- Gold, silver, platinum
- Physical delivery, storage, savings plan
- Gold, silver, IRAs
- Physical delivery, storage
- Gold, silver, IRAs
- Physical delivery, storage
- Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
- Physical delivery, storage
- Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
- Physical delivery, storage
- Gold, silver, IRAs
- Physical delivery, storage
- Gold, silver, platinum
- Physical delivery
- Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper
- Physical delivery
- Digital ownership of physical gold and silver assets
- Storage
- Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium
- Physical delivery, storage, savings plan
When buying gold and silver, it's important to choose a reputable seller who can offer proper insurance on your items. Each seller offers a different selection and additional services, so it's recommended to check out several of these websites before making your purchase.
American Precious Metal Exchange (APMEX) is a great place to buy silver bars online. With 20 years of experience, their service is a reliable option for those looking to invest in silver. Other notable options are Silver Gold Bull and Buy Gold and Silver Coins (BGASC) which is one of the largest precious metal retailers found online.
The cheapest place to buy gold and silver online is SD Bullion, thanks to their low-price guarantee. That said, prices of silver and gold vary according to what you're looking for, and it's important to compare prices among sites. In addition to SD Bullion, BGASC also offers very competitive prices and is highly reliable.
To buy gold and silver online, research reputable dealers, compare prices, and check their policies. Choose the type and form of precious metals you want to purchase and place your order, ensuring the final price aligns with your expectations. Make a secure payment using trusted methods. Once the payment is confirmed, the dealer will ship the products to your address. Inspect the received items for any issues and contact the dealer if necessary. Exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making any purchases.
The best form of buying gold varies depending on individual goals and circumstances. Options include purchasing gold bars, gold coins, or investing in gold through ETFs and gold-backed securities. Gold bars are preferred for larger quantities and lower premiums, while gold coins offer affordability and collectability. ETFs and gold-backed securities provide convenient trading without physical ownership. Factors such as investment objectives, budget, storage options, and level of involvement in the gold market should be taken into account when deciding the most suitable form.
Where Is the Best Place To Buy Gold and Silver Online?
Buying gold and silver online is convenient and offers lucrative options for investors and collectors. However, it can be challenging to determine the most reliable and reputable sources. When it comes to purchasing gold and silver online, consider these key factors when choosing a seller:
- Reputable Dealers with a Track Record: One of the most critical factors to consider when buying gold and silver online is the reputation and track record of the dealer. Look for well-established dealers who have been in the business for a significant period.
- Secure and Trustworthy Websites: Given the sensitive nature of precious metal transactions, it is crucial to ensure the online platform you choose is secure and trustworthy. Look for websites with robust security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect your personal and financial information
- Transparent Pricing and Competitive Premiums: When buying gold and silver online, transparency in pricing is paramount. Look for dealers who provide clear and comprehensive pricing information, including the metal's spot price, the premium charged, and any additional fees.
- Wide Range of Products: The best online platforms for buying gold and silver should offer a diverse selection of products to cater to different investment goals and budgets. Whether you are looking for bullion coins, bars, or collectible items, a reputable dealer should have a wide range of options.
- Secure Payment Options and Reliable Delivery: Reputable platforms often offer secure payment gateways, such as credit cards, bank transfers, or trusted third-party payment processors. Look for dealers who provide insured shipping and tracking services to ensure your precious metals are delivered safely and on time.
- Customer Support and Return Policies: In case of any issues or concerns, excellent customer support is crucial when buying gold and silver online. Look for platforms that offer responsive customer service channels, such as phone, email, or live chat. Additionally, review the dealer's return policy to understand your options if you need to return or exchange a product.
Our Top 10 Best Places To Buy Gold and Silver Online:
- American Hartford Gold - Best place to buy gold and silver online overall
- Priority Gold - Best for personalized gold investment solutions
- GoldCo - Best for investing with a personalized advisory team
- APMEX - Best for a wide range of gold and silver products, including collectibles
- Birch Gold - Best for low minimum investment and transparent fees
- Lear Capital - Best for beginner investors
- BGASC - Best for collectors seeking rare coins
- JM Bullion - Best for a vast inventory of bullion products at low premiums
- iTrustCapital - Best for those seeking to expand their investment portfolio to cryptocurrency
- Money Metals Exchange - Best for transparent pricing and educational resources for new investors
Best Places to Buy Gold and Silver Online - Reviews:
1. American Hartford Gold
Shipping policy: Free shipping and insurance on all orders without minimums
Storage: Yes
Return policy: 100% satisfaction guarantee, 7-day full refund
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
American Hartford Gold is a precious metals company based in Los Angeles, California. They trade gold, silver, and platinum in bars and coins in various sizes. AHG delivers precious metals straight to your doorstep, stores them for you if necessary, or helps you turn them into investments in a retirement account like an IRA or 401K.
