Best Bullion Stores in the US: Where to Buy Gold, Silver & Platinum Bars

Why Buy Bullion? Real-World Reasons

Thinking of buying bullion? You're not alone. People buy physical gold, silver, and platinum for many reasons: wealth preservation, portfolio diversification, or the simple peace of mind that comes from holding something tangible. Bullion behaves like a financial seatbelt—when stocks wobble, having metal in your hands can feel stabilizing. Whether you're stacking small 1-ounce pieces or going for larger bars, bullion offers a straightforward way to hedge against inflation, currency swings, and economic uncertainty.

Top US Bullion Dealers to Know

Not all bullion sellers are created equal. Some specialize in inventory depth, others in low premiums, and a few offer unique services like IRA storage or insured vaulting. Below are several reputable U.S. options you’ll see frequently when comparing deals online.

APMEX

APMEX is one of the largest online bullion dealers in the country and has built a reputation for a vast inventory that includes gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in both coins and bars. If variety matters—national mints, private mint products, and fractional sizes—you’ll likely find it here. APMEX tends to have real-time pricing tied to the spot, and if you like shopping with clarity, their product pages typically include detailed specs and shipping options.

JM Bullion

JM Bullion prides itself on competitive pricing and solid customer reviews. Their user-friendly site makes it easy to track spot prices and available inventory in ounces, whether you're shopping for a 1-ounce gold piece or a stack of 10-ounce silver bars. They also highlight promotions and bundle deals that can lower per-ounce premiums when you buy in quantity.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals often appeals to buyers looking for a broad selection of both bullion and collectible pieces. Known for responsive pricing and frequent sales, Provident is a good option if you want access to fractional gold pieces like 1/10-ounce coins as well as standard 1-ounce bars and coins. Their educational content can help beginners learn the ropes of bullion buying.

SD Bullion

SD Bullion is another strong contender known for low premiums, especially on silver. If you’re stacking ounces and want the best value per ounce, SD Bullion’s pricing model often favors bulk buyers. They focus heavily on bullion (rather than numismatic coins), which helps keep prices competitive.

Money Metals Exchange

Money Metals Exchange emphasizes simplicity and trust. Their site provides straightforward pricing, and they are well-regarded for customer service and buyback policies. They also offer IRAs and have vaulting options, making them a fit for investors who want integrated services beyond a simple purchase.

Gainesville Coins

Gainesville Coins blends service and selection and is known for offering rare pieces in addition to standard bullion. If you plan to mix bullion with certified coins, Gainesville is a name to consider. They provide clear product photos and third-party grading when applicable, which helps you feel confident about authenticity.

Kitco

Kitco has a long history in precious metals and is often used by traders and investors who like real-time market data. They offer a range of gold and platinum bars and coins, and their website provides charts and commentary that can help you time purchases. Kitco is a go-to if market insight matters alongside the shopping experience.

Walmart (Marketplace Vendors)

Yes, Walmart shows up in the bullion conversation—not as a traditional mint or dealer, but as a marketplace platform where third-party sellers sometimes list bullion products. If you prefer the familiar checkout flow of a retail giant, you may find spots where reputable dealers list items through Walmart’s marketplace. Just double-check seller ratings and product authenticity before you click buy.

What to Look For When Choosing a Bullion Store

So how do you pick one dealer out of all those names? Think of choosing a bullion store like choosing a reliable mechanic—you want transparency, experience, and no surprises. Here are the key criteria to weigh before you buy.

Pricing and Premiums

The spot price is the baseline, but what you really pay is the spot plus a premium. Premiums cover minting, distribution, and the dealer’s margin. Compare the per-ounce premium for 1-ounce items and for larger sizes; buying 10-ounce or kilo equivalents often lowers the premium per ounce. Watch for promotional discounts that temporarily chew into premiums.

Inventory and Product Range

Inventory matters if you have a specific product in mind. Do you want government-minted 1-ounce gold coins or private-label bars? Is silver your main target with 1-ounce and 10-ounce bars? Bigger dealers usually offer more variety, while boutique dealers sometimes carry rare or collectible items not found everywhere else.

Payment Options and Fees

Payment methods include bank wire, credit card, debit card, and checks. Wires often give the best pricing but can carry additional fees from your bank. Credit card purchases may be convenient but usually come with higher premiums or surcharges. Look for clear fee disclosures so nothing sneaks up on you at checkout.

Authentication and Assays

Trustworthy dealers provide clear product images, assay certificates for certain bars, and often third-party grading for collectible coins. If a deal looks too cheap, verify authentication—counterfeits exist. Established dealers will outline their authentication process and sometimes offer guarantees or buyback assurances.

Buyback Policies and Liquidity

Liquidity is key: can you turn those ounces back into cash without losing a fortune on fees? Some dealers offer buyback programs, which makes selling easier. Others provide market quotes—compare buyback prices to spot to understand their offers. A dealer that helps you exit positions smoothly is worth its weight in gold.

