Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies listed on this page my provide compensation to us. This is how we maintain our free service for consumers that visit us. Compensation & hard research determine where and how companies appear below.
Gold and other precious metals have long been a shelter for investors during crises and economic turbulence. In times of market turmoil, gold tends to outperform other asset classes. Because of this, precious metals such as gold are:
With the rise of online dealers, finding the best deal on precious metals has never been easier. But with so many online dealers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which is right for you. That's why we've compiled a list of the best online precious metal dealers, so you can make an informed decision and get the best deal.
From trusted companies with good reputations to reliable customer service and competitive prices, each dealer offers something unique. So, if you're looking to get the most out of your precious metal investments, we've listed our top picks for the best online precious metal dealers and detailed some of the factors you should consider when deciding who to buy from.
Advantages of Buying Precious Metals Online
The advantages of buying precious metals online are numerous.
5 Best Online Precious Metal Dealers
The top-rated online precious metal dealers are based on their track records, client feedback, resources, assistance and ratings from consumer advocacy groups.
#1. Goldco
Goldco is one of the best online precious metal dealers in the United States. They offer a wide selection of competitive prices of gold, silver, platinum and palladium products. Additionally, they have a variety of services and tools to help customers find the right products for their investment needs.
They also provide secure storage options for customers who prefer to store their investments in a safe, secure location. Goldco has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA).
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Goldco makes it easy for customers to take advantage of the benefits of precious metals without the hassle of dealing with physical possession. Their user-friendly website provides helpful information to guide customers through the purchasing process.
Customers may also contact their knowledgeable customer service team with questions. Goldco offers flexible payment plans and free shipping on all orders, making it an ideal choice for investing in precious metals.
Augusta Precious Metals is one of the industry's best online precious metal dealers. They offer a wide selection of bullion and numismatic coins, rounds, bars and jewelry worldwide.
Their low prices, free shipping and excellent customer service make them a top choice for those looking to buy gold, silver, platinum and palladium. The company also offers secure storage facilities in the U.S. and abroad.
With their competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, Augusta Precious Metals is an excellent option for buying or selling precious metals. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are a member of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets.
In addition to buying and selling gold, silver, platinum and palladium, Augusta Precious Metals provides educational resources, news and updates and a live chat feature. This makes it easy for customers to learn more about the markets and explore their options.
They also offer a variety of payment methods including bank wire transfers, credit cards, PayPal and cash payments. Augusta Precious Metals is worth considering for those looking for a secure and reliable way to buy and sell precious metals.
America Hartford Gold is one of the world's best online precious metal dealers. They are a full-service precious metals broker and dealer specializing in gold and silver bullion, rare coins and other precious metals investments.
They offer competitive prices on all the products they carry and provide free shipping on orders over $199. They also have a wide selection of silver bars and coins, gold coins and bars, palladium coins and bars and platinum coins and bars.
They also offer IRA-approved gold and silver coins and bars, making it easy to diversify your retirement portfolio with physical precious metals. Their customer service team is always available to answer any questions and provides secure storage options for customers who wish to store their holdings with them.
They offer competitive pricing, fast order fulfillment and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With over eight years of experience in the gold and silver industry, American Hartford Gold is a trusted and reliable source for buying and selling precious metals.
#4. Birch Gold Group
Birch Gold Group is one of the leading online precious metal dealers. Founded in 2003, the company offers a wide range of products and services including gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars.
Their products are sourced from top refineries worldwide and their gold and silver products are all backed by the U.S. government. They also offer various investment options for customers looking to diversify their portfolios.
One of the many advantages of working with Birch Gold Group is its low fees and commissions. They also provide secure storage of your metals through Brinks, one of the world's largest and most respected vault services. Additionally, they offer flexible payment plans to help make it easier to purchase precious metals.
Birch Gold Group also provides education and guidance to help customers make the right decisions regarding investing in precious metals. Their team of financial advisors can help you understand how investing in precious metals can benefit your portfolio and provide you with guidance on the best ways to invest in these types of assets.
With their commitment to customer service and satisfaction, Birch Gold Group is one of the top online precious metal dealers and an excellent choice for investing in precious metals.
#5. Noble Gold
Noble gold is one of the best online precious metal dealers available today. They are a reputable and reliable gold and silver broker that offers competitive rates and high-quality customer service. They specialize in providing access to physical gold and silver bullion, coins and bars, as well as IRA and 401k rollovers.
