Navigating today’s markets can feel chaotic, but tangible assets like precious metals continue to offer stability and diversification. For many investors, they’re a practical hedge against inflation and market shocks.
Reducing uncertainty starts with choosing a reputable partner. After more than two decades working around precious metals, I’ve seen how the right dealer can simplify decisions, streamline execution, and protect value over time.
APMEX is one of the most recognized names in this space. Beyond inventory breadth and competitive pricing, they provide investor-friendly tools and education that help make precious metals ownership more accessible.
From bullion coins and bars to IRA-eligible products for an IRA account, APMEX brings together a large marketplace with processes designed for both new and experienced buyers. Below is a refreshed, in-depth look at what they do well—and where they can improve.
APMEX at a Glance
Headquartered in Oklahoma City and originally known as American Precious Metals Exchange, APMEX has grown into one of the largest online retailers for precious metals in the United States. Since launching in 2000, leadership under President and Chairman Scott Thomas and CEO Kenneth Lewis has helped the company scale while maintaining a strong online experience.
The brand emphasizes a smooth end-to-end journey: quality sourcing, secure storage options, clear pricing, quick fulfillment, and responsive support. That focus on the customer experience is a key reason APMEX remains a frequent choice among investors.
Top Gold IRA Companies
Before transferring or opening an IRA, it’s worth comparing providers. I’ve reviewed dozens of precious metals IRA custodians and vendors—see my curated list of the top gold IRA companies for a broader perspective.
Augusta Precious Metals – WINNER
Augusta Precious Metals consistently ranks at the top for investor education, transparent pricing, and lifetime account support. With an A+ rating and hundreds of 5-star reviews, it’s an outstanding starting point for Gold IRA shoppers. Read my in-depth Augusta Precious Metals review or use the button below to visit the official site.
APMEX Products and Services
Here’s a concise breakdown of APMEX’s core offerings and features based on hands-on research and industry experience.
Coin and Bullion Selection
APMEX provides a large catalog that works for collectors and stackers alike. You can tailor your purchase to your goals—whether liquidity, premiums, or rarity matter most—by browsing these main categories:
- Gold
- Silver
- Platinum
- Rare Coins
Each category includes numerous sub-types and mint issues, making it easy to diversify across weights, finishes, and brands. That breadth is especially helpful for new buyers building a starter position and for seasoned investors fine-tuning allocations.
Precious Metals IRA
APMEX works with established custodians so you can open a new self-directed IRA or roll over an existing account. Once the IRA is set up, you can select from eligible bullion that meets IRS purity standards.
Common IRA-eligible options include:
- Gold at 99.5%+ fineness (US Gold Eagles are an exception and still qualify)
- Silver at 99.9%+ fineness
- Platinum at 99.95%+ fineness
- Palladium at 99.99%+ fineness
OneGold
Launched by APMEX in partnership with Sprott, OneGold is a digital platform for buying and holding vaulted gold, silver, and platinum. You gain price exposure without taking delivery, while your metal is stored with well-known providers such as Loomis International, the Royal Canadian Mint, and APMEX’s network.
It isn’t an ETF, but the economics can be comparable—often with lower carrying costs. Storage fees currently sit at 12 bps for gold and 30 bps for silver annually, which can be cheaper than many ETF management fees.
AutoInvest
Timing the market is tough. APMEX’s AutoInvest feature lets you schedule recurring purchases weekly, twice a month, monthly, or quarterly. This dollar-cost-averaging approach helps smooth out volatility and keeps your plan on track automatically.
Storage Facility
For secure offsite storage, APMEX connects customers to Citadel Global Depository Services, Inc., a private storage provider operating within Brink’s high-security facilities.
Key advantages for APMEX customers include:
- Lower shipping to vault: No extra shipping cost on APMEX orders over $500 sent to Citadel; $9.95 for APMEX orders under $500 shipped to the vault.
- Portfolio tools: Real-time transaction history and current inventory valuation inside your Citadel account.
- Insurance coverage: Assets are fully insured during allocation and storage against theft, damage, or physical loss.
- Optional delivery: Request personal delivery whenever you wish to take possession.
- Competitive fees: Storage is about 55 bps annually—comparable to many ETF expense ratios and often below other vaulting options.
- Independent audits: A national accounting firm conducts random examinations to confirm holdings and procedures.
Shipping
Shipping is free on orders over $199; orders below that amount incur a $9.95 fee. APMEX ships via Registered/Insured US Mail and UPS, with most deliveries arriving in 1–10 business days depending on payment method.
Debit card purchases may qualify for the QuickShip® Program, which prioritizes next-day processing on eligible domestic orders.
Mobile App
APMEX’s shopping app (launched in 2017) brings live spot pricing, market news, watchlists, and portfolio management to your phone—helpful if you prefer to track metals and place orders on the go.
Fees
APMEX is upfront about costs. You’ll see charges for shipping, handling, and insurance, with free shipping on domestic orders over $199 and Citadel-bound orders over $500.
After you place an order online or by phone, you’ll receive a confirmation email with locked-in pricing and a full cost breakdown.
Payments by check, eCheck, or bank wire earn a 4.0% discount. Note that listed website prices typically reflect this cash-equivalent discount.
Is APMEX Trustworthy?
With more than two decades in operation, a deep product lineup, and a team that understands numismatics and bullion markets, APMEX has built a durable reputation. My experience aligns with the view that it’s a reliable destination for precious metals buyers who value selection and process transparency.
APMEX Ratings From Consumer Sites
| Consumer Protection Agency | Rating | Number of Reviews | Complaints in Past 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | 173 | 34 |
| Business Consumer Alliance | D | 5 | 1 |
| TrustPilot | 1.8/5 | 7,857 | 451 reviews that are below 4-star |
| Consumer Affairs | 4.0/5 | 259 | 24 reviews that are below 4-star |
APMEX scores strongly with BBB and Consumer Affairs, though Trustpilot feedback trends more negative and the Business Consumer Alliance rating is low. If this mix gives you pause, compare alternatives with higher aggregate consumer scores in my guide to the best precious metals companies.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive selection across gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and collectible coins
- Strong reputation and high BBB rating
- Multiple payment methods, including bank wire, checks, cards, PayPal, and select cryptocurrencies
- AutoInvest enables simple, recurring purchases for dollar-cost averaging
- Secure third-party vaulting via Citadel with Brink’s protection and insurance
Cons
- Final costs vary by payment method and order size
- Some online reviewers cite slow response or difficulty reaching support
The Verdict
APMEX stands out for selection, tools like AutoInvest, a capable mobile app, and secure storage options at competitive rates. The trade-offs—such as variable costs across payment methods and mixed third-party reviews—won’t be deal breakers for everyone, but they’re worth factoring into your choice.
Want to compare more providers side by side before you decide? Explore my guide to the best precious metals companies to find the right fit for your goals.