Regal Assets vs Blanchard Company: An Honest Comparison of Top Precious Metals IRA Providers
In the debate of Regal Assets vs Blanchard Company for a precious metals IRA, investors need to dissect product variety, fee transparency, and customer satisfaction. This comparison cuts to the heart of the matter, providing the essential insights you need to choose the IRA provider that best matches your investment agenda.
Key Takeaways
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Regal Assets offers a unique investment option by allowing clients to invest in both precious metals and cryptocurrencies within the same IRA, while Blanchard Company specializes in rare and collectible coins and bullion options, having a solid reputation in numismatic rarities.
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Fee structures of both companies are critical for investors to consider, with Regal Assets offering a competitive flat annual fee, while Blanchard Company charges a setup fee with variable annual admin and storage fees, potentially higher based on the value of the assets.
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Both companies provide distinct investment approaches, with Regal Assets focusing on a diversified portfolio that includes cryptocurrencies, and Blanchard Company prioritizing rare coins due to their historic value appreciation and potential for becoming a family legacy.
Regal Assets and Blanchard Company Overview
Regal Assets stands out as a renowned gold IRA company due to its unique features:
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It allows investments in both gold and cryptocurrency within the same gold IRA account, an option that many other top gold IRA companies don’t offer.
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This versatility adds to the appeal of Regal Assets for individuals keen on diversifying their gold IRAs.
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Their choice of CNB Custody for custodian services and Brinks Global Services for vault storage guarantees utmost security and quality service for their clients.
Contrastingly, the New Orleans-based Blanchard Company is recognized as a reputable precious metals dealer with an expertise in handling precious metals. Unlike Regal Assets, Blanchard focuses on American numismatic rarities and bullion options for investment purposes. They have a team of over 85 experienced professionals led by CEO David Beahm. While their IRA-eligible products are limited, they offer a diverse selection of rare and collectible coins, as well as bullion in gold, palladium, and platinum for individuals seeking personal investment opportunities.
History and Reputation of Regal Assets
Founded in 2009, Regal Assets has become a leading name in the precious metals industry. Over the past decade, it has:
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Managed hundreds of millions in alternative asset purchases for private wealth and institutional clients
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Boasted a 400% success rate in its asset value
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Ranked #20 on INC 500’s list for financial services in 2013.
This recognition, coupled with its frequent features in reputable publications, has cemented Regal Assets’ reputation as a top gold IRA company.
History and Reputation of Blanchard Company
In contrast, Blanchard Gold boasts a longer history in the precious metals industry. Established in 1975, they have played a crucial role in advocating for the legal ownership of gold by individuals and enabling the inclusion of gold in IRAs. Their team of experts, led by CEO David Beahm, is dedicated to providing top-notch service and guidance to its clients, similar to the approach taken by the Birch Gold Group.
Blanchard Company’s primary focus is on rare and collectable coins, offering a diversified selection suitable for personal investments, and a limited range of IRA-eligible products. This focus on numismatic value, coupled with their extensive experience in the industry, has earned them a solid reputation in the market.
Comparing Investment Options: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium
Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company present an array of investment options. Regal Assets provides a diverse selection of IRA-eligible precious metals, encompassing gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Their pricing for these precious metals is determined by an account executive, taking into account fees for buying and selling the assets.
In contrast, Blanchard Company offers:
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A limited array of IRA-eligible silver products
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A broad range of IRA-eligible gold products
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A diverse selection of rare collectible coins suitable for personal investments, showcasing their emphasis on numismatic value.
Regal Assets’ Precious Metals Selection
Regal Assets offers a range of gold, silver, and palladium bars in different weights and sizes. Their palladium bullion is available in one ounce and 10 ounces denominations, along with a variety of silver coins. This wide selection allows investors to tailor their Regal IRA accounts by combining physical precious metals, cryptocurrencies, or both based on their investment preferences.
Blanchard Company’s Precious Metals Offerings
Blanchard Company offers bullion in gold, as well as platinum or palladium products for individuals seeking personal investment opportunities. Additionally, they provide American Gold Buffalo and Austrian Philharmonic coins, in addition to 1 oz and 1 kg gold bars for inclusion in precious metals IRAs.
Fee Structures and Costs
When choosing a precious metals IRA provider, the fee structures of both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company are significant factors to consider. Regal Assets imposes a $100 annual administration fee for precious metals IRAs, along with a flat annual rate of $125 for a gold IRA account and a $90 custodial fee. Their fee structure is competitive, with annual flat fees that do not increase as the investment grows, making it slightly more cost-effective than the industry standard.
