American Hartford Gold is a precious metals investment company based in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in helping clients invest in physical gold, silver, and platinum, either through direct purchases or by setting up a Precious Metals IRA. American Hartford Gold primarily markets itself as a resource for individuals looking to hedge against economic instability, inflation, and stock market volatility by diversifying their portfolios with precious metals.
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Key Services and Products:
- Precious Metals IRAs: American Hartford Gold offers assistance in setting up self-directed IRAs that hold physical precious metals. These IRAs are similar to traditional IRAs but allow for the inclusion of gold, silver, and platinum in the account.
- Physical Gold, Silver, and Platinum: Clients can directly purchase precious metals, such as coins and bars, for personal investment or delivery.
- Buyback Program: The company offers a buyback program that allows customers to sell their precious metals back to the company if they decide to liquidate their holdings.
Here’s an overview of this company:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fees | • $200-$250 annual storage and custodial fees • Fees waived for 1 year on $50,000+ purchases • Fees waived for 3 years on $100,000+ purchases • No shipping costs |
| Ratings | • A+ BBB rating • 4.9/5 average on TrustPilot (1,215 reviews) • 4.88/5 on BBB consumer rating • 4.8/5 on TrustPilot consumer rating |
| Unique Features | • Lowest Price Guarantee • No buy-back charges • Free silver promotions for new accounts • Price match guarantee • Endorsed by Bill O’Reilly |
| Products | • Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars • IRA-eligible precious metals • Extensive numismatics selection |
| Minimum Investment | • $5,000 for cash purchases • $10,000 for IRA accounts |
American Hartford Gold is known for its strong reputation, competitive pricing, and customer-focused approach. They offer a range of precious metals products suitable for both direct purchases and IRA investments, with various promotions and guarantees to attract and retain customers.
Why People Choose American Hartford Gold:
- Hedge Against Inflation: The company promotes gold and silver as a store of value, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.
- IRA Expertise: They help customers roll over existing retirement accounts, like 401(k)s, into a Precious Metals IRA.
- Reputable Endorsements: Like other precious metals companies, American Hartford Gold has endorsements from conservative media figures, including Bill O’Reilly and Rudy Giuliani, which boosts its visibility within certain demographics.
American Hartford Gold Products:
American Hartford Gold offers a variety of precious metals investment products, primarily focusing on gold, silver, and platinum. These products can be purchased for direct ownership or as part of a Precious Metals IRA. Here’s an overview of what they offer:
1. Gold Products
- Gold Coins: They offer a selection of government-minted coins that are eligible for inclusion in a Gold IRA. Some popular options include:
- American Gold Eagle Coins: One of the most popular gold bullion coins.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins: Known for their high purity (99.99%).
- Austrian Gold Philharmonic Coins: Available in various sizes.
- South African Krugerrand Coins.
- Gold Bars: They also provide gold bars in various sizes (e.g., 1 oz, 10 oz), which meet the IRS requirements for precious metals IRAs.
2. Silver Products
- Silver Coins: Silver options include IRA-eligible coins such as:
- American Silver Eagle Coins: A widely recognized silver bullion coin.
- Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins: High-purity silver coins (99.99%).
- Austrian Silver Philharmonic Coins.
- Silver Bars: Just like gold bars, silver bars come in different sizes and can be purchased for personal ownership or IRAs.
3. Platinum Products
- Platinum Coins and Bars: Although not as commonly purchased as gold and silver, American Hartford Gold also offers platinum products, which include coins like the American Platinum Eagle. These products can also be included in a Precious Metals IRA.
4. Precious Metals IRAs
- Gold and Silver IRAs: American Hartford Gold specializes in setting up self-directed IRAs that allow investors to include physical precious metals like gold and silver in their retirement portfolios. This service includes assistance with rolling over funds from existing retirement accounts like 401(k)s or traditional IRAs into a Precious Metals IRA.
5. Buyback Program
- Buyback Program: The company offers a buyback program, allowing investors to sell their metals back when they need to liquidate assets. They offer competitive prices for buybacks, which makes it easier for clients to exit their investments if needed.
These products are geared towards investors looking to diversify their portfolios with tangible assets like gold, silver, and platinum to protect against economic uncertainties and inflation.
Who are the People Behind American Hartford Gold?
Executive Leadership
American Hartford Gold’s executive team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the precious metals and financial sectors. The company is led by:
Chief Executive Officer: Sanford Mann, the founder, brings a strong background in economics and financial management to his role. His strategic vision focuses on customer education and ethical business practices, which have become hallmarks of the company’s operations.
