FAQ about Precious Metals

Please view our most common frequently asked questions below.

You can also filter down to our most popular topics by clicking on the titles at the top; IRA, Payment and Shipping.

How do I buy coins to put in my IRA?

The first step to investing in a precious metals IRA is to open an account with an IRA Custodian of your choice. Second step fund the account. Third step once your account is funded, your IRA custodian will notify us you have funds available and intend to use them to purchase coins for your IRA from Wall Street Metals. You are now ready to begin investing in precious metals through your IRA. Wall Street Metals will email you the forms your IRA custodian requires to be completed. These must be signed by both parties (precious metals dealer & Account holder).

Do you charge commission as the dealer for IRA precious metals transactions?

No. Our only part of the IRA contribution process is selling the actual metal to the custodian, which we do at our normal rates with no commissions or surcharges added.

How will Account Holder know when their metals are deposited in IRA Custodians Depository?

Most depositories provide full accounting and reporting services to ensure your metals are safe and accounted for. Some have a client portal you can access anytime, and some provide quarterly statements of Account Holders metals.

How long does it take to roll over an existing 401k/IRA?

This will vary based on which custodian you choose. It can take 2-4 business days to open your account once they receive your application. After your account is set up you will then have to fund it.

What are the tax benefits of investing in a precious metals IRA?

Investors can expect to see significant tax savings by investing in precious metals using an IRA vs. investing outside an IRA. To learn more about the tax benefits of using a Traditional or Roth IRA to invest in physical precious metals.

Can I roll over or transfer an existing IRA to a self-directed precious metals IRA?

Yes. Your self-directed IRA custodian can help you arrange to rollover or transfer your existing IRA into a precious metals IRA.

Once I receive my old 401k funds, how long to I have to deposit them into my new precious metals IRA?

In the case of a 401k rollover, your funds are generally paid directly to you. Once you have the funds in your possession you have 60 days to transfer them into your new self-directed IRA account. If you do not do so within this 60-day period, you may be required to pay taxes. In order to fully understand these rules, we recommend talking to a tax advisor before transferring any IRA funds.

What precious metal products are not eligible for IRA?

To qualify as an IRA-approved product, precious metals must meet minimum fineness levels. The American Gold Eagle is the only exception to the following numbers. Minimum gold fineness: .995. Minimum silver fineness: .999. Minimum platinum fineness: .9995. Minimum palladium fineness: .9995. Any products falling outside of these ranges, excluding American Gold Eagles, are not approved for IRA contributions. Examples of non-approved precious metals products include pre-1933 gold, gold Krugerrands, and 90% US silver coins.

Why is a self-directed IRA better than an ETF like GLD?

We do not provide investment advice, but many of our clients prefer self-directed precious metals IRAs because they are backed by real, physical, segregated metal, vs. an ETF like GLD which is only backed by a pool of gold holdings and positions.

Are there any IRA contribution limits?

Yes, you may be subject to IRA contribution limits depending on your type of IRA and income levels. Please consult with your IRA custodian to learn of any contribution limits you may be subject to.

What are the typical custodian and holding fees?

Fees vary depending on the size of your account and the metal holdings in your depository. Please contact either your IRA custodian or your depository of choice to learn more about fee structures.

If I invest in an IRA, do I still receive the physical metals?

No. As part of the IRS’ rules regarding precious metals IRAs, we, as the dealer, MUST ship the products to an approved IRA depository, who then holds the metal until the time you are ready to liquidate the position.

Will I ever be able to take physical delivery of my precious metals held in my IRA?

You can liquidate or take possession of your metals at any time. However this is considered a distribution and there may be tax implications involved. We recommend speaking with a tax professional before making this decision.

Am I allowed to have more than one IRA?

Yes, an individual is allowed to have more than one IRA account. However, your total yearly contribution will remain at the same maximum no matter how many IRAs you have.

What payment methods do you accept?

Wall Street Metals accepts Credit Card & Debit Card Payments with Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover logo.

Your credit card payment will be processed by:

Stripe payment processing software for e commerce transactions.

