Best Gold Dealers

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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Best Gold Dealer Reviews

We evaluated 30 well-known gold dealers. After carefully reviewing features, pricing, and reputation, we identified the ten best choices as American Hartford Gold, Patriot Gold Group, Goldco, Lear Capital, and Birch Gold Group, among the others reviewed below. Each of these companies stood out above and beyond the competition.

To learn more about how we made our top selections, read our full methodology.

If you like the sound of working with a family-owned and operated gold brokerage, consider American Hartford Gold. This company works with families and individuals looking to invest in gold, silver, and platinum. You can take possession of the gold or hold it in a self-directed IRA, Thrift Savings Plan, or 401(k) for the self-employed.

• Metals: Gold and silver (coins and bars)
• Shipping: Not disclosed
• Storage: Yes, to your chosen depository
• Displays pricing: No

American Hartford Gold helps its clients use gold assets as a hedge in their investment portfolios. While it doesn’t display current premiums, it does show current market information as well as historical data.

American Hartford Gold sells high-quality metals. The company backs up sales with a 100% satisfaction and money-back guarantee. Customers also benefit from a gold buyback program with no additional liquidation fees.

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

Patriot Gold is a dealer-direct company, so you won’t pay typical fees for gold and silver bullion or coin purchases. This feature undoubtedly benefits the consumer, but the website lacks information about fee amounts, account minimums, and other details. You will have to contact them before signing up to learn more.

Patriot Gold Group is a full-service gold dealer. The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in buying and selling gold. Clients work directly with these specialists to purchase gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars to fund IRAs or other investment portfolios.

• Metals: Gold and silver (coins and bars)
• Shipping: Free
• Storage: Yes, through depository partners
• Displays pricing: No

Patriot Gold Group is a full-service gold dealer, but it doesn’t offer online purchases. The company’s owners have over 50 years of combined experience in buying and selling gold. Clients work directly with these specialists to purchase gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars to fund IRAs or other investment portfolios. Patriot Gold Group strives to change the way consumers have historically interacted with gold dealers by offering high levels of education and service throughout the process ensuring a positive experience. For these reasons, the company has retained clients for years.

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

Goldco recently made a big splash in the industry thanks to celebrity endorsements from Sean Hannity and Chuck Norris, among others. Specifically, we like this company’s buyback price guarantee: Goldco promises to buy back your metals at the highest possible price. This, along with its silver coins promotion for new accounts, allows us to confidently recommend Goldco to first-time buyers who are unsure how to begin investing wisely.

The modest $200 annual fee (waived the first year) is a bit higher than other companies’, but it gives you the ability to see your assets at any time.

• Metals: Gold and silver bars and coins
• Minimum investment: $25,000
• Fees: Setup, maintenance, wiring, storage
• Storage options: Not disclosed

Admittedly, we had a tough time finding information online about fees, account minimums, custodians, and storage options. However, representatives quickly responded to our questions when we reached out via the live chat feature. We also found Goldco’s in-depth blog, eBooks, and educational videos very helpful for potential investors.

For more information, read our full Goldco review.

Taking customer service seriously, Lear Capital has helped over 90,000 customers diversify their investments into physical gold and silver since 1997. Working with Lear Capital, you’ll get a VIP service and special reports. You’ll also get the 24-hour Risk FREE Investor Pledge, which gives you 24 hours to decide on your purchase with no obligation—if you decide it’s not the best choice for you, you don’t pay.

• Metals: Gold and silver
• Shipping: Not disclosed
• Storage: Yes, the IRS-approved Delaware Depository
• Displays pricing: Yes

Lear Capital provides special reports, educational tools, and real-time pricing. Each customer is assigned an account representative, and account setup is quick—taking approximately 10 minutes to complete the application and 24 hours to have an account set up.

The company has a 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and over 1,200 5-star reviews on ConsumerAffairs.

For more information, read our full Lear Capital review.

When it comes to investing in physical gold, Birch Gold Group has been a trusted partner for over two decades. The company helps individuals buy real, tangible gold assets—whether for personal ownership or to be held within a gold IRA.

What sets Birch Gold apart is its educational approach. Every investor is paired with a dedicated specialist who provides clear, ongoing guidance on using physical gold to build long-term wealth. From explaining tax-advantaged IRA structures to breaking down market trends, Birch Gold emphasizes empowering clients, not just selling to them.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars
• Shipping: Not disclosed
• Storage: Yes, choose from Brink’s, Delaware Depository, Texas Precious Metals Depository, and more
• Displays pricing: No

Birch Gold Group is a trusted gold dealer with an A+ rating with the BBB, an AAA rating with Business Consumer Alliance, and a 5-star rating with TrustLink.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your retirement portfolio or simply want to hold a tangible, inflation-resistant asset, Birch Gold Group offers the experience, service, and products to help make gold a smart part of your financial strategy.