They also offer educational materials and even live assistance by phone for those interested in getting professional advice. What truly makes American Hartford Gold stand out is its dedication to providing excellent service and striving to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.
Why We Chose American Hartford Gold: American Hartford Gold stands out for its strong buyback promise, giving customers the peace of mind to sell back their gold and silver at fair prices when needed. They also make it easy and safe to invest in gold for your retirement account (IRA). With their excellent customer service, they help clients understand the ins and outs of the gold and silver market.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing on a diverse portfolio of gold and silver products
- Excellent ratings from past customers
- Offer personalized precious metal investment strategies
Cons:
- No live chat support
- Lack of pricing information on the website
American Hartford Gold
2. Priority Gold
Shipping policy: Free shipping and insurance
Storage: Free first year of storage
Return policy: 90-day return policy
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
Priority Gold is a distinguished American precious metals dealer based in Dallas, Texas, known for its expertise and reputable standing in the industry since its foundation in 2001. Specializing in gold and silver trading, it facilitates investments through precious metals IRAs, offering a straightforward IRA opening process supported by an experienced team. Priority Gold provides an array of online resources, including a comprehensive blog, a detailed glossary, and insightful guides.
What sets Priority Gold apart is its commitment to customer care, which is underscored by knowledgeable staff and a positive industry reputation. The absence of gold bars in their inventory is mitigated by a selection of gold coins, alongside silver coins and bars, tailored for those interested in precious metals IRAs. They ensure safe and insured shipping, making the investment process seamless and secure.
Why we chose Priority Gold: Priority Gold’s emphasis on client education and a robust online experience featuring helpful price charts and guides, makes Priority Gold an invaluable resource for those looking to understand and invest in precious metals. The company's transparency, exemplified by its free shipping and insurance for purchases, positions it as a noteworthy contender in our broader comparison of gold and silver providers.
Pros:
- Over 20 years in the industry
- Free shipping and insurance
- Suitable for customers with a limited budget
Cons:
- Doesn’t sell platinum or palladium
- No gold bars for sale, only coins
Priority Gold
3. GoldCo
Shipping policy: Free shipping
Storage: Yes
Return policy: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
GoldCo, founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles, California, is a premier provider of gold and silver coins as well as precious metals IRAs, offering a broad selection of over 48 coins sourced from leading mints worldwide. Their investment services extend beyond mere trading, featuring a precious metals IRA option with a seamless process for transferring or rolling over existing retirement funds into gold and silver, bolstered by a $300 annual custodian fee. Additionally, GoldCo distinguishes itself with a BuyBack Guarantee, ensuring clients can sell their investments back to the company at competitive prices.
What sets GoldCo apart is the absence of shipping and transaction fees. The company's extensive selection of precious metals products, combined with high-profile endorsements, including Sean Hannity, Ben Stein, and Chuck Norris, and a solid reputation backed by a plethora of positive customer reviews, positions GoldCo as a trusted leader in the precious metals market. Their $25,000 minimum IRA investment requirement is balanced by the promise of quality service and product diversity.
Why we chose GoldCo: GoldCo has a unique combination of features, including the comprehensive selection of gold and silver coins and precious metals IRA services, making it a compelling choice for investors aiming to diversify their retirement portfolios with precious metals. For those seeking immediate returns from their investments in gold and silver, GoldCo emerges as a fitting choice, thanks to its advantageous industry promotions despite the higher annual fees.
Pros:
- BuyBack Guarantee ensures the best price for your metals
- Free shipping on all orders enhances savings
- Comprehensive articles offer valuable investment insights
Cons:
- Annual custodian fee of $300
- Steep minimum less suitable for smaller investors
Goldco
4. APMEX (American Precious Metal Exchange)
Shipping policy: Free shipping for orders over $199
Storage: Yes
Return policy: Customers can return or exchange products within 7 days of receipt with no restocking fee
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
Based in Oklahoma City, APMEX is one of the world’s largest online retailers of precious metals, with more than $11 billion in transactions since its founding in 2000. It serves a diverse customer base, from collectors to investors to wholesale dealers.
With an emphasis on exceptional customer service and a transparent pricing model, APMEX ensures a secure and reliable purchasing experience. To ensure peace of mind for all its customers, APMEX offers in-house shipping management and secure storage solutions through its partnership with Citadel. APMEX also provides valuable market insights, enabling customers to make well-informed decisions when buying or selling precious metals.