Noble Gold offers a wide selection of investment-grade bullion, including American Eagle gold and silver coins, Canadian Maple Leaf gold and silver coins, Krugerrands and other world coins and bars.
They also offer a variety of options for storage, including home delivery, in-house storage and secure third-party vaults. Regarding customer service, Noble Gold has a knowledgeable and experienced staff that can answer any questions.
They also provide secure online ordering and live chat support. With their commitment to providing the highest quality products at the most competitive prices, Noble Gold is one of the best online precious metal dealers in the market.
Factors to Consider When Deciding on Online Precious Metal Dealer to Buy From
When deciding on an online precious metal dealer to buy from, there are several factors to consider.
Lucky for you, our highly recommended precious metal companies are based on all these elements to ensure you have the highest quality services, products and customer support whenever you purchase precious metals online.
Ways to Invest in Precious Metals
Investing in precious metals is one of the most popular ways to diversify a portfolio. Precious metals, such as gold, silver and platinum, can be purchased in physical form or as investments in securities.
Physical Ownership
Physical ownership of precious metals allows investors to hold and store their metals, such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium, in the form of coins, bars and rounds.
Investors can buy coins or bars of various sizes and denominations, including American Eagle coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins and Krugerrands.
When investing in precious metals, you can purchase them from various sources, including banks, coin dealers and brokers. Before purchasing, it is important to research the reputation and quality of the company selling the metal and the cost of shipping and insurance. Knowing any applicable taxes or fees associated with the purchase is also important.
Once you have chosen a source and purchased the metal, you need to store it securely. You can opt to store it at home or you can choose to have it stored in a professional vault or depository. If you choose to store it at home, you will need a safe or secure location to protect it from theft or damage.
Several companies offer this service if you store the metal in a professional vault. Depending on the company, you can select the vault's location for added security. The cost of storing your metal in a professional vault will vary depending on the size and type of metal, as well as the duration of storage.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are a type of investment that tracks the price movement of a particular asset, in this case precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
ETFs operate much like mutual funds in that a fund manager pools investors' money, purchases a basket of securities and divides it into shares offered to the public. Unlike traditional investments, however, ETFs can be traded on an exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, just like stocks.
The value of an ETF is based on the net asset value (NAV) of the underlying asset – in this case, the price of the precious metal it holds. This NAV is typically determined by the average price of the metal in the open market or may be calculated using a formula. As the price of the metal rises and falls, so too will the NAV of the ETF and, thus, the value of the shares.
Futures Contracts
Futures contracts are a type of derivatives instrument that allows investors to buy and sell a commodity at a specified price on a predetermined date in the future. With precious metals, these contracts allow investors to speculate on the future price of gold, silver, platinum and other metals without owning the physical metal.
When investing in futures contracts, the investor is not taking ownership of the underlying commodity; instead, they are entering into a legally binding contract with a broker or a clearinghouse that guarantees a certain price for the commodity at an agreed-upon date in the future.
When trading precious metals futures contracts, investors are speculating on the direction of the prices of metals. If an investor believes the price of gold will go up, they can purchase a "long" gold futures contract, meaning they expect the price of gold to increase over time.
Conversely, if an investor believes the price of gold will go down, they can purchase a "short" gold futures contract, meaning they expect the price of gold to decrease over time.
Mining Stocks
Mining stocks are shares of companies that produce or explore precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium and copper. Investors can get exposure to these metals by investing in these companies without owning the physical metal itself.
When it comes to investing in mining stocks, there are two main types: producers and explorers. Producers, as the name implies, produce and sell precious metals, while explorers are companies that explore new sources of these metals.
The advantage of investing in producers is that they usually have proven sources of these metals. Investors can benefit from the rise in prices of these metals and any dividends the company may pay. On the other hand, investors in explorers are betting that the company will find a new source of these metals, which can lead to a huge return if successful.
Bottom Line
When buying precious metals online, it is important to research and finds the best online dealers for your needs. Different dealers offer a variety of products and services, so it is important to read customer reviews and compare prices to ensure you are getting the most value for your money.
Our recommended online precious metal dealers offer quality products, high-quality customer service and various investment options – all at competitive prices. These are good places to start if you buy precious metals online.