With economic uncertainty on the rise, more retirees are turning to precious metals like gold and silver to diversify their portfolios. But finding a reputable dealer you can trust is crucial. That’s why we thoroughly reviewed American Hartford Gold – analyzing their offerings, fees, complaints, lawsuits, and reputation.
This exhaustive review aims to provide everything you need to make an informed decision about whether American Hartford Gold is the right partner for your precious metals investment needs in 2023.
A Brief Introduction to American Hartford Gold
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, American Hartford Gold is a rapidly growing player in the precious metals space. American Hartford Gold focuses on educating retirees on diversifying their savings into physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium assets to hedge against inflation, systemic risks, and market volatility.
The company caters to both IRA and non-IRA focused investors. For IRA clients, American Hartford Gold provides full service support with establishing a Precious Metals IRA account, guiding clients through funding the account via a rollover, and completing actual purchases of IRS-approved metals to act as the backing assets.
For those seeking to make direct purchases outside an IRA, American Hartford Gold offers an extensive array of physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins, bars, and rounds available for delivery or insured storage.
As a full-service dealer, American Hartford Gold handles insured shipping, secure vault storage, and support. The company aims to educate clients while simplifying investing in physical precious metals assets.
Still young compared to decades-old gold IRA providers, American Hartford Gold remains a lesser known brand among some investors. By thoroughly evaluating their offerings, pricing, reputation, complaints, and more, we aim to determine if they deserve consideration as a potential precious metals partner. Now let’s analyze the specifics!
Why Consider Precious Metals as Part of a Retirement Portfolio?
Before diving into American Hartford Gold specifically, it’s helpful to understand why consumers are increasingly turning to companies like them for precious metals exposure. What are the benefits driving this trend?
Portfolio Diversification – Precious metals provide an asset class uncorrelated to stocks and bonds, increasing overall portfolio diversity. This hedges systemic risks impacting the financial markets.
Inflation Hedge – With inflation recently hitting 40-year highs, precious metals have historically maintained their purchasing power over long periods as effective inflation hedges.
Protection From Market Volatility – As safe haven assets, gold/silver have often provided strong returns during periods of economic crisis, recession, or stock market crashes when other assets decline.
Tangible Ownership – Owning physical bars and coins provides security through tangible ownership under your control, as opposed to just electronic securities vulnerable to cyber risks.
Growth Potential – While volatile, precious metals have appreciated substantially over the long run and still offer strong upside potential as central banks worldwide devalue currencies.
IRA Tax Advantages – Precious metals IRAs allow investors to get the same tax benefits as conventional IRAs while also accessing the portfolio diversity benefits of gold/silver/platinum/palladium.
For all of these compelling reasons, allocating a modest 5-20% portion of a retirement portfolio to physical precious metals can provide key benefits. But identifying a trusted dealer is absolutely crucial…which brings us to American Hartford Gold.
American Hartford Gold’s Products and Services for Precious Metals Investors
American Hartford Gold provides a number of precious metals products and services spanning both IRA and non-IRA offerings. Here is an overview:
Gold and Silver IRA Services
One of American Hartford Gold’s core offerings is providing full-service support to clients interested in establishing a Precious Metals IRA using physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium as the backing assets for the self-directed IRA.
Their experts handle all details involved with opening a Precious Metals IRA account, advising clients on optimal asset allocation strategies tailored to their investment goals and risk profile, facilitating any necessary fund transfers or rollovers from existing IRAs or eligible retirement accounts to fund the new Precious Metals IRA, and working with clients to complete IRS-approved precious metals purchases to fund the IRA account.
This turnkey Gold IRA service enables American Hartford Gold clients to enjoy the tax advantages, growth potential, and stability benefits of an IRA while also diversifying into physical precious metals. Their support simplifies the entire process.
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Direct Purchases of Physical Gold and Silver
In addition to IRA services, American Hartford Gold provides investors the ability to purchase physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium assets for non-retirement investment purposes.
The company offers an array of IRS-approved physical precious metals products including gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars from the world’s top government mints and trusted private refineries. Clients can browse American Hartford Gold’s product selection online or work with a representative to identify the optimal mix of assets to match their goals.
