If you are considering moving part of an IRA or 401(k) into physical gold and silver, you may have encountered Kirk Elliott Precious Metals (KEPM.com) through a podcast, radio program, financial newsletter, or online interview.
The company promotes an education-first approach, bullion-only products, transparent pricing, and personal assistance with precious metals IRA rollovers. Those are meaningful advantages—but investors should also examine its 8% purchase premium, third-party IRA fees, limited number of independent reviews, and available alternatives before transferring retirement savings.
This Kirk Elliott Precious Metals review examines how the company works, what it charges, where customers’ metals are stored, and whether KEPM is a legitimate option for retirement investors.
Before we dive deeper into this review, it’s important to note that choosing a precious metals company is a significant financial decision. That’s why we are committed to providing accurate, unbiased, and thoroughly researched information.
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Quick verdict: Kirk Elliott Precious Metals appears to be a legitimate precious metals dealer with more than a decade in business, an A+ BBB rating, published dealer pricing, and established IRA and storage partners. Its bullion-only model and personalized guidance are notable strengths. However, its standard 8% premium is not insignificant, its independent review history remains relatively small, and investors should compare written quotes from several Gold IRA companies before purchasing.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Review Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Kirk Elliott Precious Metals |
| Also known as | KEPM; formerly Kirk Elliott PhD Private Advisors |
| Founder | Dr. Kirk Elliott |
| CEO | Ashley Kunkle |
| Founded | 2013, according to the BBB |
| Headquarters | 1660 17th Street, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado |
| Products | Investment-grade gold and silver bullion |
| Gold IRA services | Yes |
| IRA custodian | Strata Trust Company |
| Depository | Texas Precious Metals Depository |
| Standard dealer premium | 8% above wholesale |
| KEPM selling commission | 0% for existing clients selling to KEPM |
| BBB rating | A+ |
| BBB accredited | No |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.3/5 at the time reviewed |
| Published minimum | No universal IRA minimum clearly published |
| Best for | Investors who value bullion-only products and personalized assistance |
| Main drawback | An 8% upfront premium plus applicable third-party fees |
| Our rating | 4.1/5 |
What Is Kirk Elliott Precious Metals?
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals is a Denver-based dealer that helps customers purchase physical gold and silver using either personal funds or a self-directed precious metals IRA.
The Better Business Bureau reports that the business began in September 2013. The company was previously associated with the name Kirk Elliott PhD Private Advisors and now markets itself primarily as KEPM.
Unlike dealers that promote rare, proof, or semi-numismatic coins, KEPM says it sells investment-grade bullion only. Bullion products derive most of their value from their precious-metal content rather than rarity, condition, or collectability.
That distinction matters. Collectible coins can carry substantial markups that may be difficult to recover when the coins are sold. A bullion-only policy makes it easier to evaluate how much of an investor’s money is going toward the metal and how much is going toward the dealer’s premium.
According to KEPM, the company has assisted more than 30,000 clients and handled billions of dollars in client assets. These figures are company-reported and should be treated as marketing claims rather than independently audited statistics. KEPM’s company profile provides additional information about its leadership and history.
Who Is Dr. Kirk Elliott?
Dr. Kirk Elliott is the founder and an owner of Kirk Elliott Precious Metals. The company describes him as an economist and wealth-preservation specialist with approximately three decades of financial-industry experience, including nearly 25 years in precious metals.
According to KEPM, Elliott holds doctoral degrees in public policy and theology. He has also appeared on numerous podcasts, radio programs, and financial broadcasts discussing inflation, monetary policy, geopolitical risk, and precious metals.
Ashley Kunkle serves as KEPM’s chief executive officer and is also an owner. The company says she became CEO in 2022 after working in consulting and management roles within the organization.
Prospective customers should understand that KEPM is a precious metals dealer—not an independent fiduciary financial adviser. Its representatives can explain products and coordinate a purchase, but customers should consult their own tax, legal, and financial professionals when deciding how much of a retirement portfolio to allocate to metals.
