Customer Satisfaction: Who Ranks Higher?
Across Trustpilot, BBB, and Consumer Affairs, American Hartford Gold edges ahead of SD Bullion with consistently higher customer satisfaction scores.
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While both are A+ rated by the BBB, AHG’s 4.7 Trustpilot rating and glowing user reviews reflect a standout reputation for personalized service.
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Which Is Better for Buying Gold and Silver?
If you're a price-sensitive investor who wants real-time control, SD Bullion is our pick. If you want guided service and are investing a bit more, AHG is a great alternative.
Both SD Bullion and American Hartford Gold provide strong options for physical metal investors, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Where They’re Both Strong:
Product Range: Both dealers offer gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in bars and coins, including IRA-eligible options. SD Bullion has a variety of rare coins.
Insured Shipping: Orders are fully insured, with free shipping available on qualifying orders.
Buyback Programs: Both support buybacks at competitive rates, making liquidation easy
Where SD Bullion Stands Out:
Live Price Locking: SD Bullion locks in spot prices at checkout—even if you're paying later via bank transfer.
More Payment Options: SD Bullion accepts e-checks, wire transfers, credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin.
Where AHG Stands Out:
No Buyback Fees: AHG’s program allows you to sell back metals with no hidden costs.
Dedicated Reps: Personalized phone support with an assigned representative helps simplify the process.
Best Gold IRA Option: SD Bullion or AHG
When it comes to Gold IRAs, our preferred choice is American Hartford Gold due to fee transparency and personalized support.
Both dealers offer strong Gold IRA services, including help with account setup, secure storage, and IRS-approved metals. However, a few key differences give AHG the edge.
Where They’re Both Strong:
Trusted Custodians: Both work with reputable partners like Kingdom Trust and Brinks or Delaware Depository.
IRA-Eligible Metals: You’ll find Gold American Eagles, Maples, and other IRS-approved coins from both platforms.
Buyback Programs: Both offer liquidation options, although only AHG does so with no extra fees.
Where American Hartford Gold Excels:
Fee Waivers: AHG offers to waive setup and storage fees for qualifying investments (up to 3 years for $100K+).
More Transparent Fees: While SD Bullion’s IRA costs aren’t listed online, AHG clearly outlines setup and storage fees.
Personal IRA Specialists: AHG provides one-on-one guidance throughout the rollover and purchase process.
Where SD Bullion Falls Short:
Lack of Fee Clarity: Customers must call to learn about setup or maintenance costs.
Storage Limitations: Only one depository (SD Depository) is offered, with fewer location options than AHG’s network.
In summary, SD Bullion offers a good IRA setup—especially if you’re already familiar with precious metals—but AHG provides a more investor-friendly experience with transparent fees, lower entry points, and personalized support.
Final Verdict: SD Bullion vs. American Hartford Gold
Both SD Bullion and American Hartford Gold bring unique strengths to the table. SD Bullion is our go-to for buying physical gold and silver, while American Hartford Gold stands out for IRA investors and overall customer satisfaction.
Ratings Winner: American Hartford Gold – Higher review scores and a stronger reputation for customer service.
Best for Direct Purchase: SD Bullion – Offers better pricing, payment options, and live price locking.
Best for Gold IRA: American Hartford Gold – Lower minimums, clear fees, and personalized help make it a great choice for a gold IRA.