Scott R. Hillford
Author & Founder Gold Is Money 2
Disclaimer: Some or all of the companies reported here may provide compensation to us, at no cost to our readers. This is how we keep our reporting free for readers. Compensation and detailed analysis are what determines how companies appear on this website.
When contemplating an investment in gold, silver, or other precious metals, you have likely come across JM Bullion and APMEX.
As leading platforms in the precious metals market, each offers unique features, advantages, and drawbacks.
But which one aligns best with your investment goals?
Our comprehensive analysis provides the insights you need to make an informed choice. Read on to discover which platform suits your needs best.
Prior reading further, it is important to acknowledge that investing your savings is a not easy. When it comes to incorporating precious metals into your investment portfolio, how can you tell which companies are reliable?
After devoting extensive time and effort, we have conducted thorough research within the precious metals industry and compiled a selection of the most trustworthy companies.
Take a moment to read our list and determine if JM Bullion or APMEX has what it takes to make the list this year!
This lets you to quickly compare the leading companies in this field and select the one that aligns with your specific requirements and investment objectives.
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What is JM Bullion?
JM Bullion is an online retailer specializing in the sale of physical gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. Founded in 2011, the company has grown to become a significant player in the industry.
They offer a wide range of products, including coins, bars, and rounds from various mints worldwide. Their website is user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned investors to navigate. Their customer service is responsive and knowledgeable, which is a big plus for any investor.
Pros & Cons
PROS
CONS
We found that JM Bullion excels in customer service and offers particularly competitive pricing for those buying in bulk.
What is APMEX?
APMEX, short for American Precious Metals Exchange, has been in the business since 1999. They are one of the oldest online platforms for buying and selling precious metals. APMEX offers an even broader range of products, from bullion to numismatic coins.
They also provide options for gold and silver IRAs, which is an excellent feature for long-term investors. Their market reputation is also solid, backed by years of reliable service and customer satisfaction.
Pros & Cons
PROS
CONS
APMEX stands out for its product diversity and has the added advantage of offering precious metals IRAs, a feature not commonly found in the industry.
Features of JM Bullion and APMEX
When it comes to features, both JM Bullion and APMEX offer a variety of options to make your precious metals investment journey smoother. Let's delve into the specifics under different categories.
Buy Gold, Silver, and More
JM Bullion's platform is designed to make buying precious metals as straightforward as possible. Their mobile app is particularly noteworthy. Not only can you track live prices of gold, silver, and other metals, but you can also complete your purchases right from your smartphone.
This is incredibly convenient for those who want to make quick buying decisions based on real-time price fluctuations. Additionally, JM Bullion offers a wide range of products, from gold and silver to platinum and palladium.
They even have a section dedicated to featured products, which often includes limited-edition items or metals from specific mints. This variety allows you to diversify your portfolio without having to switch platforms.
APMEX takes buying precious metals to another level with their market alerts feature. You can set up notifications for when a particular metal hits your desired price point. This is invaluable for investors who are waiting for the right moment to buy. Our team discovered through using this service that the alerts are timely and highly accurate.
Like JM Bullion, APMEX also offers a broad range of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. However, they go a step further by offering numismatic and collectible coins, providing an additional layer of diversification for your investment.
Sell Your Gold and Silver
While JM Bullion primarily focuses on the buying side, they do offer options for selling your precious metals back to them. The process is straightforward but requires you to contact their purchasing department directly. They provide competitive buy-back prices, especially if you initially purchased the metals from them.
APMEX has a more structured program for selling your metals. They provide a live buy-back price on their website for various products, making it easier for you to know what you can expect to receive. This transparency is a significant advantage for those looking to sell their metals quickly and efficiently.
Precious Metals IRA
JM Bullion doesn't directly offer Precious Metals IRAs but has a partnership with New Direction IRA, a self-directed IRA provider. Through this partnership, you can invest in eligible gold and silver products within a tax-advantaged account. This is a great way to add a layer of security to your long-term investment strategy.
APMEX, on the other hand, offers a more direct approach to Precious Metals IRAs. They have a dedicated section on their website that guides you through the process, from setting up an IRA account to selecting eligible products. They even offer a pre-built "IRA Starter Kit" that includes a diversified selection of metals to kickstart your investment.
Gold Storage
When it comes to storing your precious metals, both JM Bullion and APMEX offer robust solutions designed to give you peace of mind. JM Bullion partners with TDS Vaults to provide a secure and fully-insured storage solution for your metals.
The facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including 24/7 surveillance and biometric access controls. You can choose between segregated or non-segregated storage, depending on your preference.
Segregated storage means your metals are stored in a separate compartment, isolated from other customers' assets. This service comes with its own set of fees, so it's crucial to understand the cost structure before committing.
APMEX collaborates with Citadel, a storage service backed by Brink's, one of the world's leading security companies. Citadel offers both domestic and international storage options, allowing you greater flexibility in choosing where your assets are stored.