Is Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Legit?
Based on the publicly available evidence, Kirk Elliott Precious Metals appears to be a legitimate operating precious metals business.
Several factors support that conclusion:
- The BBB reports that the company has operated since 2013.
- It has a verifiable Denver business address and telephone number.
- The company has an A+ BBB rating, although it is not BBB accredited.
- KEPM publishes its standard dealer premium.
- It works with Strata Trust Company for self-directed IRAs.
- It uses Texas Precious Metals Depository for professional storage.
- Its Trustpilot profile contains both positive and negative feedback rather than uniformly promotional reviews.
- The company publishes risk disclosures and acknowledges that precious metals prices can decline.
The BBB business profile lists KEPM as an LLC and identifies Kirk Elliott as an owner. Its A+ BBB grade should not, however, be confused with accreditation or a customer-review score. The BBB states that customer reviews do not determine its letter grade.
Legitimate does not automatically mean suitable for every investor. The more useful question is whether KEPM’s products, fees, service model, and buyback terms fit your retirement plan.
What Does Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Offer?
Physical Gold and Silver
KEPM sells physical investment-grade gold and silver bullion. Its product approach centers on bars and rounds whose value closely follows their precious-metal content.
The company says it does not sell collectible or semi-numismatic coins. This may benefit investors who want to avoid products carrying large rarity-related markups.
Before placing an order, ask for a transaction confirmation that identifies:
- The exact product and mint
- Weight and purity
- Quantity
- Current spot price
- KEPM’s wholesale reference price
- Dollar amount of the dealer premium
- Total purchase price
- Estimated liquidation value at the time of purchase
Although KEPM publishes an 8% standard premium, an itemized written quote makes it easier to compare the actual cost with competing dealers.
Precious Metals IRAs
KEPM helps customers open self-directed IRAs capable of holding qualifying gold and silver. The company coordinates account establishment, transfer paperwork, metal selection, and delivery to the depository.
A precious metals IRA can generally be funded through:
- A transfer from an existing Traditional IRA
- A transfer from another self-directed IRA
- A rollover from an eligible former-employer 401(k)
- A rollover from a 403(b), 457(b), TSP, or similar eligible plan
- A new annual IRA contribution, subject to IRS rules
Gold and silver inside an IRA must satisfy applicable IRS requirements and remain under qualified custody. Investors generally cannot take personal possession of IRA-owned metals without the transaction being treated as a distribution.
Cash Purchases
Customers can also purchase gold or silver using non-retirement funds.
For direct purchases, KEPM offers:
- Insured home delivery
- Segregated professional storage
- The option to sell qualifying holdings back through KEPM
Cash purchases avoid IRA administration rules, but they do not receive an IRA’s tax treatment. Investors should also consider personal security, insurance, shipping, and potential tax-reporting requirements.
How Does a Kirk Elliott Gold IRA Work?
The KEPM Gold IRA process follows the general structure used throughout the industry.
1. Speak With a KEPM Representative
The process begins with a consultation. A representative discusses the investor’s objectives, retirement account, time horizon, and preferred metals.
A consultation should be educational rather than a commitment. Do not authorize a rollover until you have received the complete fee schedule and compared it with other providers.
2. Open a Self-Directed IRA
KEPM works with Strata Trust Company as its preferred IRA custodian. The custodian establishes and administers the self-directed account, processes transactions, handles required reporting, and maintains legal custody of the IRA assets.
KEPM is the metals dealer, while Strata is the custodian. These are separate roles, and each organization may have its own agreements and charges.
3. Transfer or Roll Over Retirement Funds
The new account can be funded through an eligible transfer, rollover, or contribution.
A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer is often the simplest option because funds move between financial institutions without being paid personally to the investor. Indirect rollovers involve additional deadlines and withholding considerations.
