligence on precious metals dealers or investments and does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice.
  • Regulatory oversight of precious metals dealers varies by jurisdiction and may be limited in some cases. Investors should independently research any dealer before placing an order.

If your dealer has not previously worked with STRATA, the dealer must submit a Precious Metals Dealer Representation Letter. STRATA may elect not to establish a business relationship with dealers that do not meet applicable IRS requirements and/or STRATA's operational requirements. A dealer's ability to meet these requirements does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by STRATA. For more details, please review STRATA’s Important Disclosures for Your STRATA Precious Metals IRA.

    Quick Links: (1) Open & fund | (2) Choose a dealer | (3) Direct your investment | Resources

     

    Step 3: Direct your investment

    Once your IRA is open, funded, and you’ve selected a dealer, you are ready to submit your investment instructions.

    • Complete the Investment Direction and Disclosures - Precious Metals form, which will also prompt you to select your approved depository. You will need to provide:
      • Dealer invoice — Provide a copy of the dealer invoice, which must be itemized to show the type, quantity, and price of the precious metals purchased. 
      • Dealer agreement — Provide a copy of the completed client/dealer agreement. 

    STRATA will:

    • Send payment to the dealer
    • Provide instructions to the approved depository to establish a STRATA Trust Company FBO account in the name of your IRA for asset custody

    Quick Links: (1) Open & fund | (2) Choose a dealer | (3) Direct your investment | Resources

     

    Resources:

    Step-by-step guide: Download STRATA's Precious Metals Investment Checklist for a guided, streamlined investing experience.