Purchasing precious metals directly from American Hartford Gold allows clients to secure physical ownership of gold, silver, platinum and palladium outside of any retirement accounts for additional portfolio diversification and stability.
Secure Insured Storage
Once clients purchase physical precious metals, American Hartford Gold offers fully-insured segregated or pooled storage solutions to provide security, convenience and peace of mind. Storage internationally is also available.
For IRA-based precious metals purchases, they partner with IRS-approved depositories optimized for safety and accessibility. Storage partners for direct purchases include Brinks, Delaware Depository, and Los Angeles-based DDSC.
Support and Education
Rather than just focusing on transactions, American Hartford Gold endeavors to build long-term client relationships by providing ongoing support and education.
Their in-house team of analysts provide market news and insights to help clients stay updated on factors impacting precious metals. American Hartford Gold also produces guides, videos, and one-on-one consultations to empower investors with knowledge.
Shipping, Delivery and Buyback
For liquidity or to take personal possession, American Hartford Gold handles discreet fully-insured shipping and delivery of purchased metals to clients upon request.
Additionally, they facilitate competitive repurchase pricing through their buyback program for clients wishing to sell their gold/silver/platinum/palladium holdings back to them. This provides an exit strategy if ever needed.
Overall, American Hartford Gold aims to provide a full-service precious metals experience – from education to purchasing to storage and liquidation.
Assessing American Hartford Gold’s Reputation
When researching any potential precious metals dealer or Gold IRA company, assessing their reputation and standing with objective third-party consumer protection organizations is crucial for validating trustworthiness. Let’s examine American Hartford Gold’s credentials:
BBB – A+ Rating
American Hartford Gold currently holds the coveted top-tier A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The BBB sets high standards for accreditation, so the A+ signals American Hartford Gold’s commitment to integrity and ethical business practices.
BCA – AAA Rating
Further cementing their credibility, American Hartford Gold maintains the prestigious AAA Rating from the Business Consumer Alliance – representing the highest level of trustworthiness.
5-Star Rating on TrustLink
Spanning over 500+ reviews on TrustLink, one of the most reputable review sites, American Hartford Gold commands an excellent “5-Star” rating reflecting very high client satisfaction.
Great Rating on Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, another influential review platform, American Hartford Gold upholds a ‘Great’ 4.5 out of 5 star average rating across over 350 verified customer reviews, signaling strong satisfaction.
Google Rating of 4.8 Stars
With over 200 independent Google reviews, American Hartford Gold sustains an impressive 4.8 out of 5 star average rating, illustrating their priority on client fulfillment.
Their stellar credentials from the most trusted consumer protection rating organizations affirm American Hartford Gold’s reputation as an emerging leader in the precious metals space.
An In-Depth Look at American Hartford Gold’s Fee Schedule
When researching any precious metals dealer or gold IRA company, fully grasping their fee structure and pricing schedule is imperative to avoid surprises. Let’s analyze American Hartford Gold’s costs:
Account Setup Fees
To open either a Gold IRA or direct purchase account, American Hartford Gold charges a reasonable one-time $50 setup fee covering administration costs.
Gold IRA Annual Fees
For Precious Metals IRAs, American Hartford Gold levies an annual IRA administration fee of $80. They also assess a $150 annual IRA metals storage fee charged by their depository partners to cover insured vaulting.
Gold/Silver/Platinum/Palladium Products
No premiums are charged on popular bullion coins/bars. But reasonable premiums aligning with market rates apply for collectible numismatic and proof products. Premiums are fully disclosed upfront.
Shipping
Fully insured shipping of purchased precious metals to clients or storage facilities is free. A major perk American Hartford Gold offers clients.
Storage Fees
For secure vault storage, American Hartford Gold charges annual fees ranging from $150 to $225+ depending on desired storage location and features. International storage incurs higher fees.
Buyback Program
American Hartford Gold’s buyback program enables liquidity at fair daily spot prices with no overt commissions or punitive spreads. This provides exit flexibility.
