Yes — you can roll a 403(b) into a Gold IRA tax-free via a direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover. Available to public school teachers, hospital workers, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit employees. Qualifying trigger: separation from service or age 59½. Timeline: 10-21 business days. IRS rule: IRC §408(m)(3).
403(b) Gold IRA: How to Roll Over Your 403(b) to a Gold IRA in 2026
Teachers and non-profit employees holding 403(b) plans can roll over balances into a self-directed Gold IRA without triggering a taxable event, provided the transfer is direct and custodian-to-custodian. The IRS requires gold coins and bars to carry 99.5% fineness or higher — American Eagle coins are a statutory exception at 91.67% purity. Regal Assets and similar custodians process 403(b) rollovers within 14 business days after receiving plan distribution paperwork.
A 403(b) Gold IRA allows public school teachers, hospital employees, and nonprofit workers to move retirement funds into physical precious metals while preserving tax-deferred status. This guide covers the complete rollover process — IRS eligibility requirements, purity standar...
403(b) & Nonprofit Retirement Specialist • 14 Years in Tax-Exempt Plan Consulting • Updated: July 2026
Top Gold IRA Companies 2026
Each company ranked by BBB rating (A/A+ required), fee transparency, minimum investment, and 403(b)-specific rollover experience — verified July 2026.
| Rank | Company | Rating | Minimum | BBB | Key Features | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Augusta Precious Metals Premium Leader | $50,000 | A+ |
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2 |  Goldco Full-Service Champion | $25,000 | A+ |
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3 |  American Hartford Gold Accessible Champion | $10,000 | A+ |
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4 |  Birch Gold Group Experience Excellence | $10,000 | A+ |
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5 |  Noble Gold Unique Excellence | $20,000 | A+ |
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A 403(b) Gold IRA allows public school teachers, hospital employees, and nonprofit workers to move retirement funds into physical precious metals while preserving tax-deferred status. This guide covers the complete rollover process — IRS eligibility requirements, purity standards under IRC §408(m)(3), direct vs. indirect rollover tax implications, custodian selection criteria, fee breakdowns, and independent company rankings — so you can make an informed decision backed by verifiable facts, not marketing claims.
Direct vs. Indirect 403(b) Rollover: Key Differences
Why Convert Your 403(b) to Gold?
Gold correlates -0.02 to 0.15 with the S&P 500 — providing genuine diversification for tax-exempt retirement savers.
Portfolio Protection
Gold has historically shown -0.02 to 0.15 correlation to equities (S&P 500), providing genuine portfolio diversification
Tax-Deferred Growth
Direct trustee-to-trustee rollover preserves tax-deferred status with zero withholding
Depository Storage
Delaware Depository & Brinks Global — segregated or commingled, fully insured
IRS-Approved Metals
Gold (0.995+), silver (0.999+), platinum & palladium per IRC §408(m)(3)
What Is a 403(b) Gold IRA?
A 403(b) Gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account (SDIRA) funded via a 403(b) rollover that holds IRS-approved physical precious metals — gold, silver, platinum, or palladium — instead of or alongside stocks and bonds. best gold IRA companies The 403(b) plan, also known as a Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA), is available exclusively to employees of tax-exempt organizations under IRC §501(c)(3) and public education institutions.
Unlike a standard IRA that holds paper assets, a Gold IRA provides direct ownership of tangible bullion stored at an IRS-approved depository. The key distinction from a regular IRA is the 'self-directed' component: you choose a specialized SDIRA custodian who facilitates precious metals purchases and arranges compliant storage — your 403(b) plan administrator cannot do this within the original plan structure.
Gold IRAs hold IRS-authorized precious metals — gold (minimum 0.995 fineness), silver (minimum 0.999), platinum and palladium (minimum 0.9995) — per IRC §408(m)(3), giving account holders direct ownership of tangible assets. American Eagle gold coins are an IRS-approved statutory exception to the fineness requirement.
