Thinking about safeguarding your money by investing in precious metals but unsure where to begin? You’re not alone in this concern.
Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are very valuable, but finding the right company to invest with can be confusing. I’ve been in your shoes.
After years of learning all about this field, I have the know-how to help you pick the right partner for your investment.
In this article, I will compare APMEX and JM Bullion, one of the two biggest names in the world of precious metals.
I’ll look at what products they offer, their prices, how well they treat their customers, and how reliable they are. This way, you’ll be better equipped to choose the one that best fits your investment needs.
Quick Overview
- CEO: Kenneth Lewis
- BBB: 4.21/5 Out of 217 Customer Reviews
- Available Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium
- Minimum Investment: $2,000
- Promotions: When Black Friday
- Free Kit Available: No
What is APMEX?
APMEX stands for American Precious Metals Exchange and is a big name in selling and buying precious metals online, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
This company was started in 1999 by Scott Thomas, and it has its main place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. APMEX began as a small idea but has grown into a very large and valuable company.
Scott Thomas, who started APMEX, got his love for coins from his grandfather, who sold coins through the mail. Scott started by selling his grandfather’s collection online, which led to APMEX becoming important in the world of precious metals trading.
The team at APMEX knows a lot about precious metals. They have coin experts and people who know about money and investments.
Their goal is to ensure that everyone who buys or sells has a good time and gets all the help they need, even if they know little about precious metals.
APMEX’s story begins with Scott Thomas and a coin collection from his grandparents. After they died, he found it worth around $100,000. He sold it on eBay, which he enjoyed, and then bought and sold more unique coins.
This turned from a hobby to an online shop. Scott started with a little shop in Oklahoma, and now it’s a big business that started focusing on selling precious metals online in 2000.
What is JM Bullion?
JM Bullion is a well-known online store that sells precious metals like gold and silver. It was started in 2011 by two smart entrepreneurs, Michael Wittmeyer and Jonathan Wanchalk.
They set up shop in a basement in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with the idea of making it easy for people to buy precious metals online. They focused on delivering a trustworthy and straightforward service.
Nowadays, JM Bullion is a big name for buyers who want to invest in metals like gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper.
On their website, you can find a wide range of items from famous mints worldwide. JM Bullion is all about selling real metal items they send to the customer’s home.
Quality is super important to them. JM Bullion gets their products straight from mints and checks every new item to ensure it’s top-notch.
Their main office is in Dallas, Texas, and they’ve got all the right papers and approval from government and business partners.
Regarding online shops for precious metals, JM Bullion is a big deal. In 2019, they ranked #96 among all online stores in North America and were #5 in their specific kind of business.
JM Bullion keeps many products that are worth millions of dollars to sell. They sell only what they have in stock, so they can handle big orders and keep their prices lower than other shops.
Focusing on the most popular products allows them to run their business efficiently and keep enough items available for all their customers.
Services Offered by APMEX and JM Bullion
Looking at APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) and JM Bullion, both well-known gold IRA companies stand out for their work in the precious metals market.
Let’s compare what each company offers:
APMEX
- Lots of Choices: APMEX has a huge selection, not just of gold and silver, but also rare coins and collectibles worldwide.
- Help with Retirement: If you want to include metals like gold and silver in your retirement savings, APMEX can help by working with IRA custodians.
- Safe Keeping: Knowing some people prefer not to keep their metals at home, APMEX offers secure storage through other companies.
- Learn a Lot: APMEX provides extensive information, including news and real-time prices, to help you understand investing in metals.
- Tools for Investors: They have charts and alerts for prices, plus a way to keep track of your investments.
JM Bullion
- Focused on Bullion: JM Bullion mainly sells bullion, which means coins and bars. They’re perfect if you want simple, investment-grade metals.
- Automatic Buying: You can set up a plan to buy metals automatically at regular intervals. This is a smart way to build up your investment over time.
- Good Prices and Clear Fees: JM Bullion is known for fair prices and ensuring you know about any upfront fees.
- Easy-to-Understand Info: They offer guides and articles that make it easy for beginners to invest in precious metals.
- Easy to Use Online and on the Go: Their website and app are user-friendly, so you can easily buy, sell, and check the market.
APMEX wins for the variety it offers. JM Bullion is best for those who want to stick to simple bullion investments. APMEX does a great job offering retirement services, while JM Bullion stands out for its automatic buying plan.
Both provide great info to help you make smart decisions. APMEX goes deeper into market details, whereas JM Bullion keeps it simple.
In short, APMEX and JM Bullion offer great services for investing in metals. Your choice might depend on what kind of investor you are.
If you want a wide range of options and detailed market insights, go for APMEX. If you prefer straightforward bullion buying and an easy process, JM Bullion could be your choice.
Storage Options at APMEX and JM Bullion
Investing in precious metals like gold and silver means you need a safe place to keep them. APMEX and JM Bullion are two big names in the precious metals market that provide secure storage solutions.