Common Bullion Products and Sizes

Bullion comes in many sizes—think of it like a menu: small appetizers and big steaks. Common gold sizes include 1-ounce, 1/2-ounce, 1/4-ounce, and 1/10-ounce coins; bars come in 1-ounce, 10-ounce, and larger. Silver is commonly sold in 1-ounce rounds and coins, 10-ounce bars, and 100-ounce bars. Platinum and palladium typically mimic gold’s size options but are often priced and traded differently due to industrial demand.

How to Read Spot Price and Premiums

The spot price is the live market value for one ounce of a metal. Dealers add premiums on top of spot, and that combo is your purchase price. Think of spot like the base fare on a flight and the premium as baggage fees—what you see on the gate screen isn't necessarily what you pay at checkout. Compare real-time spot charts and the dealer’s advertised premiums to determine fair value.

Payment Methods: Which Is Best?

No single payment method is perfect. Bank wires usually net the lowest premiums, because they’re cheap for dealers to process. Credit cards are convenient but often more expensive—some dealers add a surcharge to offset processing fees. Cash savings plans and checks are less common online but can be negotiated with brick-and-mortar shops. Pick the method that balances convenience, cost, and security for your situation.

Storage Options: Home vs. Vault

Once you buy bullion, where does it live? You can stash small quantities at home in a safe, which is economical but requires careful security planning. For larger holdings, third-party vaults provide insured storage with professional handling. Vaulting is like moving from a backyard garden to a monitored greenhouse—less hands-on, but it often brings better protection and peace of mind. Some dealers offer segregated or allocated storage options if you want your specific bars identified and held for you.

IRA-Eligible Bullion and Precious Metals IRAs

Interested in tax-advantaged ownership? Certain gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products qualify for self-directed IRAs, but there are strict rules about purity and product types. If you want bullion inside a retirement account, look for dealers who specialize in IRAs and partner with custodian services. This setup can be a powerful way to gain the tax benefits of retirement accounts while holding physical metals.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Fraudsters lurk wherever money flows. Common scams include counterfeit bars, unrealistic “too-good-to-be-true” discounts, and sketchy escrow arrangements. Avoid offers that pressure you to buy immediately at a huge discount. Verify dealer reputations through reviews, independent forums, and Better Business Bureau listings. When in doubt, pick established dealers with a track record and transparent policies.

Tips to Get the Best Bullion Deals

Want bargains? Buy in bulk to reduce per-ounce premiums, watch for sales tied to weekends or holidays, and subscribe to dealer newsletters for promo codes. Consider slightly larger sizes—10-ounce silver bars often have much lower premiums per ounce than single-ounce rounds. Be flexible on brand if a generic good-quality bar is cheaper than a minted coin with the same metal content.

Building a Long-Term Bullion Strategy

Bullion is not a get-rich-quick instrument. Treat it like an insurance policy: you hope you never need it to save your portfolio, but you're glad it's there when markets sputter. Dollar-cost averaging—buying fixed dollar amounts over time—can mitigate the risk of buying everything at a market peak. Decide ahead of time how much of your net worth you want in precious metals and stick to that allocation.

Comparing Online vs. Local Dealers

Online dealers often win on price and selection, while local coin shops offer face-to-face service and immediate pickup. If you value seeing the product in person before paying, a local dealer makes sense. On the other hand, if you’re hunting for the best price per ounce and a massive catalog, online options like APMEX, JM Bullion, and SD Bullion usually deliver.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Not all bullion comes from the same mining practices. If ethical sourcing matters to you, look for dealers that disclose supply chains or sell recycled metal products. Some buyers prefer government-minted coins because they come with public accountability. Asking questions about provenance is increasingly common, and a reputable dealer should be ready to answer.

Final Buying Checklist

Before you click “purchase,” run through a quick checklist: confirm the metal and size in ounces, compare the spot-plus-premium total, check shipping and insurance, verify seller reputation, and choose a secure payment method. If you plan to store offsite, confirm vaulting or IRA custodian arrangements before sending funds. A little due diligence today can prevent headaches later.

With these guidelines in hand and a short list of trusted dealers—APMEX, JM Bullion, Provident Metals, SD Bullion, Money Metals Exchange, Gainesville Coins, Kitco, and vetted marketplace sellers—you’re equipped to make informed bullion purchases. Think of it as building a bridge to financial stability, one ounce at a time.

Conclusion

Buying bullion can feel like stepping into a different language of markets and mint marks, but with the right approach it's straightforward. Focus on reputable dealers, understand spot and premiums, choose the right sizes for your goals, and decide on storage that matches your comfort level. Whether you’re buying your first 1-ounce coin or assembling a vault of bars, informed choices help you stretch each ounce’s value. Treat bullion as part of a larger plan, and you’ll find it’s a steady, tangible way to anchor wealth.