Hard Assets Alliance: Unique Highlights Overview
Hard Assets Alliance is a company that assists individuals in investing in precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
They provide an online platform that simplifies the process of buying, selling, and storing these metals. A notable feature of their service is the option to store metals in secure vaults located worldwide, offering both flexibility and security to investors.
Additionally, they enable investors to include precious metals in their retirement accounts, known as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
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What is Hard Assets Alliance?
Established in 2012, Hard Assets Alliance is a U.S.-based firm dedicated to providing a platform for investing in physical precious metals.
Their mission is to facilitate portfolio diversification by incorporating tangible assets like gold and silver.
Through their user-friendly online marketplace, investors can effortlessly purchase metals, select storage options, and manage their holdings.
Who are the People Behind Hard Assets Alliance?
Hard Assets Alliance was founded by a group of financial researchers aiming to enhance access to precious metals investments.
The company utilizes the trading platform of Gold Bullion International (GBI), and in 2018, GBI’s CEO also became the CEO of Hard Assets Alliance.
While specific details about the entire leadership team are not widely publicized, the collaboration with GBI indicates a strong foundation in the precious metals industry.
Does Hard Assets Alliance Offer IRA Services?
Yes, Hard Assets Alliance provides services that allow investors to incorporate precious metals into their Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
They partner with Equity Trust as the custodian for these accounts. Investors can establish a precious metals IRA through Hard Assets Alliance, facilitating the diversification of retirement savings with physical metals.
The process is designed to be straightforward, with clear guidance provided to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
What Products Can You Purchase at Hard Assets Alliance?
Hard Assets Alliance offers a diverse range of precious metals products, including:
- Gold: Coins and bars of various weights and designs.
- Silver: A selection of coins and bars suitable for investment.
- Platinum and Palladium: Options for investors seeking diversification beyond gold and silver.
These products are sourced from reputable mints and meet the required purity standards for investment purposes.
Hard Assets Alliance Fees and Pricing
Hard Assets Alliance maintains transparency regarding their fees, which include:
- Storage Fees: 0.7% per year of the average daily asset value for gold, platinum, and palladium, and 0.8% per year for silver.
There is a $5 monthly minimum per account, which is waived for accounts with MetalStream activated.
- IRA Custodian Fees: For IRA accounts, there is an annual administration fee of $125 charged by their custodian, Equity Trust.
Transaction fees and other costs are clearly outlined on their platform, ensuring investors are aware of any charges associated with their accounts.
What Do Hard Assets Alliance Reviews Say?
Customer reviews for Hard Assets Alliance are mixed. On Trustpilot, they have a rating of 4.4 out of 5, with some customers praising the ease of use and the range of services offered. However, there are also complaints about customer service and difficulties in obtaining refunds.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has given Hard Assets Alliance a D- rating, with only two 1-star customer reviews and two closed complaints in the last three years.
This suggests that while some customers have had positive experiences, others have encountered issues that have affected their satisfaction.
Examples of Hard Assets Alliance Reviews
#1. Sammy was a very nice person. As she went over the specifics of my mother’s story, she was gentle with me. Due to her dementia, my mother is unable to handle her own money.
#2. Janelle was amazing and patient. Although I don’t post reviews very often, I wanted to say how beneficial she was. Both my sister and brother-in-law suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Fortunately, they completed our POA, but we are currently working to locate their accounts and figure out what I need to do.
She helped to explain the hard assets and what Entrust Group is. I want to express one more how much I value her patience and the thorough and considerate explanation she provided!
#3. In addition to being quite helpful in helping me learn about my new account and even helping me create another one, Jennelle was also very professional, kind, and knowledgeable about the business. This is the ideal form of customer service!
#4. In 2014, my spouse and I opened Hard Assets Alliance precious metal IRAs. We have had nothing but positive experiences with HAA. They have fulfilled our expectations and lived up to all of the representations. After ten years, we are really happy.
We needed to address an issue about our In-Kind mandated Minimum Distributions this year. The response came from Samantha at HAA. The RMD was no longer to be shipped to our home address.
Our IRA Custodian should use the new account number as the “ship to” address, Samantha suggested, and we should register a second HAA account in the name of our revocable trust.
The RMD was then transferred to the new account by the Vaulting Company. Never once did the metals leave the Vault. They are safe and secure. It was an easy and quick process, by the way.
On a Tuesday, I sent the Custodian instructions by email. The metals showed up in the account records for the new account held in the Trust when the transfer was finished two days later, on Thursday. HAA comes highly recommended by me.
Why Aren’t There Many Hard Assets Alliance Complaints?
The relatively low number of complaints could be attributed to the company’s efforts to provide a user-friendly platform and a range of services that meet investor needs.
However, the presence of some negative reviews indicates that there may be areas, particularly in customer service, where improvements are needed to enhance the overall customer experience.
Are There Any Hard Assets Alliance Lawsuits?
There are no publicly known lawsuits against Hard Assets Alliance. This absence of legal issues suggests that the company operates within legal and regulatory guidelines, which is a positive indicator for potential investors considering their services.
Can You Trust Hard Assets Alliance? Is Hard Assets Alliance Legit?
Hard Assets Alliance is a legitimate company that has been operating since 2012, providing services for investors interested in precious metals.
Their partnerships with established entities like Gold Bullion International and Equity Trust add to their credibility. However, potential investors should be aware of the mixed customer reviews and consider these factors when deciding to engage with the company.
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.
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Hard Assets Alliance Review Summary
Hard Assets Alliance offers a platform for investing in precious metals, with services that include purchasing, storage, and the option to incorporate metals into retirement accounts.
While they provide a range of products and have partnerships with reputable organizations, customer feedback is mixed, particularly concerning customer service.
As with any investment decision, individuals need to conduct thorough research and consider their own financial goals and needs before engaging with Hard Assets Alliance.
