401(k) to Gold IRA Rollover Guide
Rolling over a 401(k) into a Gold IRA allows you to diversify your retirement portfolio with physical gold and other precious metals while preserving the tax‑advantaged status of your savings. When done properly, a rollover avoids taxes and early‑withdrawal penalties.
**Direct Rollover vs. 60‑Day Rollover**
- **Direct rollover:** Your 401(k) administrator sends the funds directly to your new Gold IRA custodian. Because you never receive the money, there is no mandatory withholding and no chance of accidental distribution.
- **60‑day rollover:** Your plan issues a check payable to you, and you have 60 days to deposit the funds into your Gold IRA. If you miss the deadline, the IRS treats it as a distribution; income taxes and a 10% penalty may apply. In addition, 20% of the distribution will be withheld upfront. For most investors, a direct rollover is the safer and easier method.
**Steps to complete a 401(k) to Gold IRA rollover**
1. **Open a self‑directed Gold IRA** through an approved custodian.
2. **Select a depository** for secure storage. Learn about vault options on our [Gold IRA Storage](/gold‑ira‑storage) page.
3. **Contact your 401(k) plan administrator** and request a direct rollover. Provide instructions to send the funds to your new custodian.
4. **Choose IRS‑approved metals** from our [Approved Metals](/approved‑metals) list. Only certain gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products are eligible.
5. **Fund your account and purchase metals.** Once the custodian receives the rollover, they will execute your purchase and arrange storage.
**Important considerations**
- Not all employer plans permit rollovers for current employees; check if your 401(k) allows in‑service distributions.
- Using a 60‑day rollover means you must replace any withheld amount from personal funds to avoid taxes.
- Keep records of all communications and confirmations from your employer and custodian.
To explore additional rollover scenarios, such as Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 403(b), TSP, and inherited accounts, see our comprehensive [Rollover Guide](/rollover‑guide).