I have been reviewing precious metals companies for more than two decades, and I always start each evaluation the same way. I call the company myself, I ask the uncomfortable questions, I test their ordering process, I review their history, and I verify third party data.
This US Gold Bureau review is the result of that process.
If you are considering opening a Gold IRA or buying physical metals through the U.S. Gold Bureau, the information below will give you every detail you need to make a confident decision.
Before we begin, keep in mind that my top recommended Gold IRA company for 2025 is Augusta Precious Metals. Their lifetime support and A plus rating from the Better Business Bureau place them above the rest.
If you want the safest option, visit Augusta here.
- Quick Summary
- What Is The U.S. Gold Bureau
- My Personal Experience Calling U.S. Gold Bureau
- Product Selection
- Are They Good For Gold IRAs
- US Gold Bureau Storage Options
- Selling Metals to U.S. Gold Bureau
- U.S. Gold Bureau Fees
- Ratings and Customer Reviews
- Pros and Cons
- How They Compare to Top Gold IRA Companies
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Summary
What Is The U.S. Gold Bureau
U.S. Gold Bureau is a Texas based precious metals dealer that has been in business since 2003. What sets them apart is their parent company, Lone Star Tangible Assets. The State of Texas selected LSTA to build and operate the Texas Bullion Depository, which is the only state run bullion depository in the country.
That alone gives the company credibility. When I personally called their support line, the representative explained how their relationship with the Texas Bullion Depository gives them a competitive advantage for IRA storage and security.
They sell gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rare coins, collectibles, and IRA approved bullion. Their website also lists live spot prices, which is something I always appreciate as an analyst.
My Personal Experience Calling U.S. Gold Bureau
When I called, the phone did not bounce around departments. A representative picked up quickly. He answered questions in a calm way and did not push a sale. He asked what my goals were, explained their IRA process, and walked me through storage options.
After I mentioned that I had reviewed dozens of competitors, he did not become defensive or pushy. He simply explained the Texas angle and why some investors prefer a state operated depository.
The conversation ended naturally. No pressure, no last minute pitches.
That is always a positive sign.
Product Selection
One of the Largest Inventories in the Industry**
This is one of the reasons the company is so popular. The selection is huge, both for investors and collectors.
Below is a breakdown of their inventory.
Gold
Gold Coins
American Eagles, American Buffalos, First Spouses, Pre 1933 coins, commemoratives, high relief coins, international coins from the Royal Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Austrian Mint, Perth Mint, and more.
Gold Bars
1 gram, 2.5 gram, 5 gram, 10 gram, 20 gram, 50 gram, 100 gram, 10 ounce, kilo bars.
Silver
Silver Coins
American Eagles, Buffalos, America the Beautiful, international mint releases, Morgan and Peace dollars, pre 65 coin bags.
Silver Bars and Rounds
Gram bars, 1 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, kilo bars, 100 oz bars.
Platinum
Platinum Eagles, international platinum coins, 1 gram bars, 1 ounce bars, 10 ounce bars.
Palladium
Limited selection but includes:
PAMP bars, Heraeus bars, and the full Palladium American Eagle yearly lineup from 2017 to 2023.
Website Experience
The site is easy to navigate, very visual, and everything is grouped by category. Prices update live. You will find educational material, product descriptions, retirement guides, and a free investment kit.
The only downside is that the site sometimes loads slowly during high traffic hours.
Are They Good For Gold IRAs
Yes, they offer Gold IRA services.
Here is what I confirmed personally:
Minimum Investment for a New Precious Metals IRA
35,000
IRA Setup Steps
-
Create an account on their website
-
Choose Precious Metals IRA
-
Complete the rollover form or choose to fund with cash
-
Speak with their IRA specialist
-
Select IRS approved metals
-
Choose a storage depository (Texas is the popular choice)
-
Track your holdings through your account
US Gold Bureau Storage Options
The Texas Advantage**
The strongest feature of USGB is their relationship with the Texas Bullion Depository.
The depository is:
-
Operated by the State of Texas
-
Fully insured through Lloyd?s of London
-
One of the most secure storage facilities in the country
You can also choose other depositories in Delaware, Utah, Nevada, and California.
Selling Metals to U.S. Gold Bureau
Simple Process But Not Always Best Price**
You can sell metals back to the company by:
-
Logging into your account
-
Selecting the ?Sell to Us? option
-
Locking in a price
-
Printing the shipping label
-
Sending metals within 48 hours
Payout methods include:
-
Bank deposit
-
Check
-
Store credit
The buyback prices are fair, but they are never the best in the industry. That is normal for dealers.
U.S. Gold Bureau Fees
This information is rarely shown clearly, so I called them to confirm it.
Precious Metals IRA Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| One time setup fee | 250 |
| Annual maintenance | 150 |
| Storage fee | Depends on depository, usually between 0.045 percent and 0.5 percent of value |
Selling Fee
25 for shipping and insurance when you sell metals back to them.
Ratings and Customer Reviews
| Platform | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | A plus | Strong rating but not many reviews |
| TrustPilot | 3.3 out of 5 | Mixed feedback, common complaint is pushy sales |
| Consumer Affairs | 4.1 out of 5 | Mostly positive |
| Google Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 | Very strong rating |
Pros and Cons
Honest Summary Based on My Research**
Pros
-
Long history in the industry
-
Backed by Lone Star Tangible Assets
-
Access to the Texas state owned depository
-
Wide range of products
-
Free shipping over 99
-
Helpful educational resources
-
Easy buying and selling process
-
Real time pricing
Cons
-
Website can load slowly
-
Some complaints about salesperson pressure
-
Fees are not clearly listed
-
Buyback prices are average, not exceptional
-
Not listed with Business Consumer Alliance
-
Shipping delays in some reviews
How They Compare to Top Gold IRA Companies
| Company | Strength | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta Precious Metals | Best education, best transparency, lifetime support | 5 out of 5 |
| Goldco | Strong customer service and IRA rollover help | 4.8 out of 5 |
| American Hartford Gold | Great for beginners | 4.6 out of 5 |
| U.S. Gold Bureau | Large inventory and Texas storage advantage | 4 out of 5 |
If your goal is stability, transparency, and peace of mind, I strongly suggest looking at Augusta Precious Metals before making any decision.
Final Verdict
Is U.S. Gold Bureau A Scam?
No, U.S. Gold Bureau is not a scam. They are a legitimate precious metals company with a long history, a strong connection to the State of Texas, and a large product inventory.
However, they are not the most transparent company when it comes to IRA fees, and some customer reviews raise concerns about shipping delays and aggressive sales at times.
If you want a safe and predictable experience, especially for retirement money, I would look at a company with a more consistent reputation and more transparent pricing.
The Gold IRA company that consistently ranks number one for transparency and long term support is Augusta Precious Metals.
? Click here to read my full Augusta review
? Or visit the official Augusta website here
Frequently Asked Questions
Is U.S. Gold Bureau Legit
Yes, they are a legitimate dealer founded in 2003 and backed by Lone Star Tangible Assets.
Does U.S. Gold Bureau offer IRAs
Yes, they offer Precious Metals IRAs with a minimum 35 thousand investment.
What payment methods do they accept
Bank wire, credit and debit card, checks, and IRA rollovers.
Where are metals stored
Texas Bullion Depository or partner locations in Delaware, California, Utah, and Nevada.
Are their prices fair
Their premiums are average. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive.
Did they pay you to write this? Did you research the litigation against them?
Hi Lyn, Im going to definitely look into that, thanks for pointing it out.