Thinking about adding physical precious metals to protect your savings? Choosing the right provider matters just as much as picking the metal itself. Not every company delivers on service, pricing transparency, and long-term support.
After more than twenty years in the precious metals space, I’ve evaluated dozens of firms. This review breaks down Orion Metal Exchange—its products, IRA service, storage, costs, and reputation—to help you decide with confidence.
Below, you’ll find what Orion offers, how its process works, and where it shines (and where it doesn’t), so you can determine if it aligns with your retirement strategy.
Orion Metal Exchange: A Quick Snapshot
Headquartered in Los Angeles and founded by industry veteran Jacob Blalock, Orion Metal Exchange focuses on clear, client-first guidance. The team emphasizes education, straightforward help, and access to a full-service in-house IRA department.
From real-time pricing tools and insured shipping to a stated buyback policy and wide metal selection, Orion aims to make owning gold, silver, platinum, and palladium as seamless as possible.
One standout from my interactions: Orion’s specialists are willing to explain options even if you’re not immediately opening an account—something seasoned investors will appreciate.
That approach is reflected in consistently strong third‑party feedback across BBB, Consumer Affairs, Google, Trustpilot, and more.
The Best Gold IRA Companies in 2025
Before diving deeper, I’ve reviewed many precious metal IRA providers and compiled the top 5 gold IRA companies in 2025. I strongly suggest reading that guide before moving forward with a transfer or rollover.
My #1 pick is Augusta Precious Metals, known for its A+ BBB rating, extensive 5‑star feedback, and lifetime account support. See my full Augusta Precious Metals review or visit the official Augusta site to learn more.
What Makes Orion Metal Exchange Stand Out?
Orion differentiates itself with a client‑centric IRA department and broad product access. While the firm sells physical precious metals to any buyer, its core strength is guiding investors through self‑directed precious metals IRAs.
Below are the key offerings you can expect when working with Orion.
Precious Metals Catalog
Orion lists a range of coins and bars across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Examples include:
- American Gold Eagle (bullion and proofs)
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
- IRA‑eligible gold bars
- American Silver Eagle (bullion and proofs)
- IRA‑approved silver bars
- American Platinum Eagle
- Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf
- IRA‑approved platinum bars
- American Palladium Eagle
- Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf
- IRA‑approved palladium bars
Inventory can change based on market availability, so if you’re targeting a specific product, you may need to wait for restock—or choose a comparable option listed on the site.
Precious Metals IRA
Orion’s in‑house IRA desk can help you open a self‑directed IRA, handle rollovers or transfers, and explain IRS rules around eligible metals. The process is guided over the phone, which makes setup simpler for first‑timers.
The team also coordinates with multiple custodians and depositories nationwide, helping you compare options and align storage and fees with your goals.
In my experience, this tailored matchmaking—pairing you with a suitable custodian and vault—was one of the most valuable parts of working with Orion.
Storage Options
Beyond setup, Orion helps clients arrange segregated storage with third‑party, U.S.-based commercial depositories. Accounts are insured—typically underwritten by Lloyd’s of London—based on asset value.
This hands‑on support reduces guesswork and ensures your IRA metals are held with reputable facilities that meet IRS requirements.
Insured Home Delivery
For personal purchases outside an IRA, Orion allows you to lock price and product over a recorded trade line, then ships your order fully insured with a tracking number.
Most shipments arrive within 5–7 business days after payment clears. Check payments can add several days (often 10–12 total) to account for processing time.
Buyback Program
When it’s time to take distributions or sell, Orion provides guidance so you’re not navigating the process alone. Depending on your goals, you can:
- Request in‑kind distribution of your metals when withdrawing from an IRA.
- Sell holdings for cash and receive proceeds, typically within 3–5 business days.
This flexibility is helpful for investors who want a straightforward exit strategy without hunting for a buyer on their own.
Charts
Orion’s website includes live charts for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. You can review historical pricing—often spanning a decade—to spot trends and compare metals.
It’s a useful educational tool for timing purchases or rebalancing your allocation.
News
There’s also a news section covering market moves, macro themes, and precious metals insights—handy context for investors who like to stay informed before pulling the trigger.
Use these resources to gauge momentum, monitor sentiment, and avoid common missteps.
How to Invest with Orion Metal Exchange
Orion’s team streamlines the IRA process, handling much of the heavy lifting while keeping you informed at each step.
Here’s how a typical setup works:
Step 1: Consultation and Education
Connect with Orion’s IRA specialists to discuss your goals, account rules, eligible metals, and how a self‑directed IRA fits your broader plan.
Step 2: Transfer or Rollover Funding
The team assists with moving funds from an existing retirement account or opening a new IRA. A CPA or tax advisor can help you choose the most tax‑efficient path for your situation.
Step 3: Choose Custodian and Depository
Orion helps match you with a reputable custodian and insured storage facility. Once funded, you select metals that meet IRA standards and place your order.
From there, the team can continue supporting account management, contributions, and future distributions.
Orion Metal Exchange Fees
Transparent fees make planning easier. While Orion works to pair you with low‑cost IRA options, specific pricing isn’t clearly listed on its site.
Ask for a full, written breakdown of custodian, storage, and transaction costs before you fund—so you can compare apples‑to‑apples with other providers.
Orion Metal Exchange Rating on Consumer Review Sites
| Consumer Protection Agency | Rating | Number of Reviews | Complaints in Past 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | 52 | 0 |
| TrustPilot | 4.9/5 | 185 | 2 reviews that are below 4-star |
| Consumer Affairs | 4.7/5 | 178 | 4 reviews that are below 4-star |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Online purchasing available for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
- Guided, budget‑minded liquidation and an advertised buyback option.
- No‑cost guidance when selling back metals through Orion.
- Insured doorstep delivery with tracking for non‑IRA orders.
- Real‑time pricing tools and helpful market resources on the site.
- Free investor kit covering IRA basics and potential promotional offers.
Cons
- Specific fee schedules are not clearly published online.
The Verdict
Orion Metal Exchange is a solid option for investors seeking hands‑on IRA support, a broad selection of metals, and insured storage and shipping. Its service‑first approach and strong reviews add to its credibility.
The main drawback is the lack of publicly posted fees. Request full pricing in advance and compare it with a few competitors. If Orion meets your needs, it can be a dependable partner for long‑term precious metals investing.