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

A precious metal industry leader, Orion Metal Group sells IRA-eligible gold American Eagles plus other U.S., British, and Canadian coins. Nonretirement purchases can be stored in an insured storage vault or delivered with insured home delivery. If you want to keep your gold, silver, or other precious metals at home, Orion Metal Exchange will help you choose the right type of in-home safe to secure these assets.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium (coins and bars)
• Shipping: $39 flat rate
• Storage: Yes
• Displays pricing: Yes

Investors will like Orion’s no-fee buyback policy, which ensures customers can receive the market value for their metals. The company has a $10,000 minimum purchase requirement, but frequently runs special offers for free gold and silver.

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

Advantage Gold stands out as a trusted choice for seniors who want to protect their retirement savings by investing in physical precious metals. With over a decade of experience focused exclusively on precious metals, the company is recognized for its commitment to education and exceptional customer care.

What makes Advantage Gold especially appealing to retirees is its emphasis on empowering customers with knowledge and information. The company offers a wide range of free educational materials, including guides and personalized one-on-one consultations with precious metals specialists. This approach ensures that seniors can make confident, informed decisions about buying and investing in gold, silver, platinum, or palladium—whether through bullion bars or minted coins.

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium (coins and bars)
• Shipping: Not disclosed
• Storage: Brink’s Global Services (Los Angeles & Salt Lake City), Delaware Depository
• Displays pricing: Yes

Another reason seniors choose Advantage Gold is its transparent, customer-first policies. Their buyback program is straightforward and reliable, offering peace of mind that you can easily sell your metals back if your needs change. Advantage Gold’s commitment to support, education, and long-term customer relationships makes it a standout option among gold dealers.

For more details, read our full Advantage Gold review.

Priority Gold is a well-established precious metals dealer that has been helping investors since 2015. With over 20 years of combined industry experience, the company specializes in guiding seniors through the process of buying gold, silver, platinum, and palladium or setting up a Gold IRA to protect their retirement savings.

Known for its strong reputation, Priority Gold holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance, and a 5-star rating on TrustLink. These high marks reflect the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and knowledgeable service.

While prices aren’t listed online, investors can choose their investment amount and use the company’s real-time price chart to compare gold’s performance to major market indicators. Metals can be shipped for home storage or stored in a secure depository, providing investors with flexible control over their assets. In some instances, storage is free on qualifying orders. 

• Metals: Gold and silver, platinum and palladium (available by request)
• Shipping: Free – $40 depending on your purchase/investment
• Storage: Available from IRS-approved depositories or self-storage is an option
• Displays pricing: No

For seniors seeking a stable, informed investment path, Priority Gold offers trusted support and valuable resources every step of the way.

Read our full Priority Gold review to learn more.

Sanctuary Metals offers a secure and reliable way for seniors to invest in physical gold and silver. The company specializes in IRA rollovers and direct purchases, helping retirees protect their savings from inflation and market uncertainty.

Clients receive personalized service from experienced asset managers and precious metal specialists, available via phone or live chat. This direct support ensures every step of the process is clear, from selecting metals to arranging storage or delivery. Educational resources are also available to help investors make confident, informed decisions.

Investors can choose from a wide range of gold and silver coins with free, secure shipping and tracking. Whether you prefer home delivery or storage in a depository, Sanctuary Metals ensures your investment is handled with care. A competitive buyback program adds peace of mind if you choose to sell in the future.

• Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum
• Shipping: Free
• Storage: Self-storage or a depository of your choice
• Displays pricing: No

Through its tailored approach to wealth preservation and retirement planning, Sanctuary Metals stands out as a dependable partner for those looking to protect their assets with time-tested, tangible resources.

Read our comprehensive Sanctuary Metals review.

Metalsmart’s innovative online platform allows consumers to create personalized precious metals plans based on their budget and investment goals. Consumers can then compare quotes from multiple dealers and choose a reputable dealer to buy from.

 

The company uses real-time data to display pricing estimates at every step of the process and allows you to source quotes from multiple dealers. By forcing dealers to compete for your business, Metalsmart claims that consumers can save 15% on gold and silver. 

• Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium (bars, rounds, coins)
• Shipping: Varies by dealer
• Storage: Varies by dealer
• Displays pricing: Yes

In addition to its comparison tool, Metalsmart will recommend an investment portfolio that you can use as a starting point to add or delete precious metal products according to your preferences. You can choose from a long list of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, including collectibles, and then source competitive quotes from multiple dealers to find the best deal. Metalsmart’s platform is free to use, and they will only share your contact information with companies you want to explore further.

