APMEX Vs. Provident Metals

Choosing where to buy precious metals, like gold and silver, can be tough with so many options. I think looking into APMEX and Provident Metals is a great place to start.

Both are big names when it comes to buying precious metals online, but each has its own special way of doing things.

I’ll take a closer look at what makes each unique, including their product options and extra service for those who love collecting or investing in metals.

Comparing APMEX vs. Provident Metals might help you decide which one matches your investment goals better. Let’s dive into what sets these two apart in the world of precious metals.

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Quick Overview

MOST POPULAR ONLINE GOLD DEALER
9.8
APMEX
APMEX
  • CEO: Kenneth Lewis
  • BBB: 4.22/5 Out of 241 Customer Reviews
  • Available Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium
  • Gold IRA Available: Yes
  • Buyback Program: Yes
  • International Shipping: Yes
ONE OF THE AFFORDABLE INVESTMENT COMPANIES
8.4
PROVIDENT METALS
PROVIDENT METALS
  • CEO: Joe Merrick
  • BBB: 4.69/5 Out of 49 Customer Reviews
  • Available Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium
  • Gold IRA Available: Yes
  • Buyback Program: Yes
  • International Shipping: Yes
Disclosure: “The owners of this website may be paid to recommend Goldco or other companies. The content on this website, including any positive reviews of Goldco and other reviews, may not be neutral or independent.”

What is APMEX?

APMEX stands for American Precious Metals Exchange. It is an online store based in Oklahoma City, United States, started in 2000. The CEO of the company is Kenneth Lewis.

I think APMEX is great for people who are interested in buying or selling precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

What I like about APMEX is that they have a huge variety of items. You can find everything from special coins to products made of copper, and they even offer some good deals in their clearance section.

Their website makes it easy to check out all these products. I believe APMEX is a very reliable place to shop because they are a licensed dealer of precious metals.

They have built a strong reputation over the years by making sure their customers receive excellent service, competitive prices, and a wide selection of products. This commitment makes them a leader in their industry.

From what I see, APMEX is dedicated to growing and improving, which makes them a key player in the market for investing in precious metals.

They focus on meeting customer needs and keeping up with industry standards, which is important for their success.

What Makes APMEX Stand Out?

I believe APMEX is a great choice when it comes to buying precious metals. They really focus on making customers happy, which makes them stand out from others.

Here’s what I think makes APMEX special:

  • Shipping Deals: They have a deal with UPS, so you get your items fast and at a lower shipping cost.
  • Rewards Club: They appreciate your business by giving cool perks when you join their club. It feels good to be recognized!
  • Safe Storage: They offer a secure place to store your valuable metals, watched over by security experts. It’s really safe!
  • Tracking Tool: It’s easy to keep an eye on your gold and silver with their handy tracking system. I find this very useful.
  • Special Partnerships: They work closely with some of the world’s most famous mints, so you can buy special items directly through them.
  • Fast Shipping Promise: They promise to send your order out fast, usually the day after you pay. This is so convenient!
  • Top-notch Customer Service: Over a million people, including me, are happy with APMEX because their team goes the extra mile to help.

They think of everything, from quick shipping to helping you track your investments. Plus, their customer service team is really friendly and always ready to help.

If you would like to learn more about the company:
You can check out my APMEX review.

What is Provident Metals?

I think Provident Metals is a standout dealer for investing in precious metals like gold, silver, palladium, and platinum, and they’ve been doing this in the US since 2009.

They have a great mix of items, including coins and bars. Their silver prices might be a bit higher than others, but overall, they keep things fair. They also have cool stuff like copper items and old wheat pennies for those looking to invest a bit differently.

They work with a group called Preferred Trust Company, which helps people add precious metals to their retirement savings pretty easily and keep their investments safe.

This is a big plus for those thinking about their future. One downside is they don’t send orders outside the US, so it’s just for folks here at home.

I like that Provident Metals is really focused on making their customers happy, offering valuable precious metals at really good prices.

Their team is there to help you out too, making buying secure and simple. Precious metals are a smart way to invest — they’re real things you can hold, they can be traded easily, and it’s a good way to make your investment mix a bit safer.

The name “Provident” and their compass logo tell you they’re all about helping you get ready for what’s ahead financially, like guiding you toward a bright new day.

They’re all about serving the people’s needs and have become a top online spot for buying precious metals from the US and other countries. This is all thanks to how much they care about looking after their customers.

What Makes Provident Metals Stand Out?

I believe Provident Metals is unique for a few key reasons: their dedication to giving customers great value, their excellent customer care, and the effort they put into making precious metals easy to buy and safe to invest in.

