What Is A Gold IRA Custodian?

A Gold IRA custodian is a financial institution responsible for administering self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that hold physical gold or other approved precious metals. It ensures compliance with IRS rules governing tax-advantaged retirement accounts while securely managing investors’ assets. Custodians in the gold IRA industry have an established presence and expertise, providing critical support for clients looking to diversify their retirement portfolios.

Custodians fulfill regulatory requirements by holding investments in approved facilities, often referred to as depositories. They oversee transfers of funds, facilitate the purchase and sale of gold, and maintain accurate records for reporting to the IRS. These institutions do not provide investment advice or directly sell gold but act as intermediaries to safeguard assets.

The IRS mandates custodians for all IRAs to prevent misuse or mismanagement of retirement funds. In gold IRAs, this requirement ensures that the physical metals meet purity standards and remain stored in approved, insured locations.

What is a Gold IRA?

A Gold IRA, also known as a Precious Metals IRA, is a type of individual retirement account (IRA) that allows investors to hold physical gold and other precious metals in an IRS-approved retirement investment. This type of IRA offers the same tax advantages as a standard IRA, but with the added benefit of diversifying your retirement portfolio with tangible assets.

Definition of a Gold IRA

A Gold IRA is a specialized individual retirement account that allows investors to hold gold and other precious metals, such as silver, platinum, and palladium, in an IRS-approved retirement investment. This type of IRA is designed to provide a hedge against inflation, market volatility, and currency fluctuations, while also offering tax benefits and a way to diversify your retirement portfolio. By including physical gold and other precious metals, investors can protect their retirement savings from economic uncertainties and enhance the stability of their investment strategy.

Role Of A Gold IRA Custodian

A Gold IRA custodian manages and safeguards precious metal investments within self-directed IRAs. They ensure compliance with IRS rules and facilitate secure asset storage. A precious metals specialist can also play a crucial role in managing and safeguarding these investments, providing expert guidance and support.

Safeguarding Precious Metals

Gold IRA custodians oversee the secure storage of physical gold and other IRA approved precious metals. They partner with IRS-approved depositories to ensure investments meet federal safety standards. These facilities provide insured, segregated, or commingled storage based on client preferences. Custodians also audit storage arrangements periodically to maintain transparency and security.

Legal And Regulatory Compliance

Custodians ensure compliance with IRS regulations governing self-directed IRAs. They verify that gold investments meet the required minimum purity levels, typically 99.5% for gold bullion. They also handle accurate reporting of contributions, transactions, and distributions to the IRS. These actions help investors avoid penalties while adhering to retirement account guidelines. Additionally, specific rules govern precious metal IRAs, making compliance crucial to benefit from their advantages like inflation resistance and portfolio diversification.

Benefits Of Using A Gold IRA Custodian

Gold IRA custodians offer critical services that enhance investment security and streamline account management. These benefits contribute to the efficient handling of precious metal assets in a retirement account. It is also important to understand the annual fees associated with managing a Gold IRA.

Security Of Investments

Custodians ensure the physical safety of assets by storing gold in IRS-approved depositories with advanced security measures. These facilities use technologies like 24/7 monitoring systems and controlled access protocols to minimize risks of theft or damage. Gold IRA providers play a crucial role in ensuring the security of stored assets by partnering with these secure depositories.

Custodians provide insurance coverage for stored assets. Policies protect investments against potential losses, adding a layer of financial security for account holders.

They conduct regular audits for transparent inventory management. These inspections confirm alignment with regulatory standards and secure proper handling of precious metals.

Simplified Management

Custodians simplify compliance by managing legal requirements. They verify that gold holdings meet IRS guidelines, such as purity standards and approved storage conditions. Precious metals specialists play a crucial role in simplifying the management of gold IRAs by providing expert guidance and support.

They handle transaction documentation, including contributions, rollovers, and distributions. Accurate records reduce administrative burdens for investors and ensure error-free IRS reporting.

Custodians provide streamlined communication and account support. Investors receive updates on holdings, account performance, and regulatory changes, helping them make informed decisions efficiently.

Choosing a custodian is an important step.  Read this guide to selecting a custodian for more information.

