APMEX Review

Gold prices hit record highs last month, and we rushed to APMEX like everyone else. Our review strips away the marketing shine from this industry giant.

We’ve spent thousands on their site over five years, tracking prices, delivery times, and customer service. The truth? Some deals sparkle while others tarnish quickly.

Our team tested their entire process—from clicking “buy” to holding metals in hand. Before you trust your wealth to APMEX, read what we discovered behind their polished reputation.

What is APMEX?

APMEX operates as a top online marketplace for precious metal transactions. Since its launch in 2000 by Scott Thomas, the company has expanded to handle more than $11 billion in transactions.

APMEX operates from its headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and manages over 20,000 products through its central operations. Their product line features gold and silver coins as well as platinum and rare coins and bullion.

APMEX maintains operations across more than 90 mints and refineries worldwide to serve its wide-ranging customer base. Products at APMEX serve collectors and investors as well as wholesale dealers.

The product range includes government-issued coins alongside exclusive collectibles like silver Star Wars-themed coins and Bitcoin rounds. Numismatists will find rare coins and paper currency options available for their collections.

The company enhances its prestige through its official capacity as a buyer of U.S. Mint Gold and Platinum bullion coins.

Mint Gold and Platinum bullion coins. APMEX operates through an online platform to deliver both convenience and variety to its international customer base.

APMEX offers a highly curated selection of products for both investment-grade bullion seekers and collectors of entertaining items.

The company stands as a crucial force in the precious metals market through its extensive experience spanning multiple decades along with worldwide partnerships.

Who Is APMEX Suited For?

APMEX delivers a diverse range of investment solutions to multiple audiences using its comprehensive platform.

• New investors gain access to APMEX’s extensive range of products, which feature easy-to-enter options such as fractional gold bars and silver rounds.
• Seasoned investors: Seasoned investors identify APMEX as a source of high-quality bullion coins and bars from gold to platinum to broaden their investment portfolios.
• Collectors and numismatists: Star Wars-themed coins and Bitcoin rounds serve dedicated collectors with distinctive interests.
• Institutional clients: Resellers and institutional investors can access customized solutions through wholesale options.
• Digital enthusiasts: Multiple payment options including Credit Cards, PayPal, and Cryptocurrency expand accessibility for contemporary buyers.

APMEX has suitable products for both new and expanding investors at every level.

Products Offered

APMEX offers a broad selection of precious metal products to suit various investment purposes. The product range features gold, silver, platinum, and rare coins along with additional rare collectibles.

Gold

Investors and collectors can find gold available in bars as well as coins and rounds. Popular items include:

• 1 oz American Gold Eagle coin BU (Random Year): This coin combines 22-karat gold with the Lady Liberty design and meets IRA investment standards.
• 1 oz Gold Buffalo BU (Random Year): The 24-karat gold coin displays a Native American portrait on its face while featuring a buffalo on its back.
• South African 1 oz Gold Krugerrand coin BU (Random Year): This coin stands out for its durability thanks to its 22-karat constitution combined with a design that has achieved worldwide recognition.
• 1 oz Gold bar – PAMP Lady Fortuna VERISCAN™ (In Assay): This IRA-approved gold bar features Lady Fortuna design and anti-counterfeiting technology.
• 1 oz Gold bar – Valcambi (In Assay): Investors trust this gold bar because it combines a sleek appearance with serial number confirmation.
• 1 oz Gold bar – APMEX (TEP): Its protective casing delivers both quality and purity to buyers who are just starting.

APMEX offers unlimited options for diversifying your gold portfolio with their range of products.

Silver

The collection of silver items includes both traditional round shapes and brand-new modern designs. Notable options include:

• 1 oz Silver round – Buffalo: The Buffalo-inspired Silver Round appeals both to collectors and investors seeking a timeless piece.
• John Wick 1 oz Silver Continental coin: This coin attracts both enthusiasts and buyers through its classic movie-themed design.
• 1 oz Silver round – Bitcoin: This product merges classic bullion value with a contemporary cryptocurrency design.
• 5 oz Cast-Poured Silver bar – APMEX: This cast-poured silver bar has been handcrafted to achieve a rough appearance which makes it perfect for collectors who appreciate silver.
• 10 oz Cast-Poured Silver bar – Pioneer Metals: This product delivers solid construction and stackable capability to serve serious investors well.
• 1 oz Silver bar – Statue of Liberty: This piece features an iconic design that blends its collectible qualities with the purity of silver.

