Cornerstone Bullion Review: Fees, Complaints, Products, and More

Cornerstone Bullion has established itself as a reputable precious metals dealer, specializing in helping investors incorporate gold, silver, platinum, and palladium into their self-directed IRAs. With nearly 14 years of experience in the industry, the company has built a strong reputation for its commitment to customer service, education, and transparency.

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Cornerstone Bullion’s Unique Services:

Cornerstone Bullion offers a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of precious metals investors:

1. Precious Metals IRAs: The company’s flagship service assists clients in setting up and managing self-directed IRAs that include physical precious metals, providing a unique avenue for retirement portfolio diversification.
2. Direct Precious Metals Purchases: For those interested in personal investment outside of retirement accounts, Cornerstone offers a variety of bullion, coins, and bars.
3. Educational Resources: Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making, the company provides extensive information about precious metals investing.
4. Buyback Program: Offering flexibility to investors, Cornerstone allows customers to sell their metals back to the company when desired.

In the next section, we’ll look into the products available in Cornerstone Bullion’s catalog:

Cornerstone Bullion Products:

Cornerstone Bullion offers a robust selection of precious metals products, tailored to meet the diverse needs of investors and collectors alike. Here’s a detailed look at their offerings:

Diverse Product Offerings

Cornerstone Bullion’s product line caters to various investor preferences:

• Gold and silver coins, including popular options like American Gold Eagles and Canadian Gold Maple Leafs
• Gold and silver bars
• Platinum and palladium products
• IRA-eligible precious metals, ensuring compliance with retirement account regulations

Gold Products

• Gold Coins: Cornerstone Bullion provides a variety of investment-grade gold coins, including popular choices like the American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and other world-renowned coins. These coins are favored for their liquidity and the security of being issued by government mints.
• Gold Bars: Investors can also choose from a range of gold bars in various sizes, from smaller one-ounce bars to larger bars like those weighing ten ounces or even kilo bars. These bars are sourced from reputable mints, ensuring high purity and quality.

Silver Products

• Silver Coins: The selection includes highly sought-after silver coins such as the American Silver Eagles and Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, among others. These coins are popular for both investment and collection due to their fine craftsmanship and silver content.
• Silver Bars: For those interested in silver, Cornerstone Bullion offers bars ranging from small one-ounce sizes to larger hundred-ounce bars, providing options for both new investors and those looking to make substantial additions to their portfolios.

Platinum and Palladium

• Platinum and Palladium Offerings: Cornerstone Bullion also deals in platinum and palladium products, which include both coins and bars. These metals offer additional diversification for precious metals investors looking to expand beyond just gold and silver.

Numismatic and Collectible Coins

• Rare Coins: For collectors, Cornerstone Bullion has a selection of numismatic and collectible coins. These coins not only carry the intrinsic value of the metal but also historical significance that can appreciate over time.

Precious Metals IRAs

• IRA-Eligible Products: They provide a comprehensive selection of IRA-eligible precious metals, facilitating the inclusion of these assets in self-directed retirement accounts.
• IRA Services: Cornerstone Bullion assists clients with the setup and management of Precious Metals IRAs, including facilitating rollovers from existing retirement accounts.

Specialty Products

Diverse Offerings: In addition to standard bullion products, they often feature specialty items and limited edition releases, catering to the unique preferences of collectors and investors.

Cornerstone Bullion focuses on providing high-quality precious metals products coupled with detailed customer support to guide both seasoned investors and newcomers through the process of buying and investing in precious metals. Their offerings are comprehensive, ensuring that there are suitable options for various investment strategies and goals.

Cornerstone Bullion Fees and Pricing:

Cornerstone Bullion’s fees and pricing structure are designed to be transparent and competitive within the precious metals market. Here’s a detailed overview:

Fees and Pricing Structure

1. Transaction Fees:

Set-Up Fees for IRAs: Cornerstone Bullion charges a $50 account setup fee for new IRA accounts with certain custodians, such as The Entrust Group. However, some custodians like The Kingdom Trust Company offer a $0 setup fee.

Annual Account Maintenance Fees: The annual maintenance fees vary depending on the custodian. For instance, The Entrust Group charges a $199 annual fee, while The Kingdom Trust Company charges a $120 annual fee.

2. Storage Fees:

Cornerstone Bullion partners with several secure vault storage providers, including Delaware Depository, Idaho Armored Vault, and Dakota Depository. The fees for these storage services are competitive, with flat rates ensuring straightforward cost calculations for clients. Specific costs for each depository might differ, but they generally align with industry standards for secure, insured storage.

3. Shipping Fees:

For precious metals that are not part of an IRA, Cornerstone Bullion applies a flat shipping and handling fee of $25 for orders less than 20 ounces of gold or 500 ounces of silver. Above these quantities, shipping fees may vary.

4. Spread and Commission Fees:

Cornerstone Bullion states that there are no hidden fees or commissions added to their quoted prices. The price quoted on the phone includes all fees, shipping charges, and insurance where applicable. They emphasize transparency in their pricing, ensuring that the per ounce price quoted is the only cost the buyer will face.

5. Buyback Pricing:

Cornerstone Bullion also offers buyback options, claiming to provide competitive prices, though specifics may vary based on market conditions and the metals in question.

Competitive Pricing and Transparency

Cornerstone Bullion is committed to providing competitive pricing, especially for orders exceeding $10,000, where they claim to be particularly competitive. They encourage potential buyers to call for the most accurate and favorable pricing.

No Hidden Fees

The company assures that aside from the clear fees mentioned, there are no extra taxes, fees, or commissions, providing a clear, out-the-door pricing model that appeals to many investors.

This fee structure makes Cornerstone Bullion a potentially attractive choice for investors looking for a transparent and straightforward approach to investing in precious metals, whether through direct purchase or via a Precious Metals IRA.

Unique Approach and Strengths of Cornerstone Bullion

What sets Cornerstone Bullion apart is its emphasis on investor education and transparency. The company has streamlined the process of setting up Gold IRAs, making it accessible to a broader range of investors. Their partnerships with secure storage facilities, such as the Delaware Depository, underscore their commitment to the safety and security of their clients’ investments.

Key strengths of Cornerstone Bullion include:

• Diverse product selection
• Multiple custodian options for IRAs
• Comprehensive educational resources
• An established reputation in the industry

Customer-Centric Approach

Cornerstone Bullion’s customer service has been highly praised in reviews, with clients commending the company’s ethics, honesty, and fair pricing. The company offers expert guidance throughout the investment process and provides tailored investment strategies based on individual needs and goals.

Limitations

While Cornerstone Bullion excels in many areas, it’s worth noting a couple of limitations:

• The company does not offer cryptocurrency options, which may be a consideration for some investors.
• Their international reach is limited, primarily focusing on the U.S. market.

Conclusion

Cornerstone Bullion has positioned itself as a trusted advisor in the precious metals space, particularly for those looking to incorporate physical precious metals into their retirement planning strategies. Their commitment to education, transparency, and personalized service has resonated well with investors seeking to secure their retirement savings through tangible assets. As the company continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to helping individuals navigate the world of precious metals investing while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.