Try the online comparison tool to explore gold dealer pricing, or read our full Metalsmart review to learn more about our experience testing the platform.

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Our Top Gold Dealer Picks

After careful evaluation and thorough research, we’ve created the following list of our top picks for gold dealers.

• Reliable Guarantees – American Hartford Gold Group
• Great Personalized Service – Patriot Gold Group
• Great for customer service – Goldco
• Great service – Lear Capital
• Great online education – Birch Gold Group
• Competitive pricing – Orion Metal Exchange
• Great education – Advantage Gold
• Great free storage – Priority Gold
• Great customer support – Sanctuary Metals
• Great gold dealer marketplace – Metalsmart

Other Companies We Considered

While the following companies did not make our list of the best gold dealers, they are still reputable companies that might provide features that meet your unique needs.

APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) provides a broad product selection of precious metals, bullion products, and rare coins. Although prices are slightly higher than competitors’, benefits such as free shipping on orders over $199, AutoInvest for dollar-cost averaging, and comprehensive insurance coverage make APMEX an attractive choice. The APMEX Gold IRA rounds out the company’s precious metals products. For more information, read our full APMEX review.

Monetary Gold buys precious metals directly, bypassing middleman commissions. As one of only three U.S. gold brokers registered with CME Group, Monetary Gold provides investors access to a broad range of investment options, emphasizing client education through personalized consultations and workshops. For more information, read our full Monetary Gold review. 

OneGold, founded by APMEX and Sprott, offers direct-to-investor savings on gold, silver, and platinum. Investors benefit from fewer fees and minimal premiums over spot prices, with convenient online account management and redemption options through APMEX. For more information, read our full OneGold review.

VaultUS Gold offers personalized precious metals investment guidance tailored to your goals, budget, and risk tolerance. Though their pricing isn’t listed publicly, VaultUS provides a buyback commitment, ensuring liquidity based on current market conditions. For more information, read our full VaultUS Gold review.

Monex has grown significantly since its founding in 1967, now offering innovative technology, including a robust mobile app for real-time pricing and alerts. The company maintains a reputation for competitive and transparent pricing on a variety of precious metals. For more information, read our full Monex review.

Preserve Gold is a full-service precious metals IRA dealer that provides lifetime account support, transparent pricing, and a competitive buyback program. Preserve Gold offers exclusive market research and personalized investment guidance, making it suitable for first-time and seasoned gold investors. For more information, read our full Preserve Gold review.

Rosland Capital is a precious metals broker dealing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, serving customers in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. The company specializes in assisting clients with setting up gold IRAs and sells metals in physical form, though the fee details are not clearly outlined on their website. For more information, read our full Rosland Capital review.

JM Bullion is an online bullion dealer based in Dallas, Texas, that specializes in selling physical gold, silver, copper, and platinum. While the company itself does not offer storage services, it partners with vault providers for secure storage options and facilitates precious metals IRA setups through New Direction IRA. For more information, read our full JM Bullion review.

Cash for Gold USA is an online gold buyer that allows individuals to sell unwanted gold, silver, and platinum jewelry, coins, and scrap metal from the comfort of home. The company provides free shipping, insured mailers, and quick payouts, making it a convenient option for those looking to turn precious metals into cash. For more information, read our full Cash for Gold USA review.

U.S. Gold Bureau is a well-established precious metals dealer that helps individuals buy, sell, and invest in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Known for its wide product selection and educational resources, the company offers both home delivery and secure storage options, along with support for setting up gold IRAs. For more information, read our full U.S. Gold Bureau review.

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How We Chose the Best Gold Dealers

To identify top online gold dealers, we analyzed 10 data points to give you a well-rounded review of each provider. We sourced feedback and reviews from real consumers and consulted with finance experts. We also considered the following features:

• Licensure and credentials
• Fees, such as premiums, shipping, and storage costs
• Access to educational information and investment resources
• Customer service and support availability
• Industry reputation
• Storage options
• Minimum purchase requirements
• Options for precious metals

Gold Dealer Products and Services

To sort out each gold dealer’s products and services, we reviewed product lists and requested starter kits when available to identify their services. Several gold dealer companies give starter kits to interested investors who want to learn more. We wanted to narrow our list to those that would answer your questions right away, either with a live chat representative or an easy-to-use informational request form. Companies that responded within two days (or sooner) stayed on our list.

