In a world where financial markets are increasingly volatile, precious metals continue to be a trusted asset class for long-term investors. With rising inflation, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating currency values, gold and silver are more than just safe havens — they’re proven tools for preserving wealth. But in order to capitalize on these benefits, you need to partner with a reputable dealer that offers secure delivery, transparent pricing, and excellent service.
This is where APMEX — the American Precious Metals Exchange — enters the picture. Based in Oklahoma City, APMEX is one of the largest online dealers of physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. The company also offers IRA-compatible products, digital investment options, and professional storage solutions — all wrapped into one robust platform.
In this APMEX review, we’ll take a deep dive into what the company offers and whether it’s the right partner for your next precious metals purchase.
APMEX: A Brief Overview
Founded in 2000, APMEX (short for American Precious Metals Exchange) has established itself as a trusted name in the precious metals industry. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company is led by Chairman Scott Thomas and CEO Kenneth Lewis and has grown to serve millions of customers worldwide.
What sets APMEX apart is its extensive catalog — with over 40,000 products, from gold and silver coins to platinum and palladium bars. Their services go beyond basic bullion purchases, including IRA-compatible assets, insured storage via Citadel, a mobile app, and even a digital investment platform called OneGold.
#1.
Best Gold IRA Company Overall
- Gold and silver bullion, IRA-approved coins, and pre-packaged gold coins
- Lifetime account support to ensure help is always available
- Dedicated experts with comprehensive knowledge of your account
The Pros
Real-time price charts on the website display the latest precious metals prices
Strong focus on educating customers about precious metal investing
Augusta Precious Metals handles all paperwork, simplifying the IRA setup process
The website offers market news and expert insights into the gold industry
The Cons
Requires a minimum investment of $50,000
Only one depository option available for gold IRA investors outside the U.S.
#2.
Best Gold IRA for New Investors
- Receive up to 10% in free silver on qualifying precious metal purchases
- No minimum investment needed to get started
- Industry-leading Buyback Guarantee at top market prices
The Pros
No minimum investment required, making it easy to get started
Earn up to 10% in free silver on eligible purchases
Goldco offers one of the most competitive buyback guarantees in the industry
Exceptional customer support that is both attentive and professional
The Cons
Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website — contact Goldco directly for information about their fees.
#3.
Best Gold IRA Company Overall
- Get up to $15,000 in free silver with eligible accounts
- Price match guarantee to secure the lowest precious metal prices
- No account maintenance fees for up to three years
The Pros
Start a precious metals IRA with a minimum investment of just $10,000
Receive up to $15,000 in free silver on eligible purchases
Hassle-free buyback process with no additional costs
Widely recognized for outstanding customer service and support
The Cons
Precious metals prices are not displayed on their website.
#4.
Best Gold IRA for Transparent Fee Structure
- Minimum investment of just $10,000 to get started
- Transparent, budget-friendly fee structure available on their website
- First-year fees waived for accounts exceeding $50,000
The Pros
Low minimum investment of just $10,000
Website offers real-time gold price updates
Convenient buyback services for future gold sales
A range of educational resources available to support investors
The Cons
To invest with Birch, you must contact their customer support team, as direct online investing is not available through the website.
#5.
Best Gold IRA for Educational Resources
- Educational resources to help investors make informed decisions
- Guaranteed buyback program for convenient selling
- "Royal Survival Packs" designed for quick access to emergency funds
The Pros
The website offers extensive educational resources for both beginners and experienced investors
Buyback program allows for easy and secure resale of precious metals
Receive expert guidance and professional support from Noble Gold specialists
Precious metals are stored in facilities with top-tier security standards
The Cons
Only available in the US and Canada
The Best Gold IRA Companies in 2025
Before I get started with this review, I want to inform you that I have reviewed dozens of precious metal IRA companies over two decades, and I have curated a list of the top 5 gold IRA companies in 2025. I highly recommend reading this article before proceeding with an IRA transfer.
The #1 Best Gold IRA is Augusta Precious Metals, with its A+ rating from Better Business Bureau, hundreds of 5-star reviews, and lifetime account support. Read my review on Augusta Precious Metals, or visit the official Augusta website to learn more.
What Makes APMEX Stand Out
Let’s take a look at some distinctive points of the company.
1. Vast Selection of Precious Metals
One of APMEX’s biggest strengths is the sheer variety of products it offers. Whether you’re looking for bullion, collectible rare coins, or IRA-eligible gold bars, APMEX has you covered.
Their catalog includes:
Gold Eagle Coins and gold bars
Silver American Eagles and silver rounds
Palladium products and platinum coins
Paper currency, proof coins, and commemorative sets
This variety allows both seasoned and new investors to diversify their holdings and stay flexible with market changes.
