Gold Star IRA Review

By Tim Schmidt - UPDATED: January 15, 2025

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GoldStar Trust Company is a service provider in Canyon, TX, that has been helping businesses and individuals build their retirement savings accounts for more than three decades. It is committed to providing competitive rates and customer satisfaction, making it one of the leading options in the industry.

Throughout the years, GoldStar Trust Company has evolved, becoming an innovative brand with various services and products designed to help others reach their financial goals.

Ultimately, GoldStar Trust Company offers advice based on the customer's circumstances and focuses on facilitating self-directed IRAs, traditional individual retirement accounts, and 401(k)s. We often recommend this as a trusted source for those who want to secure their financial futures.

The History of GoldStar Trust Company

Established in 1989, the brand offers comprehensive retirement savings products. GoldStar Trust Company wants to satisfy clients' needs, regardless of where they are on their financial journey.

Initially, the brand was called Colonial Trust Company. Primarily, it focused on self-directed IRA custodian services, but it has since expanded to many other options.

Overall, GoldStar Trust Company started negotiations with Happy State Bank back in 2004 to purchase its retirement planning division. Such an acquisition allowed the brand to expand into other areas, including SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, 457 plans, 403(b)s, and 401(k)s.

Then, in 2006, it acquired American Church Trust Company, which led to more retirement service offerings and a larger presence in the market. It continues to expand, making it one of the top gold IRA companies available.

GoldStar Trust Company offers educational seminars, estate planning services, and plans for businesses and individuals. Plus, it provides investment tracking tools and online account management to help everyone stay informed about their options.

Jeff Kelly is the current GoldStar president and brings a wealth of knowledge about the retirement services industry. He has a bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from Baylor University and has been creating and implementing brand growth strategies for over 30 years.

Expanding into the precious metals sector means that investors can now hold gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement accounts.

Our Gold Star IRA review will help determine if this company is right for you. It offers many services and products, which we will discuss in depth. Likewise, we'll dive into reviews from the BBB and much more. Let's get started!

Investment Account Types Available at GoldStar Trust Company

The company offers various types of retirement accounts, such as:

Traditional IRA

A traditional IRA can help you save for retirement because it lets you put aside some money from your earnings every year. It also offers certain tax benefits.

You can invest in mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. Over time, your money grows, potentially helping you enjoy significant returns in your retirement years. However, everything must remain with that same company.

Contributions could be tax-deductible, though it depends on various factors. Likewise, if you take withdrawals before 59.5 years old, you're subjected to penalties and taxes.

Self-directed IRAs are also available under the traditional individual retirement account bracket. They often include alternative investments, such as precious metals and real estate.

Roth IRA

Roth IRAs let you invest for retirement and save while enjoying tax benefits. Contributions are all made with your after-tax dollars, allowing the money in the account to grow tax-free. Plus, you aren't hit with additional penalties or taxes when you make withdrawals.

There aren't any contribution limits to consider with a Roth Individual Retirement Account as long as you meet the IRS's income requirements. This makes it very attractive to those who want to maximize their savings without fear. They can also be self-directed IRAs that include precious metals.

SEP-IRA

Employers and self-employed people can use the SEP-IRA. It works like a traditional one because contributions are made using pre-tax dollars. Plus, you can invest in bonds, mutual funds, and stocks. However, it offers higher contribution limits.

Additionally, employers can contribute $54,000 or up to 25 percent of each employee's salary, making it an attractive choice for those who wish to maximize their savings and provide more benefits.

Again, self-employed people can open self-directed IRAs of this variety, making it lucrative for all types of workers.

SIMPLE IRA

The most popular of all self-directed IRAs is the SIMPLE version. It's used by self-employed individuals and small businesses and is similar to the Roth option because you make contributions with after-tax dollars. Employees must add to the account.

However, contributions are capped at a lower amount than a SEP-IRA. Likewise, employers only have to match contributions of up to three percent, depending on various factors. While it's an attractive option, it does have more limitations.

Investment Options at GoldStar Trust Company

Apart from various self-directed IRAs, GoldStar Trust offers these investment options:

Real Estate Investments

You can invest in land and property, which are used to generate future capital gains when sold at or above market value or for rental income. GoldStar Trust Company allows you to go through REITs or private lenders.

Church Bonds

Church bonds are debt securities that religious organizations issue. Overall, you can use them to fund various expenses. When bought through GoldStar Trust Company, they are secured by the brand's assets.

Privately Offered Investments

Privately offered investments are those that don't trade on public exchanges. They're hard to acquire without assistance from a brand like Gold Star Trust Company. You can find limited partnerships, private placements, and non-traded REITs.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding allows you to invest in or expand businesses without having to directly buy stocks. The risk is often higher, but you could see more significant rewards.

Ultimately, you can invest through Gold Star Trust Company, as it has many crowdfunding projects, such as venture capital funds and private equity options. Startups are also prevalent here.

Publicly Traded Securities

Gold Star Trust offers access to various publicly traded securities, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and stocks.

Precious Metals

You're allowed to invest in various precious metals through GoldStar Trust. Things like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can be held in self-directed IRAs or bought outright.

Self-directed IRA Storage Options at GoldStar Trust Company

At Gold Star Trust, there are many ways to protect your assets. It is currently affiliated with the American Made Gold & Silver LLC (AMGL), the Texas Precious Metals Depository, International Depository Services (IDS), and the Delaware Depository.

