Goldco's Free Gold & Silver Kit
Goldco offers a free Gold & Silver Kit, along with an "Ultimate Guide to Gold & Silver," for people who want to learn about owning physical precious metals. It is the company's own introduction to its offering, so it is most useful as a starting point for questions, read alongside neutral sources like IRS publications.
What the Kit Is
The kit is educational material produced by Goldco, a precious metals company, about holding gold and silver, both inside a self-directed IRA and through direct purchase. The "Ultimate Guide to Gold & Silver" is a separate resource Goldco also offers. Both are free to request.
We are not describing the specific contents page by page, because the materials can change and we have not independently verified the current edition. What you can reasonably expect is that they present Goldco's perspective on precious metals and its services. Like any company's marketing, it is written to make the case for its products.
What Happens After You Request It
Requesting the kit generally means submitting contact details through a form. It is reasonable to expect that a precious metals specialist from Goldco may follow up by phone or email to discuss your interest. That call is a chance to ask questions; it does not commit you to anything.
A few practical notes:
- Use contact details you are comfortable receiving follow-up on.
- If you only want the materials for now, say so when contacted, and ask for written follow-up instead of calls if you prefer.
- Read the privacy policy on any form before you submit it, so you know how your information is used.
How to Read the Kit Critically
Company materials can be accurate and still incomplete. As you read, keep a notepad with three columns: claims, questions, and things to verify. For example:
- Claims about gold or silver and the economy. Statements about inflation, debt, or market volatility are worth checking against data from neutral sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (for inflation) and the World Gold Council's Goldhub (for gold market data). Some people hold gold as a potential hedge against inflation, but its price can fall, and past behavior does not predict future results. See gold and inflation.
- Statements about tax rules. Compare these with IRS Publication 590-A and the IRS rollover page. If something sounds different from the IRS wording, ask about it.
- Product descriptions. Note any coins mentioned and look up whether they are standard bullion or premium products. Our proof vs bullion coins guide helps.
- Costs. Look for references to fees and minimums, then compare against Goldco's published fee statement, reproduced below.
Gold IRA Fees
The required minimum purchase at Goldco to start a gold IRA is $25,000. Goldco’s preferred Custodian charges a flat annual account service fee which includes a one-time IRA account set-up fee of $50. as well as a $30 wire fee. Annual maintenance is $100, and storage is $150 for segregated storage or $100 for non-segregated storage.
Fees for gold storage and custodianship can vary depending on the company you select to handle these services (required by the IRS, as all IRA assets must be managed by a custodian). Depending on the Custodian, storage fees can range from $10 to $60 per month, or as a percentage of assets, from 0.35% to 1% annually.
Who the Kit Is Likely to Help
The kit tends to be most useful for people at the research stage: those who have heard about holding physical metals in a retirement account and want to understand the moving parts before speaking with anyone. It is less useful as a pricing tool, because product prices change daily with the metals markets and are quoted at the time of purchase.
If you already know the basics and mainly want to compare costs, the published fee statement and a written price quote on specific products will tell you more than any general guide. If you are unsure whether you want an IRA or a direct purchase, read our first-time buyer guide alongside the kit.
Turning the Kit Into Good Questions
After reading, you should be able to write down specific questions for a call. Useful ones include:
- Which custodian and depository would my account use?
- Which of the products in the materials are IRA eligible?
- What is the current premium over spot on the products you would suggest?
- What are the written terms of the advertised buyback program?
- How would the funding work for my specific accounts?
Our page on what Goldco's specialists do has a longer list, and how Goldco works explains the steps that follow.
Balancing the Kit With Independent Reading
To get a rounded picture, pair the kit with neutral resources:
- IRS Publication 590-A for IRA contribution and rollover rules.
- The CFTC's consumer guidance on precious metals fraud, which describes common sales tactics to be aware of.
- Independent explainers such as our what is a gold IRA and precious metals for beginners guides.
Comparing what different companies send you can also be illuminating. Our comparison framework suggests what to look at.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does requesting the kit cost anything?
Goldco offers it free. There is no purchase required to request it.
Am I obligated to buy after requesting the kit?
No. Requesting information does not create any obligation.
Is the kit financial advice?
No. It is educational and promotional material from a precious metals company. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed professional.
What is the Ultimate Guide to Gold & Silver?
It is another free resource Goldco offers about precious metals. Request it through Goldco and read it alongside neutral sources.