The gold market has been booming due to economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and central bank demand, making it one of the hottest investments in 2025.
With gold prices soaring close to $3,000 per ounce in early 2025, more investors are turning to online gold dealers for secure and cost-effective purchases.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to buy gold online, comparing pricing, storage options, selection, and customer service.
Lear Capital
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
Lear Capital has been a trusted name in the precious metals industry since 1997, helping investors buy and store gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
One of the key reasons we included Lear Capital in our best places to buy gold online is its great customer ratings across varied platforms and a strong A+ rating from the BBB.
Investors can purchase gold bullion coins, bars, and rare collectible coins, either for home delivery or secure IRS-approved storage.
Lear Capital offers a Price Match Guarantee, ensuring competitive pricing, and provides free insured shipping on qualifying purchases.
- Wide Range of Precious Metals
- Price Match Guarantee
- Free Shipping
- Flexible Payment Options
- Excellent Ratings
- Minimum Investment Requirement
- No Formal Buyback Program
- Pricing Transparency
- No Live Chat
What types of gold can I buy from Lear Capital?
Lear Capital offers gold bullion coins, bars, and rare collectible coins, including popular choices like American Gold Eagles and Canadian Gold Maple Leafs.
Can I store my gold with Lear Capital?
Yes, gold purchased for an IRA is stored in an IRS-approved vault, such as the Delaware Depository, with full insurance coverage.
Can I have gold delivered to my home?
Yes, Lear Capital offers secure, insured home delivery for direct gold purchases made outside of an IRA.
Does Lear Capital offer a buyback program for gold?
Lear Capital does not have a formal buyback program, but they assist investors in liquidating their gold by connecting them with market buyers.
What other precious metals does Lear Capital offer?
In addition to gold, Lear Capital sells silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars for both direct purchase and IRAs.
Patriot Gold Group
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
Founded in 2016, Patriot Gold Group has built a reputation for direct pricing, secure storage options, and personalized customer service.
Investors can purchase gold bullion, exclusive gold coins, and proof gold coins from reputable mints worldwide
For those looking for long-term security, Patriot Gold Group also offers secure storage solutions with IRS-approved depositories such as Delaware Depository and Texas Depository.
While their minimum investment requirement of $50,000 may not suit small investors, their “No Fees for Life” offer for accounts over $100,000 makes them an attractive option for serious gold buyers.
- 24-Hour Gold IRA Setup
- Wide Selection of Gold & Silver Coins
- High Customer Ratings & Trustworthiness
- No Fees for Life (for Large Accounts)
- Multiple Secure Storage Options
- High Minimum Investment Requirement
- Pricing Not Listed Online
- Buyback Policy Not Guaranteed
Can I sell my gold back to Patriot Gold Group?
Patriot Gold Group offers a buyback program, but it is not guaranteed, meaning they may decline based on market conditions.
What payment methods does Patriot Gold Group accept?
The company accepts wire transfers and checks, but does not support cryptocurrency payments at this time.
Is Patriot Gold Group a reputable company?
Yes, the company has an A+ BBB, strong Trustpilot and Google reviews ratings, and a track record of secure gold investments.
Can international customers buy gold from Patriot Gold Group?
No, Patriot Gold Group only serves U.S.-based customers, and international shipping is not available.
Noble Gold
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
With secure storage options in Texas, Delaware, and Canada, an easy buying process, and high customer satisfaction ratings, Noble Gold is a top pick for buying gold online.
One of Noble Gold’s standout features is its low minimum investment for direct purchases—just $2,000, making it accessible to a wide range of investors.
The company offers IRS-approved gold coins and bars for those interested in a Gold IRA, as well as collectible and investment-grade gold for direct ownership.
Additionally, the company has a buyback program, ensuring that selling your gold back is quick and hassle-free.
- Low Minimum for Physical Purchases
- Unique Royal Survival Packs
- High Customer Satisfaction Ratings
- Buyback Program
- Multiple Storage Options
- No Online Pricing for Precious Metals
- Limited International Storage Options
- No Live Chat / Mobile App
What types of gold does Noble Gold sell?
Noble Gold offers a variety of gold coins and bars, including IRS-approved options for IRAs and collectible gold for direct purchase.
What customer ratings does Noble Gold have?
Noble Gold has excellent reviews across platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, and Consumer Affairs, highlighting strong customer service.
Where is Noble Gold’s gold stored?
If you buy gold for an IRA, it is stored in IRS-approved depositories in Texas, Delaware, or Canada. Direct purchases can be stored or shipped to you.