Customer Satisfaction

To check customer satisfaction, we checked complaints and fraud accusations using the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s RED list, BBB ratings, and the complaints history. We also sifted through hundreds of company reviews to get a feel for each gold dealer and how customers feel about working with them.

Basically, we followed our own buying tips to uncover the best providers. Companies that obscured their prices, had difficult or confusing policies and procedures, and/or limited investment and storage options were eliminated. The result of our analysis is the best gold dealers for you, a friend, or a family member to consider.

Customer Resources: Our Experience With Gold Dealers

The Retirement Living research team spent several days contacting gold dealer companies to ask questions about the investment process and product details. When available, we asked them to send us starter kits we could analyze and learn from. We had to offer our name, email address, and phone number to receive a digital copy of a starter kit, but our requests were granted quickly.

In instances where companies did not offer an informational kit, we used the live chat feature. Each company asked for a name, email, and phone number to enter a live chat, but we found all company representatives very responsive and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions in full.

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Source: Getty

Gold Dealers Buying Guide

Buying gold is a serious investment in your financial future, especially in retirement. But before you jump in headfirst, there are some things you need to know. This buying guide will walk it back to the beginning and explain what a gold dealer is, the benefits of investing in gold, and how to avoid scams when buying gold, as well as how gold is valued, so you can make confident and informed choices.

What Is a Gold Dealer?

As the name suggests, gold dealers buy and sell gold and other precious metals to investors, financial institutions, and secondary retailers. Some dealers are large online firms with the capital required to buy and sell significant quantities of gold. Requirements vary, but if a firm orders more than 1,000 ounces of gold at a time, the U.S. Mint will deem the firm an Authorized Purchaser that can then buy or sell to others.

You may also find reputable local gold dealers that hold state or county licenses to buy and sell (we’ve listed a few below by city). If you choose to buy or sell with a local dealer, you won’t have to worry about shipping and insurance policies that larger online dealers.

Four Things to Know Before Buying Gold Online

When buying gold online, it’s important to approach it with the right mindset and realistic expectations. Keep these key principles in mind to help you make wise, confident decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.

1. Gold is not a get-rich-quick investment. Plan to hold it long-term in your portfolio.
2. Trust your gut. Steer clear of gold dealers who make you feel uncomfortable.
3. Know the fees. Dealer markup, storage, and other charges can add up.
4. Invest for the right reasons. Don’t invest in gold based on fear of stock market fluctuations.

The best gold dealers willingly explain the fees and investment programs they offer. Work with a precious metals broker who will take as much time as you need to explain how to buy gold. Your gold dealer should help you select the right metals and tell you if there are better options for your portfolio than gold.

Research each gold dealer’s reputation by checking the BBB, the U.S. Mint, and the National Futures Association’s BASIC database. The U.S. Mint maintains a searchable database of authorized coin sellers, and the NFA will tell you whether a firm or individual has been the subject of any disciplinary actions. You should also study consumer reviews to get a feel for how they conduct business. Finally, you should know basic gold statistics as related to the supply chain, extraction, retail, and repurposing.

Benefits of Buying Physical Gold

Because physical gold has long been considered a reliable source of value and a hedge against economic uncertainty, there are many benefits to buying physical gold. Unlike paper assets, gold is a tangible commodity that isn’t subject to the same risks as digital currencies or financial instruments. In times of inflation, currency devaluation, or hard economic times, gold tends to retain its purchasing power, making it a favored choice for investors seeking long-term financial security.

Another key benefit of owning physical gold is its universal recognition and liquidity. Gold is a globally accepted asset that can be traded or sold virtually anywhere in the world. Whether in bullion bars or minted coins, physical gold offers a sense of personal control over one’s wealth—free from counterparty risks often associated with stocks or bonds. It can also serve as a generational asset, passed down as a form of inheritance or wealth preservation.

Pros and Cons of Buying Gold

There are many pros and cons to gold. Gold and other precious metals are physical assets that have a built-in scarcity, which helps support their value over time. However, it also has some cons, such as storage costs and security concerns. The following pros and cons will help you decipher if gold or precious metal investing is worth it for your situation.

Pros:

• Tangible asset: Not reliant on digital infrastructure or third parties.
• Inflation hedge: Historically retains value during economic downturns.
• Global liquidity: Easily recognized and traded worldwide.
• Portfolio diversification: Low correlation with traditional financial markets.
• History of value: Gold has been considered a high-value commodity for over 5,000 years, dating back to 3,000 BCE.

Cons:

• Storage and security: Requires safe storage, which may incur additional costs.
• No passive income: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not yield interest or dividends.
• Considered a collectible: Taxed as a collectible.
• Liquidity time: Selling physical gold may not be as immediate as selling digital assets.

