Gold is considered a safe haven in times of economic turmoil. Its price tends to rise during such periods and provides a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation. In addition, it can be used as a long-term investment in IRAs.
Reputable gold dealers offer transparent pricing, clear fees disclosures and multiple payment options. They also provide a pathway for new investors.
Reputation
There are many scams in the gold bullion industry, so it is important to choose a dealer with a good reputation. You should also make sure that the dealer is a member of a professional organization, such as the Better Business Bureau. In addition, a reputable dealer will have a long history in the industry.
Purchasing precious metals from an online dealer can feel risky, but it’s essential to do your homework. A trustworthy dealer will have transparent pricing and low fees, a vast selection, and quality customer service. You should also consider the storage options available, such as a secure depository.
San Diego Bullion offers a variety of gold coins and bullion at competitive prices. Their customer support is available by phone, email or live chat. They offer a five-day return policy, though restocking and market loss fees may apply. They also offer free shipping on orders over $99 and accept most major payment methods.
Pricing
A gold dealer cannot sell precious metals at the spot price, because they must add their own markup to cover overhead and profit. It is important to choose a dealer that offers transparent pricing and quick bid-ask prices, so you can know exactly what you’re paying for. You should also look for a company with an actual brick-and-mortar headquarters and not just a P.O. box.
The best online gold dealers will offer a wide selection of bullion, semi-numismatic and numismatic products. Many of them also offer IRAs for U.S. and international customers, and provide a full array of storage options. However, the difference between these gold dealers will often come down to customer service. While APMEX is the top choice for many investors, JM Bullion is a close competitor and offers exceptional customer reviews. Another great option is SD Bullion, which boasts the lowest prices in the industry. It also backs its claims with a low-price guarantee and will match any price from a competitor.
Payment options
While some gold dealers may claim that they can guarantee profits in precious metals investments, buyers should be aware that this type of investment carries risks. Buyers should check the dealer’s transaction history and customer reviews before making a purchase. They should also find out if the dealer has a physical headquarters and whether their stored metals are insured.
APMEX offers a variety of payment options for its bullion, semi-numismatic and numismatic products. It accepts credit or debit cards, ACH transfers, bank wire transfer, PayPal and cryptocurrency. However, it does charge a slightly higher price for each method of payment.
Its site is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It lists its prices clearly and explains all fees. It offers free shipping on domestic orders over $199 and insurance is included for shipped packages. It also has a variety of unique programs such as AutoInvest and Precious Metals IRA. The company offers a seven-day return and refund policy, but restocking charges may apply.
Shipping
The best gold dealers are those that offer a variety of shipping options and a fast, convenient buying experience. They should also be transparent about the risks involved in investing in precious metals, and provide detailed risk disclosures. They should also have a physical headquarters, and be open for walk-in visits.
When choosing a dealer, make sure that they have an established transaction history and positive customer reviews. They should also have a solid return policy, and be able to provide you with an IRA custodian if necessary.
When it comes to online bullion dealers, few are better than SD Bullion. The company asserts that it is the nation’s lowest cost gold dealer, and backs up this claim with a price guarantee. Its selection of products includes modern day gold bullion coins and bars, as well as older numismatic pieces. Its prices are competitive and it offers free shipping on orders over $199. They also have a good customer support team available by phone and email.
