Buying gold and silver in 2026 means choosing dealers who price transparently against spot, authenticate sourcing, ship reliably, and handle returns or storage with clear policies. The 7 picks below cover full-service bullion dealers, online-focused operators, and depository-linked sellers. All publish live pricing tied to spot, all accept secure payment methods with appropriate documentation, and all have multi-year operating track records.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Type | Notable Strength | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| APMEX | Online Dealer | Catalog breadth | None |
| JM Bullion | Online Dealer | Transparent pricing | None |
| Money Metals Exchange | Online Dealer | Storage options | None |
| SD Bullion | Online Dealer | Tight premiums | None |
| Kitco | Dealer & Data | Market data | None |
| Provident Metals | Online Dealer | Buyback program | None |
| BullionVault | Online Vaulted | Allocated storage | $50 |
APMEX - Best Catalog Breadth
American Precious Metals Exchange operates a large catalog of bullion coins, bars, rounds, and numismatic coins from major mints worldwide. Live pricing updates against spot every few minutes. The Auto Invest program allows scheduled purchases that average pricing over time. Customer service includes phone, chat, and email with US-based representatives.
The tradeoff is that premium pricing on common products runs near the middle of the market rather than the lowest. The breadth of inventory and ease of comparison shopping on the site offset this for many buyers. Free shipping thresholds apply on orders over a stated minimum. Storage and IRA options are available through partner depositories. Best for buyers wanting one-stop access to broad inventory with strong service and online tools.
JM Bullion - Best Transparent Pricing Tools
JM Bullion publishes live pricing tied to spot with clear per-ounce premium displays on every product page, which simplifies comparison shopping. The dealer offers a price match policy on identical items from competing major dealers. Customer service is available by phone, chat, and email with documented response times.
The tradeoff is that some specialty numismatic items carry less breadth than at full-service competitors. Free shipping applies on orders above a stated threshold and PayPal payment is accepted alongside bank transfer, check, and credit card with appropriate adjustments for processing costs. Best for buyers wanting clear premium visibility and price matching on common bullion products from a major online dealer.
Money Metals Exchange - Best Storage Integration
Money Metals operates with integrated storage options through a partner depository, which simplifies the buying-and-storing workflow for buyers preferring not to ship physical metals home. Pricing is competitive and the IRA-eligible product range is documented clearly. The Monetary Metals leasing program is a separate offering for buyers seeking yield on holdings.
The tradeoff is that the integrated storage model adds annual storage fees on metals kept with the depository. Physical delivery is also available. Customer service includes phone and email with US-based representatives. Educational content on the website covers monetary history and investment context. Best for buyers wanting storage and buying integrated with a single dealer relationship.
SD Bullion - Best for Tight Premiums
SD Bullion focuses on competitive premium pricing across common bullion products, with operational efficiency funding lower per-ounce markup than some full-service competitors. The catalog covers government-minted coins, generic rounds, and bars from refiners with broad recognition. Live pricing updates against spot.
The tradeoff is that customer service breadth is narrower than at the largest dealers and inventory on specialty items may not match wider catalogs. Payment options include bank transfer, check, credit card with adjustments, and cryptocurrency on some products. Free shipping thresholds apply. Best for price-conscious buyers prioritizing tight premiums on common bullion products and comfortable with online-first service models.
Kitco - Best for Market Data Integration
Kitco operates both as a dealer and as a widely-used precious metals market data source, with live charts, news, and analysis alongside the buying platform. Buyers can integrate market context into purchase timing decisions using the same interface. Kitco Allocated Storage Program offers vaulted storage with specific bar assignment.
The tradeoff is that premium pricing on common products runs in the middle of the market. The Canadian headquarters serves North American customers with documentation for both US and Canadian buyers. Customer service includes phone and email. Best for buyers wanting market data and dealer services integrated, or for those preferring a dealer with allocated storage options and longer operating history.
Provident Metals - Best Buyback Program
Provident Metals operates a clear buyback program that publishes live bid prices for common bullion products, simplifying the selling side of the transaction. The dealer accepts gold and silver shipments via insured courier with documented authentication processes. Pricing on the buying side runs competitive against major online dealers.
The tradeoff is that catalog breadth on numismatic and specialty items is narrower than at the largest dealers. Free shipping thresholds apply on purchases. Payment options include bank transfer, check, and credit card with processing adjustments. Best for buyers who want a dealer relationship that handles both buying and selling cleanly, with published bid prices simplifying the eventual sale.
