APMEX, or the American Precious Metals Exchange, is one of the largest and most established precious metals dealers in the U.S. With over 20 years in the industry, APMEX offers a huge inventory of gold, silver, platinum and palladium, along with numismatic collectibles, IRA-eligible metals and a digital metals investing platform through OneGold. The company also provides auto-investing, a rewards-based Visa credit card (The Bullion Card), and an exclusive APMEX Club for frequent buyers. While APMEX has solid pricing, a transparent fee structure and a strong buyback program, some users report that buyback prices can be lower than expected, and payment via credit card or crypto incurs a 4% fee. If you’re looking for a reputable and extensive marketplace for precious metals, APMEX is a top choice, but make sure to compare buyback rates before selling.
- Extensive selection of gold, silver, platinum and palladium
- Auto-investing feature for dollar-cost averaging
- Gold IRA options available
- Poor customer service
- Some payment methods incur a 4% fee
APMEX Ratings at a Glance
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APMEX follows a market-driven pricing model, updating prices in real time based on the current spot price of gold, silver and other metals. The platform does not charge commission fees but profits from the spread between buying and selling prices.
Orders over $199 ship for free, while smaller orders carry a $9.95 shipping fee. One downside is that credit card and crypto payments incur a 4% surcharge, which can be avoided by paying through bank wire, check or ACH transfer (with a 4% discount).
For Gold IRAs, APMEX requires a $2,000 minimum purchase, with storage fees starting at $15 per month for portfolios under $25,000.
APMEX offers one of the industry's most diverse inventories of precious metals. Investors can purchase physical metals, enroll in a Precious Metals IRA or invest digitally through OneGold.
Gold & Silver IRA
For retirement investors, APMEX partners with trusted IRA custodians to help users set up a Gold IRA. Eligible metals include:
- Gold with 0.995+ purity (except U.S. Gold Eagles)
- Silver with 0.999+ purity
- Platinum and Palladium with 0.9995+ purity
Physical Metals
APMEX offers a massive selection of bullion coins and bars, including:
- Gold & Silver Coins: American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands
- Gold & Silver Bars: PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, Perth Mint bars
- Palladium and Platinum Bars and Coins
They also offer numismatic collectibles, rare coins and international currency for collectors.
APMEX provides various investor-friendly tools to enhance the buying and selling experience.
One standout feature is AutoInvest, which allows investors to set up recurring purchases at intervals of their choosing – ideal for dollar-cost averaging. Another unique feature is The Bullion Card, a Visa credit card that rewards purchases with gold or silver.
APMEX also offers OneGold, a digital precious metals investment platform on which investors can buy, sell and trade gold – and silver-backed digital assets without needing physical storage.
APMEX’s U.S.-based customer service team is available via phone, live chat and email. The call center operates Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Customer feedback is generally positive, but some users report slow response times for returns and buyback inquiries.
The APMEX website is easy to navigate, with clear pricing, product descriptions and an intuitive checkout process. Signing up is quick, and the platform offers real-time price tracking, making it ideal for active investors. However, the buyback process can be slow, frustrating users looking for quick liquidation.
APMEX offers several unique benefits that separate it from other metal dealers. The APMEX Club rewards program provides exclusive discounts and promotions based on purchase volume. Additionally, OneGold allows users to invest in digital precious metals, a more convenient alternative to storing physical gold.
APMEX takes security seriously, offering fully insured shipments, secure payment processing and SSL-encrypted transactions. The company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has been in business for over two decades. Its storage partner, Citadel, provides secure vault storage for customers who prefer not to keep their metals at home.
APMEX is a top-tier precious metals dealer with one of the most extensive inventories available. Its pricing transparency, AutoInvest feature and IRA options make it a strong investor choice. While buyback prices can be lower than expected and credit card fees are higher, its reputation, security and customer service make it one of the best in the industry.
APMEX vs. Competitors
APMEX stands out for its AutoInvest feature, digital gold platform and Bullion Card, which most competitors don’t offer. While JM Bullion offers cheaper pricing, APMEX provides more features and a broader selection.
- Best For:Precious Metals and CoinsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Priority Gold's website
- Best For:Experienced Precious Metals InvestorsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through Preserve Gold's website
- Best For:Gold IRAs with On Going PromotionsVIEW PROS & CONS:securely through American Hartford Gold's website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APMEX legitimate?
Yes, APMEX is one of the most reputable precious metals dealers in the U.S., with over 20 years of experience, an A+ BBB rating and fully insured transactions.
Can I sell my gold back to APMEX?
Yes, APMEX offers a buyback program, but prices may be lower than market rates, so compare offers before selling.
Is JM Bullion or APMEX better?
JM Bullion offers slightly lower prices, but APMEX provides more features, including auto-investing and digital metals investing.
Does APMEX report to IRS?
APMEX complies with IRS regulations and reports certain transactions that meet federal reporting requirements.