Planning for retirement means exploring different ways to protect and grow your savings. One option that has gained attention is adding precious metals like gold and silver to retirement accounts through specialized companies.
GoldStar Trust Company offers self-directed IRA services that let you hold physical precious metals in your retirement account, serving as both custodian and trustee for alternative investments. The company has been in business for over 30 years and claims to have opened more than 37,000 accounts. They handle not just precious metals but also real estate and other alternative investments.
Understanding how GoldStar works is important before you decide if it fits your retirement strategy. This review will cover their account options, investment choices, fees, security features, and what customers actually experience. You’ll learn about their custodial services and get answers to common questions about precious metals IRAs.
Goldstar Precious Metals IRA Review – An Overview
Goldstar Trust Company serves as an IRA custodian that allows you to hold physical precious metals in your retirement accounts. The company has operated since 1989 and specializes in self-directed IRAs that go beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
What Is a Precious Metals IRA?
A precious metals IRA is a special type of individual retirement account that lets you hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Unlike regular IRAs that hold paper assets, these accounts store actual metal coins and bars.
You get the same tax benefits as traditional retirement accounts. Your investments can grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them in retirement.
The IRS sets strict rules about which metals qualify. Not all gold or silver products can go into your IRA.
Approved precious metals include:
- Gold coins and bars (99.5% purity minimum)
- Silver coins and bars (99.9% purity minimum)
- Platinum and palladium products (99.95% purity minimum)
Your metals must be stored in an IRS-approved depository. You cannot keep them at home or in a personal safe deposit box.
Goldstar Trust Company Background
Goldstar Trust Company started in 1989 and is based in Canyon, Texas. The Kelley family founded and owns the company.
The company manages over 60,000 IRA accounts with more than $2.7 billion in assets. This makes them one of the larger self-directed IRA custodians in the industry.
They focus on alternative investments beyond traditional retirement savings options. Their services cover precious metals, real estate, church bonds, and private investments.
Key company facts:
- Founded: 1989
- Location: Canyon, Texas
- Accounts managed: 60,000+
- Total assets: $2.7+ billion
The company has three decades of experience in the self-directed IRA space. Their staff includes professionals with backgrounds in real estate, mutual funds, and IRA management.
Role as a Self-Directed IRA Custodian
As an IRA custodian, Goldstar Trust Company holds and protects your retirement assets. They do not sell precious metals directly to customers.
You choose which approved metals to buy from precious metals dealers. Goldstar then arranges storage at IRS-approved facilities like Delaware Depository Service Company.
Their custodial services include:
- Account setup and maintenance
- Asset storage coordination
- IRS compliance management
- Annual reporting
- Transaction processing
The company offers multiple IRA types through their custodial services. These include Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Simple IRAs.
You maintain control over your investment choices in self-directed IRAs. Goldstar provides the administrative framework but does not give investment advice.
Their annual custodial fee is $275 for accounts up to $100,000. Storage costs an additional $50 per year for precious metals holdings.
Types of IRAs and Account Structures
GoldStar Trust Company offers several IRA types with different tax benefits and contribution rules. Each account structure serves different retirement goals and income levels.
Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA
Traditional IRAs allow you to deduct contributions from your current taxes. You pay taxes when you withdraw money during retirement. This works well if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket later.
Roth IRAs use after-tax dollars for contributions. Your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. This benefits people who expect higher tax rates in the future.
| Feature | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Deduction | Yes, now | No |
| Tax on Withdrawals | Yes | No |
| Required Distributions | At age 73 | None |
Both account types can hold precious metals through GoldStar Trust. You must follow the same IRS rules for metal purity and storage requirements.
SEP and SIMPLE IRA Options
SEP IRAs work for self-employed people and small business owners. You can contribute up to 25% of your income or $69,000 for 2025, whichever is less.
SIMPLE IRAs suit small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Employee contributions max out at $16,500 for 2025. Employers must match contributions or make non-elective contributions.
Both retirement accounts can include precious metals investments. GoldStar Trust manages these accounts the same way as regular IRAs. The metals must meet IRS fineness requirements and stay in approved depositories.
