Reviews
Dealer Reviews
Independent dealer comparisons based on real orders, 90-day premium tracking, and hands-on 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 | 3.8 | None | Review → |
| BOLD Precious Metals | 3.8 | None | Review → |
| BGASC | 3.7 | None | Review → |
| APMEX | 3.7 | None | Review → |
| Golden Eagle Coins | 3.7 | None | Review → |
| Hero Bullion | 3.7 | None | Review → |
| Money Metals Exchange | 3.6 | None | Review → |
| Monument Metals | 3.5 | None | Review → |
| Bullion Exchanges | 3.3 | None | Review → |
| Kitco | 3.2 | $5,000 | Review → |
| Gainesville Coins | 2.6 | None | Review → |
Our Methodology
Every dealer in our rankings has been tested with real orders placed with our own money. We track premiums over spot price for a minimum of 90 days, documenting pricing across gold, silver, and platinum products.
We evaluate shipping speed and packaging quality, customer service responsiveness via phone and email, buyback program terms and execution, and website usability for both new and experienced buyers.
Ratings are updated quarterly. Dealers receive no advance notice of test orders or review timing. We accept no payment for placement or favorable reviews.
Dealer Comparisons
Dealer Comparisons & Guides
- APMEX vs JM Bullion — Side-by-side comparison of two of the largest US dealers.
- JM Bullion vs SD Bullion — Price-focused comparison for budget-conscious buyers.
- Dealers with the Lowest Premiums — Who charges the least above spot price.
- Dealers with Free Shipping — Free shipping thresholds compared.
- Dealer Buyback Programs — How to sell your metals back and get a fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you rate online gold dealers?
We place real orders with every dealer we review, tracking premiums over spot price across 90+ days. We 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?
We update our dealer ratings quarterly based on ongoing premium tracking and periodic test orders. Major changes to a dealer's policies, pricing structure, or customer service issues trigger immediate re-evaluation.
Do you earn commissions from dealer referrals?
Some links on this site are affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our ratings or rankings. We place real orders with our own money and publish the same reviews regardless of affiliate relationships.