Why We Chose AMPEX: With a strong commitment to transparency and integrity, APMEX has gained a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy precious metals dealer. Their focus on building long-lasting customer relationships through excellent service and educational resources sets them apart from competitors.
Pros:
- Easy-to-navigate website with clear product descriptions
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer service team
- Competitive pricing and price-matching policy
Cons:
- International shipping limitations
- Requires a minimum order of $99 for online purchases
APMEX
5. Birch Gold
Shipping policy: Fully insured
Storage: Yes
Return policy: No
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
Birch Gold Group, established in 2003 and based in the United States, is a prominent dealer in precious metals, offering investments in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium through individual retirement account (IRA) options. With a focus on providing a secure and convenient method for diversifying retirement portfolios, Birch Gold Group stands out with its low minimum investment requirement of $10,000 and competitive annual fees. The company also ensures the safety of investments through secure storage solutions.
What sets Birch Gold Group apart is its comprehensive service offering, including a straightforward fee structure with an annual fee of $200 regardless of account size, and the waiver of first-year fees for transfers over $50,000. Additionally, the company's partnership with notable figures like Ben Shapiro and Ron Paul lends credibility and visibility. Birch Gold Group's emphasizes educating investors, with personalized advice from their team of experts. This ensures that both new and experienced investors can make informed decisions.
Why we chose Birch Gold Group: The impressive blend of competitive fees, low minimum investment requirements, and a strong focus on customer education and security makes Birch Gold Group a noteworthy contender in the comparison of gold and silver providers. The company's commitment to accessibility and investor support, coupled with its 20 years of experience in the precious metals market, positions it as a valuable resource for anyone looking to diversify their retirement savings with precious metals.
Pros:
- Free 20-page investment guide for new clients
- No percent-based fees, flat $200/year
- First-year fees waived on $50k+ transfers
Cons:
- Limited customer service hours
- Prices for metals not listed online
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6. Lear Capital
Shipping policy: Fully insured, shipped within 72-hours of confirmation of good funds
Storage: Yes
Return policy: 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee and 8-day full refund from receipt of goods
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A-
Lear Capital, founded in 1997 and based in the United States, specializes in precious metal investments, allowing clients to invest in gold, silver, and platinum through various forms such as bullions, coins, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The company prides itself on facilitating easy account setups online, including allowing clients to roll over existing IRAs into a Lear Capital account. With its comprehensive suite of investor resources, Lear Capital aims to educate and empower its clients to make informed investment decisions.
Lear Capital's tiered coverage offsets initial set-up and storage fees based on investment amounts. The first year's set-up fee is $280, with a subsequent $200 annual fee for insurance, storage, and continuous account access. Investments of $25K-$50K see first-year fees waived and a reimbursement check after a month. For $50K-$75K, fees for the first two years are waived, and for over $75K, the first three years are fee-free. For investments above $10K, the $50 set-up fee is waived. However, shipping incurs a fee no matter the investment amount: $24 plus $1 per thousand for gold, and $24 plus $13 per thousand for silver.
Why we chose Lear Capital: Lear Capital’s reputable standing in the precious metals investment space. Lear Capital stands out for its straightforward and user-friendly online presence, robust investor education resources, and personalized customer service. These features, coupled with competitive terms and the security of physical asset storage, make Lear Capital a compelling entity to feature in a broader comparison of gold and silver providers, especially for investors seeking a blend of tradition and innovation in their investment journey.
Pros:
- Zero-fee buyback program
- Comprehensive precious metal encyclopedia
- IRAs stored in Delaware Depository IRS-approved depository vault
Cons:
- $280 first-year fee
- Minimum purchase requirement
Lear Capital
7. BGASC
Shipping policy: Free shipping on all orders above $199. Orders below $199 require a $9.95 shipping fee.
Storage: Yes, through Transcontinental Depository Services (TDS) Vaults.
Return policy: Return and exchange within 5 days of delivery
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
Buy Gold and Silver Coins is a reputable provider of precious metals specializing in selling a wide range of gold and silver coins. They cater to both collectors and investors, offering rare and numismatic coins alongside other options.
With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, they ensure a seamless purchasing experience by delivering coins directly to your doorstep with full private insurance. They also assist in setting up and managing IRA or 401K investments in gold and silver, making them a valuable resource for retirement account diversification. Their team of experts is available for live assistance by phone, offering guidance and professional advice.
Why We Chose BGASC: Buy Gold and Silver Coins made it to our list mainly because of its unique offerings, such as attractive collector's pieces and limited edition sets. Their detailed product descriptions on the website educate users about each item, enhancing the buying experience for new and experienced precious metal enthusiasts.
