Gold IRA vs Physical Gold
Both can provide physical-metal exposure, but ownership, access, tax treatment and ongoing costs are different.
| Question | Gold IRA | Direct physical gold |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership structure | Held for an IRA through a custodian/trustee | Owned personally outside a retirement account |
| Access | IRA distribution rules apply | Owner controls lawful possession |
| Recurring cost | May include custody and depository charges | May include chosen storage and insurance |
| Tax framework | IRA tax rules apply | Tax treatment depends on the sale and investor circumstances |
Which question comes first?
Decide whether you want the asset inside or outside a retirement account before comparing dealers. If IRA tax structure is not central to your goal, direct ownership may be the more relevant comparison.