KEPM says its transfer team helps prepare and coordinate the paperwork. Nevertheless, customers remain responsible for confirming the tax treatment with a qualified professional.
4. Select the Metals
After funds arrive, the customer selects eligible gold or silver bullion. KEPM charges its standard dealer premium when the purchase is completed.
Ask to see the product list and final prices before approving the transaction. “IRA eligible” describes compliance with applicable standards; it does not necessarily mean that a product offers the lowest premium or best resale value.
5. Store the Metals at the Depository
IRA-owned metals are sent to Texas Precious Metals Depository. KEPM states that customer holdings are fully segregated rather than pooled with other clients’ metals.
The custodian maintains the IRA records while the depository physically safeguards the bullion.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Fees and Pricing
Fee transparency is one of the most important parts of this review.
KEPM’s published pricing page states that its standard purchase price is 8% above wholesale. Current KEPM clients pay 0% KEPM commission when selling their metals back through the company.
Promotional or volume pricing may reduce the standard rate, but any discount should be documented before the transaction is authorized.
What Does an 8% Premium Mean?
Suppose the underlying wholesale cost of a bullion order is $100,000. An 8% dealer premium would add approximately $8,000, resulting in a total purchase price of about $108,000 before applicable third-party expenses.
| Wholesale value | 8% dealer premium | Approximate purchase total |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $2,000 | $27,000 |
| $50,000 | $4,000 | $54,000 |
| $100,000 | $8,000 | $108,000 |
| $250,000 | $20,000 | $270,000 |
| $500,000 | $40,000 | $540,000 |
These simplified examples assume the stated premium is applied directly to the referenced wholesale value. Actual transaction prices depend on the specific products and live market conditions.
An investor does not necessarily break even as soon as spot prices rise by 8%. The eventual buyback price, bid-ask spread, product liquidity, and third-party expenses also affect the result.
Zero Selling Commission Requires Context
KEPM’s 0% selling commission means the company does not add its own liquidation commission when an existing customer sells to KEPM. It does not guarantee:
- A future repurchase price
- That KEPM will pay the current retail price
- That the metals will be worth what the customer originally paid
- That market prices will have increased
- That shipping or other third-party costs will be zero
Ask how the buyback price is calculated and request an example using the exact products being considered.
Third-Party IRA Expenses
The 8% premium does not cover every possible cost.
Strata Trust may charge separately for:
- Account establishment
- Annual administration
- Precious metals storage
- Purchases and sales
- Wire transfers
- Distributions
- Account termination
KEPM directs investors to Strata’s current published schedule rather than quoting one all-inclusive IRA price. Obtain that schedule in writing because custodian charges can change.
Is There a Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Minimum Investment?
KEPM does not prominently publish a universal minimum for every Gold IRA transaction on its main pricing page. One Trustpilot reviewer referenced a $500 minimum for a purchase, but a customer comment should not be treated as an official company-wide IRA policy.
Minimums may differ based on:
- Cash purchases versus IRA purchases
- Product availability
- Custodian requirements
- Promotional terms
- Transaction size
- Payment method
Ask KEPM to confirm the applicable minimum in writing. More importantly, choose an investment amount based on diversification, liquidity, time horizon, and risk tolerance—not merely a dealer’s minimum.
Considering a $50,000+ retirement rollover?
Before transferring funds, compare dealer markups, annual IRA fees, storage arrangements, buyback policies, and customer support across several established companies. Request your free Gold IRA Company comparison checklist to identify which provider best fits your account size.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Storage
KEPM uses Texas Precious Metals Depository for professional storage. According to the company, holdings are segregated, regularly audited, and insured through underwriters at Lloyd’s of London.
Segregated storage means a customer’s specific holdings are maintained separately rather than being combined into a general pool.