Pros:
- A wide variety of gold and silver coins, bars, and rounds
- Transparent and competitive real-time pricing
- Knowledgeable and responsive customer service team
Cons:
- Minimum amount to Sell-To-Us is $1,000
- No live chat on site
BGASC
8. JM Bullion
Shipping policy: Free shipping on all orders over $199 within the United States
Storage: Yes, through Transcontinental Depository Services (TDS) Vaults
Return policy: Accepts returns for refunds within 5 business days of receiving the order
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
JM Bullion is an exclusively online retailer that offers gold and other precious metals products established in Dallas in 2011. In addition to gold bars, it offers a fantastic selection of limited coin mintages and collections. JM Bullion also provides insurance on every package and secures precious metals storage through their partnership with TDS Vaults.
For example, when we last visited the site, it was offering the new Nevada Goldback gold notes, Halloween-themed silver bullion, a unique Australian animal collection from the Perth mint, and the beautiful Wild Canada series of silver coins. The JM Bullion website also has a page highlighting the best weekly deals and even offers junk silver coins.
Why We Chose JM Bullion: We chose JM Bullion due to its industry reputation as a reliable online precious metals retailer. They demonstrate a deep understanding of their customer's needs, offering price match guarantees and an easy-to-navigate website that simplifies the buying process for new and experienced investors.
Pros:
- Offers competitive prices with no commissions
- An easy-to-navigate website with real-time price updatesDiscounts offered for military members
Cons:
- Customer support is not available on weekends
- No international shipping available
JM Bullion
9. iTrustCapital
Shipping policy: N/A
Storage: Yes, through Kitco and the Royal Canadian Mint
Return policy: N/A
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: Not BBB accredited
iTrustCapital, based in Irvine, California, is a novel investment retirement account (IRA) platform founded in 2019 that facilitates the trading of physical gold and silver alongside cryptocurrencies. This unique blend allows investors to diversify their retirement portfolios not just with traditional precious metals but also with digital assets, leveraging the potential of the crypto market. iTrustCapital stands apart by eliminating setup or monthly fees, ensuring a cost-effective path for investors to grow their retirement funds through self-trading of gold, silver, and cryptocurrencies within the legal structure of an IRA.
Its dual focus on precious metals and digital currencies sets iTrustCapital apart in the crowded marketplace of IRA platforms. This is a significant advantage for those looking to hedge their investments across traditional and modern asset classes. Furthermore, iTrustCapital's partnership with Kitco Metals for the secure storage of gold and silver, transparency, low transaction fees, and real-time trading capabilities enhances its attractiveness as a comprehensive investment solution.
iTrustCapital is incredibly clear about its low-cost transaction fee structure: For gold, the transaction fee is priced at $50 above the market spot per ounce. In the case of silver, each ounce incurs a fee of $2.50 over the market spot price. The platform ensures transparency by not employing commissioned sales representatives, and it guarantees that no coins are sold at inflated prices.
Why we chose iTrustCapital: iTrustCapital’s innovative approach to retirement investing combines the security of precious metals with the growth potential of cryptocurrencies within a single IRA account. Its competitive edge lies in its ability to offer investors a diverse portfolio, low entry barriers with a minimum investment of $1,000, and transparent fee structures.
Pros:
- Trade metals and crypto for diverse investments
- Access to non-stop trading for immediate market response
- SEC-compliant storage with trusted partners
Cons:
- Can't hold gold or silver physically
- High volatility in cryptocurrency investments
iTrustCapital
10. Money Metals Exchange
Shipping policy: Orders over $500 get shipped for free, while orders below $500 have a flat shipping rate of $7.97
Storage: Yes
Return policy: Offers a 3-day return policy on all orders; jewelry or silver statues may be returned within 30 days for partial refund
Rating with the Better Business Bureau: A+
Founded in 2010, Money Metals Exchange is a fast-growing private dealer of gold and other precious metals. It is the best place to buy gold online if you only want to invest in small increments. That’s all thanks to its monthly gold/silver savings plan, which lets you automatically purchase a small amount of gold and silver for as little as $100 per month.
Known for secure purchasing and shipping, Money Metals will deliver the gold bullion and silver directly to you, or you can store your metals at its secure depository.
Why We Chose Money Metals: Money Metals has a strong reputation for transparency, ensuring customers always receive a fair price with no hidden costs. The company's dedication to customer satisfaction has earned them numerous industry awards, making them a reliable and trustworthy choice for purchasing gold and silver online.
