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An important part of investing is diversification — don’t put all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying your portfolio, you reduce your overall risk and maximize your long-term growth potential. One of the most popular asset classes investors seek out is precious metals because they a the most uncorrelated with stocks: When the stock market goes down, precious metals go up.
The most popular precious metal for investment purposes is gold, and there a lots of gold dealers out there. But you want to make sure you’re purchasing your gold from a reputable and established dealer. To help you on your journey, here are Top 5 Gold Dealers for 2022.
Best Overall Gold Dealer: Gold Alliance
The combination of highly competitive pricing, industry-leading customer service, and free shipping makes Gold Alliance a clear choice for your precious metals needs.
Established in 2002, Gold Alliance has built an outstanding reputation, which is reflected in their 4.96/5 rating on the Better Business Bureau. In fact, the company has one of the best reputations in the industry. Customers can contact the company via phone, email, and live chat during business hours and have access to an extensive resource center and market insights on the website.
Customers can easily browse their wide selection of popular coins and bars, all sourced from reputable mints such as the US Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint. Each product page includes high-resolution images of the coin or bar in addition to detailed specifications and descriptions.
All coins and bars are shipped via FedEx or USPS Registered and Insured parcel deliveries, which are the most secure options for valuable shipments such as precious metals. For special orders, Gold Alliance may be able to arrange for alternative shipping options.
For secure storage, Gold Alliance works with the Delaware Depository Services Company, which handles transactions worth billions of dollars on a monthly basis. Delaware Depository also boasts a fully comprehensive insurance policy underwritten by London Underwriters, so customers can be sure of unparalleled storage for their precious metals, and Gold Alliance stores their own gold holdings at this depository.
Best Product Selection: APMEX
Let’s get it out there: APMEX is the largest online precious metals dealer globally with a wide selection of coins, bars, and even banknotes from around the world.
Despite the size — or perhaps because of its size — APMEX doesn’t offer the lowest prices on the market, but their selection and intuitive site navigation keep pulling in buyers. There are no minimum order requirements, and any order over $199 has free shipping, although shipping can be annoyingly slow, according to customer reviews.
The company offers solid customer service and can be reached via email, phone, and live chat during regular business hours. It also offers an online resource center with information on precious metals.
APMEX works with Citadel Global Depository Services, and you can have your precious metals stored there for an annual fee if you’re looking for secure storage of your coins and bars.
Lowest Prices: SD Bullion
SD Bullion has built their business on guaranteeing the lowest prices on the market — if a customer finds a lower price on the market, SD Bullion will match it.
Customers can choose from gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper products, but the selection of coins and bars is fairly limited. But if brand/coin type isn’t your top priority, the low prices will be the selling point you’re looking for.
Reviews are generally positive, with customers highlighting easy access to a representative via phone, chat, or email.
While the low-price guarantee is enticing, customers should be aware of SD Bullion’s stiff order cancellation fees: If the company doesn’t receive payment by the payment deadline, orders are subject to a market loss fee, a 5% cancellation fee, and any collection expenses the company may incur.
SD Bullion offers their own storage solution for customers looking for secure storage, which is fully insured by Lloyd’s of London.
Up-and-Coming Gold Dealer: JM Bullion
Great reviews and an easy shopping experience are the foundation for JM Bullion’s continued success in the precious metals market. The company is relatively new (established in 2011), but their competitive and transparent pricing has secured them a spot on our Top 5 list for 2022.
Customers can browse an extensive, sometimes overwhelming selection of coins and bars, and shipping is free on orders over $199, and you can choose to have your order shipped to the TDS Vaults depository for secure storage.
It’s unclear from its website if the company charges a restocking fee on cancelled or returned orders, but customers need to cover potential market losses.
Generally, JM Bullion receives good reviews, and the company offers reliable customer service via live chat, phone, and email.
Best for Rare Coins: Golden Eagle Coins
Golden Eagle Coins is perhaps the oldest gold dealer out there with 45 years in business, and their experience is reflected in their extensive library of educational content. It’s also a good resource for customers interested in reading about rare coins.
Customer service is solid and can be reached via phone, email, or fax if customers have questions about products or services.
Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more, but reviewers note that shipping is often slow. Returns are accepted but may be subject to a restocking and market loss fee.
The main reason Golden Eagle Coins isn’t ranking higher is their outdated website, which is slow and confusing to use. We much prefer the customer experience on any of the other four companies on our list.