Real Estate IRA and Private Equity Accounts
Real estate IRAs let you buy property within your retirement account. You can purchase rental properties, land, or commercial buildings. All income and expenses must flow through the IRA.
Private equity accounts allow investments in private companies, hedge funds, or startups. These investments often require high minimum amounts and longer holding periods.
GoldStar Trust specializes in these alternative investments. They handle the paperwork and ensure IRS compliance. You cannot personally use real estate in your IRA or have direct control over private equity investments while they remain in the account.
Investment Options with Goldstar
Goldstar Trust Company provides access to precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium through self-directed IRAs. You can also invest in church bonds and alternative assets including real estate, privately-held companies, and crowdfunding opportunities.
Physical Precious Metals
Your precious metals investment options with Goldstar include four main types of metals. You can hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your IRA account.
These precious metals must meet IRS purity standards. Gold must be 99.5% pure, while silver needs to be 99.9% pure.
Your silver IRA or gold IRA holds actual physical metals. The company stores these assets in secure depositories like Delaware Depository.
Precious metals investments can include approved coins and bars. Popular choices are American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and various bullion bars.
You cannot store these metals at home. IRS rules require third-party storage for all IRA precious metals.
Church Bonds and Faith-Based Assets
Church bonds offer a unique investment option through Goldstar’s self-directed IRA platform. These bonds help fund religious organizations and their building projects.
Church bond investments typically provide fixed returns over set time periods. They often offer higher yields than traditional bonds while supporting faith-based communities.
You can invest in bonds from various denominations and religious organizations. These investments help churches build new facilities or renovate existing properties.
The minimum investment amounts vary by bond offering. Interest payments usually come monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the specific bond terms.
Church bonds carry different risk levels than traditional investments. You should review each offering carefully before investing your retirement funds.
Alternative Investment Opportunities
Alternative investments through Goldstar extend beyond precious metals and church bonds. You can invest in publicly traded securities, closely-held stocks, and various real estate options.
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) let you invest in commercial real estate without direct property ownership. Real estate investment trusts provide income through property rentals and sales.
Crowdfunding platforms offer access to startup companies and development projects. Crowdfunding investments pool money from multiple investors for larger opportunities.
You can hold privately offered investments including LLCs and LPs (Limited Partnerships) in your account. Real estate investments can include direct property ownership through real estate IRAs.
Swiss annuities provide international diversification options. These products offer guaranteed returns from Swiss insurance companies with strong financial ratings.
Custodial Services and Security Features
GoldStar Trust Company operates as a qualified self-directed IRA custodian with over three decades of experience managing precious metals accounts. The company maintains strict IRS compliance standards and offers multiple storage solutions to protect your gold IRA investments.
Custodial Responsibilities and Compliance
GoldStar Trust Company serves as your official self-directed IRA custodian, handling all administrative duties required by the IRS. They maintain your account records and process transactions according to federal regulations.
The company ensures full IRS compliance by following all rules for precious metals IRAs. This includes verifying that your gold, silver, platinum, and palladium meet IRS purity requirements.
Your custodian processes all buy and sell orders through approved dealers. They coordinate directly with storage facilities to move your metals safely.
Key custodial duties include:
- Transaction processing and reporting
- Tax document preparation
- Required minimum distribution calculations
- Account statement generation
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
GoldStar maintains detailed records of all your precious metals holdings. They track each coin and bar by serial number and weight.
Precious Metals Storage Options
GoldStar Trust works with IRS-approved depositories to store your precious metals securely. These facilities use advanced security systems including 24/7 monitoring and armed guards.
You can choose from multiple storage locations across the United States. Each facility meets strict security and insurance requirements set by federal regulators.
The depositories store your metals in high-security vaults with multiple access controls. Only authorized personnel can enter these areas with proper identification and clearance.
Storage facility features:
- Fireproof and waterproof vaults
- 24/7 video surveillance
- Motion detection systems
- Armed security personnel
- Regular audits and inspections
Your precious metals remain in professional storage until you request a distribution. The facilities handle all inventory management and tracking.
