Like with some other retirement accounts, you can rollover your existing IRA into a gold IRA. This can be done from a number of deferred interest retirement plans such as a 401k or traditional IRA.
The purchase process of a gold IRA transfer is conducted between the old custodian and the new one. At no time do you have physical possession of your gold or have to transfer the money yourself.
A gold IRA rollover is slightly different. You have to withdraw the funds from your current retirement account and then deposit them into the account of the gold IRA company that you are using to buy and store your gold. A gold IRA rollover must be completed within 60 days of being started to ensure that you actually plan to use the funds for a rollover.