Best Precious Metals Dealers Compared
Find the right dealer for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with side-by-side comparison of premiums, shipping, reputation, and pricing transparency.
The Top 4 Dealers
| Dealer | Strengths | Typical Premium | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| APMEX | Broad catalog, competitive pricing | 3-6% | Free $100+ |
| JM Bullion | Retail-focused, good user experience | 4-7% | Free $150+ |
| SD Bullion | Institutional quality, tight spreads | 3-5% | Free $100+ |
| Money Metals | Educational content, customer service | 4-6% | Free $100+ |
APMEX: Broad Catalog
American Precious Metals Exchange
Best for: Variety seekers. Coins, bars, and private mint products in one place.
Premium: Typically 3–6% above spot for bullion rounds and bars.
Shipping: Free for orders $100+. Insured delivery.
Reputation: Long-standing dealer. BBB accredited. Good reviews on premium fairness.
View APMEX →Key features:
- 2,000+ products in stock
- Live chat support
- Price-match guarantee within 30 days
- Account sign-up for order history
JM Bullion: Retail-Friendly
JM Bullion
Best for: First-time buyers. Clean interface and straightforward pricing.
Premium: Typically 4–7% above spot. Higher for numismatic coins.
Shipping: Free for orders $150+. Secure packaging.
Reputation: BBB accredited. Solid feedback on user experience and support.
View JM Bullion →Key features:
- Educational guides and blog
- Price-match policy
- Phone support during business hours
- Subscription discounts available
SD Bullion: Tight Spreads
SD Bullion
Best for: Volume buyers. Lower premiums for larger purchases.
Premium: Typically 3–5% above spot. Best on bulk orders.
Shipping: Free for orders $100+. Insured carrier.
Reputation: PCGS approved. Known for institutional-quality pricing.
View SD Bullion →Key features:
- Wholesale-adjacent premiums
- Rapid fulfillment
- Direct verification option
- Wholesale account tier available
Money Metals: Service-Focused
Money Metals Exchange
Best for: Education seekers. Strong community and learning resources.
Premium: Typically 4–6% above spot.
Shipping: Free for orders $100+. Insured.
Reputation: BBB accredited. Known for customer education.
View Money Metals →Key features:
- Weekly podcast and market updates
- Phone support with metals experts
- Bullion storage options
- IRA-eligible products
How to Choose
Key Decision Factors
1. Premium above spot: Compare prices for the exact product you want. Premiums vary by metal, form, and dealer. Even 1% difference matters on large orders.
2. Shipping speed: Most free shipping requires order minimums. If you need fast delivery, check expedited options and costs.
3. Reputation and trust: Check BBB, Reddit, and online reviews for any complaints about pricing disputes or delivery.
4. Product availability: Not all dealers stock all products. If you want a specific coin or bar, verify inventory first.
5. Educational content: If you're new to metals, dealers with guides and video tutorials add value.
Pro Tips
- Compare spot prices: Use MetalBrief dashboard to track live spot prices, then check dealer premiums on top.
- Watch for promotions: Dealers run seasonal discounts, especially around holidays. Subscribe to newsletters.
- Ask about buyback: If you think you might sell later, ask about dealer buyback terms before buying.
- Verify shipping insurance: Confirm that orders are fully insured during transit.
- Use a mix: Many experienced buyers use multiple dealers to compare prices and reduce counterparty risk.
Affiliate disclosure: MetalBrief earns a small commission if you purchase through the links above at no additional cost to you. We recommend dealers based on reputation and pricing transparency, not commission size. This supports the free dashboard and newsletter.
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