Contrarily, Blanchard Company levies a $25 setup fee and an annual admin plus storage fee that ranges from $160 to over $350 for precious metals transactions. They also provide complimentary shipping for all orders totaling $300 or more.
Understanding Regal Assets’ Fees
Regal Assets offers competitive fees for its gold and crypto IRA offerings, leveraging strong partnerships with leading IRA custodians and vault depository companies. The fee structure for their gold IRA offerings consists of an annual, flat fee of $250, which encompasses both service and storage. Additionally, there are no charges for rollovers from existing IRAs.
For crypto IRA offerings, Regal Assets charges the following fees:
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Annual account fee: $240
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One-time setup fees: 10-15% based on the initial investment
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Trading fees: 1-5%
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Additional 1% annually for storage
Despite the relatively high setup fee, they provide a competitive overall fee structure considering their comprehensive services.
Blanchard Company’s Pricing Model
Blanchard Company’s pricing model is a bit more varied. In addition to the $25 setup fee, they charge an annual admin + storage fee ranging from $160-$350+ for precious metals transactions. For orders totaling $300 or more, shipping is provided free of charge. While their setup fee is lower than that of Regal Assets, the annual admin + storage fee can potentially be higher, depending on the value of the assets.
Remember, both companies present distinct fee structures, and a structure that suits one investor might not be the best fit for another. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your specific financial situation and investment goals when evaluating these costs.
IRA Setup and Funding Process
Establishing and funding an IRA represents a critical phase in the investment process. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company offer streamlined processes for IRA setup and funding.
Regal Assets provides a diverse array of funding options for IRAs, which encompass:
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the capacity to transfer or rollover funds from alternative retirement accounts
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investments in gold, silver, and other valuable metals
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offering crypto IRAs featuring assets such as Bitcoin for individuals interested in alternative investment opportunities.
In contrast, Blanchard Company necessitates clients to ascertain if their current IRA fulfills the requirements, or they need to initiate a new IRA through GoldStar Trust. This process involves filling out the required forms, paying fees online, and electronically signing the forms. The process typically takes just 15 minutes.
Starting an IRA with Regal Assets
Initiating an IRA with Regal Assets involves completing an online form, a process that is quick and simple, taking just a few minutes. They offer substantial assistance during the IRA setup process, managing the paperwork, overseeing investments, and ensuring prompt assistance within 24 hours for fund transfers. This swift and efficient process can be completed within 24 hours.
Their diverse range of funding options includes the opportunity to invest in physical gold, silver, and other precious metals. Additionally, clients have the option to transfer or rollover funds from an existing IRA to the new IRA with Regal Assets.
Initiating an IRA with Blanchard Company
Setting up an IRA with Blanchard Company involves determining if a current IRA meets the requirements or opening a new IRA with GoldStar Trust. The process is straightforward and can be completed online by filling out the required forms, paying fees online, and electronically signing the forms. This process typically takes just 15 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for investors.
While Blanchard Company does not offer as diverse a range of investment options as Regal Assets, they do offer a wide range of IRA-eligible gold products and a limited selection of IRA-eligible silver products. This focus on gold and silver may appeal to investors who prefer more traditional precious metals investments.
Customer Service Experience
Customer service remains a pivotal facet of any company, more so when managing an investment portfolio is in question. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company have unique approaches to customer service, and their customer reviews reflect these differences. Regal Assets has an average customer review rating of 2.65/5 stars, while Blanchard Company has an average rating of 1/5 stars.
Regal Assets maintains a dedicated customer service team accessible via phone or their website. They have faced allegations of fraudulent activities and mishandling of funds, but they manage complaints through an online form, ensuring that a customer service representative will offer assistance within 24 hours.
Contrarily, Blanchard Company addresses complaints by demonstrating prompt responsiveness and offering resolutions supported by pertinent evidence and documentation.
Regal Assets’ Commitment to Clients
Regal Assets is known for its customer-centric approach. They have garnered favorable testimonials from customers, lauding their service quality and highlighting their dedication to customer satisfaction. Some of the key features of Regal Assets include:
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Providing a proprietary IRA that encompasses investments in both precious metals and cryptocurrencies
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Dedicated account executives available to address any inquiries
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Accommodating clients by offering a wide range of investment options
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A strong focus on customer satisfaction and personalized service
Their customer support is efficient, managing complaints through an online form and ensuring that a customer service representative will offer assistance within 24 hours. This level of commitment to customer service has earned them many positive reviews and a strong reputation in the industry.
