What happens in which order?
- ChooseCustodian
- Move cashFund
- Direct a purchaseBuy
- Confirm receiptStore
The account holds the metal. You keep the paperwork.
Opening the account, moving funds, executing a purchase and confirming custody are separate milestones. Ask each party to name the current milestone instead of describing everything as “in progress.” A submitted application is not evidence that a transfer request has been accepted.
Who is responsible for the next action?
| Stage | Ask this party | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Application acceptance | Receiving custodian | Acceptance and account details |
| Funding release | Existing IRA institution or plan | Accepted request and payment confirmation |
| Cash available | Receiving custodian | Receipt and available balance |
| Purchase completed | Custodian and dealer | Authorization and settlement record |
| Storage confirmed | Custodian and storage provider | Receipt and reconciled holding |
Duration for each stage: unknown in the verified evidence used for this packet. This tracker is an editorial workflow checklist, not a published service-level agreement.
How should you use a representative’s estimate?
Ask what starts the clock, whether the estimate assumes complete documents, and whether it includes storage receipt. Request a written distinction between an estimate and a contractual commitment. The dealer cannot necessarily control the releasing institution’s processing.
Possible dependencies include a missing signature, a name mismatch, an employer plan’s distribution conditions, liquidation of existing investments or product availability. Ask which dependency actually applies to your case rather than assigning a generic delay.
Is a rollover deadline an opening estimate?
A distribution paid to you generally has a 60-day rollover deadline. An eligible employer-plan distribution paid to you generally has 20% mandatory withholding; rolling over the full gross amount requires replacing the withheld money from other funds. A direct rollover avoids that withholding. IRS · Rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions · as of 2026-11-11
This is a legal deadline for the applicable transaction, not a normal turnaround promise or an automatic period allowed to the service providers. If you have already received a distribution, tell the receiving custodian and your tax professional promptly. IRS · Rollovers of retirement plan and IRA distributions · as of 2026-11-11
Keep a dated record of submissions and status messages. An effective follow-up asks which item is missing, who must act, and how you will receive confirmation when that step finishes.