Look at additional APMEX silver offerings to grow your investment collection.

Platinum

Platinum options combine exceptional design quality with substantial value to create diverse investment opportunities. Consider these items:

• Great Britain 1/10 oz Platinum Britannia (Random Year): The coin features Britannia and maintains investment-grade purity while remaining IRA-compatible.
• Canada 1/10 oz Proof Platinum Endangered Wildlife (Random Year): Depicts delicate wildlife designs, appealing to collectors.
• 1 gram Platinum bar – Secondary Market: A cost-effective solution for smaller investments.
• 1 oz Platinum bar – APMEX (In TEP): This bar uses tamper-evident packaging which protects its authenticity and quality.

You can look into additional platinum metal choices for investment portfolio diversification.

Rare Coins

The historical significance of rare coins creates financial opportunities that collectors find unique. Highlights include:

• $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle (Cleaned): This historic item merges the scarcity of collectible coins with the fundamental worth of gold material.
• $20 St Gaudens Gold Double Eagle BU (Random Year): Collectors everywhere appreciate this coin because of its iconic design and global appeal.
• $2.50 Indian Gold Quarter Eagle (Cleaned): Features intricate designs honoring Native American culture.
• $3 Gold Princess AU Details (Cleaned): This rare coin stands out due to its combination of historic significance and visual appeal.

Expand your collection by discovering additional rare coins available through APMEX for investment enhancement.

Services Offered

APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) delivers multiple services that address the different requirements of precious metals investors.

These features demonstrate how the company uses IRA investments together with storage options and loyalty benefits to customize your investment experience.

Precious Metals IRA

APMEX delivers an extensive Precious Metals IRA option that provides effective retirement portfolio diversification.

The company provides a wide selection of metals that meet IRA requirements including gold with over .995% purity as well as metals like silver with .999% purity and platinum and palladium both having a minimum purity of .9995%. The available options meet IRS standards which guarantee both quality and purity.

The procedure for establishing an IRA account through APMEX remains simple and direct. With assistance from their custodial partners, you can set up a new Precious Metals IRA or move funds from an existing IRA.

The trusted custodial partners help manage all required documentation while ensuring adherence to federal guidelines. Opening a new account requires you to make an initial purchase of at least $2,000 in approved metals.

A Precious Metals IRA permits withdrawals at any time without penalties but requires payment of fees. The fees for withdrawals vary between $50 and $75 based on the size of the transaction.

IRS regulations forbid individual storage of precious metals in your possession. Your custodian is responsible for safeguarding your assets while storage fees begin at $15 every month for accounts that contain less than $25,000.

With APMEX’s Precious Metals IRA, you gain retirement security while enjoying investment flexibility that suits your personal preferences.

Storage

APMEX works together with Citadel Global Depository Services, Inc. and Brink’s to provide a dependable and secure precious metals storage solution.

Brink’s functions as a top global security firm that operates the physical facilities to deliver advanced protection for client investments.

Your storage choice includes both segregated and non-segregated options. Segregated storage ensures separate storage spaces for each item while preserving their unique identities.

Non-segregated storage combines your metals with others and delivers solid security while being less expensive than segregated options. Through APMEX you have the option to expedite storage by having your purchases sent straight to Citadel.

APMEX ships your payments’ products to Brink’s-operated storage facilities after you finish your payment process. The seamless process removes the burden of handling logistics from your responsibilities.

Citadel’s storage services emphasize safety and convenience. The integration of high-level security protocols with APMEX’s products results in a trustworthy system for physical storage solutions.