Rollover Fees
No charges are incurred for direct IRA custodian to custodian account transfers. But rollover fees from qualifying plans range from $50 to $250 based on rollover amount and are sometimes waived.
Overall, American Hartford Gold’s pricing schedule seems very fair and competitive for a full-service precious metals group. They do not appear to inflate costs with hidden fees like some unscrupulous dealers.
Reviewing American Hartford Gold’s Storage, Delivery and Buyback Policies
For precious metals investors, clear dealer/custodian policies around storage, delivery, and buyback options are extremely important for providing control over your assets. Let’s examine American Hartford Gold’s key policies:
Secure Storage Network
American Hartford Gold maintains relationships with industry-leading IRS-approved depositories across the United States and internationally. For IRA or non-IRA clients, American Hartford Gold can arrange fully insured storage at these specialized facilities.
Top-tier storage partners include Delaware Depository, Brinks, and International Depository Services (IDS) among others. These firms provide state-of-the-art security, including segregated storage to separate each client’s metals.
Delivery and Distribution
While most investors utilize American Hartford Gold’s insured storage network, clients can optionally request delivery of purchased coins/bars to their address. American Hartford Gold accommodates delivery requests and utilizes trusted shipping partners like UPS and USPS.
For IRA accounts, American Hartford Gold guides clients through navigating IRS rules related to distributions from retirement accounts. They simplify the process while ensuring compliance.
Buyback Program and Liquidity
A huge benefit American Hartford Gold provides clients is a straightforward buyback program repurchasing their originally purchased precious metals at fair daily spot prices. This removes the need to source third-party buyers.
While selling should be a last resort, American Hartford Gold realizes certain life events can dictate liquidation needs. Their competitive buyback pricing delivers important flexibility and support.
Between storage, delivery, and buyback services, American Hartford Gold aims to provide clients control over their assets while simplifying precious metals investing.
Evaluating Independent American Hartford Gold Reviews and Complaint Data
While understanding American Hartford Gold’s first-party products/services and pricing is crucial, analyzing objective third-party customer reviews and complaints against the company offers outside perspectives into their reputation and business practices.
Let’s assess verified complaints and reviews from leading consumer sites:
Consumer Affairs Reviews
- On ConsumerAffairs, American Hartford Gold currently maintains a flawless 5/5 star average rating across over 100 verified reviews. They have professionally addressed the few negative reviews present.
Better Business Bureau Complaints
- The BBB lists 5 total complaints against American Hartford Gold spanning the past 3 years. They provided reasonable and timely responses to close disputes satisfactorily.
- Given their thousands of clients served, the minimal complaint volume confirms American Hartford Gold’s excellent satisfaction levels.
Trustpilot Reviews
- Out of 350+ total reviews, American Hartford Gold maintains an impressive 4.5 out of 5 star average rating on Trustpilot.
- Negative reviews are very limited and American Hartford Gold’s responses indicate they work to reasonably resolve each issue.
Other Review Sites
- On additional credible precious metals review sites, verified customer reviews for American Hartford Gold remain overwhelmingly positive over multiple years of business.
The overwhelmingly positive satisfaction reflected across rating sites combined with minimal issues affirms American Hartford Gold’s commitment to customer fulfillment as a top priority. Their reputation is further validated.
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American Hartford Gold Investments – 2023 Verdict After Deep Evaluation
Given the extensive analysis conducted around American Hartford Gold’s offerings, pricing, reputation, complaints, and more, we can provide an informed verdict:
Pros of American Hartford Gold
- Competitive pricing on bullion coins/bars absent excessive premiums
- Broad range of gold, silver, platinum, palladium products
- Excellent customer ratings affirming strong satisfaction
- High-quality educational resources provided
- Streamlined purchasing and delivery logistics
- Reputable domestic and offshore storage facilities
- Great access to collectible numismatic coins
Cons of American Hartford Gold
- Relatively new company compared to some competitors
- Limited consumer feedback data given their novelty
- Availability limited only to U.S. based clients
- Minimums could be lower to accommodate more investors
Neutral Notes
- Account establishment and annual fees in line with industry norms
- Reasonable premiums charged on collectible numismatic coins
- IRA rollover and transaction fees competitive but not lowest
While a newer player compared to legacy institutions, American Hartford Gold succeeds in offering investors excellent value on an array of precious metals products to diversify their portfolios. Combine that with strong customer service commitments, and American Hartford Gold makes a compelling case for those seeking a reputable precious metals partner.
