SideBySideGold

Gold Storage Options Compared

You bought the gold—now where do you put it? Compare home safes, bank boxes, and professional storage. Each has trade-offs between access, security, and cost.

Updated: December 2025•11 min read

Home Safe

$0/year

(after initial purchase)

Bank Safe Deposit

$50-$300/yr

(varies by box size)

Depository

$100-$300/yr

(fully insured)

Option 1: Home Safe

Pros

  • ✓ 24/7 immediate access
  • ✓ No ongoing fees
  • ✓ Complete privacy
  • ✓ No third-party dependency
  • ✓ Emergency accessibility

Cons

  • ✗ You're responsible for security
  • ✗ Burglary/fire risk
  • ✗ Need separate insurance
  • ✗ Not for Gold IRA
  • ✗ Upfront safe purchase cost

Recommended Home Safes

Budget ($200-$400): SentrySafe or Stack-On. Basic fire and burglar protection. Good for under $10K in gold.
Mid-Range ($500-$1,000): Liberty Safe, Hollon. TL-15 rated. Good for $10K-$50K.
Premium ($1,500+): AMSEC, Fort Knox. TL-30 rated. For $50K+ holdings.

Critical: Bolt It Down

A safe that isn't bolted to the floor can be carried out. Always secure your safe to concrete or heavy-duty floor joists. This is non-negotiable.

Option 2: Bank Safe Deposit Box

Pros

  • ✓ Bank-level security
  • ✓ Fire/flood protection
  • ✓ Relatively affordable
  • ✓ Off-site diversification

Cons

  • ✗ NOT FDIC insured
  • ✗ Limited access hours
  • ✗ Bank can drill box (legal process)
  • ✗ Contents not automatically insured
  • ✗ Not for Gold IRA

⚠️ Common Misconception

Many people assume safe deposit box contents are insured by the bank or FDIC. They are not. If the bank is robbed or flooded, you have no automatic coverage. You must purchase separate insurance (often from your homeowner's policy rider).

Typical Annual Costs

  • Small (3" x 5"): $30-$75/year — fits a few coins
  • Medium (5" x 10"): $75-$150/year — fits bars and tubes
  • Large (10" x 10"): $150-$300/year — significant holdings

Option 3: Professional Depository

Pros

  • ✓ Maximum security
  • ✓ Full insurance included
  • ✓ Required for Gold IRA
  • ✓ Regular audits
  • ✓ Segregated or allocated storage

Cons

  • ✗ Annual fees ($100-$300+)
  • ✗ No immediate physical access
  • ✗ May require advance notice for pickup
  • ✗ Counterparty risk (minimal with reputable)

Major Depositories

Delaware Depository: Most popular for Gold IRAs. Wilmington, DE. Fully insured, segregated storage available.
Brink's Global Services: International presence. Used by many Gold IRA companies.
Texas Precious Metals Depository: State-backed depository. Austin, TX. Popular for Texas residents.
IDS Delaware: International Depository Services. Another IRA-approved option.

Segregated vs. Non-Segregated

Segregated: Your specific coins/bars stored separately, you get back the exact items you deposited. Costs more.

Non-segregated (allocated): Your gold stored with others, you get back equivalent gold (same type/weight). Lower cost.

Which Should You Choose?

Home Safe If:

  • • You want immediate 24/7 access
  • • Holdings are under $50K
  • • You'll invest in a quality safe + insurance
  • • Privacy is paramount
  • • It's not for a Gold IRA

Bank Safe Deposit If:

  • • You want off-site storage at low cost
  • • Holdings are under $25K
  • • You'll get your own insurance rider
  • • Limited access hours work for you
  • • It's not for a Gold IRA

Professional Depository If:

  • • You have a Gold IRA (required)
  • • Holdings exceed $50K
  • • You want maximum security + insurance
  • • You don't need frequent physical access
  • • Peace of mind is worth the annual fee

Our Recommendation

For most people with physical gold (not IRA):

  • • Primary: Quality home safe, bolted down, with insurance rider
  • • Backup: Small bank safe deposit box for diversification

For Gold IRA holders: Depository is mandatory—choose Delaware Depository or your custodian's approved facility.

Gold IRA vs Physical →