AutoInvest Program

The AutoInvest Program enables you to systematically invest in precious metals with streamlined procedures.

You can select from different product options such as silver or gold as well as platinum vaulted metals and digital asset choices.

You can tailor your precious metals portfolio by choosing both specific metals and quantities that align with your financial objectives.

AutoInvest allows you to establish a regular investment schedule for your purchases. You have the choice to configure your AutoInvest purchases at daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly intervals. Orders execute automatically without manual intervention when a payment method is linked.

The service stands out due to its integration with the dollar-cost averaging (DCA) investment strategy. Rather than making large single purchases you invest a set amount periodically.

The investment technique smooths out market volatility effects through time and guarantees consistent asset growth. Automating your metal purchases simplifies maintaining discipline in your investment strategy.

The Bullion Card

Users of the Bullion Card gain unique rewards through their investments in precious metals. The Visa Bullion Card lets you accumulate 4% back in gold or silver when you shop at APMEX and 1% back on all other purchases. The feature enables your investment strategy to work alongside your regular expenditures.

An expenditure of $1,500 during the initial 90 days results in earning 15,000 points which translates into a value of approximately $150.

The option to redeem points for gold or silver makes this card especially attractive to those who enjoy collecting valuable commodities.

The Precious Metal Card offers 12 months of 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers which improves your financial adaptability.

The service stands out because it enables you to turn daily expenses into actual investments in precious metals. This card provides an exclusive way to enhance your investment portfolio management.

APMEX enhances the card’s functionality by offering programs such as AutoInvest which enable automated recurring investments. Cardholders receive special offers that have been customized just for them.

The Bullion Card balances its lack of physical commodity auto-invest options with a powerful rewards system that benefits passive investors.

The Bullion Card merges regular purchase transactions with investment-grade commodity purchases to boost wealth preservation activities among users.

The Bullion Club

The Bullion Club uses its tiered loyalty program to offer exclusive rewards that improve your APMEX experience for repeat customers.

This program features five membership levels: Select, Premier, Elite, VIP, and VIP+. Your progression through the membership tiers relies on how much you purchase so active buying leads to better rewards.

• Joining the Select tier at APMEX requires new customers to either register using their email or make one purchase. As an entry-level member, you receive valuable benefits immediately upon joining.
• To advance to Premier membership you need to either place at least 10 orders or transact a total of $10,000. The Premier membership offers broader loyalty benefits which are ideal for buyers who make regular purchases.
• The Elite membership which targets the most loyal customers becomes available upon completing 50 orders or totaling $25,000 in purchases. Elite members get top-tier rewards that deliver premium treatment alongside extra savings on their investments.
• Customers who reach a minimum expenditure or sales of $100,000 gain access to increased rewards and unique benefits through the VIP tier.
• The VIP+ tier remains exclusive to the top 1,000 customers who receive invitations to access unmatched perks and personalized service.

Membership provides practical benefits such as early product access and dedicated customer support plus special promotions.

Members of this program get access to special deals and previews of exclusive limited-edition products. These benefits improve your shopping experience while simultaneously adding value to your investment in precious commodities.

The Bullion Club combines flexible entry requirements with transparent spending targets to deliver a well-organized approach to enhancing your precious metal purchase benefits.

Sell To Us

The APMEX “Sell To Us” service allows you to sell your precious metals securely and conveniently. You benefit from the straightforward process which ensures smooth transactions.

The purchasing specialists at APMEX who have over 100 years of combined experience provide competitive rates for gold bars, silver coins, and numismatic collectibles. The evaluation process improves through their deep product knowledge.

Once you begin the selling process you will obtain a clear quote reflecting current market prices. Shipping becomes hassle-free once you accept the offer.

APMEX delivers UPS shipping labels with prepaid payment and full insurance coverage. The company utilizes its UPS partnership to ensure sellers receive rapid and dependable delivery without having to manage logistics themselves.

Product authentication enables APMEX to process payments immediately. APMEX prioritizes payment processing for your items through their efficient operational system. The targeted customer service approach provides value both to investors and collectors.

