Trust & Reputation: APMEX vs. Goldco
Goldco has significantly stronger customer reviews across all major platforms.
Goldco holds a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs, along with a nearly perfect 4.9 on Google. APMEX, in contrast, has a 1.7 rating on Trustpilot and 2.8 on Consumer Affairs—despite being a major player in the industry.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 4.8 (1,573 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2011 |
Consumer Affairs | 4.8 (1,688 reviews) |
Google Reviews | 4.9 (2,579 reviews) |
While APMEX is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, customer feedback tends to focus on issues with fulfillment and support. Goldco’s consistent high ratings point to stronger customer satisfaction and trust.
Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
Trustpilot
| 1.7 (7,966 reviews) |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Accredited Since 2004 |
Consumer Affairs | 2.8 (290 reviews) |
Buying Precious Metals: APMEX vs. Goldco
Our preferred choice for direct gold and silver purchases is APMEX, due to its larger inventory, flexible payment options, and extra investor tools.
Where They’re Both Strong:
Product Variety: Both offer gold and silver bars and coins, with IRA-eligible options.
Free Shipping: Orders over $199 qualify for free insured delivery.
Buyback Programs: Both dealers accept buybacks even if you didn’t purchase from them.
Payment Methods: Both accept wire transfers, checks, credit cards, and cryptocurrency.
Where APMEX Stands Out:
Massive Selection: Includes bullion, rare coins, collectibles, jewelry, and even junk silver.
AutoInvest Feature: Allows recurring purchases of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
The Bullion Card: A unique credit card that gives cash-back rewards in gold or silver.
Digital Metals (OneGold): Lets you invest in digital gold/silver stored in real vaults.
Where Goldco Stands Out:
Hands-On Support: Investors work directly with representatives for product selection and delivery.
Streamlined Process: Excellent if you want help from a rep for direct purchases.
Buyback Guarantee: Assures highest price after three years of holding.
APMEX clearly appeals more to active buyers and collectors who want a broad range of products and modern tools. Goldco, while more focused on IRAs, offers a simpler route for traditional investors.
Best for Precious Metal IRAs: APMEX or Goldco?
Our preferred choice for precious metal IRAs is Goldco, mainly due to its focused IRA services, strong ratings, and reliable storage partnerships.
Where They’re Both Strong:
Custodian Partnerships: Both work with established IRA custodians like Equity Trust and Strata.
IRS-Approved Products: Offer IRA-eligible gold and silver bars and coins.
Secure Storage: Use IRS-approved vaults with insured, segregated or non-segregated options.
Buyback Programs: Both dealers support liquidation through their own buyback programs.
Where Goldco Stands Out:
Experience in Gold IRAs: Goldco is entirely IRA-focused, with thousands of satisfied customers.
Transparent Fees: Lists IRA setup, storage, and maintenance fees clearly.
Strong Reputation: Backed by excellent customer ratings, including a 4.8 on Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot.
Minimum Investment: Although higher ($25,000), it ensures dedicated support and streamlined onboarding.
Buyback Assurance: Goldco offers to buy back gold at the highest market price after 3 years.
Where APMEX Falls Short:
Customer Ratings: Mixed reviews raise concerns for long-term IRA investors.
Fee Clarity: IRA fees are not fully listed, which can make it harder to compare costs.
Focus: APMEX offers IRAs, but they are just one of many services—not a specialty.
If your primary goal is to protect your retirement savings with gold or silver, Goldco is the safer and more IRA-focused choice, with a proven system and higher client satisfaction.
Final Verdict: APMEX vs. Goldco
Overall, we recommend APMEX for buyers looking for variety and flexible purchase tools, and Goldco for investors focused on retirement gold and silver IRAs.
- Ratings Winner: Goldco – Excellent reputation across Trustpilot, BBB, and Consumer Affairs.
- Direct Purchase Winner: APMEX – Broader selection, AutoInvest, and flexible tools.
- IRA Winner: Goldco – Better fees, stronger reputation, and deeper expertise.
Your best choice depends on whether you’re building your stack now or securing your long-term savings.