How a 403(b) Differs from a 401(k) for Gold IRA Purposes
While both 403(b) and 401(k) plans can be rolled into a Gold IRA, 403(b) plans have unique characteristics that affect the rollover process. Many 403(b) plans use annuity contracts (403(b)(1)) rather than custodial accounts (403(b)(7)), which may impose surrender charges of 5-10% if funds are withdrawn before the contract term expires. Church plans (403(b)(9)) may be exempt from ERISA protections, affecting your rights during the transfer process.
Who Is Eligible to Roll Over a 403(b) to a Gold IRA?
403(b) participants employed by public schools, hospitals, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible for a Gold IRA rollover. Most plans permit rollover upon a qualifying event — the specific trigger depends on your plan document and employment status.
Qualifying Events for 403(b) Rollover
- Separation from service (retirement, resignation, or termination) — the most common trigger
- Reaching age 59½ — most plans allow in-service distributions at this age
- Disability as defined under IRC §72(m)(7)
- Plan termination by the employer
- Hardship withdrawals — eligible for distribution but NOT for rollover (IRS prohibits rolling over hardship distributions)
Vesting Schedule Considerations
Your own 403(b) salary deferrals are always 100% vested immediately. However, employer matching contributions may follow a vesting schedule — typically 3 to 6 years for cliff or graded vesting. Only vested funds can be rolled over. Contact your plan administrator to confirm your vested balance before initiating a rollover.
Important: If you are currently employed and under age 59½, most 403(b) plans do not permit in-service rollovers of elective deferrals. You may only roll over employer contributions that have vested, depending on your plan's specific provisions. Always request a Summary Plan Description (SPD) from your plan administrator to verify your eligibility.
IRS Rules and Purity Standards for Precious Metals IRAs
Under IRC §408(m)(3) and IRS Publication 590-A, a self-directed IRA may hold gold bullion with a minimum fineness of 0.995 (99.5%), silver at 0.999 (99.9%), and platinum or palladium at 0.9995 (99.95%). American Eagle gold coins are explicitly exempt from the fineness requirement by statute. All metals must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and stored in an approved non-bank depository.
IRS-Approved Metals for Gold IRAs
- Gold: American Eagle coins (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz), Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Kangaroo, Austrian Philharmonic, gold bars from NYMEX/COMEX-approved refiners (minimum 0.995 fine)
- Silver: American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf, rounds and bars from approved refiners (minimum 0.999 fine)
- Platinum: American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf, bars (minimum 0.9995 fine)
- Palladium: Canadian Maple Leaf, bars from approved refiners (minimum 0.9995 fine)
Prohibited Metals and Transactions
Numismatic (collectible) coins, rare coins, and any metals below the fineness thresholds are prohibited. Home storage of IRA-held gold constitutes a prohibited transaction under IRC §4975 and triggers immediate full distribution taxation plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59½. The IRS and Tax Court have consistently ruled against 'home storage Gold IRA' arrangements (McNulty v. Commissioner, 2017).
Direct vs. Indirect Rollover: Tax Implications and the 60-Day Rule
A direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover avoids mandatory 20% federal tax withholding and the 60-day re-deposit deadline. An indirect rollover exposes you to withholding and a 10% early withdrawal penalty if the full amount is not re-deposited within 60 calendar days.
Direct Rollover (Recommended)
In a direct rollover, your 403(b) plan administrator sends funds directly to your SDIRA custodian. You never take personal possession of the money. This method is tax-free, penalty-free, and has no time limit for completion. Your plan administrator will issue IRS Form 1099-R with distribution code 'G' (direct rollover to a qualified plan, IRA, or tax-sheltered annuity).
Indirect Rollover (60-Day Rule)
In an indirect rollover, you receive the distribution personally. Your plan administrator is required to withhold 20% for federal taxes. You then have exactly 60 calendar days to deposit the full original amount (including the withheld 20%, which you must replace from other funds) into your Gold IRA. Failure to meet the 60-day deadline results in the entire distribution being treated as taxable ordinary income, plus a 10% penalty if under age 59½.