Blanchard Company’s Client Care
Blanchard Company’s customer service philosophy involves fostering an environment where each individual within the company is regarded as a valued internal customer and following the CARE approach to customer service. They manage customer complaints through a well-defined customer service process, demonstrating responsiveness and offering resolutions backed by relevant evidence and documentation.
Despite their commitment to customer service, Blanchard Company has been subject to criticism for utilizing sales tactics that certain clients perceived as encompassing costly risk-based investment methods, particularly in the area of rare coin investments. However, they do offer comprehensive guidelines on storing precious metals, which provide a variety of storage options. For a more detailed understanding, it’s worth checking out Blanchard gold reviews online.
Buyback Programs and Liquidity
When selecting a precious metals IRA provider, it’s crucial to consider their buyback programs and liquidity options. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company offer buyback programs for precious metals. Regal Assets provides one of the most generous buyback programs in the industry, guaranteeing that customers have the option to sell their gold or other precious metals back to the company at any time and receive a full refund. Additionally, they offer third-party insurance as a safeguard to protect the client’s investment while in transit as part of their buy-back program.
On the contrary, Blanchard Company offers the following services:
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Facilitates a buyback program that enables individuals to sell their precious metals back to the company at the current market price
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Engages in the purchase of precious metals and investment grade gold coins from their clients
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Accepts all forms of precious metals, including bullion and rare coins
Regal Assets’ Gold Buy-Back Policy
Regal Assets provides a repurchase program for gold, offering the following benefits:
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Customers can sell their precious metal back at market price, ensuring they receive the complete value of their investment.
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They offer third-party insurance as a safeguard to protect the client’s investment while in transit as part of their buy-back program.
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This level of protection provides peace of mind and security for investors.
Their guaranteed buyer commitment ensures that customers have the option to sell their gold or other precious metals back to the company at any time and receive a full refund. This commitment provides additional security for investors, knowing that they can liquidate their assets if necessary.
Blanchard Company’s Approach to Buybacks
Blanchard Company provides the following services:
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Buyback program allowing individuals to sell their precious metals back to the company at the prevailing market price
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Purchase of precious metals and investment grade gold coins from clients
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Acceptance of all forms of precious metals, including bullion and rare coins.
While they do not provide the same level of insurance or guaranteed buyer commitment as Regal Assets, their buyback program offers quick liquidity for investors looking to sell their precious metals. This flexibility is appreciated by many investors looking for a quick and easy way to liquidate their assets.
Online Presence and Educational Resources
A company’s online presence and educational resources can provide insight into their dedication towards customer education and support. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company have robust online platforms that offer a wealth of information and resources.
Regal Assets offers:
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Educational materials
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A free investor’s kit on their website to provide information on precious metals investing
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Real-time customer engagement platforms such as Braze and Regal.io to communicate with customers through event-based calls and text messages
Utilizing these resources can help customers stay informed and engaged with the company.
Blanchard Company offers a plethora of educational resources on their website, including:
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Articles
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Videos
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Best-selling books
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Webinars
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Customer education training
They also offer real-time spot prices for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and disseminate information regarding the precious metals industry, including updates on gold prices and market trends.
Regal Assets’ Wealth of Knowledge
Regal Assets provides a wide range of educational materials on its website, including:
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Articles
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Videos
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Webinars
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A free investor’s kit
These resources are tailored to cater to investors at various levels and are designed to be easily accessible and user-friendly.
They also offer a range of valuable resources, including a chart outlining investment minimums for IRA and Non-IRA purchases, live price charts, and frequent news updates, all designed to support clients in making well-informed investment choices.
Blanchard Company’s Information Hub
Blanchard Company provides a diverse range of management and leadership resources, including:
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Articles
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Videos
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Best-selling books
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Webinars
They also offer real-time spot prices for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, keeping their clients informed of the latest market trends.
Their website also showcases 51 reviews and testimonials from customers, providing evidence of the usefulness of their educational resources. This commitment to education and transparency is a testament to their dedication to customer satisfaction.
Security and Storage Solutions
When investing in precious metals, it’s crucial to consider security and storage solutions. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company provide solutions for the safekeeping of clients’ investments.
Regal Assets provides:
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Segregated precious metals storage for a low annual flat fee
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Ensures secure storage for precious metals
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Partnered with Brink’s to provide vault storage solutions, ensuring the highest level of security for the stored assets.
Blanchard Company, alongside Augusta Precious Metals, also offers secure storage solutions for precious metals and allows you to add precious metals to your existing collection.