Can I see my gold in person at a storage facility?
Yes, you can schedule an appointment to visit your gold at one of Noble Gold’s partnered storage locations.
Is Noble Gold regulated?
Yes, Noble Gold is a legitimate, registered business that follows IRS and federal regulations for precious metals investing.
JM Bullion
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
JM Bullion is a well-known online precious metals dealer, making it a solid choice for gold investors looking for transparency, convenience, and security.
Founded in 2011, the company offers a wide selection of gold products, including gold coins, bars, and rounds from reputable mints like the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and PAMP Suisse.
One of JM Bullion’s biggest advantages is its no-commission pricing model, meaning you won’t encounter hidden fees or markups beyond the standard spread.
For security-conscious buyers, JM Bullion offers insured, discreet shipping within the U.S., with free shipping on orders over $199.
- Wide Selection of Precious Metals
- No Commissions or Hidden Fees
- Free Shipping on Orders Over $199
- Flexible Payment Options
- Buyback Program for Easy Liquidity
- No International Shipping
- Limited Customer Support Hours
- No In-House Storage
- No Mobile App
What types of gold does JM Bullion sell?
JM Bullion offers gold coins, bars, and rounds from well-known mints like the U.S. Mint, Perth Mint, and Valcambi.
Are JM Bullion’s gold products certified?
Yes, all gold products come directly from reputable mints and refineries, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Does JM Bullion offer gold storage?
No, JM Bullion doesn’t store gold directly but partners with TDS Vaults for insured third-party storage.
Does JM Bullion ship internationally?
No, JM Bullion only ships within the U.S. and does not offer international delivery.
How long does JM Bullion take to ship orders?
Most orders ship within 1-2 business days after payment clears, but delivery times depend on the shipping method.
American Hartford Gold
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
With a focus on security, flexibility, and excellent customer support, American Hartford Gold has become a trusted option for those looking to diversify their portfolio with gold.
For online gold buyers, American Hartford Gold offers a straightforward purchasing process. Investors can choose from a wide selection of gold coins and bars, including IRS-approved options for Gold IRAs.
The company provides free, insured shipping for direct purchases, ensuring a safe and discreet delivery to your home or chosen storage facility.
It also offers secure storage options through trusted depositories like Brinks and Delaware Depository, keeping investments protected.
- Excellent Ratings
- Low Minimum Investment
- Buyback Guarantee with No Fees
- Free Shipping
- Personalized Customer Support
- No Online Pricing
- No Mobile App or Online Dashboard
- No International Shipping
- No Cryptocurrency Payment Option
How's American Hartford Gold's reputation?
AHG has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and high ratings when it comes to customer reviews on Trustpilot.
What types of gold can I buy from American Hartford Gold?
You can purchase gold coins and bars, including Gold American Eagles, Gold Buffaloes, and Gold Canadian Maple Leafs, as well as IRS-approved gold for IRAs.
Can I buy gold online from American Hartford Gold?
While you can browse gold investment options online, you must call a representative to get pricing and complete your purchase.
How does American Hartford Gold ship gold purchases?
Gold is shipped fully insured and discreetly packaged via FedEx, UPS, or USPS, with free shipping on qualifying orders.
Does AHG guarantee buybacks for gold?
Yes, AHG offers a buyback program, allowing you to sell your gold back at the current market rate with no additional fees.
Preserve Gold
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
Preserve Gold is a trusted precious metals dealer that helps investors buy gold securely online for both retirement savings and personal ownership.
The company offers competitive pricing, a price match guarantee, and a no-fee buyback policy, making it a reliable choice for those looking to invest in gold.
Preserve Gold provides insured home delivery via UPS, with discreet packaging and tracking. Investors can purchase gold bars and coins from a carefully curated selection of IRA-approved metals.
The 24-hour satisfaction guarantee and lifetime support from a dedicated specialist further enhance the buying experience.
- Competitive Pricing & Price Match Guarantee
- High Customer Ratings & Trustworthiness
- 24-Hour Satisfaction Guarantee
- Zero-Fee Buyback Policy
- No-Pressure Sales Approach
- No Online Pricing/Purchasing
- Limited Fee Information
- No Live Chat Support / Mobile App
What types of gold does Preserve Gold sell?
Preserve Gold offers IRA-approved gold coins and bars, including American Gold Eagles, Gold Maple Leafs, and Gold American Buffalos.
How does Preserve Gold ensure gold authenticity?
