Custodian
Definition
A custodian is the financial institution that holds and administers your Gold IRA. Custodians handle IRS reporting, coordinate metal purchases with dealers, and manage all account paperwork. By law, you cannot hold Gold IRA metals without a custodian. Regular brokerages like Fidelity or Schwab do not offer Gold IRA custody — you need a specialized self-directed IRA custodian. Common custodians include Equity Trust, GoldStar Trust, and Strata Trust.
Why It Matters for Gold IRA Investors
Your custodian controls your account administration and affects your annual fees. Choosing a reliable custodian with transparent pricing is one of the most important decisions when opening a Gold IRA.