Executive Chairman: Scott Gerlis, co-founder, leverages over a decade of experience in retail gold and silver operations. His expertise in educating clients about retirement savings protection through precious metals has been instrumental in shaping the company’s client-centric approach.
President: Max Baecker oversees daily operations and leads the account executive team. With a finance degree and over 10 years in the precious metals industry, he brings valuable operational expertise to the organization.
Corporate Structure and Growth
Founded in 2015, American Hartford Gold has experienced rapid growth, positioning itself as a leading player in the precious metals retail sector. The company maintains a robust operational footprint with:
- Corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, California
- A secondary corporate office in Woodland Hills, California
- An additional office in West Palm Beach, Florida
This multi-location strategy allows for efficient operations and broader market reach. With a workforce exceeding 200 employees, the company has demonstrated significant scalability in a relatively short period.
Market Position and Performance
American Hartford Gold has achieved notable success, as evidenced by:
- Delivery of billions of dollars worth of precious metals to thousands of clients
- Multiple inclusions in Inc. 5000′s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies
- High consumer ratings across various platforms, indicating strong customer satisfaction
These achievements underscore the company’s effective business model and its ability to meet market demands while maintaining quality service.
Strategic Focus
The leadership team’s emphasis on customer education, ethical business practices, and satisfaction has been pivotal in establishing American Hartford Gold’s market position. This client-centric approach, combined with the team’s deep industry knowledge, has enabled the company to navigate the complex precious metals market successfully.
In conclusion, American Hartford Gold’s leadership structure, growth trajectory, and strategic focus position it as a significant player in the precious metals retail sector, with a strong foundation for continued expansion and market leadership.
American Hartford Gold Ratings and Reviews:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): American Hartford Gold has an A+ rating on the BBB, signaling strong customer service and resolution of complaints.
- Trustpilot: The company enjoys positive ratings on Trustpilot, with a 4.9/5 star rating based on customer reviews, reflecting high customer satisfaction.
American Hartford Gold positions itself as a reliable and customer-focused option for people looking to invest in precious metals, particularly for retirement planning through gold and silver IRAs. It competes with other gold IRA companies like Birch Gold Group by offering similar services, including education on the benefits of diversifying portfolios with precious metals.
Examples of American Hartford Gold Reviews:
He had been purchasing his gold and silver for numerous years at American Hartford Gold, and it had been a pleasure for him to work with Maci Block and Natalee Moinester year after year. It had always been a smooth and detailed process. He looked forward to working with them the following year as well.
Kevin and his team had done a great job handling the IRA transfers for him and his wife.
Their attention to detail had been spot on and had made for smooth transactions in both cases.
Additionally, there was a question regarding the current employer’s IRA, and they were informed that it was not transferable. However, after further inquiries by Kevin and his team, they were able to access it and doubled the amount they initially thought they could contribute.
Kevin had been very professional and had a genuine approach with them that earned American Hemartfold Gold their business.
They expressed gratitude for the positive experience and looked forward to working with Kevin and his team in the future.
They ventured into a whole new investment world. They had to say they hit the jackpot when they found the American Hartford Gold Company!
John, Austin, Katie, and Michelle, known as the A-Team, made their experience the most informative and smooth process they had ever encountered.
Those individuals cared. They received their assets as promised, actually earlier than expected. The initial signup process had been smooth and easy.
Everything occurred exactly as they had been informed. The follow-up had been the finishing touch. They were so impressed that they made their second investment.
Are There Any American Hartford Gold Complaints?
No.
I didn’t find any significant complaints against Hartford Gold Group. Certainly, it shows the effectiveness of their customer support.
American Hartford Gold offers several avenues for customer support to resolve complaints and provide assistance throughout the investment process. Here’s how they handle customer service and complaint resolution:
1. Dedicated Customer Support Team
American Hartford Gold provides direct access to a dedicated customer support team that helps address any concerns or issues clients might face. This team is available through phone, email, and live chat, ensuring multiple channels for communication. The company focuses on being transparent and responsive, often assigning a dedicated account representative to each client, which helps in resolving concerns quickly.
2. Consultative Approach
The company emphasizes a consultative approach to customer support, particularly during the investment process. Customers are provided with detailed information about their purchases, fees, and potential returns. By educating clients about the market and the investment process, American Hartford Gold aims to minimize misunderstandings or dissatisfaction that could lead to complaints.
