APMEX Review

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.

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
Read More
  • Precious Metals: Gold, Silver
  • Minimum Investment: $50,000
  • Fees: Application fee (one time): $50, Storage fee: $100, Annual custodian fee: $125
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BCA Rating: AAA
  • Trustpilot Reviews: 4.8 / 5
  • 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.

    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
    Read More
  • Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
  • Minimum Investment: No minimum amount
  • Fees: Not publicly available
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BCA Rating: AAA
  • Trustpilot Reviews: 4.8 / 5
  • 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.

    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
    Read More
  • Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
  • Minimum Investment: $10,000 for IRAs, $5,000 for non-IRA
  • Fees: Annual storage fee: $180, zero account set-up fees
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BCA Rating: AAA
  • Trustpilot Reviews: 4.7 / 5
  • 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.

    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
    Read More
  • Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
  • Minimum Investment: $10,000
  • Fees: Account set-up fee (one time): $50, Wire transfer fee (one time): $30, Annual storage and insurance fee: $100, Management fee: $100
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BCA Rating: AAA
  • Trustpilot Reviews: 4.5 / 5
  • 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.

    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
    Read More
  • Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
  • Minimum Investment: $20,000
  • Fees: Annual storage fee: $80 (Texas) or $150 (Delaware)
  • BBB Rating: A+
  • BCA Rating: AAA
  • Trustpilot Reviews: 4.9 / 5
  • 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

    Is APMEX a trustworthy company?

    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.

    Does APMEX report purchases to the IRS?

    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.

    What is the minimum purchase at APMEX?

    There is no strict minimum, but free shipping applies only to orders over $199. Orders under that amount incur a $9.95 delivery fee.

    What payment methods does APMEX accept?

    APMEX accepts debit cards, credit cards, bank wires, checks, eChecks, money orders, and some prepaid cards.