Gold IRA Storage and Security

Gold IRA storage and security are critical components of a Gold IRA investment. Investors must ensure that their physical gold and other precious metals are stored in a secure and IRS-approved depository to maintain the tax benefits of their IRA. Proper storage and security measures not only comply with IRS regulations but also protect the value and integrity of the precious metals.

Gold IRA Storage Options

There are several Gold IRA storage options available to investors, including:

• Home Storage: While some investors consider storing their physical gold and other precious metals at home, this option is not recommended. Home storage may not meet IRS requirements and poses significant security risks, including theft and damage.
• Bank Storage: Storing physical gold and other precious metals in a bank safe deposit box is another option. However, this method may not be IRS-approved and can incur high costs. Additionally, access to bank storage can be limited by banking hours and policies.
• Third-Party Storage: The most secure and IRS-compliant option is third-party storage in an approved depository. These facilities, such as private vaults or secure storage facilities, offer advanced security measures, insurance coverage, and regular audits. Third-party storage ensures that the precious metals are protected and meet all regulatory requirements.

Gold IRA Security Measures

Gold IRA security measures are designed to protect investors’ physical gold and other precious metals from theft, loss, and damage. Some common security measures include:

• Insurance: Investors can purchase insurance to protect their physical gold and other precious metals against theft, loss, and damage. This provides financial security and peace of mind.
• Secure Storage: Storing physical gold and other precious metals in a secure and IRS-approved depository, such as a private vault or a secure storage facility, ensures compliance with regulations and enhances protection.
• Auditing: Regular audits of the physical gold and other precious metals help verify their authenticity and value. Audits provide transparency and ensure that the assets are properly accounted for.
• Reporting: Investors receive regular reports on their physical gold and other precious metals, including their value, location, and security status. These reports help investors stay informed and make informed decisions about their retirement investments.

By understanding and implementing these storage and security measures, investors can safeguard their Gold IRA assets and maintain the tax advantages of their retirement accounts.

How To Choose The Right Gold IRA Custodian

Selecting a reliable Gold IRA custodian is essential to managing a self-directed retirement account effectively. Assessing key factors and asking the right questions helps ensure the custodian aligns with individual investment needs. Additionally, researching the best gold IRA companies is crucial when selecting a custodian.

Factors To Consider

1. Reputation and Experience

When evaluating the best gold IRA options, verify the custodian’s reputation by researching customer reviews, industry ratings, and their history in managing Gold IRAs. Established custodians with a proven track record often offer better services and expertise.

1. IRS Compliance

Ensure the custodian adheres to all IRS requirements, including storage in approved depositories and handling of metals that meet necessary purity standards.

1. Fee Structure

Examine the fee structure for account setup, storage, maintenance, and asset transfers. Transparent pricing and competitive rates reduce long-term costs.

1. Storage Options

Confirm that the custodian uses IRS-approved depositories offering secure storage, controlled access, 24/7 surveillance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

1. Customer Support

Evaluate the quality of customer support through response times, accessibility, and the availability of knowledgeable representatives who can address complex queries.

Questions To Ask Potential Custodians

Determine if the custodian specializes in gold bullion, coins, or other precious metals.

• Where are your storage facilities located?

Confirm they work with secure, IRS-approved depository locations and ensure accessibility based on preferences.

• What fees do you charge for account setup, storage, and transactions?

Request detailed information about all costs to avoid hidden charges.

• What security measures are in place at your storage facilities?

Ask about insurance coverage, physical security systems, and auditing procedures for stored assets.

• How do you help with compliance and IRS reporting?

Assess their ability to handle required filings, transaction documentation, and adherence to tax regulations.

Addressing these factors and questions allows investors to choose a Gold IRA custodian that best meets their requirements for secure and compliant retirement investment management. Additionally, it is crucial to research and consult with financial advisors to find the best gold IRA company that fits one’s investment goals.

Common Misconceptions About Gold IRA Custodians

Custodians Sell Gold Directly

A common belief is that Gold IRA custodians sell precious metals directly to investors. Custodians only manage and oversee the storage and compliance of gold holdings; they don’t act as dealers. Investors must purchase gold through approved dealers and transfer it to the custodian for safekeeping. Birch Gold Group is an example of a company that sells gold.

