Best Online Gold Dealers of 2026

Gold and other precious metals are an investment and carry risk. Consumers should be alert to claims about high returns or low risk with precious metals or other assets. As with any investment, you can lose money, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Consumers should also obtain a clear understanding of the fees associated with any investment before agreeing to buy.

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Gold dealers sell physical precious metals, including gold coins and bars, as well as silver, platinum, and palladium. The best dealers make pricing clear, offer secure shipping, provide helpful customer support, and explain their buyback policies. Some specialize in gold IRAs and other retirement accounts, while others focus on selling physical gold and other precious metals directly to customers.

This guide compares the best online gold dealers and explains what to look for when choosing a company, including premiums, fees, payment options, buyback policies, and reputation. To learn how we selected our top picks, see our methodology below.

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Best Gold Dealers: Quick Comparison

Gold Dealer	Best For	Support Channels	Education	Product Guidance
American Hartford Gold	Overall support and guarantees	Phone & online support	Guides and market information	Dedicated specialists
Patriot Gold Group	Personalized service	Phone & specialist support	Educational resources	One-on-one guidance
Goldco	Customer service and education	Phone & online support	Guides, videos, and educational materials	Dedicated support
Lear Capital	Product selection and customer service	Phone & online support	Reports and educational resources	Dedicated representatives
Orion Metal Exchange	Transparent pricing and buybacks	Phone & online support	Educational resources	Product and IRA guidance
Priority Gold	Storage and buyback options	Phone & online support	Educational resources	Investment specialists
Sanctuary Metals	Customer support	Phone & chat	Educational resources	Precious metals specialists

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Gold Dealer Reviews

American Hartford Gold is a strong option for investors who want personalized support when buying physical gold and other precious metals. The company offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars, along with direct purchases and gold IRA services. Its gold IRA program has a $10,000 minimum initial contribution.

• Pricing and fees: AHG does not list standard prices online. Its current agreement says the added cost above the market price can be up to 19.99% for bullion and higher for some collectible coins. Ask for a written quote showing the total price before buying.
• Price protection: Qualifying purchases have a 7-day Price Protection Guarantee if the company’s price drops during that period.
• Buybacks: The company does not charge an additional liquidation fee when customers sell, but it does not guarantee that it will buy back metals or guarantee a specific price. Credit card purchases may also have a 3% processing fee.

For more information, read our full American Hartford Gold review.

Patriot Gold Group is a dealer-direct precious metals company that emphasizes one-on-one support. Customers work directly with the company’s owners and specialists to purchase gold, silver, and other precious metals. The company has a $10,000 minimum for cash purchases and a $50,000 minimum for a Gold IRA.

• Fees: Patriot charges a $225 IRA setup fee, but waives it for investments over $30,000. It also says IRA fees can be waived at higher account levels, with accounts over $100,000 eligible for fee waivers and accounts over $250,000 eligible for its No Fee for Life IRA. Custodian and storage fees can still vary.
• Pricing: Patriot uses an investor-direct pricing model rather than adding a separate percentage fee to precious metals purchases. However, it does not publish regular product prices online, so request a written quote and compare the total price with other dealers.
• Personalized service: Customers work directly with Patriot’s specialists, and the company can help coordinate purchases, IRA rollovers, and storage. It does not advertise a formal best-price buyback guarantee, so ask about the current buyback price before purchasing.

For more information, read our full Patriot Gold Group review.

Goldco is a strong choice for first-time precious metals buyers who want hands-on support and educational resources. The company has helped customers place more than $3 billion in gold and silver and offers direct purchases and precious metals IRAs. Its gold IRA has a $25,000 minimum.

• Fees: Goldco lists a $50 one-time account setup fee, $125 annual administration fee, and $100 annual storage fee for non-segregated storage or $150 for segregated storage. That works out to about $225 in recurring annual fees, before the initial setup fee.
• Pricing: Goldco does not publish standard retail prices for its gold and silver products online. Ask for a complete quote and compare the price with the current spot price before buying. Goldco also advertises a Price Match Guarantee for qualifying purchases. 
• Buybacks: Goldco advertises a Highest Buyback Guarantee and says there are no fees when customers liquidate their metals.