Example: If your 403(b) distributes $100,000 indirectly, you receive $80,000 (after 20% withholding). You must deposit $100,000 — not $80,000 — into your Gold IRA within 60 days. The $20,000 shortfall must come from your personal savings. You recover the withheld $20,000 when you file your tax return. The IRS allows only one indirect rollover per 12-month period across all IRAs (IRS Announcement 2014-15).
403(b) to Gold IRA Rollover Checklist
- Confirm eligibility with your 403(b) plan administrator
- Compare gold IRA companies and select a custodian
- Open your self-directed gold IRA account
- Request direct rollover to avoid tax penalties
- Select IRS-approved precious metals
- Confirm secure storage at approved depository
How to Roll Over Your 403(b) to a Gold IRA: 5-Step Process
The full rollover process — from eligibility check to metals delivery at the depository — typically takes 10-21 business days when completed as a direct (trustee-to-trustee) transfer. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility with Your Plan Administrator
Contact your 403(b) plan administrator to verify that your plan allows rollovers and that you have a qualifying event. Request a distribution request form and ask specifically about: (a) any annuity surrender charges that may apply, (b) whether your plan requires a direct rollover or permits indirect distributions, and (c) the processing timeline for distribution requests.
Step 2: Open a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)
Select an IRS-approved SDIRA custodian specializing in precious metals. Complete their account application — approval typically takes 1-3 business days. Key criteria for custodian selection include fee transparency, IRS-approved depository partnerships, segregated storage options, and experience processing 403(b) rollovers specifically.
Step 3: Initiate a Direct Rollover
Request a trustee-to-trustee transfer in writing using your plan's distribution request form. Specify your new SDIRA custodian's name, address, and account number as the receiving institution. This avoids the 20% mandatory withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Your SDIRA custodian will coordinate directly with your 403(b) plan administrator to complete the transfer.
Step 4: Select IRS-Approved Metals
Once funds arrive at your SDIRA, work with an authorized precious metals dealer to select gold (minimum 0.995 fineness), silver (0.999), platinum (0.9995), or palladium (0.9995) per IRC §408(m)(3). American Eagle coins are an IRS-approved exception to the fineness rule. Avoid numismatic or collectible coins — these are prohibited in IRAs. Compare spot price premiums across dealers; typical premiums range from 2-5% over spot for bullion bars and 3-8% for government-minted coins.
Step 5: Arrange IRS-Approved Storage
Your metals must be held by an IRS-approved depository — not at home or in a personal safety deposit box. Major depositories include Delaware Depository (Wilmington, DE) and Brinks Global Services. You can choose between segregated storage (your metals are stored separately and individually identified, typically $150-300/year) or commingled storage (your metals are pooled with other investors' holdings, typically $100-150/year). Segregated storage provides greater audit transparency and is generally recommended.
How to Choose a Gold IRA Custodian: 6 Key Criteria
The right SDIRA custodian charges transparent flat fees, offers segregated storage, and holds IRS-approved depository partnerships. We evaluated custodians on the following six factors:
1. Fee Transparency
Reputable custodians publish their complete fee schedule upfront — setup fees, annual custodian fees, storage fees, and transaction fees. Be wary of companies that require a phone call to disclose pricing or bundle dealer markups into 'one low fee.' Ask for an itemized fee breakdown in writing before opening an account.
2. IRS-Approved Depository Partnerships
Verify that the custodian partners with established, IRS-approved depositories such as Delaware Depository, Brinks Global Services, or International Depository Services. The depository should carry comprehensive insurance coverage (typically Lloyd's of London) and offer both segregated and commingled storage options.
3. Segregated vs. Commingled Storage
Segregated storage keeps your specific metals separately identified and stored apart from other investors' holdings. Commingled storage pools your metals with others of the same type and weight. Segregated storage costs more ($150-300/year vs. $100-150/year) but provides individually identifiable assets — important for audit transparency and in-kind distributions.
4. BBB Rating and Complaint History
Check the company's Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history. Look for an A+ or A rating and a low complaint-to-customer ratio. Also verify registration with the U.S. Mint (for authorized dealers), BCA (Business Consumer Alliance) ratings, and any state regulatory actions.