The combination of lowered shipping rates together with secure handling procedures and professional know-how makes this service exceptional. APMEX provides a reliable platform for selling metals that makes the process easy and ensures security.

How To Open A Gold IRA With APMEX

Step 1: Contact A Reputable Precious Metals Dealer

APMEX is a trusted dealer with over two decades of precious metals market experience and they operate from Oklahoma City, OK.

Engage in a discussion about your financial goals while assessing IRA-eligible products such as gold bars and silver rounds and ask about any associated premiums.

Step 2: Determine The Type Of Gold IRA

Decide the structure of your IRA. When establishing a new account transferring funds from a traditional IRA or enhancing your current Gold IRA make sure your choice meets IRS standards.

Step 3: Understand Contribution Limits

Verify IRS-compliant contribution limits before proceeding. The contribution limit for 2023 is $6,500 for people younger than 50 and $7,500 for those aged 50 and beyond.

Step 4: Select IRA-Eligible Products

APMEX offers four categories of metals that meet eligibility requirements.

• Gold: When selecting gold products you must ensure they have a purity level greater than 99.5%, but this requirement does not apply to US Gold Eagle Coins.
• Silver: Select silver products that maintain a minimum purity level of 99.9% including bars or rounds.
• Platinum: Select metals with 99.95% purity or higher.
• Palladium: Pick products boasting 99.99% purity.

When purchasing eligible metals from APMEX you can use multiple payment options such as bank wire transfers, ACH payments, traditional checks, and cryptocurrency.

Fees And Pricing

Fee Type	Details
Payment Discount	4% discount for payments via check, eCheck, or bank wire.
Transaction Fee	Payments made via credit card, PayPal, or BitPay incur a 4% fee (discount not applied).
Storage Fees (Citadel)	Annual fees range from $180 to $550 based on portfolio value.
Storage Fee Breakdown	0.55% annually for holdings up to $1M, 0.50% for up to $10M, and 0.45% for values exceeding $10M.
Monthly Storage Costs	Between $15.00 and $45.84 per month.
Shipping Fees	Free shipping for U.S. orders over $199.

APMEX prices precious metals which mirror current market rates in real time. You will discover competitive choices for gold, silver, and platinum which provide clear transparency for investment choices.

Your choice of payment method directly affects overall transaction costs. Customers receive a 4% discount when they make payments through check, eCheck, or bank wire methods.

The discount is eliminated when you choose payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or BitPay because it adds a 4% transaction fee. Choose your payment options wisely to maximize potential savings.

Citadel’s secure storage service through APMEX requires users to pay storage fees. The annual storage rates vary between $180 and $550 based on the cumulative value of stored metals.

The annual rate stands at 0.55% for portfolios with values up to $1 million but drops to 0.50% when holdings reach up to $10 million and further reduces to 0.45% for assets exceeding $10 million.

You can select from monthly fees that range from $15.00 to $45.84 based on your investment scale requirements.

You receive free shipping from APMEX for U.S. orders that total more than $199. You should combine your orders to reach the $199 mark and save on extra charges.

Does APMEX Ship Internationally?

APMEX enables international customers from select locations to obtain their extensive inventory through their shipping service.

APMEX ships orders internationally via FedEx International Economy and UPS Worldwide Expedited services while requiring deliveries to physical addresses due to security protocols.

APMEX ensures customers receive competitive product pricing and affordable shipping rates for their international orders.

The shipping costs to international destinations consist of a USD 49.95 fixed fee plus an extra USD 0.20 per ounce based on product weight.

Freight forwarding services like Vpost do not receive support from APMEX. Once you deliver your package to the designated freight forwarder you assume full responsibility for any potential losses.

Reviews And Complaints

Evaluating APMEX requires a thorough understanding of customer feedback. This section investigates user experiences through multiple review platforms.

BBB

The Better Business Bureau awarded APMEX an A+ rating which reflects 254 customer reviews and a 4.34-star rating.

The business receives positive recognition from customers for delivering authentic products with fast shipping and reliable packaging.