We also accept Wire Transfer & ACH as a form of payment.

How do I place an order by Bank Wire Transfer or ACH?

There is a $500.00 minimum order requirement for Bank Wire/ACH. Bank wire payments have a $250,000 maximum. Select “Bank Wire/ACH” as your payment method at checkout. On your order confirmation page, you will see our Bank Wire/ACH transfer instructions and account information. These will also be emailed to you. Please take these instructions to your bank and initiate your Bank Wire/ACH transfer within two (2) banking day of order placement to lock in sales price. Most banks charge about $20-$35 for wire transfer service. To avoid your bank surcharge, choose ACH instead. Bank wires usually take about half a business day to be received. You will be sent an email confirmation upon receipt of your bank wire or ACH payment. We will then begin preparing your order for shipment. An email notification will be sent when your order ships within 3 business days via Fed Ex or USPS from our Delaware Depository.

I’m paying by Credit Card, Is there a surcharge?

YES, when paying via Credit Card 3% surcharge is added at checkout.

Stripe is our vendor who processes your credit card transaction.

The 3% credit card surcharge fee is paid to Stripe.

To avoid this additional fee pay via Bank Wire/ACH

Do I need to provide credit/debit card information for bank wire or ACH payments?

No, credit card needed on file for wire transfer or ACH payments. Wire transfer/ACH must be done within 2 business days from placing order to lock in sale price.

Are there any additional taxes on metals added at checkout?

There are no additional taxes or processing fees at checkout.

If your order value is below $199 a $9.95 additional fee will be applied at checkout.

What States Do You Ship To?

The Lower 48 states only. Our precious metals insurance carrier only covers USA (excluding Alaska & Hawaii)

Do You Offer International Shipping?

No, our precious metals insurance carrier (Lloyd’s Of London) covers USA only (excluding Alaska & Hawaii)

When will I receive my order?

When you will receive your order depends primarily on three factors:

When we receive your payment (wires & ACH must be initiated/sent by you) Please note that you will receive a Paid email once your payment is received.

Holding period after cleared payment. Depending on your payment method, we will hold the order once payment is received and cleared. The hold periods by payment method are listed in checkout and in your confirmation email.

Shipping method and transit time. FedEx & USPS will be used. Tracking will be emailed to you 3 business days after payment processed.

How do you ship orders?

Orders are shipped in inconspicuous packaging via either FedEx or USPS.* Our shipping policy, which is based on order size. All shipments have tracking #, are fully insured & require a signature upon delivery.

Will I need to sign for my package?

All orders require a signature for delivery. Please note, per our Terms and Conditions, once a package shows delivered, our responsibility ends. Please be available and attentive to receive the package when the courier arrives. Due to COVID 19, couriers are not always getting the signature.

Do I have to ship my order to my billing address?

YES, ALL deliveries paying by wire transfer, ACH & credit cards payments MUST SHIP TO CARD HOLDER/ACCOUNT HOLDERS BILLING ADDRESS.

NO EXCEPTIONS see Stripe for further explanation.

How will I know when my order ships?

We will notify you by email once your order ships with carrier & tracking details.

Where do you ship orders from?

All orders ship from our Delaware Depository in Wilmington, Delaware where our coins our stored.

Do I pay for the shipping on my home storage purchase?

We offer free shipping on all orders (minimum order value is $500). Furthermore, all of the packages we send out are fully insures and include tracking tracking. This means you will be able to track your package while it is on its way to your home.

Do you ship to US territories?

We do not ship to US territories. Due to special requirements set by the postal systems & our precious metals insurance carrier, we are unable to ship outside of U.S. states.

Do you offer FedEx shipping to Alaska and Hawaii?

Due to special requirements set by the postal systems, we are unable to ship outside lower 48 states.

Is my package insured while in transit?

We fully insure all shipments. Should anything happen while your package is in transit to you, it will be covered by our Lloyd’s Of London insurance policy. If we determine the package is lost or damaged, we file a claim. We reserve the right to re-ship your items or refund your money at our discretion.