Are there minimum investment requirements in an IRA?

The IRS does not set a minimum investment amount for a precious metals IRA. However, there are some practical minimums to be aware of:

Custodian & Setup Fees 

Most custodians, including New Direction Trust Company (NDTCO), charge account setup fees and annual maintenance fees. These costs make very small accounts impractical — you'd want enough invested so fees don't consume a disproportionate share of your holdings.

Metal Pricing 

The price of the metals themselves creates a natural floor. Gold, for example, trades at over $4,500 per ounce currently, meaning even a single gold coin or bar represents a meaningful investment. Silver is far more accessible by comparison.

Practical Considerations 

Most precious metals IRA dealers and custodians informally suggest a starting point in the range of $5,000–$10,000 to make the account economically worthwhile, though this is a guideline, not a rule.

Annual Contribution Limits While there's no minimum, the IRS does cap new contributions at $7,000 per year (or $8,000 if you're age 50 or older). Rollover amounts from existing 401(k)s, 403(b)s, TSPs, or IRAs are not subject to these caps and can be much larger.

Updated on: 09/04/2026