A detailed shot of gold bars labeled 'Global Intergold' as a symbol of wealth and investment.

The Best Places to Buy Physical Gold and Silver in 2025 (Trusted Dealers Reviewed)

Buying physical gold and silver is one of the smartest ways to protect — and grow — your wealth amid inflation and market uncertainty. But whether you’re buying your first ounce or you’re a seasoned investor, one question always comes up:

“Where’s the best place to buy?”

It’s a fair question — and an important one. Choosing the right dealer can make your stacking journey smoother, more affordable, and even more enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a reputable seller, compare trusted online dealers, and share tips for buying locally — all based on transparency, reliability, and real investor experience.

Online Trusted Dealer Comparison Table

Here’s a quick side-by-side look at some of the most trusted online gold and silver dealers in 2025:

Dealer Website

Best For

Why We Like It

Get Started

APMEX

Beginners

Large selection

Shop Apmex

SD Bullion

Price-conscious buyers

Low premiums, strong buyback

Shop SD Bullion

JM Bullion

Stackers

Discounts

Shop JM Bullion

Why Where You Buy Gold & Silver Matters

Not all gold and silver dealers are created equal. Your choice of seller affects:

  • The premium over spot price you’ll pay
  • The authenticity and security of your metals
  • The buyback options you’ll have later
  • Your overall experience as a buyer and investor

Even if you’re investing for the long haul, paying too much upfront for gold or silver means you’ll need stronger returns later just to break even. The good news? With a little research and choosing the right dealer, you can avoid overpaying and buy with confidence on day one. 

What to Look For in an Online Gold Dealer

Before you buy, make sure your dealer checks these boxes:

  • Transparent pricing (clearly displays live spot prices and premiums)
  • Strong buyback program for future liquidity
  • Secure shipping and insurance policies
  • Responsive customer service and verified user reviews
  • Flexible payment options (ACH, wire, card, crypto)
  • Discreet packaging and commitment to privacy

Whether you’re buying gold coins, silver bars, or junk silver, the right dealer should offer peace of mind — not pressure.

The Best Online Dealers to Buy Gold & Silver in 2025

Here are our top trusted sources based on transparency, selection, pricing, and customer experience.

  1. APMEX
APMEX Pros
APMEX Cons

Trusted Reputation

Premiums higher than smaller dealers

Massive Inventory Across Categories

Shipping may take longer when paying with ACH

Educational Tools

IRA-Eligible Precious Metals

Top-Tier Reputation With Long Track Record

Best For: Beginners and investors who want variety and reliability
👉 Shop APMEX

2. SD Bullion

SD Bullion Pros
SD Bullion Cons

Low premiums across the board

Smaller selection than APMEX

Strong buyback program

Limited numismatic options – not ideal for coin collectors

Excellent packaging and shipping discretion

ACH payments may delay shipping (similar to APMEX)

Best For: Price-conscious stackers
👉 Shop SD Bullion

3. JM Bullion

JM Bullion Pros
JM Bullion Cons

Wide variety of bullion products

No international shipping – U.S. only

User-friendly site and great for first-time buyers

ACH payments may delay shipping (similar to APMEX)

Regular discounts and sales

Free Shipping on orders $199 +

Best For: First-time buyers and silver stacking
👉 Shop JM Bullion

Honorable Mentions

  1. Silver Gold Bull — solid prices and clean interface
  2. Bullion Exchanges — great for rare coin finds
  3. Hero Bullion — newer, but fast-growing and customer-focused

Should You Buy From a Local Coin Shop?

Online dealers offer convenience and selection, but there’s value in visiting a local coin shop — especially when:

  • You want to see and inspect metals in person
  • You’re picking up smaller amounts without waiting on shipping
  • You want to build a relationship with a knowledgeable local dealer
  • You appreciate the immediacy of walking out with your metals

To make the most of a local shop visit:

  • Check Google reviews or look them up on the Better Business Bureau
  • Ask about their pricing model and how they calculate premiums
  • Compare their prices to major online dealers before buying

Local shops can be great for sourcing junk silver, picking up a few ounces, or getting a feel for coins in hand. Just keep in mind: prices might be slightly higher than online, and the inventory depends on what they’ve recently acquired — so selection will be limited and can vary.

Red Flags When Buying Precious Metals

Stay away from dealers who:

  • Use high-pressure sales tactics
  • Push overpriced, “limited edition” coins without clear melt value
  • Hide spot prices or markups
  • Offer “starter packs” with unclear pricing or value
  • Only accept sketchy payment methods (no credit, no ACH)

If it sounds too good to be true — it usually is. Stick to trusted names.

Ready to Start Stacking?
Begin with one of our trusted dealers above and take your first step toward real, physical wealth.

Yes — many online dealers accept credit cards, but some may add a small fee. You’ll usually get better pricing using ACH or wire transfer.

Absolutely — as long as you stick with reputable names like APMEX, SD Bullion, or JM Bullion. Always verify URLs, use secure payment methods, and read reviews.

Bullion is best for pure metal value and stacking. On the other hand, numismatics can offer long-term value and collectibility but requires more research and can often carry higher premiums.

There’s no magic number, but even $100/month can get you started. Consider a 70/30 gold-to-silver mix and dollar-cost average into your stack.

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