The combination of these elements creates trust, particularly among new investors who want dependable transactions for precious metals.

Customer complaints mainly concern complicated verification of orders along with slow resolution times and insufficient customer service support.

Users report frustration with the lack of responsive support which makes it difficult to resolve order discrepancies.

BBB’s high ratings demonstrate a positive overall perception of APMEX’s products and business practices despite recurring customer complaints.

Trustpilot

American Precious Metals Exchange obtained a disappointing 1.7-star rating from 7,971 reviews on Trustpilot.

A substantial number of users report discontent due to unexpected order cancellations and shipments that fail to arrive.

Extended customer service response times worsen existing problems which results in widespread customer frustration.

Trustpilot reviews predominantly focus on complaints yet a small number of customers praise APMEX for its extensive product range and convenient payment options such as credit card and PayPal.

A limited number of reviews demonstrate that despite the company’s difficulties some customers still see benefits in APMEX.

ConsumerAffairs

According to ConsumerAffairs APMEX has received a rating of 3 stars from 292 reviews. The platform’s large inventory combined with a simple interface enables buyers to quickly find and purchase precious metals which leads to positive user experiences.

The negative feedback consistently reports issues with refund processes and situations where shipments are marked delivered yet never received. Customer support-related grievances further diminish overall satisfaction.

These mixed reviews demonstrate the company’s inconsistent performance whether you are purchasing for the first time or investing as an experienced buyer.

Shopper Approved

APMEX achieves its top score of 4.9 stars from 240,709 reviews across review platforms on Shopper Approved.

Website visitors consistently express high praise for the smooth transaction process alongside dependable shipping schedules and detailed product information.

Sporadic complaints emerge occasionally which describe minor delays in service during busy periods. APMEX emerges as a preferred choice for precious metals because Shopper Approved displays their substantial positive review count highlighting exceptional customer satisfaction over competitors.

Pros And Cons

Analyzing APMEX’s strengths and weaknesses enables you to determine how well it meets your investment or collecting requirements. You will find key aspects sorted into advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Extensive product range: APMEX enables you to choose from over 10,000 products such as gold bars, silver rounds, rare coins, and foreign currencies. Both novice collectors and seasoned enthusiasts can find something they like in this diverse selection.
• Reputable history: Since 2004, APMEX has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau which shows their dedication to trustworthiness and reliable service. Many investors appreciate this credibility.
• Transparent pricing: Market rates determine pricing which becomes fixed once the order confirmation is completed. You benefit from flexible payment methods which include checks, bank wires, ACH, and cryptocurrency options.
• Secure shipping practices: Their secure shipping practices include insured shipments from dispatch to delivery which guarantee that your investments will reach you safely. Customers from overseas gain access to extra shipping possibilities through FedEx and UPS services.
• Customer-Centric features: The Bullion Card for rewards, AutoInvest for scheduled purchases, and secure Citadel storage are exclusive services that attract regular buyers.

Cons

• Higher premiums on credit card payments: Premiums for orders paid with credit cards or PayPal are higher than those for payment through checks or bank wires. Users who depend on these payment methods will find this pricing structure disadvantageous.
• Occasional shipping delays: Customers have reported verification and delivery delays according to user reviews during peak demand periods.
• Mixed customer support feedback: APMEX operates a call center in the U.S. yet customer support response reviews vary. Refund delays and canceled orders emerge as occasional concerns for customers.
• Limited international reach: APMEX offers international shipping to certain locations but buyers may find the $49.95 base shipping fee with additional weight surcharges limiting.

APMEX Alternatives

Researching other options beyond APMEX allows you to discover dealers that better match your investment requirements.

Different options present their specific services along with various pricing structures and customer support experiences.

JM Bullion

A comparison between APMEX and JM Bullion reveals variations in their service offerings, pricing structures, and reputations.

JM Bullion tends to provide better pricing because of reduced premiums combined with less expensive shipping fees.

JM Bullion provides free shipping for purchases over $199 which aligns with APMEX’s policy yet often presents tighter pricing gaps.

