Best Companies to Buy Gold From in 2026: 9 Dealers Compared

APMEX is one of the largest online precious metals dealers in the United States, and its catalog is the main reason to start here. It stocks bullion coins and bars from major mints, plus proof and collectible coins that smaller dealers do not carry. Published pricing, insured delivery and a buyback program make the buying process more transparent than many rivals.

The trade-off is cost. Common bullion premiums are often higher than at discount-focused dealers, so compare the same product across two or three sites before you order. If you want a specific coin or a rare item, APMEX is often the easiest place to find it.

JM Bullion is a popular all-rounder for retail buyers. Its site is easy to browse, prices are shown clearly, and shipping is free above a published order threshold. It covers gold and silver coins and bars well, and it offers a precious metals IRA through a partner custodian for retirement buyers.

It is not the cheapest on every single product, and service can feel volume driven at busy times. For a first order of a common gold coin or bar, JM Bullion is a sensible, low drama choice, and it is easy to compare its price against APMEX and SD Bullion before you check out.

SD Bullion built its name on low premiums, and it remains the first stop for buyers who want the cheapest route to physical bullion delivered to their door. Shipping terms are simple, with flat rate delivery and free shipping above a set order value, and it offers segregated depository storage for buyers who do not want metal at home.

Read the order terms before you pay, since reviewers note strict rules on cancellations and payment. If you know exactly what you want and you compare premiums carefully, SD Bullion often wins on price for standard bars and coins.

Money Metals Exchange suits buyers who want to learn before they spend. Its guides, market news and product explanations are clearer than most dealer sites, and it offers a monthly accumulation program for buyers who prefer to build a position gradually. That educational bent makes it a good first dealer for someone buying gold for the first time.

The catalog is narrower than APMEX, and it is less of a full-service IRA concierge than Goldco or Augusta. If you want a guided first purchase and plain language explanations, Money Metals is a strong pick.

Goldco focuses on precious metals IRAs rather than casual coin shopping. It helps customers roll over existing retirement accounts into gold and silver IRAs, explains the custodian and storage steps, and assigns representatives to walk buyers through the process. That guidance is valuable for retirement savers who find IRA rules confusing.

Expect a sales-led process and minimums that are higher than a single coin order. Ask for all fees in writing, including custodian and storage charges, and compare them with at least one other IRA dealer before you commit. This is not financial advice, and retirement decisions deserve extra care.

Augusta Precious Metals is known for an education-first model. It runs web conferences and one-to-one sessions that explain how gold IRAs work, what fees apply and what risks exist, before pushing a sale. That approach suits retirement savers who want to understand the product fully.

The minimum investment is high compared with retail bullion dealers, so it is not the place for a single small coin purchase. If you are considering a sizable IRA rollover and you value teaching over pressure, Augusta is worth a conversation, with fees confirmed in writing.

American Hartford Gold serves both retail buyers and IRA customers, and it is often cited for lower IRA minimums than Augusta or Goldco. It offers a buyback program and a price match guarantee on qualifying items, and it provides educational resources for new buyers.

Much of its pricing is handled by phone rather than published online, so you cannot easily compare it with APMEX at a glance. Get the full price, including any spread, in writing before you agree, and read the terms of any promotional offer carefully.

Lear Capital is one of the longest-running dealers on this list, with a history going back to 1997. It sells gold and silver for delivery and for IRAs, and its experience with rollovers appeals to retirement savers who want a firm with a long track record.

As with several IRA-focused dealers, prices are not fully published online, so comparison shopping takes phone calls and written quotes. That is a real drawback next to APMEX or JM Bullion, where you can see the price before you speak to anyone. Get fees and buyback terms in writing.

Silver Gold Bull is a good option for buyers who want both gold and silver from one dealer at competitive prices. It stocks common coins and bars, offers insured delivery, and provides buyback and storage services. US buyers often find its pricing close to the discount leaders.

It does not match APMEX for rare or collectible coins, and its brand is less well known to new buyers. For standard bullion in both metals, it is a credible alternative worth pricing against JM Bullion and SD Bullion.