All gold products are sourced from trusted mints and refineries, meeting IRS purity standards and backed by industry authentication.
What payment methods does Preserve Gold accept?
Customers can pay using bank wire transfers, personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, and credit cards.
Can international customers buy gold from Preserve Gold?
No, Preserve Gold currently only serves U.S. customers and does not offer international shipping.
BullionVault
Storage Fees
Min. Investment
Our Rating
Established
BullionVault is one of the largest and most trusted online platforms for buying and storing physical gold.
Founded in 2005, it allows investors to purchase investment-grade gold at live market prices and securely store it in insured vaults across London, Zurich, New York, Toronto, and Singapore.
One of BullionVault’s biggest advantages is its low-cost structure. Trading commissions start at 0.5% for smaller transactions and drop to 0.05% for large purchases, making it more affordable than many traditional gold dealers.
BullionVault allows direct ownership – when you buy gold, you own physical bullion stored in professional vaults. However, physical delivery is only available for UK customers.
- Competitive Pricing & Low Fees
- High Liquidity with 24/7 Trading
- Secure & Fully Insured Storage
- Daily Independent Audits
- No Minimum Deposit
- No Buyback Guarantee
- Limited Physical Delivery (Gold & UK Only)
- Fees Can Add Up for Small Investors
Can I buy physical gold on BullionVault?
Yes, BullionVault allows you to buy investment-grade gold at live market prices and store it securely in insured vaults.
How is BullionVault’s gold stored?
Your gold is stored in independent, high-security vaults in London, Zurich, New York, Toronto, or Singapore and is fully insured.
Is BullionVault’s gold allocated or unallocated?
It is fully allocated, meaning you own specific portions of physical gold rather than a pooled investment.
How can I sell my gold on BullionVault?
You can sell your gold instantly using the Live Order Board, where you set your price and match with buyers.
Is BullionVault regulated?
While not regulated by the FCA, it follows English property law and LBMA standards for gold trading and storage.
What is the minimum investment amount?
There is no minimum deposit, and you can buy as little as 1 gram of gold.
Review Gold Dealers For Direct Purchase & Gold IRA
Is Buying Gold A Good Investment In 2025?
As of February 2025, gold has demonstrated remarkable performance, with prices approaching the $3,000 per ounce mark. This surge is primarily attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions, inflation expectations, trade policies and economic uncertainties.
Analysts (and also us) from prominent financial institutions have provided optimistic forecasts for gold's trajectory. Goldman Sachs projects that gold prices could reach $3,000 per ounce by the end of 2025, driven by central bank demand and potential interest rate cuts.
Similarly, J.P. Morgan anticipates that gold could rise to $3,000 per ounce next year, averaging $2,950, influenced by potential disruptive U.S. policies and heightened inflation risks.
However, some caution is warranted. Technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), suggest that the gold market may be entering overbought territory, indicating potential resistance as it approaches the $3,000 milestone.
Additionally, reduced demand for physical gold in key markets like India and China, due to high prices, could influence future trends.
However, this is not a guaranteed yield as you have with CDs.
How to Find a Reliable Online Gold Dealer
Finding a trustworthy online gold dealer is crucial to ensure a secure and profitable investment. Here are seven key steps to help you choose the right one:
Check Dealer Reputation & Reviews: Look for dealers with strong reputations by checking customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and industry forums. Avoid dealers with frequent complaints about delayed shipments or poor service.
Verify Accreditation & Certifications: Reputable dealers should be accredited by organizations like the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) or the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Membership in industry groups signals credibility.
Compare Pricing & Premiums: Gold prices fluctuate, but dealers charge different premiums over the spot price. Compare multiple dealers to ensure you're getting a fair deal, considering both purchase price and resale value.
Check Buyback Policies: A good dealer should offer a buyback program, allowing you to sell your gold easily if needed. Ensure the buyback price is competitive and that the process is straightforward.
Review Payment & Shipping Security: Look for secure payment options, such as credit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Reliable dealers provide insured shipping with tracking to prevent loss or theft.
Assess Product Selection: Choose a dealer that offers a wide range of gold products, including coins, bars, and collectibles from reputable mints like the U.S. Mint or the Royal Canadian Mint.
Watch Out for Red Flags: Avoid dealers with hidden fees, aggressive sales tactics, or unverified claims about “rare” gold investments. Research before making any purchase.
By following these steps, you can confidently choose a secure and reputable online gold dealer.