Any Financial Institution Can Serve as a Custodian

Many assume that any bank or financial institution can serve as a Gold IRA custodian. Only entities approved by the IRS, such as certain trust companies, have the qualifications to administer self-directed IRAs. Regular banks may manage traditional IRAs but aren’t typically authorized for Gold IRAs. Augusta Precious Metals is an example of a reputable custodian known for its client education, transparency, and strong customer service.

Personal Storage Is Allowed

A misconception exists that investors can store Gold IRA assets at home. IRS regulations require physical precious metals to be stored in approved depositories. Storing assets personally can result in disqualification of the IRA and significant penalties. For a precious metal IRA, it is crucial to store metals in approved depositories to comply with IRS rules and ensure the security of your investment.

Custodians Dictate Investments

Some believe custodians influence investment decisions. Custodians act as facilitators, not advisors. They ensure regulatory compliance but don’t provide financial guidance or dictate which metals to include in the IRA—investment decisions remain with the account holder. Custodians also play a crucial role in managing precious metals IRAs, ensuring that all investments meet government mint requirements and fineness standards.

Custodian Fees Cover All Expenses

Investors often think custodian fees include gold purchasing costs and storage. Custodian fees typically encompass account administration and compliance services. Separate charges apply for purchasing metals and their storage in depositories, depending on provider terms. It is crucial to understand the fee structures of different gold IRA companies to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

A Gold IRA custodian plays a pivotal role in ensuring the secure and compliant management of precious metal investments within a self-directed IRA. By providing essential services such as secure storage, regulatory compliance, and streamlined account administration, custodians help investors safeguard their assets while meeting IRS requirements.

Selecting the right custodian requires careful evaluation of factors like reputation, fee structures, and storage options. With the proper custodian, investors can confidently incorporate gold into their retirement strategy, benefiting from enhanced security and professional oversight tailored to their financial goals. It is crucial to choose the best gold IRAs to ensure a well-diversified and secure retirement portfolio.

Gold Companies

The Best Ways to Make Gold Investments

When you decide you want to make investments of any kind, you need to understand having a balance between risky investments and more stable investments if you are looking to have a balanced portfolio.  With the uncertainty of the global economy, not to mention a pandemic, it’s becoming more difficult than ever to find an investment strategy that seems sound.  In times like this, investors should turn their strategy to gold and precious metals, and today we’ll cover how to invest in in gold for beginners.

Many investors don’t know how to invest in gold, and that’s unfortunate because it’s a solid hedge against economic conditions as gold has a perceived store value and can be a solid asset in any portfolio.  We encourage you to read this entry in it’s entirety and learn the best ways to invest in gold so you can start doing so at your leisure.

Why Is Gold Valuable?

A large reason why gold has value is because historically it’s been attached to the value of the world’s currency.  Hundreds of years ago, gold coins and jewelry were used in commerce as trade value and as the world moved to paper currency, they were designed with a use case to be tied to an amount of gold.  However, this no longer is the case and gold has it’s uses in the world and therefore has kept it’s value as a commodity.

The demand for gold on a global scale comes mostly from jewelry.  In fact, closely 50% of the world’s demand is in that sector alone, followed by another 40% that is tied to investments in physical gold, like bars, and coins.  There are even rare coins, such as the gold quarter, that is popular with coin collectors.  Gold is purchased by institutional investors as well as the average Joe investor, and it’s even traded in ETF’s (exchange traded funds) that purchase it for investors.  The remaining gold market is largely from industrial use, such as tech and medical.

Should You Invest in Gold?

We started Cayman Financial Review to educate investors about the importance of asset diversification.  Investing in gold can help you diversify your portfolio as the price of gold often strays towards the opposite of a more typical investment like a bond, mutual fund, or stock.  As these assets go south, gold generally goes north.  Many savvy investors allocate 5-20% of their portfolio to gold as they deem it a safer investment, and if you speak with any of the companies surveyed at Cayman Financial Review, they will normally advise you to do the same with your retirement savings.  In fact, gold reached it’s highest price in 7 years in 2021.

