What Is a Gold IRA Account? A gold IRA account is a type of self-directed retirement account that allows you to invest in physical gold, offering you the same tax benefits as traditional or Roth IRAs. Under IRC §408(m), the IRS approves gold as an eligible asset for your retirement savings, providing a stable and secure option to protect your wealth. Gold IRAs are a smart choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and hedge against inflation.