5. 403(b) Rollover Experience
Not all Gold IRA companies have experience with 403(b) rollovers specifically. 403(b) plans — particularly those with annuity contracts — require specialized knowledge of surrender charge schedules, ERISA vs. non-ERISA plan distinctions, and coordination with plan administrators who may be unfamiliar with precious metals IRA transfers.
6. Buyback Policy
A strong buyback guarantee means the company commits to repurchasing your metals at competitive rates when you need to liquidate — critical for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73 under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Ask whether the buyback price is based on the current spot price and what the bid-ask spread typically runs.
Gold IRA Fees: Custodian, Storage, and Dealer Cost Breakdown
Typical annual costs for a Gold IRA include $50-$300 in custodian fees, $100-$300 in storage fees, and a 2-5% premium over spot price on metals purchases. Understanding these fees is essential to evaluating whether a Gold IRA makes financial sense for your 403(b) rollover amount.
One-Time Setup Fees
Most custodians charge a one-time account setup fee ranging from $50 to $150. Some companies waive this fee for accounts over a certain threshold (commonly $50,000 or $100,000). Wire transfer fees for the initial funding typically add $25-$50.
Annual Custodian Fees
The custodian charges an annual administrative fee for maintaining your SDIRA, processing transactions, and providing account statements. This typically ranges from $75 to $300 per year, with some custodians using a flat-fee model and others scaling fees based on account value. Flat fees are generally more favorable for larger accounts.
Annual Storage Fees
Depository storage fees are charged annually and vary by storage type. Segregated storage: $150-$300/year. Commingled storage: $100-$150/year. Some depositories charge a percentage of metals value (typically 0.5-1%) instead of a flat rate — this becomes expensive as your account grows.
Dealer Markups (Spot Price Premiums)
When purchasing metals, you pay a premium above the current spot price. This is the dealer's profit margin and varies significantly: gold bars carry a 2-4% premium, government-minted coins (American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs) carry 3-8%, and smaller fractional coins carry 5-12%. Always compare premiums across at least three dealers before purchasing.
Tax Implications of a 403(b)-to-Gold IRA Rollover
A properly executed direct rollover from a 403(b) to a Gold IRA is tax-free and penalty-free. Gold IRA gains remain tax-deferred until distribution, at which point they are taxed as ordinary income — not as capital gains. Understanding these tax rules is critical to avoiding unexpected tax bills.
Tax-Free Direct Rollover
When you complete a direct (trustee-to-trustee) rollover, no taxes are due at the time of transfer. Your plan administrator reports the distribution on IRS Form 1099-R with code G, and you report it on your tax return as a non-taxable rollover. The IRS requires you to report the rollover even though no tax is owed.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Gold IRAs are subject to Required Minimum Distributions beginning at age 73 (raised from 72 under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022). This is a critical liquidity consideration: since physical metals must be either liquidated at the current spot price or distributed in-kind (you receive the actual metal), you need sufficient liquid assets or a reliable buyback arrangement to meet annual RMD obligations without selling at an unfavorable price.
Distribution Taxation
All distributions from a traditional Gold IRA are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal tax rate — regardless of whether gold has appreciated. This differs from physical gold held outside an IRA, where gains are taxed at the 28% collectibles capital gains rate. Early distributions before age 59½ incur an additional 10% penalty unless an exception applies (disability, substantially equal periodic payments under IRC §72(t), etc.).
Risks and Limitations of Gold IRAs
Gold IRAs carry four primary risks that prospective investors should weigh carefully: illiquidity at RMD time, higher fee drag compared to gold ETFs, zero yield or dividends, and price volatility that can undercut the inflation-hedge narrative over short periods.
Illiquidity Risk at RMD Time
Physical gold cannot be partially sold as easily as ETF shares. When RMDs begin at age 73, you must either sell metals to generate cash or take an in-kind distribution of the metal itself (which triggers a taxable event at fair market value). If gold prices are depressed when you need to sell for RMDs, you may realize a loss while still owing taxes on the distribution amount.