Customers have access to payment methods including bank wire, ACH, and cryptocurrency at both dealerships yet JM Bullion provides fewer promotional discounts compared to its competitor.

JM Bullion receives strong reviews on platforms like Trustpilot but its overall reputation score remains below the APMEX A+ rating from the BBB.

Both firms offer IRA-compatible products for beginners and professional investors so JM Bullion targets thrifty buyers through its marginally lower prices. Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize competitive pricing will find JM Bullion to be a worthwhile option.

SD Bullion

SD Bullion draws investor interest through cost-effective pricing that consistently stays below American Precious Metals Exchange’s premiums.

SD Bullion specializes exclusively in essential bullion products such as gold and silver coins or bars as opposed to APMEX’s wide-ranging selection of over 20,000 products. SD Bullion offers free shipping for orders that exceed $199 which matches APMEX’s shipping threshold.

SD Bullion maintains pricing transparency by matching market rates which corresponds to APMEX’s pricing strategy.

Both companies accept payments through cryptocurrency, checks, and bank wire but APMEX offers more payment flexibility for large orders because of its bigger infrastructure.

Customers experience different levels of service from SD Bullion which provides competitive pricing but client support is not as comprehensive as APMEX’s extensive resources and U.S.-based call center.

Money Metals

Money Metals joins competitive pricing with unique offerings including its collateral loan program which APMEX does not offer.

APMEX features products from 90 international mints in their vast catalog while Money Metals offers only primary bullion items in their limited range. Customers seeking better value rather than extensive selection will find this approach advantageous.

APMEX stands out among its competitors by setting a minimum purchase requirement of $2,000 to qualify for IRA metals while both dealers provide strong IRA services.

Both companies demonstrate payment flexibility by supporting efficient payment methods such as PayPal and bank wires.

Customer service reviews for Money Metals stand out because they compare favorably to APMEX’s support team which combines responsiveness with beginner investor education resources.

Kitco

Kitco distinguishes itself through a dedication to transparency and cutting-edge features including an always-on market trends dashboard.

Like APMEX, Kitco delivers multiple payment choices which include credit cards, cryptocurrency, and checks for customer convenience.

While APMEX provides a wider variety of products Kitco offers popular gold and silver items and secure storage services.

Kitco stands out through its pricing model which caters specifically to collectors. Kitco charges more for standard bullion than APMEX but gives buyers comprehensive market analysis to help them adjust their strategies based on market changes.

Tech-savvy investors find Kitco’s digital platform interface appealing whereas APMEX’s app develops more features for price tracking.

Investors who want economic analysis together with buying and storage services will find Kitco to be a top choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is APMEX a reputable company for precious metals?

APMEX enjoys a high reputation in the marketplace through its two decades of operation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

The company has processed transactions valued at more than $11 billion while providing numerous precious metal products.

Are APMEX products insured during shipping?

Yes, all APMEX orders are fully insured. All packages from APMEX utilize Registered/Insured U.S. Mail or UPS as secure shipping services. Packages shipped by Registered/Insured U.S. Mail or UPS require a signature upon delivery.

What should I consider when choosing APMEX over competitors?

Evaluate APMEX based on its comprehensive product range and clear pricing structure while taking into account secure delivery options and customer rewards programs alongside educational resources together with customer feedback and payment method premiums.

Final Thoughts

APMEX leads as an excellent choice for precious metal investment because of its extensive product range and transparent pricing combined with customer-focused services.

The platform offers essential tools and resources to support investors throughout their journey regardless of whether they are beginning investors or experienced buyers.

Despite receiving mixed customer reviews and charging higher premiums for some payment methods, APMEX maintains a strong market position through its excellent reputation and extensive product offerings.

Looking into options such as JM Bullion or SD Bullion can assist you in discovering the ideal solution for your investment requirements.

Your final choice needs to match both your investment objectives and your available budget while reflecting your personal preferences.

Investigate different choices to find the most suitable strategy for constructing a diversified and secure investment portfolio.

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