How do I Transfer my 401(k) to Precious Metals?

Is it Possible to Move My 401(k) to Silver and Gold?

If you have been paying into a 401(k) and watching the state of the world, it is reasonable to be curious about rolling all or a portion of your 401(k) balance over to precious metals. Many investors see precious metals as a haven from inflation and economic uncertainty amidst bank crashes and global turmoil.

It may be possible to transfer your 401(k) into precious metals. But it requires an in-service rollover of 401K funds into a Self-Directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) that allows investments in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.  

Many plans allow in-service rollover transfers of assets like 403(b) and 457 accounts. It is worth noting that only some 401(k) accounts will be eligible for in-service rollovers.

Follow These Steps to Transfer your 401(k) into Precious Metals

Step 1: Contact your 401(k) administrator and inquire about in-service withdrawals. An in-service rollover transfers your current 401(k) assets to an IRA. If allowed, you may rollover your 401(k) funds to a self-directed IRA while still employed.

Step 2: Find a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) custodian that allows for investments in precious metals and open an SDIRA.

Step 3: Request a direct rollover from your 401(k) to your new IRA. Your 401(k) administrator can provide the paperwork needed to complete the rollover.

Step 4: Now that the funds from your 401(k) are available to your self-directed IRA, you can use them to purchase approved precious metal products.

Not all Precious Metal Products are IRA-Eligible

There are specified levels of purity required for precious metals in IRA accounts. While not all precious metal products are eligible, a wealth of IRA-Approved products are available to browse.  

Tax Implications

Not all 401(k) plans allow for in-service transfers or withdrawals. Depending on your plan, there may be tax implications for rolling over your funds.

We recommend consulting a financial adviser and speaking to our IRA experts before making significant changes to retirement accounts. 

Quick Guides to Investing

Step 1:

Why Buy Physical Gold and Silver?

If you are concerned about the volatility of the stock market, you’re not alone. The extreme highs and lows of the stock market often lead investors towards safe-haven assets, like bullion. Historically, the Precious Metals market has an inverse relationship with the stock market, meaning that when stocks are up, bullion is down and vice versa.

Step 2:

How Much Gold and Silver Should You Have?

This question is one of the most important for investors to answer. After all, experts suggest limits on how much of any types of investments should go into a portfolio. After deciding to purchase and own Precious Metals and considering how much money to allocate, one can then think about how much and what to buy at any point in time.

Step 3:

Which Precious Metals Should I Buy?

With the frequent changes in the market and countless Precious Metal products available, choosing investments can be difficult. Some want Gold or Silver coins, rounds or bars while others want products that are valuable because of their design, mintage or other collectible qualities. Also, collectors may shop for unique sets and individual pieces for their collections.

Step 4:

When to Buy Gold & Silver

After considering why, how much, and what Precious Metals products to buy, an investor’s next step is when to buy them. This decision requires an understanding of market trends and the impact of economic factors on precious metal prices.

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