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Buying gold and silver bullion is just the first step in your precious metals investment journey. Finding safe storage for those precious metals is an equally important move that protects your investment and provides peace of mind that your assets are being looked after.
On this page you’ll find a list of gold and silver storage vaults around the country so you can easily find a precious metal storage facility near you. From safe deposit boxes to fully segregated storage and state of the art facilities, we’ve made it easy for you to find a secure storage space to protect your investments.
Why store precious metals in a professional facility?
Many people who buy physical precious metals aren’t sure whether to store their assets at home or in a professional facility. The perk of home storage is that you can easily access your precious metals at any moment, however that’s largely where the perks end. Security is solely your responsibility and you may have to pay to take out home contents insurance. There’s a higher risk of theft and precious metals stored at home might not always be in the ideal conditions for preserving their quality.
With a professional precious metal storage facility, your investments will be stored securely in a vault with 24/7 advanced security, robust insurance, and ideal conditions to preserve the quality of your precious metals. This not only provides peace of mind that your assets are well looked after, but also helps keep them in good condition. On top of that, if you own hundreds of kilos of precious metals, then professional storage makes more practical sense than home storage.
Ultimately, where you choose to store your precious metals is an individual decision that depends on your investment goals, budget, and preferences. If you’re undecided which is right for you, below we outline some reasons why you should store your gold and silver in a professional vault.
Advanced security measures
One of the main reasons why you should consider professional gold silver vault storage is security. As you already know, gold and silver are valuable precious metals that can be attractive targets for theft. While you can take security precautions when storing your precious metals at home, you’re unlikely to match the advanced security measures provided by professional facilities.
Precious metals storage facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems that might include 24/7 surveillance, biometric access controls, infrared sensors, and bulletproof guard rooms. This level of protection ensures your precious metals investments are secure and accounted for at all times.
Peace of mind with insurance
Storing your precious metals in a professional vault comes with the added benefit of strong insurance coverage. This means your investment is protected in the unlikely event of theft, damage, or loss, providing peace of mind that your assets are protected no matter what happens.
While you can also take out insurance on gold and silver stored at home, it can be more expensive compared to paying for professional gold and silver storage. You’ll also find that insurance provided through professional precious metals storage is often more comprehensive than what’s available through home insurance policies.
Professional handling
Some investors worry that their precious metals won’t be properly handled when kept in professional storage, however that’s far from true. Most precious metals storage facilities employ experts who are trained in careful handling of gold and silver bullion. On top of that, they also store metals in optimal conditions depending on their type, helping prevent damage, tarnish, or deterioration and maintain their quality.
While you can attempt to create the ideal silver and gold storage conditions at home, it can be extremely costly and complicated to do so compared to simply paying for a professional vault. By keeping your precious metals in a controlled environment, professional facilities help preserve the quality and value of your investment over time.
Types of precious metals storage
When looking for gold silver vault storage, you’ll find three main options available: allocated storage, segregated storage, and unallocated or pooled storage. Each of these has its own benefits depending on your particular requirements, preferences, and budget.
Allocated storage
Allocated storage is a popular option that combines cost-effectiveness with security. With allocated storage, you still own your gold bullion outright and are simply paying a facility to store it for you.
Depending on the facility, the gold bullion you put in may not be the exact same piece that you withdraw. For example, if you deposit five 1 oz. Gold Krugerrands, you’ll receive five 1 oz. Gold Krugerrands when you withdraw, however they may not be the same individual pieces you put in.
This means your precious metals aren’t stored in their own specific, separate area with a unique tag of ownership. However, you’ll still essentially receive the same gold and silver bars or coins that you put in (i.e. same weight and quality).
Segregated storage
Segregated storage is the most secure way to store your precious metals and provides full control of your assets. With segregated storage, your gold and silver bullion pieces are securely sealed and stored in an isolated area separate to other investors’ assets. This means that you’ll be withdrawing the exact same pieces you put into storage.
Segregated storage requires special handling and care that makes it more costly than allocated storage. It’s mostly recommended if, say, you’re holding valuable numismatic coins and don’t want them to be replaced by an inferior version. It might also be a good option for investors holding large quantities of precious metals. Depending on the facility, there may be a minimum deposit required for segregated storage.
Unallocated or pooled storage
Unallocated storage, sometimes called pooled storage, is often offered by banks and other financial institutions. Choosing this option means that the precious metals you deposit are no longer your property. Instead, you have a claim on that amount and the metal itself is owned by the holding company.
This usually means your gold is not covered by deposit protection, and if the holding company goes insolvent you may very well lose your ownership rights and lose the metal you paid for. For this reason, we don’t recommend choosing unallocated storage for your precious metals holdings.
Choosing the best gold silver storage near you
When browsing this page you might find several gold silver storage locations near you. So how do you choose the best one for your precious metals? Below, we share how to choose the best storage facility for your gold and silver bullion.
Step 1: Assess your needs
Before you start searching our list of precious metals storage near you, take the time to understand your requirements. This will help you narrow down your options more easily when browsing through the list. Some things to consider include:
- Amount and type of precious metals you own: Gold and silver have different densities, and a 1 oz gold bar will be around half the size of a 1 oz silver bar. This means that if you own silver you may require a larger space for your bullion. Some facilities charge a percentage of your precious metal’s value while others charge by storage space.
- Are you looking for long-term or short-term storage? Some facilities charge annual fees while others might charge monthly.
- Do you prefer allocated, segregated, or unallocated storage? Consider your investment goals and needs and decide which storage option is best for you.
Step 2: Compare costs
Gold and silver storage fees will be different depending on the facility, so it’s important to compare costs and consider how much you’re willing to invest in secure storage. When browsing the facilities on this page, look into things like annual storage fees, insurance premiums, and any additional charges, such as a key deposit.
Some storage facilities charge based on a percentage of your metal, meaning the costs might increase over time, while others charge a flat fee. Remember to weigh the cost of a facility against its features. For example, one facility may charge more but include stronger security and better insurance cover than a cheaper facility.
Step 3: Evaluate security features
Remember, the main reason you’re choosing a storage facility for your precious metals is for its security features. When choosing a vault for your gold or silver bullion, look for strong security measures such as:
- 24/7 surveillance
- Biometric access controls
- Passive infrared sensors
- Bullet-proof guard rooms and airlocks
- UL3 rated Vault Doors.
Step 4: Research the history
When browsing gold silver vault storage near you, look for a well-known, respected company with a strong track record of stability and good service. Research how long the facility has been in business and check customer reviews online, preferably on a third-party website that has no affiliation with the facility. Choosing a precious metals storage vault with a solid reputation will give you better peace of mind that your investments are in safe hands.
Step 5: Check that it’s independent
We always recommend choosing a storage facility that operates as a disinterested third party with no connection to any precious metals dealers. This means they have no vested interest in the buying and selling of precious metals and are purely providing a security service for your investments. When doing this, check that the storage vault also undergoes regular third-party audits. These audits verify that the stored metals are accurately accounted for and provide assurance that the facility operates with transparency.
Looking for ‘precious metals storage near me’?
Ready to find secure storage for your gold and silver bullion? Browse through our list and find a precious metals storage location that will safeguard your investments for years to come.