Ausecure: Unique Highlights Overview
AUSecure is a Chicago-based precious metals firm specializing in the buying and selling of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium. Established in 2009 by traders from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the company emphasizes tangible assets over paper markets.
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- Foundation and Expertise: Founded by experienced traders post-2008 financial crisis, AUSecure applies advanced systematic standards in trade and execution, ensuring precise and efficient transactions.
- Core Values:
- Precision: Commitment to accurate and meticulous operations.
- Discretion: Ensuring client confidentiality and secure transactions.
- Execution: Delivering prompt and effective services.
- Product Range: Offers a diverse selection of investment-grade bullion, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium, catering to both investors and collectors.
- Precious Metals IRAs: Provides services for clients interested in diversifying their retirement portfolios with precious metals IRAs, with most of their coins qualifying for such accounts.
- Educational Emphasis: Focuses on educating clients through collaborative processes, ensuring informed investment decisions.
- Accreditation and Ratings: Accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating, reflecting a commitment to high industry standards.
- Customer Feedback: While the company has positive reviews, the limited number of customer reviews and ratings on consumer trust sites raises questions.
- Shipping and Storage Services: Offers secure shipping and storage options for precious metals, ensuring the safety and integrity of clients’ investments.
- Technological Integration: Utilizes advanced technology to facilitate the buying and selling of precious metals, providing clients with responsive and intelligent solutions for all transactions.
These highlights underscore AUSecure’s dedication to providing a secure, efficient, and client-focused platform for precious metals investment.
Who are the People Behind Ausecure?
AUSecure is a Chicago-based precious metals firm specializing in the buying and selling of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium. Established in 2009 by traders from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), the company emphasizes tangible assets over paper markets.
Hadi Saeid – Founder
Hadi Saeid founded AUSecure in 2009, bringing experience from the CME Group. Under his leadership, the firm applies advanced systematic standards in trade and execution, ensuring precise and efficient transactions.
Peter Thomas – Chairman of Offshore Development
Appointed in January 2024, Peter Thomas brings over 50 years of experience in the precious metals industry. Notably, he served as a filling broker for the Hunt Brothers during the Silver Thursday event in 1980.
His insights are frequently featured in major publications such as Bloomberg News, MarketWatch, and The Wall Street Journal. At AUSecure, Thomas focuses on advancing technological frontiers, particularly in API technology integrations, enhancing the company’s service offerings.
These leaders combine extensive industry experience and a commitment to innovation, positioning AUSecure as a prominent player in the precious metals market.
Does Ausecure Offer IRA Services?
AUSecure offers services to facilitate the inclusion of precious metals in self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), enabling investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with tangible assets. Here’s how their process works:
Establishing a Self-Directed IRA
- Custodian Partnerships: AUSecure collaborates with reputable IRA custodians to assist clients in setting up self-directed IRAs. These custodians are responsible for administering the account and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
- Account Setup: Clients can open a new self-directed IRA or transfer funds from an existing retirement account. AUSecure’s team guides investors through the necessary paperwork and procedural steps to establish the account.
Selecting IRA-Eligible Precious Metals
- Product Range: AUSecure offers a variety of investment-grade bullion, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, that meet IRS standards for IRA inclusion. Clients can choose from a selection of coins and bars that qualify for their self-directed IRAs.
Purchasing and Funding
- Transaction Execution: Once the self-directed IRA is established and funded, clients can purchase their chosen precious metals through AUSecure. The company coordinates with the IRA custodian to ensure that funds are appropriately allocated for the purchase.
Secure Storage
- Approved Depositories: IRS regulations require that precious metals held in an IRA be stored in approved depositories. AUSecure has partnerships with secure storage facilities, offering clients options for segregated or commingled storage solutions.
- Shipping and Handling: AUSecure arranges for the purchased metals to be securely shipped to the selected depository, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Ongoing Account Management
- Account Statements: Clients receive regular statements detailing the holdings and performance of their precious metals within the IRA.
- Compliance and Reporting: Both AUSecure and the IRA custodian ensure that all transactions and holdings comply with IRS guidelines, providing necessary documentation for tax purposes.
By offering these services, AUSecure enables investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical precious metals, providing a hedge against market volatility and inflation. Their comprehensive approach ensures that clients can confidently navigate the complexities of incorporating precious metals into their retirement planning.
What Products Can You Purchase at Ausecure?
AUSecure offers a comprehensive selection of precious metals products, catering to both investors and collectors. Here’s an overview of the available products:
Gold Products
- Coins:
- American Gold Eagle: A popular choice among investors, known for its purity and government backing.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: Renowned for its high purity and iconic maple leaf design.
- South African Gold Krugerrand: One of the most widely recognized gold coins globally.
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic: Celebrated for its intricate design and high quality.
- American Gold Buffalo: Notable for its 24-karat purity and classic design.
- Bars:
- 1 Ounce Gold Bars: Offered from reputable mints like PAMP Suisse, featuring the Fortuna design.
- Kilogram Gold Bars: Suitable for substantial investments, providing lower premiums per ounce.