Pros:
- Extensive range of products
- Offer comprehensive resources in their Knowledge Center
- Discounts offered for military members
Cons:
- Limited international shipping
- Restricted return policy
Money Metals Exchange
Compare the 10 Best Places To Buy Gold and Silver Online:
Gold and Silver Dealers | Products | Shipping Policy | Storage | Return Policy | Reputation | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
American Hartford Gold | Gold, Silver, Platinum (in bars and coins of various sizes) | Free shipping and insurance on all orders without minimums | Yes | Offers a buyback commitment | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau | Provides secure storage and shipping |
Priority Gold | Gold coins, silver coins and bars, precious metals IRA | Free shipping and insurance | Free first year of storage | 90-day return policy | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau | Provides secure storage, custodial services, and shipping |
GoldCo | Gold coins and bars, silver coins and bars, precious metals IRAs | Free shipping | Yes | 30-day satisfaction guarantee | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau | Provides custodial service, fully insured packages |
APMEX (American Precious Metal Exchange) | Precious Metals (not specifically defined) | Free shipping on orders over $199 | Yes | Customers can return or exchange products within 7 days of receipt with no restocking fee | Offers in-house shipping management and secure storage solutions through Citadel | |
Birch Gold | Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and rounds; Gold and silver coins; Precious metals IRAs | Fully insured | No | A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau | Storage at partner depositories | |
Lear Capital | Gold and silver IRAs, physical gold and silver purchasing | Fully insured, shipped within 72-hours of confirmation of good funds | Yes | 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee and 8-day full refund from receipt of goods | A- rating with the Better Business Bureau | Insurance, 24/7 account access, Delaware Depository storage |
BGASC (Buy Gold and Silver Coins) | Gold and Silver (coins, bars, rounds, collector's pieces, limited edition sets) | Free shipping on all orders above $199. Orders below $199 require a $7.77 shipping fee | Does not provide storage services | Return and exchange within five days | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau | Items are shipped with full private insurance coverage |
JM Bullion | Gold and other precious metals (including unique coin collections) | Free shipping on all orders over $199 within the United States | No. However, they do recommend third-party storage services | Accept returns for refunds within three business days of receiving the order | A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau | Provides insurance on every package and secure precious metals storage through TDS Vaults |
iTrustCapital | Digital-asset IRAs (traditional, Roth, SEP), digital ownership of physical gold and silver assets, crypto | N/A | Yes | N/A | Not BBB accredited | Insurance, third-party Qualified Custodian, Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Offline Cold Storage, financial audits |
Money Metals Exchange | Gold and other precious metals (offers monthly gold/silver savings plan) | Orders over $500 get shipped for free, while orders below $500 have a flat shipping rate of $7.97 | Yes | Offers a 3-day return policy on all orders; jewelry or silver statues may be returned within 30 days for partial refund | A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau | Known for secure purchasing and shipping |
Methodology
To provide a comprehensive and accurate list of the top online gold and silver retailers, we followed a meticulous methodology to assess each platform based on several critical factors. These key criteria include:
- Reputation: Prioritized platforms with a strong track record and excellent customer feedback.
- Product Range: Included retailers offering diverse gold and silver products for investors and collectors.
- Competitive Pricing: Selected retailers with fair and transparent prices.
- User Experience: Focused on user-friendly platforms for easy browsing and purchase.
- Customer Service: Prioritized exceptional customer support for a smooth purchasing experience.
- Payment and Security: Chose retailers with secure payment options and reliable shipping methods.
Best Place to Buy Silver
APMEX stands out as a top choice for investors seeking to buy silver, offering an extensive selection of high-quality silver products, exceptional service, and secure payment options.
Alternatives like Silver Gold Bull and JM Bullion also provide impressive product variety, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service for a smooth purchasing experience.
Best Place to Buy Gold
American Hartford Group (AHG) excels in gold investments with its competitive pricing and wide product range. Their user-friendly platform, transparent practices, and secure payment options make them an ideal choice for purchasing gold.
Alternatives like Oxford Gold Group and Buy Gold and Silver Coins also provide high-quality gold products and exceptional customer service. For seasoned investors or first-time buyers, AHG, Oxford Gold Group, and Buy Gold and Silver Coins are top choices for buying gold.
Buying Gold or Silver Is Simpler Than You Think
As this guide proves, you don’t have to be wealthy to invest in gold and silver. Thanks to online precious metals sellers, you can easily buy your share of bullion and have it securely delivered to your home or stored in a vault for safekeeping.
About the Author
Mario Quijada uses his background in finance and mortgages to write about financial topics for Top10, offering clear insights into financial markets and investment strategies. Mario focuses on guiding individuals toward their financial goals through accurate and in-depth writing.
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