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What is the Current Cost of Gold?

The current cost of gold fluctuates daily. As of May 2025, the spot price of gold is $3,354 per ounce. When buying gold for physical possession or to store in a gold IRA, you must also account for dealer premiums. Based on our research of top gold dealers, premiums can add hundreds to your final price.

You may also incur transaction costs, such as commissions and storage fees, which will reduce the amount of gold you acquire for your budget.

For example, based on a gold price of $3,354 per ounce, you can get approximately 14.9 ounces of gold with a $50,000 investment. This, of course, does not account for premiums, fees, and price fluctuations.

How to Avoid Scams When Buying Gold Online

We researched the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s list of tactics used in investment fraud schemes to help you avoid scams when buying gold online. Steer clear of deals offering “no risk” or “low risk” gold investments and consistent or guaranteed returns. While most people need assistance to buy the right gold for their objectives, the purchase process is not difficult. The FBI suggests avoiding complicated gold-buying procedures that are challenging to understand.

Other gold scams surrounding precious metal coins and bullion include:

• Misrepresenting standard gold bullion as rare metals with inflated prices
• Pressuring you to buy gold at any time, but especially when prices are high
• Storing your investments at the dealer’s facilities with no way to access your holdings
• Offering offshore gold storage (research this option carefully before storing assets in any offshore location)
• Selling counterfeit gold below the market rate on eBay and other online marketplaces
• Showing fear-mongering infomercials that encourage you to call the dealer
• Using political, religious, or social values to quickly establish trust on a personal level early, and creating a false sense of confidence

Ryan Sullivan, investment advisor and owner of the registered investment advisory firm, Off the Beaten Path Financial, says investors can discern between reputable gold dealers by quickly researching current gold prices online first.

“A good thing to do before buying any gold or precious metal is to check the spot price and compare the difference against whatever the item is being sold for (the premium price). If there is a large differential, then something may be amiss.”

Reputable Gold Dealers	Gold Dealers You Should Avoid
Get to know you and your investment goals	Pitch a sale based on how much gold a celebrity or well-known financier owns
Explain the best options for your needs	Pressure you to “buy now”
Sell high-quality bullion and coins	Pawnshops and jewelry dealers selling items with undetermined precious metals content
Have an excellent reputation with consumer agencies	Businesses operating as crafted metal dealers
Explain the inevitable fluctuations in gold prices and risks	Tell you gold will always increase in value
Work with you to make an affordable investment	Offer dealer-sponsored loan programs to make it possible to buy gold

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Gold Dealers Near Me

There are many reliable gold dealers throughout the U.S., so finding one near you should be fairly easy. To help you get started, check out the following:

• Albuquerque, NM
• Anaheim, CA
• Anchorage, AK
• Arlington, TX
• Atlanta, GA
• Austin, TX
• Aurora, CO
• Bakersfield, CA
• Baltimore, MD
• Boston, MA
• Chandler, AZ
• Charlotte, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Chula Vista, CA
• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Columbus, OH
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Dallas, TX
• Denver, CO
• Detroit, MI
• Durham, NC
• El Paso, TX
• Fayetteville, AR
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Fort Worth, TX
• Fresno, CA
• Gilbert, AZ
• Greensboro, NC
• Henderson, NV
• Honolulu, HI
• Houston, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• Irvine, CA
• Jacksonville, FL
• Kansas City, MO
• Las Vegas, NV
• Lincoln, NE
• Long Beach, CA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Louisville, KY
• Lubbock, TX
• Madison, WI
• Memphis, TN
• Mesa, AZ
• Miami, FL
• Milwaukee, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Nashville, TN
• Newark, NJ
• New York, NY
• New Orleans, LA
• Norfolk, VA
• Oakland, CA
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Omaha, NE
• Orlando, FL
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Plano, TX
• Portland, OR
• Raleigh, NC
• Riverside, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• San Antonio, TX
• San Diego, CA
• San Jose, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Santa Ana, CA
• Seattle, WA
• St. Louis, MO
• St. Paul, MN
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Stockton, CA
• Tampa, FL
• Tucson, AZ
• Tulsa, OK
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Washington D.C.
• Wichita, KS

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Gold Dealer FAQs

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Summary of Best Gold Dealers for 2025

In our research for the best gold dealers of 2025, we identified American Hartford Group, Patriot Gold Group, and Goldco in our list of top picks.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Overall, we recommend that you ignore gold dealers with unending special pricing and look for a dealer that prioritizes customer education. Ethical dealers will listen to you and avoid pressuring you to make quick decisions. Always be on the lookout for precious metals scams. Consider one or more of our top gold dealers to reduce your research time.