Segregated Storage and Insurance
Segregated storage keeps your precious metals separate from other investors’ holdings. Your specific coins and bars are identified and stored individually rather than mixed together.
This storage method provides better tracking and accountability for your investments. You own the exact pieces of metal allocated to your account.
Storage fees vary based on the value and type of metals in your account. GoldStar uses a sliding scale fee structure that increases with larger account balances.
The depositories carry comprehensive insurance coverage on all stored precious metals. This protection covers theft, damage, and other potential losses while your metals remain in storage.
Insurance policies typically cover the full market value of stored metals. The coverage applies whether you choose segregated or allocated storage options.
Fee Structure and Associated Costs
GoldStar Trust charges a $50 setup fee and annual maintenance fees up to $275 for accounts under $100,000. Storage fees and transaction costs vary based on your investment choices and account activity.
IRA Fees and Schedule
GoldStar Trust requires a one-time setup fee of $50 to establish your precious metals IRA. This covers the initial account opening and paperwork processing.
Your annual maintenance fee depends on your account value. Accounts under $100,000 pay up to $275 per year. The exact amount varies based on your total assets.
The company uses a transparent fee structure. You can plan your costs easily because all fees are disclosed upfront. No hidden charges surprise you later.
Transaction and Custodial Fees
Transaction fees apply when you buy or sell precious metals in your IRA. GoldStar charges a $75 transfer fee for moving assets between accounts.
Storage fees are separate from custodial fees. These cover the secure storage of your physical precious metals at approved depositories.
Custodial fees cover account management and record keeping. These are included in your annual maintenance fee rather than charged separately.
Administrative charges may apply for special requests. Wire transfers and overnight shipping create additional costs beyond the standard fee schedule.
Comparing Costs to Other Custodians
GoldStar Trust offers competitive pricing compared to other precious metals IRA custodians. The $50 setup fee is lower than many competitors who charge $100 or more.
Annual fees vary widely across the industry. Some custodians charge flat rates while others use sliding scales based on account value.
Storage costs depend on which depository you choose. Different facilities have different pricing structures for precious metals storage.
You should compare total costs rather than individual fees. Some custodians have lower setup fees but higher ongoing costs that add up over time.
Performance, Customer Experience, and Industry Reputation
Goldstar Trust has earned mixed reviews from customers, with strong ratings from financial institutions but some complaints about fees and service. The company offers solid portfolio diversification through precious metals and alternative investments, though specific investment return data remains limited.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Goldstar Trust maintains strong institutional ratings with an A+ BBB Rating and 5-Star Rating from Bauer Financial. These ratings show the company meets high financial standards and regulatory requirements.
Customer feedback presents a mixed picture. Many clients praise the fast transfer process, with some precious metals IRA transfers completing in just two days. The company has responded to 65% of negative reviews, typically within one week.
Common complaints include long phone wait times and concerns about recurring fees. However, the company offers callback options to manage wait times better.
Goldstar Trust manages over 60,000 IRA accounts with assets exceeding $2.7 billion. This large customer base demonstrates significant market trust, though individual experiences vary.
You can find customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, and Yelp. These reviews help you understand real user experiences before making investment decisions.
Portfolio Diversification and Investment Returns
Goldstar Trust offers strong portfolio diversification options beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Your retirement investments can include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion through their precious metals IRA services.
The company provides access to alternative investments including:
- Real estate IRAs
- Church bonds with fixed interest rates
- Privately offered securities
- Crowdfunding opportunities
- Limited liability companies
Investment Options Comparison:
| Traditional IRAs | Goldstar Trust IRAs |
|---|---|
| Stocks, bonds, mutual funds | Precious metals, real estate, private investments |
| Limited diversification | Broader asset classes |
| Market-dependent returns | Alternative return sources |
While competitors like Augusta Precious Metals focus primarily on precious metals, Goldstar Trust offers wider investment opportunities. This broader range helps you build more diversified retirement portfolios.
The company doesn’t publish specific investment return data. Your returns depend on market performance and the specific assets you choose for your retirement planning strategy.