For more information, read our full Goldco review.

Lear Capital has served precious metals customers since 1997 and says it has facilitated more than $3 billion in transactions for 100,000+ customers. The company offers gold, silver and platinum coins and bars, including American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, and gold bars. Its gold IRA requires a $10,000 minimum contribution.

• Fees: Lear’s gold IRA has a $50 application fee, $30 wire fee, $125 annual maintenance fee, and $110 to $160 in annual storage fees. That totals $315 to $365 in the first year and $235 to $285 annually after that, depending on storage.
• Pricing: Lear says its added cost above what it pays suppliers generally ranges from 2% to 35% of the quoted purchase price, depending on the metal and transaction. Lear discloses the exact amount before the purchase is completed.
• Purchase protection and buybacks: Buyers have 24 hours to cancel a purchase without a penalty, and Lear offers a price-match guarantee. Lear does not charge an additional spread when buying back metals originally purchased from the company, although it does not guarantee a future buyback.

For more information, read our full Lear Capital review.

Orion Metal Exchange stands out because it displays live prices for gold and other precious metals online, rather than requiring customers to call for every quote. Its product catalog includes gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Customers can also lock in their purchase price by phone before sending payment.

• Pricing: Orion currently lists a 1 oz American Gold Eagle at about $4,308 and a 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf at about $4,263. Prices change with the market, so check the current price before purchasing.
• Fees: Orion does not publish a standard percentage fee for purchases. Instead, it emphasizes upfront product pricing and says its fees are often lower than competitors’. IRA fees can vary by custodian and storage provider.
• Buybacks: Orion offers a commission-free buyback policy, meaning it does not charge a separate fee when customers sell qualifying precious metals. The company says customers can lock in a buyback price by phone, with payment generally processed within 4–7 business days after it receives the metals.

For more information, read our full Orion Metal Exchange review.

Priority Gold offers gold and silver for direct purchase and through precious metals IRAs. The company says its typical minimum is $5,000 for cash purchases and $10,000 for IRAs, although minimums can vary by product and account type. It also offers insured shipping for direct purchases and works with approved depositories for IRA-held metals.

• Fees and storage: Priority Gold offers free shipping and storage on qualifying purchases, but eligibility and terms vary. Its current materials do not publish one standard fee schedule for every account, so ask for the total purchase, storage, and custodial costs before buying. 
• Pricing: The company advertises transparent pricing and a lowest-price guarantee. Ask for the full price of the specific gold product, including any premium above the spot price, before ordering. 
• Buybacks: Priority Gold automatically makes its buyback policy available to customers who originally purchased from the company. It offers three ways to sell: immediate liquidation, open-market sales, and consignment. The consignment option carries an 18% fee and is available for qualifying investment-grade and numismatic products held for at least 60 months.

For more information, read our full Priority Gold review.

Sanctuary Metals focuses on personalized guidance for people buying physical gold and other precious metals, including through precious metals IRAs and 401(k)s. The company offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars and says customers can receive help with product selection, account setup, and storage.

• Fees and pricing: Sanctuary Metals says it charges a 1% fee, after which customers pay the retail price for their metals. Its website also explains that retail bullion prices include the current spot price plus a premium for manufacturing, distribution, and dealer costs. 
• Buybacks: Sanctuary advertises a buyback guarantee and says it will buy back gold whether it is held in a self-directed IRA or stored at home. Customers can also liquidate their metals when needed. 
• Shipping and storage: Qualified accounts may receive complimentary shipping, insurance, and secure storage. IRA metals must be held at an IRS-approved depository; home storage is not permitted for IRA assets.

For more information, read our full Sanctuary Metals review.