For direct, non-IRA storage, KEPM published the following negotiated depository rates:
| Account value | Published annual storage rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $100,000 | 0.40% |
| $100,000–$1 million | 0.35% |
| $1 million–$5 million | 0.28% |
| Over $5 million | 0.25% |
The company also listed no setup fee, no withdrawal fee apart from shipping, and a $4 monthly minimum. These direct-storage rates do not necessarily apply to metals held inside an IRA. IRA storage is billed under the custodian’s schedule. KEPM’s storage page contains the latest published details.
For non-IRA purchases, KEPM also offers insured home delivery. Home possession is different from holding metals inside an IRA: personally storing IRA-owned bullion can cause serious tax and compliance problems.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Reviews and Ratings
Online Kirk Elliott Precious Metals reviews are generally positive, but the independent sample remains limited compared with larger national Gold IRA companies.
Better Business Bureau
At the time of research, KEPM had:
- An A+ BBB rating
- Approximately 12 years reported in business
- No BBB accreditation
- A business file opened in April 2024
An A+ grade is positive, but it is not the same as a five-star customer score. The BBB expressly notes that customer reviews are not used in calculating its letter grade.
Trustpilot
At the time reviewed, KEPM’s Trustpilot profile showed:
- A 4.3/5 overall rating
- 17 total reviews
- 88% five-star reviews
- 12% one-star reviews
- Company responses to all negative reviews
Positive reviewers frequently mentioned:
- Helpful and knowledgeable staff
- Clear explanations
- Personal attention
- Assistance with IRA and 401(k) transfers
- Satisfaction with the published 8% premium
- No KEPM commission when selling
The principal limitation is volume. Seventeen reviews are not enough to establish the same depth of feedback available for companies with hundreds or thousands of verified reviews.
Trustpilot also warned that the available reviews might not be representative. Customer reviews are useful, but they should be evaluated alongside contracts, fee schedules, regulatory information, and actual written quotes.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Complaints
The relatively small number of public complaints does not reveal a single recurring operational problem. However, the available critical feedback and the company’s business model highlight several issues investors should examine.
Potential Concern: The Upfront Premium
An 8% dealer premium is clearly disclosed, which is better than an unpublished markup. Nevertheless, 8% represents a substantial initial cost on a large retirement transaction.
For a $500,000 wholesale position, the simplified premium would be approximately $40,000. High-net-worth investors should therefore ask whether volume pricing is available and compare the same bullion products across multiple dealers.
Potential Concern: Limited Independent Review Volume
KEPM’s review profiles contain fewer reviews than many major national precious metals companies. A smaller sample makes it harder to evaluate long-term patterns involving delivery, liquidation, distributions, and account closure.
Potential Concern: Dealer and Adviser Roles
KEPM uses educational and consultative language, but it earns revenue from precious metals transactions. That creates a commercial interest in completed purchases.
Investors should obtain independent advice when deciding:
- What percentage of a portfolio to allocate
- Whether an IRA or cash purchase is preferable
- Whether gold, silver, or a combination is suitable
- How precious metals affect liquidity and retirement income
- Whether the tax consequences fit their situation
Potential Concern: Third-Party Fees
The advertised 8% premium and 0% selling commission apply to KEPM’s charges. They do not eliminate custodian, storage, wire, shipping, transaction, distribution, or closure expenses imposed by other parties.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Lawsuit
Public court records show that Golden Bull LLC filed a lawsuit in 2023 naming Kirk M. Elliott, Kirk Elliott PhD Private Advisors LLC, and K+E Consulting Redesigned as defendants.
The existence of a complaint does not establish wrongdoing. Civil complaints contain allegations that must be proven or resolved through the legal process.
In the federal proceeding, the court dismissed Golden Bull’s claims without prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction. The federal court therefore did not decide the underlying allegations on their merits. The case was terminated in that court. The final judgment is publicly available through Justia.
This distinction should be stated accurately: the case was not a judicial finding that KEPM committed misconduct, nor was the dismissal a merits-based ruling that every allegation was false.