3. Complaints Resolution via BBB
American Hartford Gold holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting its commitment to resolving customer complaints. The BBB platform shows that the company is prompt in responding to customer issues. When complaints are filed, the company typically addresses them by offering explanations, corrective actions, or buyback options to meet the customer’s needs.
4. Buyback Program
One key way American Hartford Gold resolves dissatisfaction is through their buyback program. If clients are unhappy with their investment or need liquidity, they can sell their precious metals back to the company at competitive prices, helping to address concerns about market fluctuations or financial needs.
5. Customer Education and Transparency
To prevent issues before they arise, American Hartford Gold places a strong emphasis on transparency and education. The company provides detailed disclosures about fees, the nature of precious metals investments, and market volatility, helping customers make informed decisions. By being upfront about these aspects, the company seeks to minimize potential complaints.
In summary, American Hartford Gold resolves complaints through a responsive customer support team, transparent communication, and educational resources, while also leveraging platforms like the BBB to handle formal grievances.
Celebrity Endorsements of American Hartford Gold:
American Hartford Gold has received several high-profile endorsements from conservative media figures and celebrities, boosting its reputation among certain audiences. These endorsements emphasize the company’s reliability and its role in helping people hedge against economic uncertainty by investing in precious metals. Here are some of the notable endorsements:
- Bill O’Reilly: The former Fox News host and political commentator is one of the most prominent figures endorsing American Hartford Gold. O’Reilly frequently promotes the company on his show and website, praising the stability of gold as an investment, particularly in times of inflation and market volatility.
- Rudy Giuliani: The former New York City mayor and political figure has also endorsed American Hartford Gold. Giuliani has mentioned the company in his media appearances, advising people to consider precious metals for financial protection.
- Lou Dobbs: Another notable conservative media figure, Dobbs has endorsed American Hartford Gold on his platforms, highlighting its services for those looking to protect their savings by investing in gold.
These celebrity endorsements help American Hartford Gold build credibility and trust, particularly within the conservative community, positioning the company as a go-to option for precious metals investment. However, it is important for potential investors to perform their own due diligence regardless of endorsements.
American Hartford Gold Lawsuit: Is There Any?
No.
Currently, there are no ongoing lawsuits against this gold IRA company.
This is a great sign. Certainly, it indicates the company is trustworthy.
Looking into the legal history of a gold IRA company, including lawsuits or complaints, is an important part of conducting due diligence before investing. Here are key steps and tips to follow to research a company’s legal background:
1. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- The BBB is a reliable source for tracking customer complaints, legal issues, and company practices. Visit the BBB’s website and search for the company. Look for:
- Accreditation status: Check whether the company is BBB-accredited.
- Customer complaints: Read through the complaints and see how the company has responded.
- Legal issues: If there are any major legal disputes or lawsuits, they might be noted here. Tip: Look at both resolved and unresolved complaints to see if there is a pattern of negative behavior.
2. Search Public Records and Court Databases
- Many legal disputes, including lawsuits, are publicly available through court records. You can search these databases to check if the company has been involved in any legal proceedings:
- PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records): This is the U.S. federal court database where you can search for federal civil and criminal cases.
- State court websites: Many states provide public access to court cases through their own online databases. Search in states where the company is headquartered or operates.
- County or local courts: For smaller or more localized lawsuits, you might need to check county court records. Tip: Start by searching the company’s name and executives for both state and federal cases. Use keywords like “lawsuit,” “litigation,” or “complaint.”
3. Check the SEC and CFTC Websites
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversee financial practices in the U.S.:
- SEC EDGAR Database: This database allows you to search for a company’s filings and any actions the SEC has taken against it.
- CFTC Enforcement Database: If the company has engaged in improper trading or investment practices, the CFTC may have taken action. Tip: If the gold IRA company markets itself as an investment advisor or offers certain financial products, it may be under SEC regulation.
4. Review the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- If the gold IRA company has any brokers or financial advisors, check FINRA’s BrokerCheck to find:
- Licensing and registrations: Ensure that their financial professionals are properly licensed.
- Disciplinary actions: Any legal or regulatory actions taken against individual brokers or the company will be listed.
5. Look for Consumer Reviews and Reports
- Consumer protection websites like Consumer Affairs, Trustpilot, or Ripoff Report often contain customer feedback about legal or ethical concerns. Complaints from investors could indicate:
- Overcharging or fraud: Allegations of unethical pricing or hidden fees.
