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# 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.