Our searches of the SEC and CFTC websites did not surface an obvious enforcement action against Kirk Elliott Precious Metals under that exact company name. Search results are not a substitute for a formal legal or regulatory background investigation.
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals Pros and Cons
Pros
- Operating history dating to 2013
- A+ BBB rating
- Published standard dealer premium
- Bullion-only product philosophy
- No KEPM liquidation commission for current clients
- Personalized consultation and rollover assistance
- Established IRA custodian relationship
- Segregated professional storage
- Insured home delivery for eligible non-IRA purchases
- Company responds to negative Trustpilot reviews
Cons
- Standard 8% premium can be costly on large purchases
- Custodian and storage expenses are additional
- Not BBB accredited
- Relatively few independent customer reviews
- No universal Gold IRA minimum prominently disclosed
- Selling at 0% commission does not guarantee a particular buyback price
- Bullion selection appears narrower than full-service dealers offering gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
- Investors must call or consult with a representative to obtain transaction-specific pricing
Who Should Consider KEPM?
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals may appeal to investors who:
- Prefer investment-grade bullion over collectible coins
- Want personal assistance during a rollover
- Appreciate a clearly published dealer premium
- Are comfortable using Strata Trust Company
- Prefer segregated storage in Texas
- Want the option of insured home delivery for non-IRA metals
- Value economic education and ongoing communication
It may be less suitable for investors who:
- Want the lowest possible bullion premium
- Prefer a company with thousands of independent reviews
- Want several custodian or depository choices
- Need every IRA expense bundled into one simple annual fee
- Want broad platinum or palladium selections
- Prefer completely online ordering without a consultation
- Are uncomfortable paying a percentage-based premium on a large rollover
Questions to Ask Before Investing
Before transferring retirement savings to KEPM—or any Gold IRA provider—ask for written answers to the following:
- What is the exact wholesale reference price for each product?
- What is the total dollar amount of the 8% premium?
- Do I qualify for promotional or volume pricing?
- What would KEPM pay today to buy back the same metals?
- How is the future repurchase price calculated?
- What are Strata Trust’s setup and annual administration fees?
- Is IRA storage flat-rate or based on account value?
- Are transaction, wire, distribution, shipping, or closure fees charged?
- Which products are eligible for my IRA?
- How long will the rollover and delivery process take?
- Will my metals be fully segregated?
- What documentation will identify my holdings?
- What happens if KEPM declines to repurchase my metals?
- How are required minimum distributions handled?
- What is the complete cancellation and refund policy?
A reputable representative should answer these questions without pressure or vague assurances.
Gold IRA Risks to Understand
Physical gold and silver can help diversify a portfolio, but they are not guaranteed to increase in value.
Important risks include:
- Gold and silver prices can fall.
- Bullion does not pay dividends or interest.
- Premiums create an initial hurdle before an investor breaks even.
- Storage and administration reduce net returns.
- Silver can be considerably more volatile than gold.
- Physical metals may take longer to liquidate than publicly traded securities.
- Excessive allocation can reduce portfolio liquidity and diversification.
- Improper IRA possession or rollover handling can cause taxes and penalties.
The CFTC warns investors to be cautious of dealers that rely on fear, promise safety or guaranteed profits, recommend overpriced products, or pressure customers to move large retirement balances quickly. Its precious metals fraud advisory provides useful due-diligence guidance.
How KEPM Compares With Other Gold IRA Companies
KEPM’s clearest differentiators are its bullion-only policy, published 8% premium, 0% client selling commission, and relationship-driven approach.
However, competing Gold IRA providers may offer:
- Lower product premiums
- Flat annual account fees
- Fee waivers for qualifying rollovers
- Multiple custodian choices
- Several approved depository locations
- Wider product selections
- Longer histories on independent review platforms
- Dedicated lifetime customer-support teams
- Promotions for larger retirement accounts
No company is automatically best for every investor. A $25,000 account, a $100,000 rollover, and a $1 million rollover can produce very different costs under the same pricing structure.
