Segregated vs Commingled Storage for a Gold IRA

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Quick Answer

Segregated storage means a customer's metals are kept physically separate from other customers' metals inside an IRS-approved depository, typically in a labeled location with the customer's name or account on the holding. Commingled (also called non-segregated or allocated-pool) storage means the customer's metals are stored alongside metals owned by other customers of the same type, with depository records tracking who owns how much.

Both options are common for self-directed Precious Metals IRA customers. Annual depository charges are generally assessed by the independent depository selected for the account, not by the precious metals company. Customers should confirm current rates directly with the assigned custodian and depository before opening or funding the account.

Storage Terms in Plain English

Typical Third-Party Depository Storage Costs

Annual depository storage costs vary by depository, account size, product type, and whether the storage is segregated or commingled. Public materials and provider fee explainers commonly describe ranges similar to the example below, but customers should request current written rates from the assigned custodian and depository.

• Commingled (non-segregated) storage: Provider fee explainers commonly cite example annual costs in the range of $100 to $150, depending on the depository and account terms.
• Segregated storage: Provider fee explainers commonly cite example annual costs in the range of $150 to $300, depending on the depository, product type, and account size.

These figures are examples reported in public materials, not current quotes. Customers should request current written rates before opening or funding a self-directed Precious Metals IRA.

Segregated vs Commingled Storage Cost Calculator

The segregated vs commingled storage cost calculator below estimates the annual and cumulative difference between the two storage options, using figures the user enters. It also shows the break-even account size at which a percentage-based commingled fee would match a flat segregated fee. Every input is chosen by the user, so the result is an illustrative estimate, not a depository quote.

The default figures are illustrative examples only, not depository rates. For flat fees the account balance does not change the charge; for percentage-based fees the cost is applied to the balance each year. The estimate excludes custodian fees, dealer spreads, insurance billed separately, taxes, and metal price movement. It does not conclude that either storage option is appropriate. For a full storage cost projection, see the Gold IRA storage fee calculator.

Who Charges Storage Fees

Annual storage costs are generally assessed by the independent depository selected for the account, not by the precious metals company that helped coordinate the purchase. Customer agreements, custodian terms, and depository terms should be reviewed for current fee schedules. Customers should not assume that a precious metals company controls or sets these third-party costs.

IRS-Approved Depositories Customers May See

Self-directed Precious Metals IRAs typically work with IRS-approved depositories. Customers should confirm the specific depository assigned to their account with the custodian, and request current written terms from the depository directly. Common depositories referenced in public materials include:

• Delaware Depository
• Brink's Global Services USA
• International Depository Services (IDS) of Delaware and IDS of Texas
• Texas Bullion Depository (state-chartered, used by some custodians)

Customers should verify that the assigned depository is IRS-approved for Precious Metals IRA storage, and should review insurance, audit, and reporting practices through the depository's own materials.

Practical Differences Customers Care About

Cost

Segregated storage is typically priced higher than commingled storage because the depository allocates a specific labeled space to the customer's metals. Customers should weigh the additional cost against personal preferences and any depository policies on retrieval, audit, and distribution.

Retrieval and distribution

When an in-kind distribution from a Precious Metals IRA is taken, the depository ships specific coins or bars to the customer or to another approved party. Customers should ask the custodian and depository how distributions are handled for both segregated and commingled holdings, and what documentation is provided.

Audit and reporting

Depositories typically provide periodic statements and may publish audit policies. Customers should review reporting frequency, audit practices, and how holdings are reconciled with custodian records before relying on any storage description.

Insurance

Depository insurance terms vary. Customers should request a written description of insurance coverage, limits, and any exclusions from the depository directly. Insurance terms are set by the depository, not by the precious metals company.

Common Misunderstandings

• "Segregated storage is the same as home storage." No. Segregated storage at an IRS-approved depository is still depository storage. "Home storage" arrangements for IRA-owned metals carry significant tax and legal risk and are outside the scope of this educational page.
• "Commingled means my metals are mixed with junk metal." No. Commingled depository storage means customer-owned metals of the same product type are stored together with depository records tracking ownership. Customers should request a written explanation of how holdings are tracked.
• "The precious metals company decides my storage fee." Not directly. Storage fees are generally assessed by the independent depository selected for the account. Customers should request the depository's current written rate.
• "All depositories cost the same." No. Costs vary by depository, account size, product type, and storage option. Customers should compare written rates before opening an account.

Written-Question Checklist Before Choosing Storage

1. Which IRS-approved depository will be assigned to the account?
2. What is the current annual storage cost for commingled storage at that depository?
3. What is the current annual storage cost for segregated storage at that depository?
4. Are storage costs assessed by the depository or by the precious metals company?
5. How are holdings tracked and reported on customer statements?
6. How is an in-kind distribution handled for both segregated and commingled holdings?
7. What insurance coverage is provided, and what are the limits and exclusions?
8. How often are audits performed, and are audit summaries available to customers?
9. Are there additional charges for shipping, retrieval, or distribution?
10. Can the customer change depositories or storage options after the account is open, and what would that involve?

How This Page Was Built

This page is based on the site's existing Gold IRA Fees & Hidden Costs Guide, provider-specific fee articles, and public materials describing typical depository storage terms. Customers should request live written information directly from the assigned custodian and depository because storage rates, depositories, insurance terms, and audit practices can change.

Article reviewed and edited by Daniel — independent precious-metals retirement researcher.

Further Reading

Gold IRA Storage Fee CalculatorEstimate total depository storage cost drag over the full holding period.Gold IRA Fees & Hidden Costs GuideGet the free PDF guide covering storage, administration, and markup questions.Gold IRA Quote ChecklistUse a 15-point checklist before accepting any written provider quote.