Our Methodology
Minted Metal is an independent research platform. We do not sell precious metals. We do not accept payment for favorable reviews. Here is exactly how we evaluate dealers.
Editorial Independence
Minted Metal earns revenue through affiliate commissions when readers purchase through links on our site. This revenue funds our operations but does not influence our scores, rankings, or recommendations. A dealer's affiliate program has zero bearing on their rating.
We have placed real orders with every dealer we review. We test customer service, track premiums, and evaluate the full buying experience using our own money. Reviews are updated when material facts change, not when a dealer asks us to reconsider.
How We Select Dealers
We review legitimate, US-accessible precious metals dealers with established track records in online bullion sales. To qualify for review, a dealer must have a verifiable business address, publicly available pricing on at least some products, and a history of completed customer transactions.
We do not review consultation-only wealth advisors, local coin shops, or dealers that operate exclusively through private appointments. These are different business models that our scoring framework is not designed to evaluate.
Scoring Scale
Every dealer is scored on a 1-5 scale across five categories. The composite score is a weighted average displayed as X.X/5. Here is what the numbers mean:
| Score Range | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 4.5 - 5.0 | Best in class. Sets the standard other dealers are measured against. |
| 3.5 - 4.4 | Strong. Reliable choice with minor gaps. |
| 2.5 - 3.4 | Average. Functional but with notable limitations investors should understand. |
| 1.5 - 2.4 | Below average. Significant concerns that affect the buying experience. |
| 1.0 - 1.4 | Avoid. Fundamental issues with trust, pricing, or service. |
No dealer receives a 5.0 composite. A perfect score implies no room for improvement, which is never true. The practical ceiling for an excellent dealer is 4.5-4.7.
Scoring Categories and Weights
Reputation and Trust (30%)
The highest-weighted category. We evaluate BBB rating and accreditation status, Trustpilot score and review volume, Google review score, complaint history and density, regulatory actions or lawsuits, years in business, and industry recognition. A dealer with an A+ BBB rating, thousands of positive reviews, and no regulatory actions will score well. A dealer with documented complaints, regulatory settlements, or revoked accreditation will score poorly.
Pricing and Premiums (25%)
We score pricing based on premiums over spot on three benchmark products: the 1 oz American Gold Eagle (most liquid gold coin), the 1 oz American Silver Eagle (most liquid silver coin), and the 1 oz generic gold bar (lowest-premium gold product). We compare each dealer's premium to the average across all reviewed dealers. Below-average premiums earn higher scores. Above-average premiums earn lower scores. We also factor in payment method discounts, credit card surcharges, and volume pricing.
Transparency (15%)
This category uses binary tests. Can you see prices without calling? Yes starts at 4.0 minimum. No caps at 2.5 maximum. Is the full product catalog visible online? Yes adds 0.5. No subtracts 0.5. Are all fees disclosed before checkout? Yes adds 0.5. No subtracts 0.5. We also evaluate buyback price visibility, shipping cost clarity, and whether educational content is objective or thinly disguised sales material.
Service and Policies (20%)
We evaluate payment methods accepted (check, wire, credit card, crypto, ACH), shipping speed and insurance, free shipping threshold, buyback and return policies, customer service responsiveness across phone, chat, and email, and packaging quality. We contact each dealer's support team with standardized questions and document response times and accuracy.
Selection and Features (10%)
Product range across gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. IRA services and custodian partnerships. Storage options. E-commerce functionality, account features, and tools. This category carries the lowest weight because most dealers cover the core products that matter to typical buyers. It rewards dealers that go further with specialty inventory, automated purchasing, or platform features.
Composite Score Calculation
The composite score is a weighted average of all five category scores:
Composite = (Reputation x 0.30) + (Pricing x 0.25) + (Transparency x 0.15) + (Service x 0.20) + (Selection x 0.10)
The result is rounded to one decimal place. Reputation carries the most weight because trust is the foundation of any precious metals transaction. Pricing is second because premiums directly affect the amount of metal an investor receives. Selection carries the least weight because most legitimate dealers cover the products that matter most.
How We Collect Data
We place real orders with our own money from every dealer we review. We buy common bullion products (1 oz gold coins, silver bars, fractional gold) and document the entire process from account creation to delivery.
We track premiums over spot on benchmark products using publicly available pricing from dealer websites. Premium snapshots inform pricing scores and allow us to compare dealers consistently.
We test customer service by contacting each dealer via phone, email, and live chat with standardized questions about products, shipping, and returns. We document response times, accuracy, and tone.
We aggregate public data from the BBB, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and regulatory databases to evaluate reputation. All data points are verifiable through public sources.
Update Frequency
Reviews are updated quarterly at minimum. Material changes to a dealer's policies, pricing structure, BBB status, or regulatory standing trigger immediate re-evaluation. Every review displays a "last updated" date.
When we update a score, we note what changed and why. Score changes are based on verifiable facts, not sentiment or subjective impression.
Affiliate Disclosure
Minted Metal may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this site. This does not influence our scores, which are calculated using the methodology described on this page. We maintain affiliate relationships with some dealers we review. Dealers without affiliate programs receive the same scoring treatment as those with programs.
We have placed real orders with every dealer we review. Our reviews reflect genuine purchasing experiences, not theoretical assessments.
Corrections and Contact
We take accuracy seriously. If a dealer believes our review contains a factual error (wrong fee amount, outdated policy, incorrect BBB status), we invite them to contact us with the correct information and supporting documentation. We will verify and update accordingly.
We do not alter scores in response to pressure, threats, or inducements. We do correct genuine factual errors promptly.