Segregated vs Non-Segregated Storage - Costs, Ownership and When the Extra Fee Is Worth It (2026)

With non-segregated (pooled, or commingled) storage, your coins and bars are kept alongside identical items owned by other customers. You own a specific quantity of a specific product, and when you withdraw, you receive the same type and amount, not necessarily the exact pieces you bought. With segregated storage, your exact items are stored separately and labeled as yours, and you get those same pieces back.

Both are fully owned by you, insured and audited. Segregated storage usually costs a little more, often about $50 a year extra for a typical IRA. For standard bullion coins, most savers find pooled storage perfectly adequate.

Side by Side

Table: Segregated vs non-segregated storage | | Non-segregated (pooled) | Segregated | |---|---|---| | How it's stored | With identical items of other customers | Separately, labeled with your account | | What you get back | Same product and quantity | Your exact items | | Ownership | You (or your IRA) own a specific quantity | You (or your IRA) own specific items | | Insurance | Yes | Yes | | Audits | Yes | Yes | | Typical IRA cost | About $100 a year (example custodian) | About $150 a year (example custodian) | | Best for | Standard bullion coins | Bars with serial numbers, specific coins |

The costs shown are reported fees through Equity Trust for metals stored at an approved depository. Other custodians and depositories price differently; some charge the same for both, and some charge a percentage of value.

Is Pooled Storage Safe?

Yes, when it's genuinely allocated. Non-segregated storage at a reputable depository isn't the same as "unallocated" gold, where you only have a claim on a dealer's general stock. In IRA pooled storage, the depository holds enough metal to match every customer's recorded holdings, and records are reconciled through audits.

The risk to avoid is unallocated arrangements, where a company owes you metal but doesn't hold specific metal for you. That's not how IRA depository storage works, but it's worth asking any dealer how storage is structured.

When Segregated Storage Makes Sense

When Pooled Storage Is Enough

For common bullion coins such as American Gold Eagles, Gold Buffalos and Maple Leafs, one coin is the same as another of the same type and year range. Getting back "equivalent" coins makes no practical difference to value. Over 20 years, choosing pooled storage could save about $1,000 in fees, using the example above.

How the Cost Difference Adds Up

Table: Illustrative storage costs over time (example fees, not quotes) | Years held | Non-segregated at $100 | Segregated at $150 | Difference | |---|---|---|---| | 5 | $500 | $750 | $250 | | 10 | $1,000 | $1,500 | $500 | | 20 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $1,000 |

On a $100,000 account, the yearly difference is 0.05%, small either way. On a $20,000 account, it's 0.25% a year, which matters more.

Can You Switch Later?

Usually yes. Ask your custodian whether you can change storage type, and whether there's a fee. Switching from pooled to segregated may require the depository to allocate specific pieces to your account. Some depositories offer segregated storage at no extra charge, so it's worth comparing.

What About Augusta?

Augusta's commonly reported storage fees are $100 a year for non-segregated and $150 for segregated storage, through its usual custodian and depository. Augusta's team can explain which option fits the products you're buying. See Augusta fees and Delaware Depository.

Insurance and Ownership Records

Both storage types are typically covered by the depository's insurance policy, and both keep records showing what your IRA owns. With pooled storage, the record shows product types and quantities. With segregated storage, it may also show specific identifiers such as bar serial numbers. Your custodian's statement reflects these holdings. If anything doesn't match what you bought, raise it with your custodian promptly.

Taking Delivery in Retirement

When you take an in-kind distribution, the depository ships metal to you. With pooled storage, you'll receive coins of the same type and quantity, which may be different individual pieces than you originally bought. With segregated storage, you'll receive your exact items. For most bullion buyers, that difference has no effect on value.

Questions to Ask

• Is my metal fully allocated, whether pooled or segregated?
• What's the storage fee for each option, and is it flat or a percentage?
• How often is the depository audited?
• Can I switch storage type later, and is there a fee?
• How does insurance coverage work?