BBakerGoldFree vetting guide

The legitimacy desk

Is it legit, or a scam? Every major dealer, on the record.

We assessed each company on verifiable facts — BBB standing, depositories, fee transparency, track record, and any documented history. No accusations; just the evidence, with sources, so you can decide.

By BakerGold Editorial TeamLast updated June 2026Independent · Editorial opinion
  1. 1
    Case No. BG-001

    Newmont Capital Group

    Verdict: featured partner

    Our top-rated featured partner: BBB A+ rated with transparent spot-based pricing, IRS-approved depository partners, and a no-obligation buyback commitment. Best suited to investors meeting the $50,000 minimum who want fee transparency and a No-Fees-For-Life option on larger accounts.

  2. 2
    Case No. BG-002

    Augusta Precious Metals

    Verdict: appears legit

    Augusta Precious Metals is a premium gold-and-silver IRA specialist known for transparent flat fees, strong education, and top-tier customer support. Its $50,000 minimum, however, puts it out of reach for smaller investors.

  3. 3
    Case No. BG-003

    Goldco

    Verdict: appears legit

    Goldco is a large, well-established precious-metals IRA firm with a $25,000 minimum, a transparent published fee schedule, and a strong buyback program. That mix makes it a popular full-service choice for first-time and mid-size investors.

  4. 4
    Case No. BG-004

    American Hartford Gold

    Verdict: appears legit

    American Hartford Gold is a well-established, BBB-accredited (A+) dealer offering all four IRS-approved metals through Equity Trust with a $10,000 IRA minimum. It stands out for a no-fee buyback commitment and service reputation, though buyers should confirm spreads and exact fees in writing.

  5. 5
    Case No. BG-005

    Birch Gold Group

    Verdict: appears legit

    Birch Gold Group is one of the industry's longest-running precious-metals IRA specialists (founded 2003), BBB-accredited with an A+ rating and a full four-metal menu. Its flat-fee structure and dedicated-specialist model make costs predictable, which is especially attractive for larger or long-horizon accounts.

  6. 6
    Case No. BG-006

    Noble Gold Investments

    Verdict: appears legit

    Noble Gold Investments is a well-rated (BBB A+, accredited) Encino, California dealer founded in 2016, offering Gold and Silver IRAs and direct purchases with transparent flat-fee pricing, Texas/Delaware storage, and signature Royal Survival Packs.

  7. 7
    Case No. BG-007

    Advantage Gold

    Verdict: appears legit

    Advantage Gold is a well-established, highly-rated gold IRA specialist (A+, accredited 2014) known for customer education and a relatively low minimum. Its main drawback is limited public fee transparency.

  8. 8
    Case No. BG-008

    Lear Capital

    Verdict: history to weigh

    Lear Capital is a long-established Los Angeles dealer (since 1997) with an A+ BBB rating, a $10,000 minimum, and a transparently published custody fee schedule. Prospective buyers should weigh that against its well-documented regulatory and financial history, including a 2022 Chapter 11 filing and multistate investor-refund settlements.

Labels and assessments are the independent editorial opinion of the BakerGold Editorial Team, based on publicly available information. They are not user reviews and not personalized financial advice. “Legit — history to weigh” means a real, operating company with documented public matters we report neutrally; it is not an accusation of fraud.

Keep reading

Common gold scam typesHow the tactics actually work→How to verify a gold dealerThe 5-minute method→How we assess companiesOur criteria & methodology→How to report a gold scamFTC, CFTC, state AG & BBB→