2. Precious Metal IRA Compatibility
APMEX is a strong choice for precious metal IRA investors. Through partnerships with trusted custodians, APMEX allows users to roll over their existing IRA or start a new account.
The platform offers a wide range of IRA-eligible products including:
Gold (99.5% purity or higher, excluding Gold Eagles)
Silver (99.9%+ purity)
Platinum (99.95%+)
Palladium (99.95%+)
These assets can be stored securely at Citadel or delivered fully insured.
3. OneGold – Digital Precious Metal Ownership
For those interested in more modern investment methods, APMEX offers OneGold. This is a digital platform co-created with Sprott that allows you to own gold, silver, and platinum digitally, while the assets are physically stored with trusted providers like Loomis and the Royal Canadian Mint.
OneGold stands out with lower storage fees — 0.12% for gold and 0.30% for silver annually — making it an attractive option for those who want the benefits of precious metals without the logistics of physical storage.
4. AutoInvest Feature
APMEX also provides an AutoInvest tool, which allows you to schedule recurring purchases of gold or silver on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly basis. This feature is perfect for investors who want to build their holdings consistently, regardless of short-term price volatility.
It’s a rare offering in the industry and a huge bonus for buyers who want to automate their precious metals investing.
5. Secure Storage with Citadel
Storage is a critical concern for anyone investing in physical metals. APMEX partners with Citadel Global Depository Services, a secure storage provider owned by APMEX and located within a Brink’s facility.
Benefits of using Citadel include:
Low annual storage fees (just 0.55%)
Real-time inventory tracking
Full insurance coverage
Discounted or free shipping on APMEX orders over $500
Independent audits by a national accounting firm
How to Invest with APMEX
Follow this step-by-step guide to success!
Step 1: Create Your Account
Register on the APMEX website or through their mobile app to access the full product catalog and investment features.
Step 2: Choose Your Products
Browse the wide selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products. Filter by price, metal type, IRA eligibility, or condition.
Step 3: Complete Your Purchase
APMEX accepts a wide variety of payment methods, including wire transfer, credit/debit card, checks, eChecks, prepaid cards, and money orders. Most domestic orders over $199 qualify for free shipping.
Step 4: Secure Your Assets
Choose delivery or store your metals at Citadel. All assets are fully insured, and deliveries can be tracked for added peace of mind.
APMEX Fees
Unlike some competitors, APMEX is transparent with its fee structure. Here’s a breakdown of common fees:
Fee Type | Amount/Condition |
|---|---|
Shipping (Domestic) | Free for orders over $199; $9.95 otherwise |
Storage at Citadel | 0.55% annually (or $180 minimum) |
Payment Discount | 4% off when paying by check or wire |
Return/Refund Fee | May apply depending on the condition |
Always review the fine print before confirming your order to avoid surprises.
APMEX Rating on Consumer Sites
Here’s how APMEX performs across popular review platforms:
Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
Better Business Bureau | A+ | 173 | 34 |
Business Consumer Alliance | D | 5 | 1 |
TrustPilot | 1.8/5 | 7,857 | 451 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.0/5 | 259 | 24 |
While APMEX has strong ratings on BBB and Consumer Affairs, it’s worth noting that many negative reviews mention customer service issues or delays in refund processing. Most customers, however, report receiving their products as promised and praise APMEX’s secure shipping and accurate pricing.
Pros & Cons
The Pros
- Extensive selection of precious metals and rare coins
- Compatible with precious metal IRA investors
- Access to OneGold for digital investing
- Advanced tools like AutoInvest
- Safe and affordable storage via Citadel
- Transparent shipping fees and pricing
- Discounts on certain payment methods like wire transfer or check
- Well-reviewed on Better Business Bureau
The Cons
- Mixed reviews on TrustPilot and BCA
- Customer service delays reported by some users
- Some returns may incur restocking fees
The Verdict
APMEX continues to lead the precious metals market by offering innovative features, deep product selection, and investor-friendly tools. Whether you’re buying your first gold coin, diversifying your IRA account, or using AutoInvestto build a portfolio over time, APMEX delivers convenience, security, and value.
It’s not without a few bumps, especially regarding customer support and the occasional order follow-up. However, considering the company’s scale, longevity, and robust infrastructure, it remains one of the top choices for anyone looking to invest in gold and silver.
If you’re still unsure, compare it with other top-rated firms using my article on the best gold IRA companies.
APMEX Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Yes, APMEX is a reputable dealer in the precious metals industry with over two decades of experience. It is BBB-accredited and serves millions of customers globally.
In most cases, APMEX does not report individual purchases to the IRS. However, some transactions — such as large cash purchases — may be subject to reporting. Always consult a tax advisor for details.
There is no strict minimum, but free shipping applies only to orders over $199. Orders under that amount incur a $9.95 delivery fee.
APMEX accepts debit cards, credit cards, bank wires, checks, eChecks, money orders, and some prepaid cards.