Pros, Cons, and Final Considerations
Advantages of Goldstar Trust:
- Over 30 years of industry experience
- Wide range of alternative investment options
- Competitive annual fees ranging from $75-$275
- Strong institutional ratings and financial backing
- Insurance coverage up to $250,000 for assets
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited publicly available return data
- Some customers report high recurring fees
- Phone support can have long wait times
- Fewer investment options than some larger competitors
Your choice between Goldstar Trust and competitors should consider your specific retirement planning needs. If you want precious metals alongside other alternative investments, Goldstar Trust provides good options.
However, if you prefer companies with more extensive precious metals selections, Augusta Precious Metals might better serve your needs. Consider your investment timeline, risk tolerance, and diversification goals when making this decision.
The company’s transparent fee structure helps you plan costs effectively. Their $50 annual holding fee for non-traditional assets remains competitive within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
GoldStar Trust Company charges annual fees ranging from $75 for basic accounts, offers online account access through their web portal, and accepts various IRS-approved precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. You can contact their customer service at 800-488-6888 for assistance with your account.
What are the typical fees associated with a Precious Metals IRA from Goldstar Trust Company?
GoldStar Trust Company charges competitive fees for their precious metals IRA services. Annual maintenance fees for a Precious Metals IRA typically range from $75 and up, depending on your account size and holdings.
You will also pay storage charges for keeping your precious metals in IRS-approved depositories. These storage fees are separate from the annual maintenance fees.
If you choose to receive paper statements instead of electronic delivery, you’ll pay an additional $25 annual paper statement fee. Electronic statements are free through their online portal.
How does Goldstar Trust Company compare to other gold IRA custodians?
GoldStar Trust Company has operated for over three decades and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This track record shows their experience in the precious metals IRA industry.
They offer a transparent fee structure that many customers find competitive compared to other custodians. Their annual fees start at $75, which is often lower than many competitors.
GoldStar provides a wide range of investment options beyond precious metals, including real estate and church bonds. This gives you more flexibility in your self-directed IRA compared to custodians that only focus on precious metals.
What is the process for rolling over an existing IRA into a Goldstar Precious Metals IRA?
You need to complete specific forms to start your rollover process. These typically include the Transfer or Rollover form and the Investment Direction form, along with the account application called the Simplifier.
All contributions to your new self-directed IRA must be made in cash, except for rollovers and direct transfers. Once your account is funded, you can use those funds to purchase precious metals.
You should contact your current custodian about their specific requirements for the rollover. Some custodians may not accept GoldStar’s paperwork and may have their own transfer procedures.
Can I access my Goldstar Precious Metals IRA account online, and if so, how?
Yes, you can access your account through GoldStar’s online portal at goldstartrust.com. New users need to register by clicking the “Register” link and following the setup prompts.
Existing users log in with their username and password to view account information. You can access statements and tax documents through the “Statements and Documents” tab in your online account.
Each account holder needs a unique email address to sign up for online access. Multiple accounts cannot share the same email address for security purposes.
What types of precious metals can be included in a Goldstar Precious Metals IRA?
Your GoldStar Precious Metals IRA can hold various IRS-approved precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These must meet specific purity requirements set by the IRS.
You can purchase gold coins and gold bullion through your self-directed IRA once your account is funded. All precious metals must be stored in IRS-approved depositories and cannot be kept in your personal possession.
The precious metals market values on your statements reflect estimated bid prices, not firm buying or selling prices. These values are updated every two weeks and don’t include dealer markups or commissions.
How do I get in touch with Goldstar Trust Company customer service for issues with my Precious Metals IRA?
You can contact GoldStar Trust Company customer service by calling 800-488-6888 during business hours. This number connects you directly with their self-directed IRA specialists.
For account updates like changing your email address, you can submit the Account Update Request Form by email to their support team or by fax at 806.655.2490. Written requests help ensure accurate processing of your account changes.
GoldStar representatives cannot make electronic statement elections on your behalf. You must log into the online portal yourself to accept the electronic delivery disclosure and make this selection.