Other Companies We Considered

• Advantage Gold
• APMEX
• Birch Gold Group
• Cash for Gold USA
• JM Bullion
• Metalsmart
• Monetary Gold
• Monex
• OneGold
• Preserve Gold
• Rosland Capital
• Universal Coin & Bullion
• U.S. Gold Bureau
• VaultUS Gold

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Methodology: How We Chose the Best Gold Dealers

We compared gold dealers based on the factors that matter most when buying physical gold, silver, and other precious metals. Our research team evaluated 30 gold dealers and selected 11 based on their products, pricing, services, reputation, and customer support.

We considered:

• Pricing and fees: Product prices, premiums above the spot price, shipping, storage, IRA fees, and minimum purchase requirements
• Products and services: Gold bars, gold coins, bullion, platinum, palladium, precious metals IRAs, and other offerings
• Customer support: Availability, communication channels, and access to knowledgeable representatives
• Education and guidance: Investment resources, buying guidance, and information about precious metals
• Buyback policies: How dealers assist customers who want to sell their metals and whether they disclose buyback terms
• Reputation and customer satisfaction: BBB ratings, complaint history, consumer reviews, and industry reputation
• Transparency: How clearly each company explains its pricing, fees, policies, and purchasing process

We favored companies that provided clear information and useful customer support. We excluded dealers that weren’t transparent about key prices, policies, or procedures from our top picks.

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Gold Dealers Buying Guide

Investing in gold through physical gold requires choosing a dealer that fits your budget, products, storage preferences, and plans for selling later.

What to Look for In a Gold Dealer

Look for these factors when comparing dealers if you want to add physical gold as a tangible asset to your portfolio:

• Reputation: Check the BBB, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and other review sources for recurring complaints about pricing, shipping, customer service, or selling metals. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints, not just its overall star rating.
• Price transparency: A reputable dealer should explain the gold price, the premium over the spot price, and any additional fees before you buy.
• Product selection: Check whether the dealer sells the type of gold you want, such as gold bullion, gold bars, bullion coins, or collectible and numismatic coins. Confirm the product’s weight, purity, and mint or refiner.
• Buyback policy: Find out whether the dealer buys back metals, how it determines its buyback price, and whether it charges a selling or liquidation fee. A buyback guarantee can add clarity, but read the terms.
• Shipping and insurance: Online gold purchases should be trackable and insured while in transit. Check when the order ships, whether a signature is required, who covers a lost or damaged package, and how they handle replacements or refunds. If you use a depository, also check its insurance coverage and storage fees. For larger purchases, ask whether the depository is independently insured and whether it stores your metals separately or together with other customers’ holdings.
• Storage: If you aren’t keeping physical gold at home, compare the depository, insurance, and annual storage costs.
• Gold IRA vs. direct purchases: A gold IRA requires an approved custodian and depository, while gold purchased outside an IRA can generally be delivered to you or stored privately. IRA accounts also have additional fees and rules, so compare the custodian, storage arrangements, minimum investment, and total costs before choosing a dealer.
• Customer support: Look for dealers that provide clear answers about pricing, products, storage, and selling, rather than pressuring you to buy.

Which Gold Dealer Is Best for You?

Your priorities can help narrow down the right dealer. Based on our reviews, these companies stand out for specific buying needs:

• Best for hands-on support and price guarantees: American Hartford Gold
• Best for one-on-one service from experienced specialists: Patriot Gold Group
• Best for first-time buyers who want education and guidance: Goldco
• Best for a wide selection of gold, silver, and platinum products: Lear Capital
• Best for seeing gold prices online before you buy: Orion Metal Exchange
• Best for comparing offers from multiple dealers: MetalSmart

Understand the Price You Pay

Gold dealers generally sell physical gold for more than the spot price, or the current market price of gold. The difference is called the premium. Premiums vary by dealer and product, so two dealers can charge different prices for the same type of gold.

For example, if gold’s spot price is $3,500 per ounce and a dealer sells a one-ounce coin for $3,675, the $175 difference is a 5% premium. When comparing dealers, look at the final price rather than the spot price alone.

The price can also vary depending on how you pay. Some dealers offer lower prices for bank wires, ACH payments, or checks, while credit card purchases may cost more because of processing fees. Ask whether the dealer uses different prices or fees for different payment methods and compare the final amount you will pay.