Let’s look at how each company handles storage and where they store these metals:
APMEX
APMEX uses Citadel Global Depository Services for storage, working closely with Brink’s, a well-known security company.
Here are the key points about their storage service:
- Separate Storage: Your metals are stored separately from others’, ensuring that your holdings are kept alone.
- Insurance: Lloyd’s of London, a famous insurance provider, fully insured everything stored.
- High Security: The facilities are very secure and have top-grade systems to manage and protect your metals.
- Easy Access Online: Through APMEX’s website, you can view your metals, view past transactions, and request that your metals be delivered to you.
JM Bullion
For storage, JM Bullion works with TDS Vaults, a trusted name in storing and protecting valuable items.
Here are some benefits of storing with TDS through JM Bullion:
- Multiple Locations: They offer different places to store your metals, including in the USA, Texas, and Delaware.
- Safe and Secured: Like with APMEX, your items are stored securely, kept separate from others, and fully insured by Lloyd’s of London.
- Top-Notch Security: The storage locations are fitted with the latest security tech and follow strict safety rules.
APMEX and JM Bullion provide comforting, reliable storage choices by working with well-known security services.
Your precious investments are safe whether you choose APMEX’s Citadel service or JM Bullion’s partnership with TDS Vaults.
How to Get Started with APMEX and JM Bullion
Investing in precious metals through either APMEX or JM Bullion can be simple.
Here’s a comparison of how you can begin with each company:
Getting Started with APMEX
- Visit the Website: First, go to the APMEX website. It’s user-friendly and packed with information.
- Create an Account: You’ll need to sign up for an account. This involves providing some basic personal details like your name and email address and setting up a password.
- Browse Products: APMEX offers a wide range of products. Spend some time browsing through their selection to understand what’s available. You’ll find bullion, coins, collectibles, and more.
- Educational Resources: If you’re new to precious metals, use APMEX’s learning resources. They offer guides, market news, and pricing information to help you make informed decisions.
- Make a Purchase: Once you decide what to buy, add the items to your cart and checkout. APMEX offers various payment options, including credit cards, bank wires, and checks.
- Consider Storage Options: If you prefer not to store your metals at home, APMEX provides secure storage solutions through partners. This could be a good option for larger investments.
Getting Started with JM Bullion
- Visit the Website: First, check out the JM Bullion website. It’s designed to be easy to navigate for beginners and experienced investors alike.
- Register for an Account: Signing up is easy. You’ll be asked for some basic information., which helps secure your purchases and simplify the buying process.
- Explore the Products: JM Bullion focuses on bullion products, including coins, bars, and rounds. You can explore their offerings to find the right investment for you.
- Automatic Investment Program: Consider setting up an automatic investment plan. This plan allows you to buy your chosen metals automatically at regular intervals, which can be a great way to build your portfolio over time.
- Make Your Purchase: Choose your products and proceed with the purchase. JM Bullion accepts several payment methods, including electronic checks, bank wires, and credit cards.
- Educational Materials: Don’t forget to use JM Bullion’s educational content. It’s a great resource for beginners who want to learn more about investing in precious metals.
APMEX and JM Bullion have simple sign-up processes on their websites. You create an account by entering basic personal information.
APMEX offers a broader selection, including coins, bullion, and collectibles. JM Bullion focuses more on straightforward bullion products.
Both provide materials to help you learn. APMEX might offer deeper insights into the market, while JM Bullion keeps things clear and simple for newcomers.
A unique feature of JM Bullion is its automatic investment program, which could be particularly appealing if you’re interested in gradually building your investment over time.
The purchase process is quite similar on both platforms, with various payment options available to suit different preferences.
Choosing between APMEX and JM Bullion depends on your personal investment goals and how much guidance and selection you desire.
APMEX and JM Bullion Fees and Pricing
Both platforms make starting with precious metals easy, so your choice might come down to the specifics of what they offer in pricing and fees and how it matches your investment strategy.
APMEX
Their pricing structure includes competitive rates and various fees for purchasing and storing metals.
Description: | Details: |
Metal Prices: | Close to real-time market rates |
Yearly Storage Fees: | $180 – $550 |
Monthly Storage Fees: | $15.00 – $45.84 |
Storage Rate: | 0.45% – 0.55% of metal value |
Payment Discount: | Save 4% (check, eCheck, bank wire) |
IRA Minimum Purchase: | $2,000 for IRA precious metals |
Price Lock-In: | Fixed once the order is placed |
Shipping: | Free on US orders over $199 |
Storage costs and fees for APMEX are managed through Citadel, ensuring a structured handling of stored metals.
JM Bullion
They offer a straightforward and secure purchasing experience, ensuring customers receive excellent investment value.
Description: | Details: |
Metal Prices: | Competitive, with live spot price chart for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. |
Shipping: | Free on all orders over $199; $9.95 for orders under $199. |
Shipping Options: | USPS, FedEx, and UPS include expedited shipping for an additional fee. Ships directly from the Las Vegas Airport for reduced theft/loss risks. PO boxes and military addresses are accommodated. |
Insurance during transit: | All shipments are fully insured with third-party insurance. |
Buyback Program: | Minimum buyback amount of $1,000, based on current market value minus a small fee. |
JM Bullion emphasizes the security and efficiency of their shipping process, including real-time tracking and comprehensive insurance coverage.