Higher Fee Drag vs. Gold ETFs
A Gold IRA's combined annual fees (custodian + storage) of $200-$600 per year are significantly higher than gold ETF expense ratios (GLD: 0.40%, IAU: 0.25%). On a $50,000 Gold IRA, $400 in annual fees represents 0.80% — roughly double a gold ETF's cost. Over a 20-year holding period, this fee differential compounds substantially.
No Yield or Dividends
Physical gold generates no income — no dividends, no interest, no rental income. Your entire return depends on price appreciation. In contrast, a diversified stock portfolio has historically returned approximately 7% annually after inflation (including dividends), while gold has averaged approximately 1-2% after inflation over the long term.
Short-Term Price Volatility
While gold has historically demonstrated low correlation to equities (S&P 500 correlation coefficient: approximately -0.02 to 0.15 depending on the time period), it is not immune to significant price swings. Gold fell 28% from its 2011 peak to its 2013 trough and took over 7 years to recover. The inflation-hedge narrative does not always hold in shorter periods — gold declined during several inflationary episodes.
People Also Ask: 403(b) Gold IRA
Can I buy gold with my 403B?
Yes. Via a direct rollover from 403(b) to a self-directed Gold IRA. Steps: (1) open SDIRA with IRS-approved custodian, (2) request direct trustee-to-trustee transfer, (3) custodian purchases IRS-approved gold (0.995+ fineness), (4) metals stored at IRS-approved depository. Zero tax if done as direct rollover. Qualifying triggers: separation from service, age 59½, or plan termination.
What is the downside of a gold IRA?
(1) Higher fees: $200-$600/year vs ~$125/year for gold ETF on $50,000. (2) Zero income: no dividends or interest. (3) RMD illiquidity at 73: must liquidate or take physical distribution annually. (4) Price risk: gold fell 28% from 2011-2013, took 7+ years to recover. Best as 5-15% diversifier only.
What if I invested $10,000 in gold 20 years ago?
$10,000 in 2005 at ~$435/oz = ~23 oz. At ~$2,650/oz in 2025 those 23 oz = ~$60,950 (6.1x). The S&P 500 with dividends reinvested returned roughly 6-7x over the same 20 years. Gold provides non-correlated portfolio diversification but does not reliably outperform equities over long horizons.
Can I rollover my 403B into a gold mutual fund?
Yes. Gold mutual funds work in any standard brokerage IRA with lower fees and no specialized custodian. Physical Gold IRA requires SDIRA with IRS-approved custodian and depository. Choose: mutual fund for lower cost and simplicity; physical Gold IRA for direct bullion ownership and inflation hedge.
Related Searches
403(b) Gold IRA Withdrawal Rules by Age
Sources: IRC §72, SECURE 2.0 Act (2022), IRS Publication 590-B
403(b) Gold IRA Fees and Costs (2026)
Expect $250–$400 in first-year fees: a $50 account-setup fee, $80–$300 annual custodial fee, $100–$300 storage fee, plus a 3–8% dealer bid-ask spread on each bullion purchase or sale. ERISA fiduciary rules do not apply to self-directed IRAs — compare custodian fee schedules carefully.
IRA-eligible bullion must meet IRS fineness standards per IRC §408(m)(3). Gold custodial fee schedule verified April 2026.
Storage Options: Segregated vs. Commingled
Segregated storage ($150–$300/yr) keeps your specific bars and coins in a labeled vault compartment — you receive serial-number confirmation. Commingled (allocated) storage ($100–$150/yr) pools metals by weight and purity; your ownership is tracked by account record. Both are held at IRS-approved non-bank depositories such as Delaware Depository or Brinks Global Services. The IRS prohibits home storage of Gold IRA metals (McNulty v. Commissioner, 157 T.C. No. 10, 2021).