AMGL has an online platform to help people easily store their precious metals. This company has many secure vaults throughout the US, so clients can ensure everything is protected from theft or risk.

The Texas Precious Metals Depository offers state-of-the-art protection that meets security and industry safety standards. Overall, it provides audit reports, segregated storage for gold and silver, and secure vaulting.

IDS offers a unique combination of cutting-edge technology and customized service, so it's a great partner for Gold Star Trust. You'll find impressive storage capabilities and the best security, so it provides reliable and safe options to hold your precious metals.

Ultimately, the Delaware Depository is one of the top choices because it supports international and domestic investors. Plus, it's fully insured by an accredited bank. Clients who invest here can be sure everything is safe.

How Does a Self-directed IRA From GoldStar Trust Work? Do You Use Mutual Funds?

It's easy to set up a Gold Star Trust IRA. Simply choose a financial institution, such as a credit union or bank, and open an account. Once that's complete, you fund it, which can be done by mail or electronically.

If you wish to invest in precious metals through Gold Star Trust, you will need to work with a reputable custodian, which is also available at the company.

Additionally, you can easily roll over assets from your qualified retirement plan into a precious metals IRA from Gold Star Trust. Regardless of how you fund the account, you'll start investing. Either focus on traditional stocks and bonds or consider gold and silver.

The self-directed IRA account is managed by you personally through the help of a custodian (if you're dealing with precious metals). You'll be in charge of picking the investment vehicles. However, you can also choose a financial advisor to handle all that for you.

Whenever you wish to check your balance or the performance of your investments, it's easy to access your account online, either through a smartphone or laptop. This helps you see the activity, make changes, and transfer assets as needed. Gold Star Trust keeps up with the times.

IRA Fees to Consider at GoldStar Trust Company

Overall, this company is a great choice when focused on self-directed IRA fees. GoldStar Trust is very competitive in the market because it offers a one-time establishment fee of $25. There's also an annual maintenance cost of $65.

Alternative investments often have varying fees, but here's a basic rundown:

Precious Metals

You can set up your account for $50 and will pay a yearly maintenance amount of $275 or less, though it depends on the size of your investment. Generally, storage fees are $100, which keeps your precious metals secure.

Fortunately, you aren't charged extra to swap assets in and out of your precious metals IRAs. However, GoldStar Trust does require $40 per order and applicable shipping costs if you move the gold or silver from your account.

Real Estate

When you open your account with GoldStar Trust, it charges $50. Likewise, there are maintenance fees, which are based on the value of the real estate you hold.

If your investment is under $200,000, you'll pay $200 in maintenance fees. This price increases to $300 if you have more than that.

Overall, you're charged $100 for the sale or purchase of your real estate, and there are administrative and legal fees for documents that must be created or reviewed.

Church Bonds/Loans

GoldStar Trust charges $45 each year to maintain church bonds and loans. Additionally, in-kind changes or transfers require closure and maintenance fees of up to $50.

Annuities and Bank Accounts Outside the US

You will pay $275 in yearly fees at GoldStar Trust for annuities and bank accounts outside of the United States. There are also charges related to selling and surrendering assets.

Perth Mint Certificate

Currently, GoldStar Trust charges $50 to set things up, $40 for transactions and sales of assets within the account, $150/year for holding the items, and $75 for maintenance.

Better Business Bureau Ratings and Complaints for GoldStar Trust Company

Generally, GoldStar Trust ratings from the BBB are quite excellent. It has a score of A+, which is based on industry experience, customer service, integrity, and transparency.

The BBB also allows customers to submit complaints about the brand. Generally, these focus on delays in processing and pricing issues. Therefore, we feel that opening a self-directed IRA account here is safe.  Its a little odd they have poor customer reviews there but still hold an A+, so it tells me there have been issues with customers that ended up being resolved.  See for yourself on the image below.

Similarly, TrustPilot gives GoldStar Trust a 4-star rating, and there are 101 reviews to read. Most customers are happy with the brand's services and claim that the staff is helpful and professional.

Pros and Cons of Using GoldStar Trust Company

Here are the pros and cons of using the brand to secure your financial future:

Pros

Wide Range of Services

GoldStar Trust offers various services that go well beyond the scope of traditional investments. These include precious metals, church bonds, private loans, and real estate.

Decades of Experience

Since GoldStar Trust has been in the industry for more than three decades, clients can rely on its expertise to help them choose appropriate investment options for retirement.

$2.7 Billion and Over 60,000 IRA Accounts Under Management

Because GoldStar Trust is so large, clients can benefit from its scale regarding costs and commissions. Plus, it has been known to stay stable in turbulent markets. Whether investing in precious metals or traditional stocks, you'll feel that things are safe.

Cons

While Gold Star does deal with precious metals, some people say that customer service in this area is substandard compared to other gold IRA experts. Therefore, you may want to research different options.

Final Thoughts

Is GoldStar Trust Company legitimate? We think so! Though it might not be the best solution if you want to open a self-directed IRA to hold precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, it offers unusual investments that you can't find elsewhere, such as real estate, publicly traded securities, and more.

Our team has taken the time and energy to research this and many other companies to ensure you find the right investment solutions. However, we do recommend contacting a financial advisor before investing in anything. They can help you get up-to-date information and determine your specific risk tolerance.