When comparing APMEX and JM Bullion, the available information highlights APMEX’s detailed structure regarding storage fees and payment discounts, catering especially to those looking to store their metals securely or invest through an IRA.
On the other hand, JM Bullion shines with its competitive product pricing and a strong focus on the security and efficiency of shipping, which includes comprehensive insurance and a streamlined dispatch process from the Las Vegas Airport.
Both companies offer free shipping on orders over $199, demonstrating their commitment to providing value to their customers.
The choice between APMEX and JM Bullion could depend on whether the customer prioritizes aspects like storage options and IRA investments or competitive pricing and shipping efficiency.
3rd Party Reviews of APMEX and JM Bullion
Understanding what other customers think about them can help new buyers make better choices. That’s why looking at customer reviews for APMEX and JM Bullion is very helpful.
These reviews are from different websites where people share their genuine experiences, telling us what’s good and what could be better about each company.
APMEX Third-Party Site Reviews
APMEX is widely known in the precious metals market, and its clientele’s experiences are reflected in various review platforms.
The table below provides a snapshot of its ratings across different review sites:
Review Site: | Ratings: | Number of Reviews: |
BBB: | 4.24/5 | 253 reviews |
Sitejabber: | 2.0/5 | 50 reviews |
Shopper Approved: | 4.9/5 | 234,540 reviews |
ConsumerAffairs: | 2.9/5 | 280 reviews |
Trustpilot: | 1.7/5 | 7,948 reviews |
APMEX receives mixed feedback, with high praise on Shopper Approved, contrasting with lower scores on Trustpilot and Sitejabber.
Although their performance on ConsumerAffairs and BBB suggests overall satisfaction, the wide range of ratings indicates varied customer experiences across different aspects of service and reliability.
JM Bullion Third-Party Site Reviews
JM Bullion also enjoys recognition in the industry for its gold and silver products, and numerous customers share their reviews online.
Here are JM Bullion’s ratings, which were reported on multiple third-party review sites:
Review Site: | Ratings: | Number of Reviews: |
BBB: | 4.61/5 | 565 reviews |
Sitejabber: | 3.7/5 | 3,362 reviews |
Shopper Approved: | 4.8/5 | 386,197 reviews |
ConsumerAffairs: | 4.5/5 | 700 reviews |
Trustpilot: | 4.5/5 | 1,478 reviews |
JM Bullion has consistently high ratings across several review platforms, indicating many satisfied customers. Their strong performance on Trustpilot and Sitejabber compliments their positive feedback on Shopper Approved and BBB.
Pros and Cons of APMEX and JM Bullion
Investing in precious metals like gold and silver can be a smart way to spread your investments. Two big online shops for buying precious metals are APMEX and JM Bullion.
Each has good points and some downsides. Here’s a simple look at the benefits and drawbacks of APMEX and JM Bullion to help you choose.
APMEX
Pros:
- Lots of Choices: APMEX lets you pick from many gold, silver, and other metal items, including special coins for collectors.
- For Collectors: It’s great for people who like collecting unique coins.
- Learning Stuff: There are many resources to help buyers learn before buying.
- Helpful Service: People usually find customer service friendly and ready to help.
Cons:
- Price: The prices might be slightly higher than at other places, which could matter if you’re trying to save money.
- Shipping Costs: Shipping can cost more, especially for small orders.
JM Bullion
Pros:
- Good Prices: JM Bullion often has lower prices, which helps if you want to get the most for your money.
- Easy Website: Their website is easy to use, making shopping simple for everyone.
- Nice Customer Service: They’re known for caring for their customers.
- No Small Order Limit: You can buy as little as you want without a problem.
Cons:
- Less Variety: They might not have as many options as APMEX, especially for rare coin collectors.
- Waiting for Orders: Sometimes, you might have to wait for popular items to be available.
APMEX and JM Bullion are both good places to buy precious metals online. Choosing one depends on what you like more: APMEX’s big selection and unique items or JM Bullion’s good prices and easy shopping.
Which Company Should You Invest with?
When deciding whether to invest with APMEX or JM Bullion, consider what matters most to you. APMEX offers a huge selection of precious metals and rare coins, which is great for people who want many options.
It’s a good fit for both beginners and experts. JM Bullion is known for its good prices and easy shopping experience, which is ideal for investors looking for deals and a simple process.
APMEX is about choice and rare finds, while JM Bullion focuses on saving money and easy buying. Your decision should be based on whether variety, unique items, low prices, and simplicity are more important for your investment.
Conclusion
In summary, APMEX and JM Bullion are great places to buy precious metals. APMEX has a huge selection and helpful information, while JM Bullion offers good prices and an easy-to-use website.
Your choice depends on what matters more: having many options, saving money, or having an easy shopping experience.