The downside to gold investing is that it doesn’t kick off any cash flow the way a property investment or even a stock might do.  However, gold is traded often, and therefore gold is a liquid asset, so if you ever need to sell your gold, you don’t have any shortage of options.  When compared to other alternative investments like real estate and art, you can rest assured gold is a much more liquid asset.

Dating back through time and as the economy continues to revolutionize the world, there are few investments that have compared to gold. This precious metal’s popularity has stood up against wars, inflation, economic currency troubles, and yet has managed to gain attraction away from the mainstream challenges. When one thinks about investing in gold it’s important not to limit the options to purchasing physical gold — as in coins or bullion — but rather to invest in gold that includes buying shares in gold mining companies & stocks or gold ETFs & mutual funds, or gold futures contracts. These alternatives of gold investing can increase in value over time and maintain a level of one’s sanity whenever the economy takes a tumble.

Ways You Can Invest in Gold

For those interested in investing in physical gold, the first thought is estimating the value and whether an investor can overcome the challenges from their regular traditional online trading of stocks and bonds. Investing in physical gold requires working with dealers outside of regular brokerage houses, and more often than not, needing to pay for the gold storage and secure insurance for this type of investment. There are three main options to investing in physical gold — bullion, coins, and jewelry.

Gold Bullion

Thinking about investing in gold bullion always conjures up big shiny gold bars that are locked away in a vault for safe keeping. The most common type of gold bullion available are between one and 10-ounce bars, however, they can range from a few grams to 400 ounces, depending on what the current gold price is and the attraction to when it’s valued at over $1,000. Due to bullion’s high prices, it’s imperative to elicit a reputable dealer who will recommend insurance and a suitable storage place such as a vault of a safety deposit box. Staying up to date on the price of gold is also a good idea as a bullion investor, mainly because choosing the right time to buy and with which dealer will help an interested person base their decision on the current spot prices.

Gold Coins as an Investment

Gold coins typically weigh one or two ounces, and the collectible coins from South Africa or Canada, or even American Gold Eagles are the more widely available types that dealers will sell to an investor. Oftentimes, a dealer might even sell damaged or worn out coins, as they’re aware the value continues to increase over time. The gold coin price might not always align with the actual gold content, as those in-demand coins tend to be traded at a premium price. Pawn shops and local gold collectors might be able to provide better deals on gold coins, especially if they are a licensed and reputable dealer.

Is Gold Jewelry a Solid Investment

Wearing gold jewelry isn’t for the faint of heart, however investing in this type of bauble does come with some risks. Secondhand jewelry purchases must be authentic to maintain its value, therefore seek out a reputable dealer. Also, buying gold investment jewelry requires some sort of documentation so the purchaser can have an idea of resale value as well as the gold’s level of authenticity.

Purity of gold jewelry is essential and determining what percentage of gold is included in the piece is imperative, as the estimate is calculated based on carats — 24-carat gold being the ultimate and 100% genuine type. If the piece of gold jewelry were to be melted, it needs to be pure gold.

Purchasing Gold Stocks and Gold Mining Companies

Gold mining companies & stocks investing is a more straightforward plan than purchasing gold in its physical form. Using an already established brokerage account means that buying gold stocks & mining companies are easier to attain and allows investors to ensure the purchase is legal and through a certified broker. The more popular gold mining companies & stocks include:

• Newport Corp. – the world’s largest gold mining company
• Barrick Gold Corp. – operates in 13 countries worldwide
• Franco-Nevada Corp. – instead of owning gold mines, this company buys the rights to royalties from other gold miners

Remember though, the shares of these companies correspond to the latest gold prices, however, they are also focused on basics related to each company’s current profitability and expenses. Risks are involved with investing in individual gold companies, same as any other stock in someone’s portfolio.

Investing in Gold ETFs & Mutual Funds

Gold ETFs and mutual funds provide an investor with exposure to this precious metal’s long-term stability while offering more liquidity than physical gold and more diversification than individual gold stocks. With a wide range of various types of gold funds, check to see that industry trends are up to speed using futures or options. Index funds might be passively managed through your brokerage firm, so track the physical and gold receipts through the SPDR Gold Shares ETF. Another example to explore is VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF who also passively manage funds that track an underlying wealth of stocks of gold mining and refining companies.