For larger accounts, compare costs in dollars—not merely percentages or promotional language.
Have $50,000 or more in an IRA or former-employer 401(k)?
A short comparison could prevent thousands of dollars in unnecessary dealer premiums and recurring fees. Our free Gold IRA checklist compares established providers, minimum investments, storage options, support, and fee structures.
Final Verdict: Is Kirk Elliott Precious Metals a Good Company?
Kirk Elliott Precious Metals appears to be a legitimate and established precious metals dealer—not an obvious scam. It has operated since 2013, maintains an A+ BBB rating, publishes its standard premium, uses recognizable third-party IRA and storage providers, and has predominantly positive Trustpilot feedback.
Its bullion-only philosophy is particularly attractive. Avoiding collectible coins can reduce the risk of paying large, difficult-to-recover numismatic markups. Customers who want patient explanations and personal assistance may also appreciate KEPM’s consultative approach.
The company is not an automatic choice for every Gold IRA investor, however. Its 8% purchase premium can translate into a substantial dollar cost, especially on six- or seven-figure transactions. Custodian and storage fees apply separately, and its independent review footprint remains comparatively small.
Our conclusion is that KEPM deserves consideration—but not without comparison shopping. Request itemized written quotes from at least three providers, compare the same type and quantity of bullion, review every annual charge, and calculate how much the metals would need to appreciate before the entire position breaks even.
For investors rolling over $50,000 or more, that due diligence could be worth significantly more than any advertised promotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirk Elliott Precious Metals a scam?
Public information indicates that Kirk Elliott Precious Metals is a legitimate precious metals dealer operating since 2013. It has an A+ BBB rating, a physical Denver address, published pricing, and established custodian and depository relationships.
Is Kirk Elliott Precious Metals BBB accredited?
No. KEPM is not BBB accredited. It nevertheless held an A+ BBB rating at the time of this review. Accreditation and letter ratings are separate BBB designations.
How much does Kirk Elliott Precious Metals charge?
KEPM publishes a standard premium of 8% above its wholesale acquisition price. Existing KEPM clients pay no KEPM commission when selling through the company. Custodian, storage, banking, shipping, and other third-party charges may still apply.
Does KEPM charge a fee when customers sell?
KEPM says existing customers pay a 0% company commission when selling to KEPM. That does not guarantee a particular repurchase price or eliminate every possible third-party cost.
Does Kirk Elliott Precious Metals offer Gold IRAs?
Yes. KEPM assists customers with self-directed precious metals IRAs, transfers, and eligible 401(k) rollovers. It works with Strata Trust Company as its preferred custodian.
Where does KEPM store IRA metals?
KEPM uses Texas Precious Metals Depository. The company says holdings are segregated, independently audited, and insured through underwriters at Lloyd’s of London.
Can KEPM send gold and silver to my home?
KEPM offers insured home delivery for eligible purchases made outside an IRA. IRA-owned metals generally must remain with a qualified custodian and approved storage facility until distributed.
Does KEPM sell collectible coins?
The company says it sells investment-grade bullion only and does not promote collectible or semi-numismatic coins.
What is the KEPM minimum investment?
KEPM does not prominently publish one universal Gold IRA minimum. Investors should confirm the current minimum directly and ask whether it differs for cash purchases and IRA transactions.
Is an 8% precious metals premium reasonable?
It is more transparent than an undisclosed markup, but it remains a meaningful cost. Whether it is competitive depends on the product, order size, services included, and quotes offered by other dealers.
Should I roll my entire IRA into precious metals?
Concentrating an entire retirement account in one asset class can increase risk and reduce liquidity. The appropriate allocation depends on personal circumstances and should be discussed with an independent qualified adviser.
Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Precious metals can decline in value. Some links may generate compensation without increasing the reader’s cost. Compensation does not replace independent research or determine whether an investment is appropriate.