Consider What Happens When You Sell

The price you pay isn’t the only cost. Before buying gold, find out how the dealer handles buybacks and what you could receive if you decide to sell later.

The buy-sell spread is the difference between what you pay for gold and what a dealer offers when you sell it back. A wider spread can make it harder to recover your original purchase price. Ask whether the dealer publishes buyback prices, charges a selling or liquidation fee, or offers a buyback guarantee.

Also check the dealer’s return and cancellation policy before ordering. Some precious metals purchases are final, while others allow cancellation within a limited period. Depending on the dealer, canceling or returning an order may involve a restocking fee or a charge for market losses if the gold price has changed.

When you’re ready to sell, ask the dealer for its current buy price and compare it with offers from other buyers. Depending on what you’re selling, you may be able to sell through the original dealer, another online precious metals dealer, or a local coin shop. Some online dealers accept metals by mail, but you should confirm shipping, insurance, inspection, and payment procedures before sending your gold.

If you’re selling jewelry, damaged pieces, or other items for their metal value, ask whether the buyer is pricing them as scrap gold or by collectible value. Cash-for-gold businesses may also buy these items, but compare the offer with other buyers before accepting it.

Online vs. Local Gold Dealers

Online dealers can offer a wider selection and make it easier to compare prices from multiple companies. JM Bullion, for example, operates as an online precious metals dealer where customers can shop for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. Local coin shops let you inspect products in person and may be convenient when buying or selling smaller amounts of gold.

Neither is automatically better. Compare the price, premium, payment costs, shipping, and buyback terms rather than choosing a dealer solely because it operates online or has a physical location.

Know Which Type of Gold Dealer You Need

Not every business that buys or sells gold serves the same purpose.

• Bullion dealers: Focus on investment-grade gold bars and bullion coins.
• Coin and numismatic dealers: Sell collectible or rare coins whose value can depend on scarcity, condition, and demand in addition to the gold content.
• Local coin shops: May sell bullion and collectible coins and allow you to buy or sell in person.
• Jewelry and pawn shops: Primarily buy jewelry and other used items rather than specializing in investment-grade bullion.

If you want to buy physical gold as an investment, look for a dealer with clear bullion pricing and information about the product’s weight, purity, and origin. Large online bullion dealers such as APMEX and Money Metals Exchange offer a broad selection of gold bullion and other precious metals, while some dealers focus more heavily on collectible or rare coins.

How to Avoid Scams When Buying Gold Online

Gold scams often rely on pressure, unrealistic promises, or confusing pricing. Be cautious if a dealer:

• Guarantees returns or says gold is risk-free.
• Pressures you to buy immediately because of a supposed limited-time opportunity.
• Refuses to explain the total price or premium over the spot price.
• Claims ordinary bullion is rare or collectible without clearly explaining why.
• Won’t provide clear information about the weight, purity, mint or refiner.
• Makes it difficult to understand where your gold will be stored or how you can access it.
• Uses fear or exaggerated claims about the economy to pressure you into buying.
• Asks you to send money before providing clear purchase terms.

Before buying, check the current spot price and compare it with the dealer’s asking price. An unusually high premium doesn’t automatically mean a dealer is a scam, but the dealer should be able to explain why its price is higher.

Also review the dealer’s return, cancellation, shipping, storage, and buyback policies before sending payment.

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Gold Dealer FAQs

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Concluding Thoughts on the Best Gold Dealers

No single gold dealer is best for every buyer. The right choice depends on the products you want, how much you’re investing, how you plan to store your gold, and whether you may need to sell it later.

Before you buy, compare the total price, not just the advertised price. Review the dealer’s premium over the spot price, payment costs, shipping and storage fees, return policy, and buyback terms. If two dealers offer similar products, the company with clearer pricing and more straightforward policies may be the easier choice.

Our top-rated dealers offer different strengths, so use the comparison table and individual reviews to narrow your options. Take your time, compare quotes, and make sure you understand the terms before sending payment.