Mutual gold funds such as Franklin Templeton’s Gold and Precious Metals Fund are solely managed by professional investors and considered very active, as these funds’ mission is to win out over the returns of passively managed index funds. In doing so, Franklin Templeton’s Gold and Precious Metals Fund come at a relatively high expense ratio compared to other mutual funds. One thing to note, these aren’t actual purchases of gold, but rather a paper investment that is probably backed by the debt or equity of gold mining companies or gold futures contracts in exchange for physical gold bullion. In simple terms, the gold mutual funds and ETFs might not align with the actual price of physical gold.

Gold Futures Contracts and Options to Invest in Gold

There are numerous ways to invest in gold, however the riskiest of them all is trading futures or options contracts, which means a form of speculative investing. The value of futures and options is based entirely on the price of an underlying asset. Investing in a futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a security for a set price on a certain date, regardless of the current gold market conditions. An options contract, on the other hand, is an agreement that gives the investor the option to buy or sell a security if it reaches a certain price on or before a certain date.

To invest in futures or options, an individual needs an account at an online brokerage firm that provides these pathways for success. There are some online brokerages that allow for trading in these securities, however, they may require account holders to sign additional documentation that acknowledges the risk of investing in these spinoffs. But once holding an established brokerage account to trade options or futures, investors can buy and sell them directly through the platform who do charge a commission for all options and futures trades that varies based on the number of contracts bought or sold.

If investors choose to put their money in gold through options or futures contracts definitely need to monitor their holdings so they can sell, roll over, or exercise their choices before they expire sans worth. Also, each of these options includes a certain degree of leverage or debt, so investors who overuse them and experience any market losses will see their losses add up rapidly.

Final Word on Gold Investing

There’s no shortage of economic calamities or impending inflation in today’s market, so anyone worried about these cyclic events might want to invest in gold as it offers a truly safe haven. But remember, in the shorter term gold can be extremely volatile, as much as stocks over a long period of time. However, for peace of mind, it’s no surprise that gold continues to hold its value remarkably well. Check in with the brokerage firm to ensure what is happening moment-by-moment is an accurate account of the value of gold over the long haul. Streaming & royalty companies do really well when planning for a long road with gold, something to make note of and let it be.

Considering preferences and a knack for risk, choosing to invest in physical gold bullion, gold coins, gold jewelry, gold ETFs & mutual funds, gold futures contracts, or gold mining companies & stocks, it’s recommended by financial advisors that allocating more than 10% of an individual’s stock portfolio be dedicated towards gold investing. There will always be risks, just with any investments on the stock market, however, the long-term economic gold market takes patience and understanding to learn how it can be either volatile or easygoing, depending on market trends.

If investors are searching for a safer choice in the gold market, ETFs and mutual funds will surely add some of gold’s stability and sparkle to their portfolios.

Gold Companies

Acre Gold Review – Is This Company Legit or Not?

Most investors wonder what they should invest in. Though they may choose stocks and other things, right now is the best time in history to buy gold. In fact, central banks are currently printing trillions of dollars because the economy isn’t that great. Overall, things don’t appear to be getting better.

Inflation is through the roof right now, and there’s no end in sight. Because the gold market has always been a historical hedge on inflation, some investors want to protect their savings with a shiny precious metal.

People are interested in finding appropriate gold companies to use, and they wonder, “Is Acre Gold legit?” This Acre Gold review explains everything thoroughly so that potential investors have the information they need before buying from Acre Gold. Here is what everyone needs to know:

What Is Acre Gold?

Is Acre Gold legit? To answer that question, people need to know who founded it. Overall, a small team of fintech veterans established the company. It was created to change how people purchase gold. In the past, people only had auction sites like eBay or pawnshops, both of which have questionable seller reputations.

Acre Gold works in two locations: Santa Monica, CA, and Boise, ID. With that, it’s still a new player within the gold investment industry.

The company’s idea is to offer consumers the help they require to have a straightforward and more engaging experience. With that, it ensures that the investment is safe. This company actually introduced a unique gold subscription strategy where clients can now buy a gold bar for affordable fees each month.

When the individual balance of the client reaches the price (stated by the company) for 2.5 grams of gold bullion, the company delivers the finest-quality bar discretely and right to the person’s doorstep.

