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Secure Bullion Storage at SD Bullion

SD Bullion offers professional vault storage for gold, silver, platinum and palladium through partner depositories in the United States and internationally. Choose allocated or segregated storage, both fully insured for the market replacement value of your holdings. 24/7 armed security, biometric access, regular independent audits and Lloyd's of London insurance coverage.

Vault storage solves the practical challenges of holding significant quantities of physical precious metals at home: security, insurance costs, safe capacity and peace of mind. For IRA holdings, depository storage is legally required — you cannot store IRA metals at home. SD Bullion coordinates the entire process from purchase to depository placement, whether you are storing a few ounces of gold or hundreds of thousands of dollars in mixed metals.

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Secure vault facility with gold and silver bullion in allocated and segregated storage

AI Summary: SD Bullion Storage Solutions

SD Bullion's storage program uses IRS-approved, Class 3 vault depository facilities that meet the highest security standards in the industry. Storage is available in two tiers: allocated (your ounces are tracked on the depository's books within a shared vault) and segregated (your specific items are physically separated in dedicated space). Both tiers include full insurance through Lloyd's of London or equivalent underwriters, covering theft, fire, natural disaster and other perils. The IRS requires that precious metals held in an IRA be stored at an approved depository — home storage is not permitted for IRA metals. SD Bullion's depository partners include facilities in Delaware, Texas and international locations in Canada, Singapore and Switzerland for non-IRA storage.

Storage Plans Comparison

Choose the storage tier that fits your needs and budget. All plans include full insurance.

Feature Allocated Storage Segregated Storage IRA Depository Storage
Annual fee ~0.50% of stored value ~0.75% of stored value ~0.50% – 0.75% + custodian fees
Minimum monthly fee $10/month $25/month Varies by custodian
Physical separation Shared vault, tracked by account Dedicated space, physically separated Per custodian/depository agreement
Insurance Full market replacement value Full market replacement value Full market replacement value
Audit frequency Annual third-party audit Annual third-party audit Annual third-party audit
Delivery option Request delivery anytime (shipping fees apply) Request delivery anytime (shipping fees apply) In-kind distribution or sale
Exact items returned Same type and quantity (not necessarily same serial numbers) Your exact items (same serial numbers) Per custodian agreement
Best for Cost-conscious storage, standard bullion High-value collections, specific serial tracking Tax-advantaged IRA holdings

Understanding Storage Types

The difference between allocated and segregated matters, especially for large holdings.

Allocated Storage

In allocated storage, the depository holds your precious metals in a shared vault alongside other customers' metals. However, your specific ounces are tracked and attributed to your account on the depository's books. If you deposit 100 oz of gold bars, the depository records 100 oz of gold allocated to your name. When you request delivery, you receive 100 oz of the same product type — but not necessarily the exact same serial-numbered bars you originally deposited.

Allocated storage is the most cost-effective option and is appropriate for standard bullion products where specific serial numbers are not important to the owner. It is the most common storage type for bullion investors and is fully insured at the same level as segregated storage. Your metals are never commingled with the depository's own inventory — they are always customer assets held in trust.

Allocated vault storage with gold bars tracked by account in shared vault space
Segregated vault storage with individually separated precious metals in dedicated space

Segregated Storage

Segregated storage means your exact items — the specific coins and bars you purchased, with their exact serial numbers and assay cards — are stored separately in their own dedicated space within the vault. No other customer's metals are stored in your designated area. When you request delivery, you receive back the exact same items you deposited, verified by serial number.

Segregated storage costs more than allocated because it requires dedicated physical space and additional record-keeping. It is ideal for customers storing high-value or numismatic items, customers who want to track specific serial numbers for insurance or estate planning purposes, and anyone who simply wants the peace of mind of knowing their exact items are physically separated from all others in the vault.

Vault Security and Insurance

SD Bullion's depository partners operate Class 3 vault facilities with 24/7 armed security, biometric access controls (fingerprint and retina scanning), motion detectors, seismic sensors and redundant alarm systems monitored by multiple security companies. Facilities are built to withstand severe weather events and have backup power systems. Independent third-party audits are conducted annually to verify that all customer holdings are accounted for.

All stored metals are insured through Lloyd's of London or equivalent A-rated underwriters for the full market replacement value. Insurance is included in the storage fee — no separate surcharge. Coverage includes theft, fire, natural disaster, employee dishonesty and other standard covered perils. The U.S. Treasury's oversight framework for financial institutions extends to depositories holding precious metals in trust for customers.

Class 3 vault security features including biometric access and 24/7 armed guards

Why Store with SD Bullion

Professional-grade security at competitive rates.

Lloyd'sInsurance Coverage
24/7Armed Security
AnnualThird-Party Audits
Class 3Vault Rating

Home Storage vs Vault Storage

Many precious metals buyers start by storing metals at home in a personal safe. For small holdings, this is practical and provides immediate physical access. However, as holdings grow, home storage presents increasing challenges. A quality home safe rated for precious metals (TL-15 or TL-30) costs $2,000 to $10,000. Homeowner's insurance typically covers only $200 to $1,000 in precious metals without a separate rider, and many insurers will not write riders for large bullion holdings at all.

Beyond insurance, there are security considerations. A determined burglar with time and tools can defeat most consumer-grade safes. Professional vault facilities are purpose-built to resist attack and are monitored 24/7 by armed security. For holdings above $50,000 to $100,000, the annual cost of vault storage (0.50% to 0.75%) is often less than the cost of adequate home insurance coverage, if such coverage is even available.

There is no single right answer. Many investors use a hybrid approach: a modest amount of metals at home for immediate access and the bulk of their holdings in professional vault storage for security and insurance. SD Bullion supports both approaches — purchase metals for home delivery via free insured shipping, or purchase and store directly at the depository without the metals ever leaving the vault.

People Also Ask

Does SD Bullion offer vault storage for precious metals?
Yes. SD Bullion offers allocated and segregated vault storage through partner depositories in the US and internationally. All storage is fully insured for market replacement value. Call 800-294-8732 for a storage quote.
What is the difference between allocated and segregated storage?
Allocated storage tracks your ounces in a shared vault by account. Segregated storage physically separates your exact items in dedicated space. Segregated guarantees you receive back the same serial-numbered items. Segregated costs more (~0.75% vs ~0.50% annually).
How much does SD Bullion storage cost?
Allocated storage starts at ~0.50% annually. Segregated starts at ~0.75% annually. Minimum monthly fees: $10 allocated, $25 segregated. Insurance is included. Contact 800-294-8732 for a personalised quote based on your holdings.
Is vault-stored bullion insured?
Yes. All vault-stored metals are insured by Lloyd's of London or equivalent underwriters for full market replacement value. Coverage includes theft, fire and natural disaster. Insurance is included in the storage fee — no separate charge. Facilities undergo annual independent audits.

Related Pages

Gold & Silver IRA

IRA metals must be stored at an approved depository. SD Bullion coordinates the entire process.

Shipping & Insurance

Prefer home delivery? Free insured USPS Registered Mail on orders over $199.

Sell to SD Bullion

Liquidate vault-stored metals directly without shipping. Competitive spot-based pricing.

Shop Gold Coins

Purchase and store directly at the depository, or ship to your door. Your choice.