Contrastingly, Blanchard Company does not provide storage services for investments directly. Instead, they advise their clients to select alternative storage solutions that best suit their individual needs. They recommend storage solutions such as home or business safes, bank deposit boxes, and international depositories for their clients.
Safekeeping with Regal Assets
Regal Assets provides a secure solution for the storage of precious metals. They offer:
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Segregated storage for precious metals in approved depositories
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Fully insured segregated storage for added security
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Management of transportation of precious metals to a location selected by the client, usually a facility specialized in storing precious metals.
This level of protection provides peace of mind and security for investors, knowing their investments are safe. The use of segregated storage also ensures that the precious metals are always kept separate from those of other clients.
Blanchard Company’s Storage Services
Blanchard Company takes a different approach to storage. They have chosen not to directly offer storage services for investments. Instead, they advise their clients to select alternative storage solutions that best suit their individual needs. These solutions include home or business safes, bank deposit boxes, and international depositories.
While this approach does not provide the same level of security as Regal Assets’ segregated storage, it does offer flexibility for investors to choose a storage solution that best suits their needs and preferences. They provide comprehensive guidelines on storing precious metals on their website, which provide a variety of storage options.
Regal Assets vs Blanchard Company: Diverse Investment Strategies
The diversity in investment strategies can play a key role when choosing a precious metals IRA provider. Both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company offer diverse investment strategies, but they take different approaches. Regal Assets improves its investment strategy by carefully selecting a diversified portfolio of the most promising cryptocurrencies to invest in. This offers advantages including asset diversification, favorable tax treatment, low investment fees, and a hedge against market volatility.
On the contrary, Blanchard Company gives priority to rare coins in their investment strategy, attributing it to their significant investment potential and historic value appreciation. They recommend that investors focus on quality over quantity when investing in rare coins, offering a unique approach to precious metals investing.
Regal Assets: Diversification into Cryptocurrency
Regal Assets provides diversification opportunities through a selection of 21 different cryptocurrencies in their self-directed IRA portfolios, referred to as Regal IRA. These options include:
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Bitcoin
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Cardano (ADA)
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Dash
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Dogecoin
This allows investors to establish a diversified alternative asset portfolio that encompasses cryptocurrencies, designed for long-term retirement strategizing.
This approach offers a unique opportunity for investors to:
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Diversify their portfolios beyond traditional precious metals
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Leverage the potential for high returns
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Diversify their portfolio to mitigate against potential market volatility
By investing in cryptocurrency with Regal Assets.
Blanchard Company: Focus on Rare Coins
Blanchard Company takes a different approach to investment strategy. They prioritize rare coins due to the tremendous investment opportunity they offer, as well as their potential to become a family legacy with a unique history and story. They provide rare gold and silver coins for investment, including numismatic rarities.
This focus on rare coins offers a unique perspective on precious metals investing. Instead of focusing solely on the intrinsic value of the metal, Blanchard Company looks at the numismatic value of the coins. This can provide substantial returns beyond the metal’s intrinsic value, due to their scarcity and appeal as collectible numismatic items.
Summary
In conclusion, both Regal Assets and Blanchard Company offer unique advantages as precious metals IRA providers. Regal Assets stands out with its diverse range of investment options, including both precious metals and cryptocurrency, and its competitive fee structure. Blanchard Company, on the other hand, offers a unique focus on rare coins and a wide array of educational resources.
Ultimately, the choice between Regal Assets and Blanchard Company will depend on your specific financial situation, investment goals, and personal preferences. Both companies are well-established and reputable within the industry, ensuring that whichever you choose, you’ll be in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to invest gold?
The best place to invest in gold is through gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or gold-oriented mutual funds and ETFs. These securities provide an easy and safe way to add gold to your investment portfolio.
What are the disadvantages of investing in gold?
The disadvantages of investing in gold include the need for storage when buying physical gold, volatility in prices in the short run, potential brokerage fees for gold ETFs and shares, and a negative correlation with the stock market. Consider these factors before investing in gold.
What is the best gold to buy?
The best gold to buy for investors looking to buy and sell precious metals includes American Gold Eagle, Gold American Buffalo, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, Gold British Britannia, Gold South African Krugerrand, Gold Austrian Philharmonic, and Gold Mexican Libertad.
What types of precious metals does Regal Assets offer for their IRAs?
Regal Assets offers a range of IRA-eligible precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Consider diversifying your IRA with these options.
What is the fee structure for Regal Assets’ services?
Regal Assets offers competitive fees for its gold and crypto IRA services, thanks to partnerships with top IRA custodians and vault depository companies.