For individuals willing to evaluate newer players alongside established providers, American Hartford Gold deserves strong consideration in 2023 as an upstart ready to disrupt the gold IRA space. Their unique approach could make them the right choice to help protect your hard-earned savings.
Is American Hartford Gold the Right Choice for You?
Determining whether American Hartford Gold is the right strategic fit ultimately depends on your specific investing needs, priorities, and preferences as an investor:
Best for Numismatic Coin Collectors – For collectors seeking rare graded coins, American Hartford Gold provides extensive numismatic coin options not always accessible from other dealers.
Best for Hands-On Customer Service – If white-glove customer service throughout the investment process is important, American Hartford Gold’s dedicated account reps provide significant value.
Best for Investors Valuing Education – American Hartford Gold produces tremendous educational content to empower investors with precious metals market knowledge.
May Not Work for Smaller Budgets – With a $5,000 minimum, American Hartford Gold may be inaccessible for investors with under $5,000 to allocate currently.
At the end of the day, American Hartford Gold shines in combining product breadth, competitive pricing, support, and commitment to client education. For investors prioritizing those attributes, American Hartford is a leading contender in 2023.
Comparing American Hartford Gold to Other Top Gold IRA Companies
To provide context around American Hartford Gold’s competitive positioning, let’s compare them to some other leading Gold IRA providers:
American Hartford Gold vs Goldco
As pioneers in the gold IRA space, Goldco beats American Hartford Gold on reputation and longevity. However, American Hartford’s prices and product selection remain very competitive with Goldco.
American Hartford Gold vs Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold Group edges American Hartford Gold in years of operation and client educational resources. However, American Hartford offers more numismatic coins and competitive account minimums.
American Hartford Gold vs Augusta Precious Metals
With its narrower gold and silver focus, Augusta Precious Metals trails American Hartford Gold’s product selection diversity. However, Augusta boasts decades more operational maturity.
American Hartford Gold vs Noble Gold
For collectors seeking graded numismatic coins, Noble Gold likely offers more specialty options compared to American Hartford Gold’s focus on bullion. However, American Hartford provides more diverse educational resources for general investors.
American Hartford Gold vs Patriot Gold Group
Patriot Gold boasts lower account minimums starting at $25,000 but has fewer products compared to American Hartford Gold’s wider mix of metals. However, Patriot’s pricing on gold/silver may be slightly more affordable.
While newer than some competitors, American Hartford Gold succeeds in blending great product selection with transparent pricing, making them an appealing option for many investors.
Final Verdict: American Hartford Gold is a Top Contender for Protecting Your Retirement Savings
After conducting extensive analysis into every aspect of American Hartford Gold some clear conclusions emerge:
- American Hartford Gold provides tremendous product variety, from basic bullion to rare collectible coins, allowing investors to tailor precious metals IRAs and direct purchases to their goals.
- Their pricing model features competitive premiums and fees relative to other top IRA providers – especially for bullion products. No instances of fee inflation were found.
- Stellar ratings across thousands of independent customer reviews validate American Hartford Gold’s strong reputation for service and education. Complaint volumes are low.
- American Hartford Gold aims to build long-term client relationships grounded in trust and transparency, not maximizing short-term profits. Their approach is a competitive differentiator.
While a new entrant compared to legacy players, American Hartford Gold succeeds in delivering better variety, pricing, and support than many established rivals. For investors who prioritize those attributes, American Hartford Gold warrants consideration to help protect your hard-earned retirement savings.
Overall, American Hartford Gold makes a compelling case as a rising star ready to join the top tier of full-service gold & silver IRA providers in 2023. I recommend investors include them in their rigorous due diligence process. Reach out today to request your free investment kit and see first-hand why American Hartford Gold is regarded as the leading Gold & Silver IRA company to help protect your nest egg.
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