Buying gold has never been easier!

Contact Information for Acre Gold

Customers can reach the company through various social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. They may also email info@getacregold.com directly. There’s also an online form on the Acre Gold website. Still, the fact that there’s no phone number is a red flag that people might want to consider.

Overall, the Better Business Bureau has issued a warning that Acre Gold is not accredited. With that, the agency added that this is a subscription-based company. In a sense, clients have to use layaway practices to hold their 2.5-gram bar until the company’s monthly subscription cost meets that seller’s value.

Understanding the Spot Price from Acre Gold

There’s only one way of purchasing gold from this company, and this Acre Gold review has uncovered that feature. Investors have so many other methods of buying this precious metal. Before a person buys a gold bar, they need to understand the spot price.

Physical gold is often seen as investment insurance. Overall, the idea is to buy the material instead of having the craftsmanship level found in gold bars. When a person decides to purchase gold, it must be at the retail price that’s closest to current market prices for precious metals.

What Is a Troy Ounce?

Troy ounces are often used to show the current price of gold. In a sense, one troy ounce equals 31.103 grams. Therefore, if the markings on the precious metals are 10K, 18K, 14K, or 24K, that shows how much gold is in them. It’s impossible to work with pure gold because it is a soft metal. For that reason, gold must be mixed with other metals, and reputable goldsmiths should do this.

Here are the amounts of gold based on the markings:

• 10K – 41.6 percent gold
• 18K – 75 percent gold
• 14K – 58.3 percent gold
• 24K – 99.9 percent gold

How To Realize a Rip Off

In general, purchasing gold at its retail price is almost impossible because the customer buys through an intermediary who wants to make a profit.

Is Acre Gold legit? To know that for sure, it’s best to understand how other reputable gold retailers work. They place a premium of five percent on the spot value of physical gold, and there are usually no shipping and fulfillment fees (meaning they offer free shipping). Market prices are shown in real-time by various websites, and it’s crucial to use them before buying gold.

Acre Gold Subscription Pricing

Is Acre Gold legit? Well, it stockpiles gold and other precious metals regularly. During the last year, gold was in high demand, so the company had problems and could not acquire gold, running out of stock.

A specific price tag is put on each 2.5-gram bar of gold. If retail prices increase, the client gets a better cost. However, if prices go down, it takes longer to get the one gold bar because another payment must be made to Acre Gold.

This subscription model isn’t great, but there are the options:

$30 to $50 Monthly Packages

For people who are bargain hunters or buying gold for the first time, Acre Gold offers something decent. It has established a layaway-style program that lets customers make monthly payments of either $50 or $30. Once the account balance reaches the set cost threshold, the person receives a 2.5-gram bar delivered to their door.

$100 per Month Package

Wealthier customers can also benefit from Acre Gold’s system. They get the most recent value, which is a 5-gram or 0.1607-ounce bar manufactured using .999 fine gold. The bar promises to retain its market value forever.

The person pays the company $100 each month, which continues accumulating in the account until the balance is equal to that cost of the 5-gram bar. After this, Acre Gold ships the 5-gram gold bullion whenever the account reaches the appropriate price threshold. Any remaining amount is credited to the next 5-gram gold bullion purchase.

Charges and Fees

There is a downside here. The customer is required to cover the shipping and fulfillment fees. In addition to that, there is a one-time membership fee ($12) for each bullion and a processing fee of $3.35. If the investor chooses to close their Acre Gold account, they are charged $20 as a cancellation fee.

Special Features for Precious Metals

Each gold bullion gets packaged in a premium, soft-touch box that includes an assay card and display drawer. The person is guaranteed authenticity from Acre Gold. With that, the packaging is quite elaborate to protect the gold and certify its origin.

Every bullion features 5 grams of .9999 fine gold (2.5 grams or 0.1607 ounces). It’s delivered in a sealed and protective package, which clearly indicates its authenticity and weight with an assayer’s stamp.

Plus, the precious metals get a stamp with the Acre Gold logo, which also contains the weight and purity level. On the reverse side, the person sees the logo, as well.

When Does the Person Receive Their Physical Gold Bar?

