In an age where financial volatility is the new normal, more investors are turning to precious metals to safeguard their retirement savings. With inflation rising and traditional retirement accounts facing increased pressure, adding physical precious metals to your portfolio through a gold IRA has become a popular and strategic option.
Among the growing list of precious metals IRA providers, Orion Metal Exchange has emerged as a reliable choice. This BBB-accredited company is known for its client-focused approach, diverse product offerings, and extensive support for investors opening precious metals IRA accounts. Whether you’re new to investing or planning a rollover from an existing retirement account, Orion’s team provides valuable advice and transparent service every step of the way.
In this detailed Orion Metal Exchange review, we’ll explore their services, pricing, customer experience, and more—so you can determine if Orion is the right partner to help grow and protect your wealth.
Orion Metal Exchange: A Brief Overview
Founded by industry veteran Jacob Blalock, Orion Metal Exchange is based in Los Angeles, California, and brings over 40 years of combined experience to the precious metals industry. The company specializes in helping investors buy, sell, and store gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, while also offering fully managed precious metals IRA services through its in-house IRA department.
Orion is known for its personalized support, offering expert guidance even to prospective clients who have yet to open an account. Their website features real-time silver commodity spot pricing, transparent educational content, and an impressive selection of bullion bars, legal tender coins, and IRA-approved products.
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 Orion Metal Exchange Stand Out
The company boasts its beneficial features. Let’s delve into them for a while.
Wide Range of Precious Metals for Investment
Orion Metal Exchange offers a robust inventory of gold coins, silver bars, platinum coins, and palladium products. Popular IRA-approved items include:
Gold American Eagle
Gold Canadian Maple Leaf
Silver American Eagle
Proof Gold American Eagle
IRA-approved gold and silver bars
Platinum and Palladium Maple Leafs
Certified bullion from respected mints
Investors can choose from a dynamic list of products based on availability. Orion’s catalog is ideal for those looking to diversify across multiple tangible rare metals.
Full-Service Precious Metals IRA Department
The company’s internal IRA department is dedicated to helping clients open, fund, and manage self directed IRAs. Unlike many other gold IRA providers, Orion works with all major IRA custodians and depositories nationwide, giving investors more flexibility in account setup.
The department provides personalized support for:
Rollover from an existing IRA account or 401(k)
Selecting a reliable precious metal custodian
Opening a new IRA account
Choosing the right mix of physical assets
Secure Storage and Insured Delivery
Orion offers two options for asset storage: IRS-approved ira commercial depository storage or secure home delivery. Clients who prefer third-party storage benefit from fully insured vaults, including partnerships with Lloyd’s of London.
Investors can also establish third party storage accounts or choose secure delivery of coins purchased to their doorstep. Each shipment is insured and trackable, typically delivered within 5–7 business days.
Free Investor Kit and Education
The company provides a free investor kit covering the basics of precious metals investing, including benefits of owning gold and silver in tax-advantaged accounts. The kit includes:
Market guides
Insights into IRS rules for precious metals IRAs
A breakdown of Orion Metal Exchange fees and storage costs
A promotion offering up to three years of free storage or even free gold, depending on investment size
Buyback Program with No Hidden Fees
One of Orion’s strongest features is its zero-fee buyback program. When you’re ready to sell, the company helps liquidate your metals without charging hidden fees.
Clients can either:
Take possession of their physical precious metals, or
Sell back to Orion and receive funds within 3–5 business days
How to Invest with Orion Metal Exchange
This is pretty simple. And the guide is in place, too.
Step 1: Speak with an IRA Specialist
Call Orion’s IRA department to learn how to open a precious metals IRA. You’ll get answers to all your questions and a full overview of what’s involved in account setup.
Step 2: Fund Your IRA
Orion coordinates directly with your existing IRA custodian to arrange a smooth rollover or helps fund your new IRA account with a wire transfer or check.
Step 3: Choose Your Precious Metals
After funding, Orion’s advisors will help you select the right mix of gold, silver, and other metals. Your selections are IRA-eligible and can be stored or shipped.
Step 4: Secure Your Investment
Your metals are delivered to a secure depository or your home. Each order is fully insured, with storage handled by vetted providers at competitive rates.
Orion Metal Exchange Fees
Transparency is a core value at Orion, but Orion Metal Exchange pricing isn’t fully listed online. Here’s what we found through direct research and client experiences:
Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
Minimum Investment | $10,000 |
Account Setup | Varies – confirmed during onboarding |
Annual Fees | Estimated between $150–$225 |
Storage Costs | Based on provider and asset value |
Buyback Fees | $0 – Orion covers transaction pricing |
We recommend contacting the company directly to confirm all the details of their fee structure before committing.
Orion Metal Exchange Rating on Consumer Sites
Here’s how Orion is reviewed across major platforms:
Review Platform | Rating | Total Reviews | Recent Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
Better Business Bureau | A+ | 52 | 0 |
TrustPilot | 4.9/5 | 185 | 2 (minor issues) |
Consumer Affairs | 4.7/5 | 178 | 4 |
Google Reviews | 4.8/5 | 200+ | Very few |
Pros & Cons
The Pros
- Extensive product catalog for precious metals investing
- Free buyback program with zero hidden fees
- Secure storage options through verified providers
- In-house IRA department for full-service account setup
- Free investor education kit and promotional offers
- High trust ratings on Google Reviews, BBB, and Consumer Affairs
The Cons
- Orion Metal Exchange fees not clearly listed online
- Product availability may vary based on market demand
- Delivery delays possible when paying by check
The Verdict
After extensive research, Orion Metal Exchange stands out as a well-rounded provider in the precious metals market. Their in-house IRA support, broad investment options, and strong reputation make them a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced investors.
While the lack of visible pricing on their website may raise questions, the company’s client-first philosophy and strong communication make it easy to recommend Orion Metal Exchange for anyone looking to secure their wealth through gold IRA service or silver investments.
Orion Metal Exchange Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Orion Metal Exchange was founded by Jacob Blalock, a veteran of the precious metals industry with decades of experience guiding investors in tangible assets.
Simply contact Orion’s IRA department to initiate the process. You’ll receive assistance with account setup, funding, and selecting a precious metal custodian.
They offer a full selection of gold bars, silver coins, platinum, and palladium, including IRA-approved bullion and legal tender coins from reputable mints.
That depends on your needs. Orion excels in customer service, buyback transparency, and flexible IRA support. It's worth comparing with providers like Augusta Precious Metals to see which one aligns with your financial goals.