Key Points on Top Online Gold Dealers
Our selections, presented in alphabetical order, include American Hartford Gold, APMEX, Goldco, JM Bullion, and Orion Metal Exchange.
- Ensure you choose a reliable dealer before purchasing gold online.
- Reputable gold dealers typically offer free shipping and buy-back guarantees.
- If home storage is not an option, some dealers collaborate with custodians to securely store your gold.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Our team independently assesses online gold dealers to provide accurate and objective content. For more details, refer to our methodology.
- Reviewed over a dozen gold dealers.
- Evaluated across seven criteria to identify the top companies.
- Consulted various authoritative sources.
Gold is often viewed as a safe investment, particularly during periods of economic instability, as it serves as a valuable asset. Despite a reduction in inflation rates, gold achieved an unprecedented peak in October 2024 amidst interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and it holds a positive trajectory for 2025.
If you’ve decided that investing in gold is wise, consider several methods of acquisition. You can invest in stocks of mining firms or in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that either are gold-backed or contain shares of mining companies. Alternatively, if you seek physical ownership, you can purchase tangible gold and other metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium, in forms like coins, rounds, or bars.
These products can be sourced through online retailers or gold dealers, who typically provide a range of offerings along with options for secure storage or delivery. Numerous companies operate in this space; finding a trustworthy dealer with extensive experience and a solid reputation is crucial.
Continue reading to discover the best online gold dealers and what differentiates them from their competitors.
Preferred Online Gold Dealers for February 2025
Reviews of Leading Online Gold Dealers
- Highly rated on consumer review sites
- No fees on buyback commitments
- Complimentary insured shipping
- Price match assurance
- Responsive customer service
- Lacks pricing details on the website
- Requires phone communication to purchase
Reason for Selection: American Hartford Gold boasts high ratings across consumer review platforms and is noted for exemplary customer service.
This company has sustained a commendable online reputation since its inception in 2015, receiving top marks from consumer advocacy organizations. American Hartford Gold is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, alongside an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance (BCA). User reviews average 4.8 stars out of 5 on TrustPilot.
While American Hartford Gold’s range of precious metal offerings is limited compared to some competitors, its price match guarantee and three-step fee-free buyback program compensate for this.
- Diverse product lineup for both investors and collectors
- Free delivery on domestic orders over $199
- Offers secure storage through Citadel
- Ships orders within one business day
- Cancellation fees apply
- Potential higher prices depending on payment method
- Lower Trustpilot scores compared to some rivals
Reason for Selection: APMEX is recognized for its extensive selection, featuring over 30,000 products tailored for investors and collectors alike.
Having operated for over two decades, APMEX is a well-respected dealer with an A+ BBB rating and an AAA BCA rating. It garners positive feedback on Trustpilot, with 86% of reviews rating it five stars. APMEX offers various precious metal options, including IRA-compatible products and storage solutions through Citadel, backed by Brink’s Global Services.
- Extensive educational resources available
- Diverse product selection, including IRA-compatible options
- Highly rated customer service
- Website lacks comprehensive product and pricing info
- Purchases must be completed via phone
Reason for Selection: Goldco excels in providing a wealth of educational resources, making it particularly beneficial for novice investors.
With an A+ rating from the BBB, a AAA BCA rating, and a 4.8-star rating from Trustpilot, Goldco also manages an extensive library of over 800 articles covering various topics related to precious metal investments.
- Free shipping on orders exceeding $199
- Offers volume and military discounts
- Transparent product specs and pricing on the website
- Returns accepted within five days
- Buyback policy only for $1,000 or more
- Prices vary based on payment method
Reason for Selection: JM Bullion features a wide range of precious metals and is known for its detailed product descriptions.
Pricing fluctuates based on payment types, favoring eCheck or bank wire purchases. JM Bullion offers bulk discounts for larger orders and a user-friendly purchasing process. Free insured shipping applies to all orders above $199.
- Will match competitor’s priced offers
- Specialized IRA department
- No fees for buyback program
- Sells gold, silver, platinum, and palladium online
- Limited educational offerings compared to competitors
- Phone contact required for pricing on bars
- Minimum purchase of $10,000
Reason for Selection: Orion Metal Exchange is recognized for offering competitive pricing and a price-matching guarantee.
This dealer provides a variety of precious metals and includes online pricing for coins, but bar pricing requires a phone inquiry. Orion comes with an A+ BBB rating, a CCC rating from the BCA, and 4.9 stars on Trustpilot.