Acre Gold delivers a 2.5-gram bullion once the person makes five payments, $50 each. However, this is subject to change if there’s a worldwide shortage and Acre Gold cannot acquire gold bars any longer.

The person receives the delivery right to their doorstep. Therefore, if the account gets opened in January, the investor should get their first gold shipment by May or June.

Reviews and Ratings

There have been many reviews that claim the sales policy for Acre Gold isn’t transparent.

With more negative reviews than positive ones, the BBB rating is quite low. With that, the customer support team receives many complaints, with hardly any positive reviews at all.

Since there are only a few ratings of positive reviews, Acre Gold is considered a near-scam investment scheme. One client actually went so far as to say that the process is a full-on scam. Though they paid a subscription every month, there’s no information offered by the retailer showing how much was sent or how much gold that bought.

When adding the membership fee to the mix, people end up spending much more for their gold than they need to. Overall, it’s best to do due diligence and consider this retailer at the person’s own discretion.

Potential Red Flags

Is Acre Gold legit? Here are a few red flags to note:

Hard to Close an Account with Acre Gold

On the BBB website, it shows one particularly disturbing complaint about Acre Gold. This person said that they had tried to close the account four different times because of unauthorized charges to their credit card.

The client couldn’t reach the customer support team of Acre Gold with the email address provided. This leads people to believe that it’s hard to cancel, even when the $20 fee is paid.

Clumsy Account Management at Acre Gold

On its Facebook account, Acre Gold states that customers receive regular updates about account statuses through email. Therefore, those who are thinking about investing with this company may want to reconsider.

In the receipt emails provided, Acre Gold includes a link called Manage Subscription. Customers are taken to the client portal, where they can manage their accounts and monitor transaction history. The company states that if the investor doesn’t get a progress email, it’s likely in the spam folder.

Lackluster Support Team at Acre Gold

Overall, part of the problem must be customer support for Acre Gold. These people are hard to reach. Some potential clients of Acre Gold chose to contact the company with a fake inquiry. Though they received a response, it wasn’t very detailed. The main frustration for many is that the price per bullion isn’t revealed. Also, the company claims that this is because of constant fluctuation for gold.

Is There a Referral Program for Acre Gold?

Some people also wonder if Acre Gold has a working referral program. Based on some reviews, it does provide one and offers incentives to clients when they refer new subscribers. These perks could be free silver, a lower membership fee, and many others.

However, it’s nearly impossible to cross-check that information with the official website. Acre Gold has dedicated one section to affiliates, but the details are lackluster at best. In a sense, the company is only offering encouragement for future partners to get referrals.

The company tells others to refer people to it, but there’s no explanation of the reasoning for it. Many negative reviews mentioned the confusion about the referral program.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Seemingly simple signup process
• Few complaints about the gold’s quality
• Minting of gold bullion is done in Switzerland

Cons:

• No gold IRA services available
• Can’t get a free gold IRA guide
• Confusing and controversial comments and reviews
• Not BBB-accredited
• More than 17 complaints in the last 12 months
• No phone number shown on the official website
• Controversial customer experiences

Conclusion – Should a Person Invest with Acre Gold or Consider Its Alternatives?

Because Acre Gold is a young dealer on the market, it’s considered strange that it has accumulated so many controversial and contradictory reviews and comments. When a person looks at the official website, there are positive comments, which make it appear favorable. However, when searching in forums and independent review sites (BBB and others), it’s clear that there are more negative comments.

Though some customers appear satisfied, there’s still the burning question: Is Acre Gold legit? Overall, the answer is no. There are just too many concerns about the reviews and the issue of how much a person pays for gold bars.

It’s the potential investor’s decision if they want to buy gold from this company, but the strong recommendation here is to do plenty of research before investing.

Clearly, this precious metal is still highly popular, and people want to buy it and store it in case their country’s currency falls or fails. This is understandable and admirable, but this Acre Gold review has shown that there are some red flags about the company.

With that, there are many other companies out there with few complaints and positive reviews. If the person’s goal is to invest in gold, it might be wise to go with one of them. Regardless, make sure to do plenty of research on the gold-buying companies out there before deciding which one to give money to.

Gold Companies