Silver Products
- Coins:
- American Silver Eagle: Highly sought after for its liquidity and government guarantee.
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf: Valued for its purity and security features.
- Austrian Silver Philharmonic: Appreciated for its artistic design and quality.
- British Silver Britannia: Known for its iconic Britannia figure and high purity.
- Bars and Rounds:
- 1 Ounce Silver Bars and Rounds: Ideal for smaller investments and easy liquidity.
- 10 Ounce Silver Bars: Balancing affordability with significant silver content.
- 100 Ounce Silver Bars: Suitable for larger investments, offering lower premiums per ounce.
Platinum Products
- Coins:
- American Platinum Eagle: The official platinum bullion coin of the U.S., known for its purity.
- Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf: Valued for its high purity and recognizability.
- Bars:
- 1 Ounce Platinum Bars: Sourced from reputable refiners, suitable for diversifying portfolios.
Palladium Products
- Coins:
- Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf: One of the few palladium coins available, known for its purity.
- Bars:
- 1 Ounce Palladium Bars: Offered from recognized refiners, ideal for investors seeking exposure to palladium.
Rhodium Products
- Bars:
- 1 Ounce Rhodium Bars: Available for investors looking to diversify into this rare metal.
Collectible and Historical Coins
- Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins: Such as the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, offering historical value and numismatic interest.
- Limited Edition and Commemorative Coins: Various options for collectors seeking unique pieces.
IRA-Eligible Products
AUSecure provides a range of products approved for inclusion in self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), allowing investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical precious metals.
Specialty Items
- Silver Bullets: Novelty items shaped like ammunition, made from pure silver, appealing to both collectors and investors.
Purchasing Process
AUSecure offers a user-friendly online platform where clients can browse live inventory and make purchases directly. All orders are 100% insured and securely shipped with absolute discretion. Clients can also contact AUSecure’s sales team for personalized assistance.
Storage and Shipping
For clients interested in secure storage, AUSecure provides options through partnerships with reputable depositories. Shipping is handled with utmost care, ensuring that all products arrive safely and in a timely manner.
Ausecure Fees and Pricing:
AUSecure offers a range of precious metals products and services, with fees and pricing structures that vary based on the type of transaction, payment method, and order value. Here’s a detailed overview:
Product Pricing
- Competitive Premiums: AUSecure provides competitive premiums over the spot prices for their precious metals, ensuring reasonable rates for investors.
Payment Methods and Associated Discounts
- Accepted Payment Options:
- Bank Transfer (Wire Transfer): Preferred method; may qualify for discounts.
- Credit Card: Accepted; however, certain discounts may not apply.
- PayPal: Accepted; specific terms may apply.
- Cryptocurrency: Accepted through their partner portal on Uphold.
- Discounts:
- Orders paid via bank transfer may be eligible for discounts.
- Discounts referred to as “Cash Discount(s),” “Wire Discount(s),” and/or “eCheck/ACH Discount(s)” are not applicable to credit card payments.
Shipping Fees and Policies
- Free Shipping:
- Domestic orders paid by wire may qualify for free shipping.
- Orders below $10,000 may incur a minimum shipping fee of $99.95.
- Standard Shipping Charge:
- If an order does not qualify for free shipping, a $24.95 shipping charge is applied at checkout.
- Delivery Restrictions:
- Certain delivery restrictions may apply, and untracked services with longer shipping times might be used to ensure arrival.
- AUSecure does not ship to non-institutional locations outside of the United States, except for authorized depositories.
Storage Fees
- IRA-Eligible Metals:
- AUSecure offers storage solutions for IRA-eligible metals through partnerships with approved custodians.
- Storage fees are determined by the selected custodian and the type of storage (segregated or commingled).
Additional Considerations
- Transaction Limits:
- Transaction restrictions may apply when paying with a credit card.
- Order Processing:
- Orders are typically shipped within 3-5 days from cleared payment.
- Tracking information is communicated via email and available on the Account Page.
Transparency
- While AUSecure offers competitive pricing and various payment options, specific fee information is not extensively detailed on their website. This is common in the precious metals industry, but a more transparent approach is often preferred by investors.
What Do Ausecure Reviews Say?
AUSecure, a Chicago-based precious metals firm, has garnered various ratings and reviews across multiple platforms. Here’s an overview:
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Rating: AUSecure holds an A+ rating with the BBB, indicating a strong commitment to customer service and ethical business practices.
- Accreditation: The company has been accredited since August 1, 2013.
- Customer Reviews and Complaints: As of the latest available information, there are no customer reviews or complaints filed against AUSecure on the BBB platform.
Birdeye
- Rating: The company has a 5 out of 5 stars rating, based on four customer reviews.
- Customer Feedback: Clients have commended AUSecure for its professionalism, timely service, and quality packaging.
While AUSecure maintains an A+ rating with the BBB and has received positive feedback on platforms like Gold Dealer Reviews and Birdeye, the overall number of customer reviews is limited. This scarcity of feedback makes it challenging to comprehensively assess the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction levels.
Why aren’t There Many Ausecure Complaints?