Other Notable Companies Considered
While the following firms did not make our top picks, they could still be suitable options:
- BGASC (Buy Gold and Silver Coins): BGASC has an impressive inventory that includes numerous foreign coins and bars.
- Money Metals Exchange: A practical choice for purchasing gold flexibly, with options for automatic monthly purchases.
- SD Bullion: Known for low pricing, SD Bullion is well-rated by the BBB.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Online Gold Dealers
We conducted thorough research on each company’s offerings, pricing, customer service, ratings from the BBB and BCA, shipping policies, buy-back options, and storage alternatives. Our evaluation of gold dealers utilized the following criteria.
Customer Satisfaction
We analyzed customer feedback from BBB, CFPB, and Trustpilot to gauge the service experience of clients, including response timeliness and handling of concerns.
Product Offerings
We examined the variety of products and services, including the types of precious metals available, minimum order amounts for free shipping, and buyback policies.
Consumer Resources
We reviewed each dealer’s website to assess the educational resources made available to customers, such as beginner’s guides and current market news.
Guide to Online Gold Dealers
When considering an investment in gold bullion, it is essential to keep several factors in mind. This guide covers crucial aspects including gold valuation, ways to avoid scams, and the advantages and disadvantages of investing in gold.
Three Key Points to Consider Before Buying Gold Online
- Recognize that gold is not a guaranteed return on investment. Its price can vary significantly, and it’s best viewed as a long-term asset. Financial experts usually recommend limiting your investment in precious metals to 5% or 10% of your overall portfolio.
- Evaluate the types of gold products available, noting that coins and bars can differ in weight, size, and purity. If investing in a gold IRA, confirm eligibility based on IRS guidelines.
- Research trustworthy gold dealers to ensure you purchase from companies with solid reputations and favorable reviews. Be aware that dealers typically apply a markup (the spread) over the market price. Comparing prices across multiple dealers is advisable.
How is Gold Valued?
The worth of gold bars is determined by their weight and purity, with heavier bars generally costing more. Investment-grade gold is typically alloyed with other metals for practicality; however, the purest investment gold is usually at least 99.5% pure, as stipulated for IRAs.
Gold prices fluctuate constantly, influenced by supply and demand dynamics. Increased demand can drive up prices, while diminished interest can lead to depreciation. Geopolitical factors and economic conditions, such as inflation and recessions, also affect gold’s value.
What is the Average Cost of Gold?
The price of gold is ever-changing, having reached an all-time high of $2,790.70 per troy ounce in October 2024, surpassing its previous peak of $2,150 per troy ounce in December 2023. In early 2020, gold was priced at $1,553 per troy ounce.
How to Avoid Scams When Purchasing Gold Online
The best defense against scams is to transact through reputable dealers offering transparent pricing and reputable information. Avoid unregulated platforms such as Facebook or eBay. It’s advisable to review dealer ratings on the BBB and user feedback on platforms like Trustpilot.
Consulting with a financial advisor can provide clarity on whether gold investment aligns with your financial objectives.
Advantages of Buying Physical Gold
Investors can benefit from purchasing physical gold in several ways, including:
- Store of Value: Historically, gold maintains value over time.
- Safe-Haven Asset: Gold has shown resilience in challenging economic climates, with many acquiring it as a hedge against inflation.
- Diversification: Gold can diversify an investment portfolio, thereby reducing associated risks.
- Liquid Asset: Gold can be readily bought and sold.
- Tangible Asset: Owning physical gold can offer a sense of security that other investments might not.
Drawbacks of Investing in Physical Gold
Physical gold also presents certain challenges:
- Storage and Insurance Costs: Safeguarding physical gold incurs additional expenses.
- Price Volatility: Gold prices can fluctuate in the short term, necessitating a long-term investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Online Gold Dealers
What is the worth of a gold bar?
The value of a gold bar is contingent on its weight and the current spot price of gold. Many dealers provide real-time price tracking for your convenience.
What quantity of gold can be purchased online?
There are typically no legal restrictions on the maximum amount of gold you can own, though some dealers have minimum purchase requirements for items like gold IRAs.
Is it better to invest in gold through a bank or a dealer?
Only a few banks offer gold sales, and they often have limited selection. Purchasing gold through established online dealers is generally more straightforward, as they frequently provide buyback options.
How can I locate gold dealers in my vicinity?
You can search online for gold dealers nearby. Even if local coin dealers exist, many prefer the convenience of online dealers who ship across the country.
Summary of Top Online Gold Dealers for February 2025
photo credit: money.com
