Thinking about holding physical precious metals in a self-directed IRA? Choosing a dependable dealer and IRA partner can make the difference between a smooth rollover and a frustrating experience. This review walks through how Miles Franklin operates, what they offer, and what it’s like to buy and sell with them based on practical, real-world use.
If Miles Franklin is on your shortlist, keep reading for an investor’s perspective on their catalog, storage choices, service quality, and fees—so you can decide confidently.
I’ve spent over twenty years in the precious metals space, working with multiple dealers (including Miles Franklin). Below is a clear, refreshed look at the company for anyone evaluating metals for retirement or wealth preservation.
Miles Franklin: Company Snapshot
Founded in 1989 by David and Andrew Schectman, Miles Franklin operates as a full-service precious metals firm and a discount broker. Three decades later, the original leadership remains engaged, and the company reports billions in lifetime sales—built largely on long-term relationships and word-of-mouth referrals.
In my experience, their approach emphasizes education and access: investors can browse a broad product range, consult knowledgeable staff, and select straightforward storage solutions that integrate with retirement accounts.
My Top Gold IRA Companies for 2025
I’ve reviewed many gold IRA providers over the years and compiled a short list of the top options for 2025. If you’re planning a transfer or rollover, it’s worth reading before you fund an account.
One standout is Augusta Precious Metals, known for strong third-party ratings, hundreds of 5-star reviews, and lifetime support. You can read my detailed Augusta review or visit the official Augusta website for program specifics.
Why Investors Choose Miles Franklin
Like many first-time buyers years ago, I was cautious about where to place capital. Over time, consistency matters most—accurate pricing, reliable delivery, and service that doesn’t pressure you. That’s where Miles Franklin has earned repeat business from me.
From a large inventory to responsive support, the experience has been steady and professional. Below are the service areas that stood out.
Product Catalog
The website is simple to navigate and lists a wide array of bullion products, including bars, coins, and rounds. You can also browse by popular sovereign and private mints. Core categories include:
- Gold: Bars and coins from major mints, with popular choices such as American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and Australian Kangaroos.
- Silver: Bars, coins, and rounds, including best-sellers like Silver Eagles, Silver Maple Leafs, and Silver Kangaroos.
- Platinum: A selection of coins, rounds, and bars for diversification beyond gold and silver.
- Palladium: Bars, coins, and rounds for investors seeking broader PGM exposure.
- IRA-Approved: Metals that meet IRS fineness standards for inclusion in self-directed IRAs—covering eligible gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products.
- Mint: Filter by issuers such as the U.S. Mint, The Perth Mint, The Royal Mint, Austrian Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Valcambi, PAMP, South African Mint, and others.
Storage Options
Miles Franklin partners with Brink’s—one of the world’s most recognized secure logistics providers—to offer institutional-grade storage. Brink’s dates back to 1859 and operates facilities across North America and globally.
Investors can choose between two programs: a Private Safe Deposit Box service (gold and platinum only, in select Canadian facilities) and a fully segregated storage program for a broader range of metals.
Because I wanted a location I could visit, I opted for segregated storage at Brink’s Montreal, Canada. Being able to schedule in-person verification provided additional peace of mind.
Other Brink’s locations available through Miles Franklin include:
- Quebec
- Vancouver
- British Columbia
- New York
- Salt Lake City
- Los Angeles
- Miami
Customer Service and Support
Service has been consistently attentive—whether you’re placing your first order or rebalancing a larger position. In my interactions, representatives focused on education and suitability rather than pushing specific products.
When I called 1-952-929-7006 for recent pricing and availability, the conversation felt consultative and efficient. That tone aligns with feedback I’ve seen from other buyers who describe the team as professional and easy to reach.
How the Sell-Back Process Works
Miles Franklin also buys metals, and the process is straightforward. Here’s how my most recent sale unfolded:
- I listed the items I wanted to sell, including type, purity, and weight.
- I called a licensed Miles Franklin broker to confirm current buy prices.
- After locking in, I followed their packaging and shipping instructions to send the metals.
- Upon receipt, they authenticated the items (typically 1–3 business days) and issued payment. Wires arrived in about 1–3 business days; checks would have taken roughly 1–2 weeks.
Note: Check payments are free; wire transfers carry a $25 fee.
Fees and Pricing
Pricing is competitive, and the fee structure is easy to understand. Below is a concise summary of commonly encountered charges.
- Shipping and Insurance: Orders of at least 500 oz silver or 10 oz gold/platinum/palladium ship free with insurance within North America. Domestic orders below these thresholds incur a flat $15 shipping and insurance fee.
- Segregated Storage: A one-time account setup of $89. This fee may be waived for orders exceeding $15,000.
- Private Safe Deposit Storage: Separate fees apply (see below).
- One-time setup: $99.00
- In-person visit fee: $65.00
- Withdrawal fee: $40.00
Note: Additional fees may apply for closing an account, adding new assets, or other actions. Confirm details with the depository for the services you plan to use.
Ratings on Consumer Review Sites
| Consumer Protection Agency | Rating | Number of Reviews | Complaints in Past 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | 4 | 0 |
| Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) | CC | 2 | 0 |
| TrustPilot | 3.7/5 | 1 | 0 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clean, intuitive website with simple navigation.
- Live spot pricing tools visible while you shop.
- More than three decades of continuous operation.
- Reputable choice for both new and experienced investors.
- Responsive, knowledgeable support team.
Cons
- Shipping is limited to North America and U.S. territories.
- Online checkout maximum is $10,000 per order.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying gold coins and silver bars or funding a precious metals IRA, Miles Franklin is a dependable dealer to consider. The combination of product breadth, storage options, and helpful service makes it a solid fit for many investors.
As always, align any purchase with your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. If you’re comparing custodians and depositories, it’s worth speaking to multiple providers and confirming all fees up front.