There are several reasons why AUSecure has relatively few complaints compared to other precious metals dealers. Here’s an in-depth analysis:
Niche Market & Selective Clientele
- AUSecure primarily serves serious investors in precious metals rather than a broad retail audience.
- Experienced investors are less likely to file complaints, as they understand the risks and nuances of the bullion market.
- Fewer impulse buyers reduce the likelihood of dissatisfaction over price fluctuations.
Strong Reputation & Industry Expertise
- Founded by traders from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), AUSecure operates with institutional-level precision.
- Their systematic trading standards and market expertise ensure clients receive professional service, reducing potential disputes.
- A+ BBB Rating: Holding the highest rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2013 indicates strong business ethics and complaint resolution.
Transparent Pricing & Transaction Policies
- Fixed Competitive Pricing: Prices are updated in real-time, reflecting actual market conditions, minimizing disputes over pricing discrepancies.
- Clear Payment & Discount Policies:
- Bank Wire Transfers qualify for discounts.
- Credit Card Purchases do not get cash discounts (clearly stated to avoid misunderstandings).
- All Transactions are Confirmed on a Recorded Line, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Secure Shipping & Storage Solutions
- Free Shipping on Large Orders: Customers who wire transfer payments over a certain amount qualify for free insured shipping.
- Secure Storage Partnerships: AUSecure partners with reputable depositories, ensuring safe storage for IRA-eligible metals.
- Discreet Packaging & Delivery: Reduces concerns over lost or stolen packages, which are common issues leading to complaints in the industry.
Efficient Customer Service & Dispute Resolution
- Low Complaint Volume on BBB: AUSecure has no recorded complaints on BBB, suggesting that customer issues are handled internally before escalating.
- Dedicated Account Managers: Clients work with personal advisors who guide them through every step, reducing confusion and frustration.
- Responsive Customer Support: Clients report timely responses and professional handling of inquiries.
Compliance with Industry Regulations
- IRS-Compliant Precious Metals IRAs: AUSecure ensures strict adherence to IRS regulations for IRA-eligible metals, preventing tax-related issues.
- Secure Transactions & AML Compliance: Follows anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) laws, ensuring legitimate, regulated transactions.
No Major Lawsuits or Regulatory Issues
- Unlike some bullion dealers that have faced lawsuits over misrepresentation, fraud, or non-delivery, AUSecure has no known legal disputes.
- Clean legal record = Higher customer trust and fewer complaints.
Limited Online Presence & Customer Reviews
- Few Online Reviews: Compared to major dealers like JM Bullion or APMEX, AUSecure has fewer publicly available reviews.
- Private Clientele & Institutional Focus: Many transactions occur offline through direct client relationships, reducing exposure to public review sites.
Are There Any Ausecure Lawsuits?
No.
We didn’t find any lawsuits involving this company.
Can You Trust Ausecure? Is Ausecure Legit?
Yes.
They are legit.
Whenever you’re curious about a gold dealer, keep these tips in mind:
Tip #1: Check Their Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation
Check for proper licensing and registration with relevant financial regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Verify the company’s accreditation with industry organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
It will help you check how credible they are.
Tip #2: Look into The Company’s Background
- Research the company’s history, including years in business and any name changes.
- Examine the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and accreditation status.
- Review customer feedback on reputable third-party review sites like Trustpilot or Consumer Affairs.
Tip #3: Does the Company Offer Good Resources?
- Assess the clarity of information provided about fees, storage options, and buyback policies.
- Evaluate the quality and depth of educational resources offered to investors.
- Verify that the company provides clear information about IRS regulations regarding precious metals IRAs.
Tip #4: What are Their Product Offerings and Pricing?
- Ensure the company offers IRS-approved precious metals for IRA investments.
- Compare pricing with other reputable dealers to ensure competitiveness.
- Be wary of companies pushing numismatic or collectible coins over bullion for IRA investments.
Tip #5: Confirm the Storage and Custodian Partnerships
Verify that the company works with IRS-approved custodians and secure storage facilities. According to IRS’ regulations, you cannot store your gold IRA’s precious metals at your home.
You’ll need a certified third-party storage provider.
Check the company’s storage and custodian partner to ensure you’re working with a reliable firm. Moreover, ensure they offer segregated storage options for your precious metals.
Segregated storage means your owned precious metals products will be stored separately from other investors’ possessions. Similarly, non-segregated storage means your products will be stored along with others.
Keep in mind that storage providers charge extra for segregated storage.
Some popular custodians include Equity Trust and Goldstar Trust.
Red Flags to Watch For in Gold IRA Companies
- Promises of guaranteed returns or claims of “secret” investment strategies.
- Pressure to act immediately or make large investments without proper consideration.
- Lack of physical address or unclear company ownership structure.
- Unwillingness to provide detailed information about fees or policies in writing.
By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, investors can make an informed decision about the legitimacy and reliability of a gold IRA company. It’s crucial to conduct due diligence and, if necessary, consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Ausecure Review Summary:
Overall, AUSecure seems like a reliable brand.
However, it’s always best to browse the market to see what others have to offer.
What are your thoughts on this firm? Let us know in the comments.
