A precious metals IRA is a self-directed IRA that holds IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of (or alongside) stocks and bonds. It follows the same contribution limits as any IRA — $7,500 for 2026, $8,600 with the 50+ catch-up, per IRS Notice 2025-67 — and the same distribution rules, including RMDs starting at age 73 under the SECURE 2.0 Act.

The key legal requirements, all under IRC Section 408(m): metals must meet minimum fineness (99.5% gold, 99.9% silver, 99.95% platinum/palladium), must be held by an approved trustee, and must be stored at an IRS-approved depository — never in the account owner’s personal possession.