State Guide · Contract-First · June 2026
For gold IRA companies in Texas, the safest comparison is to separate three different roles: the IRA custodian that handles paperwork and custody, the precious-metals dealer that sells the gold, and the depository that stores it. One verifiable Texas option is the Texas Bullion Depository (TxBD), which says IRA storage is available with Equity Trust Company — but that does not reduce fraud risk or change federal IRS rules. The real question is: what do the contracts say?
Gold IRA companies is a loose marketing term. In practice, you are usually dealing with at least two separate businesses: a custodian and a dealer, plus a storage provider. Regulators warn that self-directed IRA structures can increase fraud risk, so you should verify each role in writing instead of relying on brand claims.
A good rule: if a provider can’t clearly explain who does what, pause.
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Custodian / trust company | Holds the IRA account, handles IRS paperwork and recordkeeping |
| Precious-metals dealer | Sells the actual metals into the IRA; sets pricing and spreads |
| Depository | Stores the metals under an IRS-compliant arrangement |
That separation matters because one company’s marketing can blur the lines. Some custodians disclose that they do notmake independent determinations of precious metals value or pricing. GoldStar’s precious-metals disclosure, for example, states it makes no independent determination of value or pricing for precious metals.
When you see “IRS-approved gold IRA company,” read that as marketing shorthand, not an official seal. The IRS sets the rules — it does not endorse specific companies.
Texas-based storage can be useful, but it is not a shortcut around federal rules. The most notable Texas-specific option right now is the Texas Bullion Depository (TxBD), which says it offers IRA storage “in collaboration with Equity Trust Company.” That is a helpful data point for Texas residents, but it does not tell you your total cost, your storage type, or your transfer terms.
What TxBD says — and what it does not say:
A Texas location can be convenient. But it does not change the IRS rules, reduce fraud risk by itself, or guarantee low fees. Contracts do.
The IRS does allow some gold in IRAs, but not every coin or bar qualifies. The rule depends on the type of metal, the form of the asset, and how it is held. Gold eligibility is not a marketing label — it is a compliance question under IRC §408(m).
Practical eligibility checklist for your order paperwork:
The IRS does not simply say “buy pure metal.” It ties the bullion exception to the minimum fineness used for delivery on a regulated futures contract. For gold, that is commonly described as 995 fineness (99.5% pure). Verify the exact standard in the latest IRS text before buying.
The best comparison method is to compare contracts, not slogans. You want a written, itemized quote that shows setup fees, annual admin fees, storage costs, transaction charges, and transfer-out costs. A cheap headline rate can hide expensive storage or trading fees later.
| Provider | Storage type | Annual fee example | Source date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATA Trust Company | Commingled | $100 | 2026-06-13 |
| Equity Trust | Segregated | $160 | 2026-06-13 |
Segregated storagemeans your metals are stored separately from other clients’ metals. Commingled storage means metals of the same type may be stored together. Segregated often costs more. What matters is the contract, the fee, and the storage terms.
FINRA warns that self-directed IRAs can be used in fraudulent schemes. The SEC has published a similar investor alert, and the CFTC warns about precious-metals schemes that drain retirement savings.
Watch for:
Before you compare any gold IRA companies in Texas, confirm each of the following in writing:
If you can’t get that in writing, keep looking.
Usually, no. What matters is whether the custodian, dealer, and storage arrangement fit the IRS rules and your contract terms. Federal rules govern eligibility — Texas location alone does not change compliance.
The Texas Bullion Depository (TxBD) publicly states that IRA storage is available in collaboration with Equity Trust Company. That is a useful Texas-specific option, but it does not tell you your annual storage fee, storage type, dealer spread, or transfer terms — those must be verified separately.
Segregated storage means your metals are stored separately from other clients' metals. Commingled storage means metals of the same type may be stored together. STRATA Trust lists $100 as a commingled storage example; Equity Trust states $160 for segregated storage (accessed 2026-06-13). Segregated usually costs more — confirm the current schedule.
No. The IRS sets rules for what is allowed in an IRA but does not endorse specific companies. When you see 'IRS-approved gold IRA company,' read that as marketing shorthand, not an official seal.
Usually a mix of setup, annual custodian/admin, storage, transaction, and transfer-out fees. Ask for a full written schedule that lists each line item before you open an account. A cheap headline rate can hide expensive storage or trading fees.
No. Custodians can process accounts without independently verifying every investment decision or pricing detail. GoldStar's precious-metals disclosure, for example, states it makes no independent determination of value or pricing. Acceptance is not the same as endorsement.