Reviews
Dealer Reviews
Independent dealer comparisons built on continuous premium tracking, regulatory records, and hands-on service testing. No sponsored placements.
Top Dealers
| Dealer | Rating | Minimum | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD Bullion | 4.0 | None | Review |
| JM Bullion | 3.9 | None | Review |
| Silver Gold Bull Estimated | 3.8 | None | Review |
| BOLD Precious Metals Estimated | 3.8 | None | Review |
| BGASC | 3.7 | None | Review |
| APMEX Estimated | 3.7 | None | Review |
| Golden Eagle Coins | 3.7 | None | Review |
| Hero Bullion | 3.7 | None | Review |
| Money Metals Exchange Estimated | 3.6 | None | Review |
| Monument Metals | 3.5 | None | Review |
| Bullion Exchanges Estimated | 3.3 | None | Review |
| Kitco | 3.2 | $5,000 | Review |
| Gainesville Coins | 2.6 | None | Review |
Our Methodology
Every dealer in our rankings is evaluated against the same scoring framework. We track premiums over spot price continuously across benchmark gold, silver, and platinum products, pulling live prices from each dealer every 15 minutes where APIs are available and hourly for dealers that require browser rendering.
We evaluate published shipping policies, customer service responsiveness via phone and email, buyback program terms, and website usability for both new and experienced buyers.
Composite ratings are re-scored on a quarterly cadence. Premium data underlying the pricing score refreshes continuously. We accept no payment for placement or favorable reviews.
Dealer Comparisons
Head-to-Head Dealer Comparisons
- APMEX vs JM Bullion: two of the largest US dealers compared.
- APMEX vs SD Bullion: selection leader versus price leader.
- APMEX vs Hero Bullion: established giant versus value challenger.
- JM Bullion vs SD Bullion: price-focused comparison.
- SD Bullion vs Hero Bullion: two low-cost leaders.
- SD Bullion vs Money Metals: lowest premium versus auto-invest specialist.
- Hero Bullion vs JM Bullion: newer disruptor versus polished veteran.
- Monument Metals vs JM Bullion: silver premium leader versus all-around dealer.
- Monument Metals vs SD Bullion: two price leaders face off.
- Money Metals vs JM Bullion: DCA specialist versus polished shopping experience.
- Silver Gold Bull vs JM Bullion: Canadian versus US operations.
- BOLD vs Hero Bullion: two value-focused newer brands.
- Bullion Exchanges vs JM Bullion: NYC selection versus polished UX.
- Golden Eagle Coins vs APMEX: numismatic specialist versus full-catalog dealer.
Best Dealer By Product
- Best place to buy Gold Eagles
- Best place to buy Silver Eagles
- Best place to buy gold bars
- Best place to buy silver bars
- Best place to buy junk silver
- Best place to buy platinum
- Best place to buy fractional gold
By Feature
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you rate online gold dealers?
We track premiums over spot price continuously (refreshed every 15 minutes across API-accessible dealers) and evaluate five categories (Reputation, Pricing, Transparency, Service, Selection) weighted by importance and scored on a 1-5 scale. See our methodology page for full details.
What is the best online gold dealer?
The best dealer depends on your priorities. APMEX offers the widest selection, JM Bullion provides competitive pricing with free shipping, and SD Bullion consistently has the lowest premiums. Our rankings reflect overall value across all factors.
Are online gold dealers safe?
Reputable online dealers are safe and often more cost-effective than local shops. Look for dealers with established track records, transparent pricing, insured shipping, and buyback guarantees. All dealers in our rankings meet these minimum standards.
How often are dealer ratings updated?
Dealer ratings are re-scored on a quarterly cadence, incorporating premium data, policy changes, and any shifts in BBB or Trustpilot standing. Premium data itself refreshes continuously in the background. Major changes to a dealer's policies, pricing structure, or customer service standing trigger immediate re-evaluation.
Do you earn commissions from dealer referrals?
No. Minted Metal has zero financial relationships with any precious metals dealer or Gold IRA company we review. We do not earn affiliate commissions, referral fees, or any other compensation from the dealers covered on this site. Site revenue comes from affiliate partnerships in adjacent categories such as home safes and security systems. Our reviews are published the same regardless of any commercial relationship.