Fidelity does not offer a self-directed gold IRA that holds physical gold. You can’t call them up, open an account, and have gold bars sitting in a vault tied to your retirement savings. That’s not what Fidelity does.
What they do offer is exposure to gold through more traditional investment vehicles, which suits most investors just fine.
Related: Fidelity Gold IRA Review
Gold Exposure Options at Fidelity
- Gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) or iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
- Gold mining stocks and sector funds
- Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX), an actively managed mutual fund
- Commodity-focused funds with partial gold exposure
These can be held inside a Fidelity IRA, including Traditional, Roth, and Rollover accounts. So the tax advantages still apply.
Physical Gold IRA vs. Paper Gold: Quick Comparison
| Physical Gold IRA | Gold ETF in IRA | |
|---|---|---|
| Available at Fidelity | No | Yes |
| Holds actual metal | Yes | No |
| Storage fees | Yes (custodian + vault) | Low (expense ratio only) |
| IRS-approved | Yes (if rules met) | Yes |
Where to Go for a Physical Gold IRA
You’ll need a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) custodian. Companies like Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco, and Birch Gold specialize in this. The IRS requires the metal to meet purity standards (99.5% for gold) and be stored at an approved depository, not at home.
FAQ: Can I roll a 401(k) into a gold IRA?
Yes. A rollover from an employer plan to an SDIRA holding physical gold is permitted, as long as you follow IRS 60-day rollover rules or use a direct (trustee-to-trustee) transfer.
Conclusion
If you want physical gold, Fidelity isn’t your answer, but a self-directed IRA custodian will get you there. If paper gold exposure inside a well-managed account is enough, Fidelity handles that well.