Buying Gold Online vs. Buying from a Local Dealer
When buying physical gold, both online and local gold dealers have their advantages and drawbacks. Your choice depends on factors like pricing, security, and convenience.
Online Dealer
- Lower Prices & Competitive Premiums
Online dealers often have lower overhead costs, allowing for better pricing and smaller premiums over the spot price.
- Wide Selection
Access to a variety of gold bars, coins, and bullion from global mints like the U.S. Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and Perth Mint.
- Convenience & Accessibility
Purchase gold anytime from the comfort of your home, without visiting a physical store.
- Shipping & Storage Options
Many dealers offer insured shipping and secure storage solutions.
Local Dealer
- Immediate Possession
No shipping delays; you take the gold home immediately.
- Physical Inspection
You can verify authenticity and condition before purchase.
- Personalized, Face to Face Service
Dealers may provide direct advice, answer questions, and offer insights on market trends.
- Less Fraud Risk
Buying in person reduces the risk of online scams.
Fees To Watch When Buying Gold Online
When purchasing gold online, buyers should be aware of several fees that can affect the total cost. These fees vary by dealer and purchase method.
- Premium Over Spot Price: Gold is sold at a premium above the spot price, covering dealer profits and minting costs. Coins usually have higher premiums than bars due to design and demand.
- Shipping & Insurance Fees: Many online dealers charge for insured shipping, ensuring protection against loss or theft. Some dealers offer free shipping for large purchases.
- Payment Processing Fees: Paying with a credit card or PayPal may include a processing fee (usually 2-4%). Bank wires and cryptocurrency often have lower or no fees.
- Storage Fees (If Using Dealer Vaults): Some buyers choose dealer vault storage for security, which comes with monthly or annual fees, typically based on the gold’s value.
- Buyback or Selling Fees: If you plan to sell back to the dealer, check for buyback fees or slightly lower repurchase prices compared to the spot market.
How to Check the Authenticity of Gold Bought Online?
Ensuring the authenticity of gold purchased online is essential to avoid counterfeit products. Here are key ways to verify your gold:
Buy from Reputable Dealers: Purchase only from accredited dealers with certifications from organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and high ratings from customer review platforms such as TrustPilot.
Check Weight and Dimensions: Use a precision scale and calipers to verify the gold’s weight and size against official mint specifications.
Look for Hallmarks and Serial Numbers: Genuine gold bars and coins feature mint markings, serial numbers, and purity stamps from reputable mints like the U.S. Mint or Royal Canadian Mint.
Conduct a Magnet & Acid Test: Gold is non-magnetic; if it reacts to a magnet, it may be fake. Acid tests can also verify purity.
Use a Gold Verifier or XRF Machine: Professional gold dealers use electronic testers or X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices for accurate purity testing.
Gold Storage Options: What Are My Choices?
This is a common issue for many gold investors. Here are the main options:
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Home Storage
Storing gold at home gives you full control and immediate access to your investment.
A high-quality safe with fire and theft protection is essential, and some investors choose hidden storage methods.
However, home storage carries security risks, and insuring gold in a home policy can be expensive.
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Bank Safety Deposit Box
Banks offer secure, climate-controlled storage in the form of safety deposit boxes.
This option provides a higher level of protection than home storage, but access is limited to bank hours, and gold stored in a bank is typically not insured by the institution.
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Private Vault Storage
Private vault facilities specialize in precious metal storage, offering high security, insurance coverage, and 24/7 surveillance.
Unlike banks, they often provide insured storage, and some allow online access to monitor holdings.
However, there are annual storage fees, which can add up over time.
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Allocated Gold Storage
With allocated storage, your gold is stored in a vault under your name, meaning it remains your direct property.
This option offers insurance, high security, and easy retrieval, but fees vary depending on the provider.
It's ideal for long-term investors who want physical ownership without handling risks.
FAQ
Physical gold provides direct ownership and security, while gold ETFs offer easier liquidity and lower storage costs but do not grant physical possession. There are many other ways to invest in gold.
The American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, and Austrian Philharmonic are among the most widely recognized gold coins.
Yes, most online dealers accept credit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency, but some payment methods may include additional processing fees.
Reputable dealers provide insured shipping to protect against loss or theft, but buyers should verify coverage before purchasing.
Delivery times vary by dealer and location, typically ranging from 3 to 10 business days, with expedited options available.
Gold can be sold to local coin shops, online dealers, pawnshops, jewelry stores, or gold exchanges, but comparing buyback prices ensures the best deal.
