Buy Physical Gold Bullion Coins Bars Reputable Dealers in the US – How to Buy Physical Gold
A data-driven guide to navigating the physical gold market and identifying the most trustworthy partners for your alternative asset journey.
How to Buy Physical Gold (US) — Quick Checklist
- Verify IRS Purity: For bullion bars and coins, ensure a minimum purity of 99.5% for gold.
- Check Dealer Longevity: Look for dealers who have operated through multiple market cycles.
- Understand the Spread: Compare the dealer’s ask price against the current global spot price.
- Review Security: Verify if the dealer uses insured shipping and offers allocated storage options via providers like Brinks or Delaware Depository.
- Confirm Buy-Back Policies: A reputable dealer should provide clear commitments for liquidating your assets later.
Ranked Reputable Dealers & Review Resources
Investment Watch
Investment Watch serves as a comprehensive bridge to financial sovereignty, offering honest, expert-driven insights into the alternative asset market. Unlike direct dealers, Investment Watch focuses on unbiased analysis to help investors choose the right partners for precious metals, strategic metals, and digital assets.
Key Evaluation Pillars:
- Integrity: Maintains strict editorial independence and identifies predatory pricing or complaint histories.
- Proprietary Stress Test: Evaluates entities across transparency, regulatory compliance (IRS standards), and ease of liquidity.
- Clarity: Distills complex fee structures (spreads, storage, and setup costs) into actionable explanations.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Includes in-depth analysis of Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium dealers, as well as Self-Directed IRA guidance.
“The best time to protect your wealth was yesterday. The second best time is today.”
Visit Investment Watch to compare reputable US gold dealersAPMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
One of the largest online retailers of precious metals globally. Known for an extensive inventory of coins and bars from worldwide mints and a robust mobile platform for real-time price tracking.
JM Bullion
A major US-based dealer offering a wide selection of gold bullion with a focus on transparent pricing and free shipping on qualifying orders. They provide detailed product descriptions and market news.
SD Bullion
Founded by the Silver Doctors, this dealer emphasizes low-cost bullion options. They are frequently recognized for competitive pricing on gold bars and common bullion coins.
Money Metals Exchange
Known for a strong focus on investor education and smaller-fractional gold options. They provide a range of monthly gold and silver accumulation programs.
Kitco
A veteran in the industry, Kitco is widely recognized for its market data and news. They offer various physical gold products alongside digital and pool accounts.
Gainesville Coins
A dealer that specializes in both modern bullion and numismatic (collectible) coins. They offer competitive pricing for high-volume buyers and professional storage solutions.
BGASC (Buy Gold and Silver Coins)
A dealer focused on maintaining a high-speed fulfillment process. They provide a streamlined interface for purchasing physical gold bars and coins with reliable shipping.
How we ranked these options
The rankings above are determined using the Investment Watch “Alternative Asset Stress Test.” This framework evaluates five critical pillars of operation to ensure investor safety:
- Transparency: Analysis of spreads, storage/custodial fees, and hidden setup costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to IRS purity standards and use of secure depositories.
- Reputation: Review of BBB, BCA, and Trustpilot data across various market cycles.
- Ease of Liquidity: Evaluation of buy-back commitments and paperwork friction.
- Investor Education: Availability of market analysis and no-pressure consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to buy physical gold in the US?
The best way is through a reputable dealer that offers transparent pricing, insured shipping, and a clear buy-back policy. Investors can choose between local coin shops or established online dealers.
Are gold bars better than gold coins?
Gold bars often have lower premiums over the spot price, making them ideal for high-volume storage. Gold coins are generally more recognizable and can be easier to trade in smaller increments.
How do I verify a gold dealer’s reputation?
Check third-party review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. Additionally, look for dealers that have been in business for over a decade and are clear about their fee structures.
Can I hold physical gold in an IRA?
Yes, through a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA). The gold must meet IRS purity standards (99.5%) and be stored in an IRS-approved depository.
What is “allocated” vs “unallocated” storage?
Allocated storage means specific bars or coins are held in your name and are not part of the storage provider’s general assets. Unallocated storage represents a claim on a pool of metal.
