Claims that Gold IRAs “silently drain” retirement savings usually point to real fee structures — but the fix is fee transparency, not fear. Self-directed IRA custodians handling metals typically charge an account setup fee, an annual administration fee, and a separate storage fee paid to the depository, none of which are standardized or capped by the IRS.

Some Gold IRA companies also charge a markup over spot price when you purchase metals, which is disclosed in your purchase agreement but easy to miss if you don’t ask directly. Before opening an account, request a full written fee schedule from at least three custodians and compare, and ask specifically whether markups are flat-fee or percentage-based — that comparison tells you far more than a general “drain” warning.