They also provide full insurance coverage for your stored metals. Based on our firsthand experience, the process of setting up storage through Citadel is straightforward and user-friendly.
Both JM Bullion and APMEX offer detailed information on their storage options, including fees and accessibility features. It's essential to read the fine print and possibly consult with a financial advisor to determine which storage solution best suits your needs.
Return Policy
JM Bullion offers a three-day return policy from the day you receive your order, but restocking fees may apply. APMEX provides a more extended return period of seven days but also charges a restocking fee for certain items. Knowing the return policy is crucial, especially if you're new to precious metals investing and may change your mind.
Payments
The ease and diversity of payment options can significantly impact your experience with an investment platform. Both JM Bullion and APMEX offer a range of payment methods to suit different investor needs.
JM Bullion accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, which usually process instantly but come with a 4% processing fee. They also accept paper checks, which have no additional fees but can take up to six business days to clear.
Bank wire payments are another option; these are not only fee-free but also usually clear within 24 to 48 hours. For the tech-savvy investor, JM Bullion even accepts Bitcoin, which typically processes within one business day and incurs a 1% fee.
APMEX offers a similar range of payment options but adds PayPal to the mix. Credit and debit card payments come with a 4% fee, just like JM Bullion.
Bank wire payments and paper checks are also accepted, with similar processing times. The addition of PayPal offers a quick and convenient way to pay but comes with its own set of fees, usually around 2.9% plus a fixed fee based on the currency.
Our research indicates that while both platforms offer a variety of payment methods, APMEX has a slight edge due to the inclusion of PayPal. However, it's essential to consider the associated fees with each payment method to make the most cost-effective choice.
Fees to Look Out For
When investing in precious metals, the price you see isn't always the price you pay. There are often additional fees that can affect the overall cost of your investment. Both JM Bullion and APMEX have their own set of fees that you should be aware of.
JM Bullion offers free shipping on orders over $199. If your order falls below this threshold, a flat shipping fee of $7.99 applies. It's also worth noting that JM Bullion may charge a premium over the spot price of metals. This premium can range from as low as $0.59 over spot for high-volume orders to as much as $2.99 over spot for smaller orders.
APMEX, on the other hand, offers free shipping on orders over $99, making it a bit more accessible for those looking to make smaller investments. However, they also charge a premium over the spot price of metals, which can vary based on market conditions and the specific product you're purchasing. These premiums can range from $1.99 to $3.99 over spot, depending on the volume and type of metal.
How Do They Compare?
At the end of the day, your choice between JM Bullion and APMEX really hinges on what matters most to you. If you're someone who puts a premium on top-notch customer service and wants the best bang for your buck, you'll likely find JM Bullion to be a great match.
On the other hand, if a wide array of products and extra perks like gold IRAs catch your eye, then APMEX might be the one that ticks all your boxes.
What to Look For in a Gold Dealer
When it comes to investing in precious metals like gold, the dealer you choose can make a significant difference in your investment experience. There are several key factors to consider, each of which can impact not only the quality of your investment but also your peace of mind. Let's delve into these factors in greater detail.
Reputation
The reputation of a gold dealer is paramount. You're entrusting this company with your hard-earned money, so you want to be sure they're legitimate and trustworthy. Look for dealers that have been in the business for several years and have a track record of satisfied customers.
Customer Service
Excellent customer service is a must. You want a dealer who is not only knowledgeable but also readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
This is especially important for those who are new to gold investment and may require more guidance. Look for dealers that offer multiple channels of communication, be it phone, email, or live chat.
Product Range
A wide product range gives you more options and flexibility in your investment. Some dealers specialize in certain types of gold products, such as coins or bars, while others offer a variety of options, including rare or collectible items.
The key is to find a dealer that offers the specific products you're interested in. If you're looking to diversify your portfolio, a dealer with a broader range may be more suitable for you.
Pricing and Fees
Transparent and competitive pricing is another crucial factor. The price of gold products can vary between dealers due to factors like overhead costs and profit margins.
Make sure to compare prices from multiple sources and be aware of any additional fees, such as shipping or insurance costs. Some dealers also offer tiered pricing, giving discounts for bulk purchases, which can be advantageous if you're planning a sizable investment.
Payment Options
The ease and security of the payment process are not to be overlooked. Most reputable dealers offer multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and sometimes even cryptocurrencies.
Check if the payment methods offered align with your preferences and financial setup. Also, inquire about the security measures in place to protect your transactions.
FAQs
Is my investment secure with these platforms?
Both JM Bullion and APMEX offer secure, insured shipping and storage options.
What are the payment methods?
Both platforms offer multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
Are there any hidden fees?
Always read the fine print to understand any additional charges like shipping fees or restocking fees.
Let our expertise and analysis help you before you invest your savings by reading our list of the best companies!
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