A 401k balance may be eligible to move to an IRA in some circumstances, but eligibility depends on the plan and your situation. Start with the plan administrator before making arrangements with a precious metals dealer.
Direct rollover
The IRS says a plan participant receiving an eligible distribution can ask the plan administrator to make the payment directly to another retirement plan or IRA. This route generally avoids withholding on the transferred amount.
If the check comes to you
An eligible retirement plan distribution paid directly to you is generally subject to 20 percent mandatory federal withholding. If you later want to roll over the full eligible distribution within the 60 day period, you may need other funds to replace the withheld amount.
Before choosing metals
First establish that the rollover and receiving IRA are appropriate. Then confirm which metals are eligible and how custody and storage will work.
Retirement account rules can have tax consequences. We rely on IRS guidance for rollover and IRA rules. Company specific details are checked against the company itself. Verify current terms before making a decision.