BullionVault - Best Allocated Vault Storage
BullionVault operates as an online platform for buying allocated bullion stored in professional vaults across multiple jurisdictions including London, Zurich, New York, Toronto, and Singapore. Buyers select the vault, the platform handles allocation, and metals can be held indefinitely or sold back on the live order book. Audit reports and storage fees are published.
The tradeoff is that BullionVault is a vaulted ownership platform rather than a physical delivery dealer. For buyers wanting metals shipped home, this is not the right choice. For buyers wanting professional vault storage with audit transparency and the ability to trade in and out efficiently, the model offers significant convenience. Best for international buyers and for buyers prioritizing vault storage over physical possession.
How to choose
Compare premiums across two or three dealers for the same product. Spot prices are uniform but premiums vary. The simplest calibration is requesting quotes on the same one-ounce gold or silver Eagle from multiple dealers on the same day.
Verify the dealer's operating history and credentials. Length of operation, BBB profile, professional association memberships including the Industry Council for Tangible Assets, and independent customer reviews provide signal on reliability.
Match the storage approach to your situation. Home storage works for smaller positions with appropriate insurance and security. Depository storage works for larger positions where vault security and audit trails justify the annual fees.
Document every purchase for cost basis tracking. Keep invoices, payment records, and any assay certificates. The records support eventual sale reporting and any tax filing requirements.
Consider product type alongside dealer choice. Government-minted coins like American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and Austrian Philharmonics carry higher premiums but resell more easily because recognition is universal. Generic rounds and bars carry lower premiums but may face slightly wider bid-ask spreads when sold. Larger bars carry lower per-ounce premiums than smaller units but reduce flexibility if you want to sell fractional positions. Balance recognition, divisibility, and premium when choosing what to buy.
Understand reporting requirements before large transactions. Dealers report certain transactions to the IRS based on payment method and quantity thresholds, particularly cash transactions above defined amounts. These reporting rules apply to dealers rather than buyers, and reputable dealers comply consistently. Buyers should not assume reporting absence means anonymity, and should structure purchases based on actual needs rather than attempting to avoid documentation that exists for legitimate regulatory reasons.
For complementary research, see our best companies to buy from for general online purchasing guidance and our best companies in the US for employer research context. Full review and ranking criteria are documented in our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between spot price and what dealers charge?+
Spot price is the live wholesale price for one troy ounce of gold or silver based on global futures markets. Dealers add a premium to cover refining, minting, distribution, and operating costs, plus their margin. Premiums vary by product. Government-minted coins like American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs carry higher premiums than generic rounds and bars. Larger bars often carry lower per-ounce premiums than smaller units. During high-demand periods premiums widen and during slower periods they narrow. Comparing premiums across two or three reputable dealers for the same product is the simplest way to calibrate fair pricing.
Are precious metals investments or insurance?+
Different buyers approach the question differently. Some view physical gold and silver as portfolio diversification that hedges against currency or financial system stress, holding small allocations alongside conventional investments. Others view metals as long-term store of value held outside the banking system. Neither approach guarantees returns and metals can underperform other assets for extended periods. Position sizing matters more than dealer selection in determining outcomes. Most reputable financial planners suggest precious metals as a single-digit percentage allocation rather than a core portfolio holding for most household investors.
Should I store metals at home or with a depository?+
Home storage gives direct possession and zero counterparty risk but requires insurance, secure storage, and the practical reality that a home safe is not the same as a vault. Professional depositories provide vault security and insurance backed by the depository, with allocated storage assigning specific bars or coins to the customer. Allocated storage matters more than unallocated. The tradeoff is annual fees, typically 0.5 percent to 1 percent of value, and the practical question of how quickly you can access metals if needed. Many buyers split holdings between home and depository.
How do I avoid counterfeit gold and silver?+
Buy from reputable dealers with documented sourcing and authentication processes rather than from individual sellers, online marketplaces, or unfamiliar coin shops. Government-minted coins from major mints include security features that counterfeiters struggle to replicate, including specific weight, diameter, and audio signature when pinged. Specific gravity testing, magnetic testing, and ultrasonic thickness testing are accessible verification methods. For large purchases, dealers often provide assay certificates. If a price seems significantly below spot, the most likely explanation is that something is wrong.
What are the tax implications of buying precious metals?+
Sales tax treatment varies by state, with many states exempting bullion above certain thresholds and others taxing all precious metals. Dealers handle sales tax based on the buyer's shipping address. When selling metals, the IRS treats gains as collectibles taxed at up to 28 percent for assets held over one year, higher than the long-term capital gains rate for stocks. Reporting requirements apply for certain transaction sizes. Consult a tax professional for specifics since rules change and individual situations vary. Keep purchase records including dates, prices, and dealer invoices for cost basis when selling.
Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.