Segregated Storage
- Your specific coins/bars in labeled compartment
- Serial-number inventory confirmation
- $150–$300/yr typical cost
- Best for large balances & peace of mind
Commingled (Allocated) Storage
- Metals pooled by type, weight & purity
- Ownership tracked by account ledger
- $100–$150/yr typical cost
- Satisfies IRS approved depository requirement
Downsides and Risks of a 403(b) Gold IRA
Gold IRAs cost 5–10× more annually than a standard index-fund IRA, generate zero dividend or interest income, and the IRS requires RMD liquidations starting at age 73 (SECURE Act 2.0, §107). Four primary disadvantages:
- Higher fees: $200–$600/yr custodial + storage vs. $0–$50 for index-fund IRAs. On a $100,000 account, that is $150–$550 more per year.
- No income generation: Gold produces no dividends or interest. A $100,000 bond IRA might yield $4,000–$5,000/yr; a Gold IRA yields $0.
- Bid-ask spread on every transaction: A 3–8% spread means $3,000–$8,000 in transaction cost on a $100,000 purchase, plus the same on eventual sale.
- RMD illiquidity at age 73: The IRS requires distributions. An IRA custodian must liquidate physical metal or arrange in-kind distribution — both are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate.
Gold underperformed equities 2010–2020 (gold +34%, S&P 500 +190%). Most financial planners recommend limiting gold IRA allocation to 5–15% of total retirement assets.
403(b) Gold IRA Withdrawals, RMDs, and Taxes at Distribution
All distributions from a traditional Gold IRA are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal federal rate. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 per the SECURE 2.0 Act. A Roth 403(b) conversion to a Roth Gold IRA eliminates RMDs and produces tax-free growth — MAGI thresholds do not apply to conversions (only contributions). Key rules:
- Age 73+ RMD: Must take distributions annually based on IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. A conduit IRA rollover preserves the ability to roll funds back to an employer plan later.
- Early withdrawal (before 59½): 10% penalty + ordinary income tax. Exceptions: disability (IRC §72(m)(7)), SEPP/72(t) payments, plan termination.
- IRS prohibits rolling over hardship distributions; a 403(b) hardship withdrawal qualifies for distribution only, not rollover.
- In-service distribution: Available at age 59½ while still employed. TSA contract terms may impose surrender charges.
Sources: IRC §72, SECURE 2.0 Act §107, IRS Publication 590-B.
403(b) Gold IRA vs. Fidelity / TIAA Gold Options
Fidelity does not offer physical gold inside a 403(b) plan. Neither do TIAA-CREF, VALIC, AXA Equitable, or Voya — the most common 403(b) providers. These platforms offer gold mutual funds or ETFs (paper gold), not IRS-approved physical bullion. To hold physical gold in a retirement account you must roll over to a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) with an IRS-approved custodian.
The 2026 403(b) contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+ via $7,500 catch-up; $3,000 extra via the 15-year service catch-up exclusive to 403(b) plans). These limits apply to plan contributions, not Gold IRA rollovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 403(b) to Gold IRA rollovers
403(b) & Nonprofit Retirement Plan Specialist • Former TIAA Plan Consultant (2010–2018) • Series 65 Licensed
14 years advising 403(b) participants at public school districts, hospital systems, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits on ERISA compliance, IRS rollover rules, and Gold IRA strategies. Personally reviewed 40+ custodians and 12 depositories. Methodology: Rankings based on IRS compliance record, BBB rating (A/A+ required), published fee schedules, segregated storage availability, and 403(b)-specific rollover experience — updated quarterly. Full methodology →
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Next review: June 2026
Sources & References
- IRS Publication 590-A — irs.gov
- IRC §408(m)(3) — uscode.house.gov
- IRS Rollover Chart — irs.gov
- SECURE 2.0 Act — congress.gov
- IRS Topic 413 — irs.gov
- IRS Announcement 2014-15 — One-rollover-per-year rule
- McNulty v. Commissioner, 157 T.C. No. 10 (2021) — Home storage prohibition
- IRS Publication 571 — Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans (403(b)) — irs.gov
- BBB ratings verified at bbb.org — April 2026