- Breach of contract: Disputes over terms or services rendered.
- Investment misrepresentation: Promising returns that aren’t realistic or failing to disclose risks. Tip: Compare reviews across different platforms to see if there are consistent complaints about legal issues.
6. Search for News Articles
- Conduct a general web search for news articles that mention the company. Look for headlines involving:
- Legal actions: Articles on lawsuits or investigations.
- Regulatory issues: News on the company being fined or penalized.
- Scandals or fraud: Allegations of financial misconduct. Tip: Use the company’s name along with terms like “lawsuit,” “fraud,” “investigation,” or “settlement.”
7. Consult Regulatory Agencies
- State Attorney General’s Office: Search for any actions taken by the state attorney general against the company. Many states also list complaints filed against businesses.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC monitors deceptive business practices. Check for any relevant investigations or penalties.
8. Look for Arbitration Cases
- Gold IRA companies sometimes resolve disputes through arbitration rather than the courts. You can check:
- American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS: These organizations may provide information about cases involving arbitration settlements.
9. Hire a Legal or Financial Advisor
- If you have concerns, it may be worth consulting a legal or financial advisor to conduct a more thorough background check. They may have access to legal databases and industry-specific insights.
FAQs About American Hartford Gold
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding American Hartford Gold and its services:
1. What services does American Hartford Gold provide?
American Hartford Gold specializes in selling physical gold, silver, and platinum to individual investors. The company also offers Precious Metals IRAs, helping clients to diversify their retirement portfolios by including tangible precious metals. They assist with setting up self-directed IRAs and offer a buyback program where clients can sell their metals back.
2. How does American Hartford Gold handle Precious Metals IRAs?
The company helps investors roll over funds from existing retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k) or traditional IRAs) into a Precious Metals IRA. They guide clients through the process of setting up a self-directed IRA, which allows them to purchase and store physical gold, silver, or platinum in IRS-approved depositories.
3. What types of precious metals does American Hartford Gold offer?
American Hartford Gold offers a range of precious metal products, including:
- Gold coins and bars (e.g., American Gold Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf)
- Silver coins and bars (e.g., American Silver Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf)
- Platinum coins and bars.
4. Does American Hartford Gold offer a buyback program?
Yes, American Hartford Gold offers a buyback program, allowing customers to sell their precious metals back to the company. The process is designed to be simple, and the company buys back metals at competitive market prices.
5. What are the fees associated with American Hartford Gold’s services?
The company does not explicitly list all of its fees on its website, but typical fees may include:
- Account setup fees
- Storage fees for holding precious metals in an IRS-approved depository (if investing through an IRA)
- Custodian fees for managing the IRA account
Customers are encouraged to request detailed fee schedules before making an investment.
6. Is American Hartford Gold trustworthy?
American Hartford Gold has a strong reputation for reliability and customer service. They hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have positive reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs, where they are praised for their customer service and transparency.
7. How do I get started with a Precious Metals IRA?
To get started, you can contact American Hartford Gold to speak with an account specialist. They will help you open a self-directed IRA and guide you through the process of funding the account, either through a rollover from an existing retirement account or by making a new contribution.
8. How are the precious metals stored?
Precious metals in a Gold IRA must be stored in an IRS-approved depository, such as the Delaware Depository or Brinks. American Hartford Gold arranges for secure storage in these facilities. The metals are insured and stored under the client’s name, either in segregated or non-segregated storage, depending on the investor’s preference.
9. Is there a minimum investment required?
American Hartford Gold does not publicly list a specific minimum investment on its website, but customers are encouraged to contact the company directly for information on investment thresholds and initial deposit requirements for IRAs and direct purchases.
10. Are there celebrity endorsements for American Hartford Gold?
Yes, American Hartford Gold has been endorsed by several conservative media figures, including Bill O’Reilly, Rudy Giuliani, and Lou Dobbs, which helps boost their reputation among certain audiences.
By providing these services and support, American Hartford Gold aims to help investors diversify their portfolios and safeguard their wealth through precious metals investments.
American Hartford Gold Review: Conclusion
By using these resources, you can identify whether a gold IRA company has any legal history, including lawsuits, customer disputes, or regulatory actions. Doing thorough research will help you avoid companies with a history of legal or ethical problems and ensure you are making an informed decision when investing in a gold IRA.
Surely, American Hartford Gold seems like a legit gold IRA company.
If you’re interested in opening a gold IRA, I suggest you browse your options first.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