  • Top-Notch Customer Service: For me, the best part about Provident Metals is how they treat their customers. They really value everyone who shops with them, and it shows. Whether you’re new to buying precious metals or you’ve been doing it for years, they make sure you feel respected and taken care of. They’re quick to help, polite, and always focused on making sure you’re happy with your purchase.
  • Wide Range of Products: I’m always impressed by the variety of products they offer. Provident Metals has connections worldwide to bring in the best metals and coins they can find. They even have collecting supplies if you need them, and they’re always looking out for what customers want most.
  • Good Prices for Your Budget: One thing I appreciate is how Provident Metals makes sure their prices are good. They’ve got a smart system that helps keep costs down, so you know you’re getting a deal that matches the current market. You can trust that you’re getting quality without breaking the bank.
  • Shipping You Can Trust: Sending precious metals through the mail needs to be safe and private, and Provident Metals takes this seriously. They’re careful to package everything securely and use plain labels, so your items are protected and only you know what’s inside.
  • Safe Online Shopping: Online shopping must be safe, especially when it’s about your investments. Provident Metals has strong security, like a safe website shopping cart, powerful encryption, and safety certificates. I feel confident that they keep my info secure and won’t share it.

To me, Provident Metals is more than a store; it’s like a trusted friend who helps you with your precious metals and rare coins. They’re always ready to help, and I think that’s important.

If you would like to learn more about the company:
You can check out my Provident Metals review here.

Comparison of APMEX and Provident Metals

Both have great reputations, but they offer different things. Let’s compare them based on what they sell, their services, prices, how they send items, how you can pay, and how they help customers.

1. Products Offered

Let’s take a look at what APMEX and Provident Metals offer. Both shops have lots of options for everyone. First up, I’ll dive into APMEX, then check out what Provident Metals has.

APMEX

APMEX is a great place if you love shiny metals and old coins. Let’s find out what they have to offer to their customers.

Here’s what you can find at APMEX:

  • Gold and Silver: A treasure trove awaits at APMEX for those who admire gold and silver. Their inventory spans a wide array of shapes and sizes, offering something from tiny, intricate coins perfect for collectors to hefty bars designed for serious investors. Whether you’re a novice in the world of precious metals or a seasoned collector, there’s something to capture your interest.
  • Old Coins: For history buffs and antique enthusiasts, APMEX is a goldmine of rare and ancient coins. Each coin tells a story, and within their collection, you’re likely to discover pieces that not only have significant monetary value but also hold a rich historical significance. It’s an opportunity to own a piece of history.
  • IRA Approved Metals: Planning for the future is essential, and APMEX offers a solid foundation with its selection of gold and silver options suitable for retirement savings. These metals can act as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, providing a secure investment for your retirement portfolio.
  • Fun Collector Items: Beyond the traditional, APMEX excels in bringing joy to the world of coin collecting with its range of unique and entertaining collector items. From pop culture-themed silver coins to whimsical designs that celebrate events or achievements, there’s always something new and exciting to add to your collection. It’s a wonderful way to make collecting a fun hobby for people of all ages.

APMEX makes it simple for anyone to save with metals or add cool coins to their collection. Now, let’s see what Provident Metals offers.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals has a lot for people who like gold, silver, platinum, and more. They have many options for both investors and collectors.

Here’s what you can find at Provident Metals:

  • Gold Bullion: They have a big selection of gold items like American Gold Eagles and Canadian Gold Maple Leafs.
  • Silver Bullion: From American Silver Eagles to unique silver coins and even silver bullets, Provident Metals offers a wide range of silver products.
  • Platinum Bullion: Look here for special items like American Eagle Platinum coins and various animal-themed series.
  • Palladium Bullion: Provident Metals also has cool options for palladium, including the unique Russian Ballerina coins.
  • Copper Bullion: For those interested in copper, Provident Metals has bars, rounds, and fun shapes available.

Provident Metals is a great place to find different metals for investing or collecting. They have a lot to choose from, making it easy to find something special.

2. Service Offered

I checked out what APMEX and Provident Metals have to offer, and I’ve got to say, they both bring some cool options to the table for folks like us wanting to invest in metals. Let’s see what makes them stand out.

APMEX

When I look at APMEX and the kind of services they offer, it’s like diving into a treasure chest filled with all sorts of shiny stuff. Here’s my take on what makes APMEX stand out and where it could do a bit better.

Gold and Silver Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

Opening an IRA with APMEX is streamlined, allowing investors either to start a new IRA or transfer existing funds through a custodian partner.

APMEX works with several custodians to facilitate the process, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations, which do not permit IRA account holders to hold the physical metals themselves. Instead, these precious metals are securely stored on behalf of the investor, incurring a storage fee.

A distinct advantage of a precious metals IRA through APMEX is the flexibility it offers, including the ability to withdraw metals without the early withdrawal penalties often associated with traditional IRAs.

The product selection for IRAs includes high-purity gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, meeting or exceeding the purity requirements set by the IRS.

IRA-Approved Products

For those interested in incorporating precious metals into their retirement savings, APMEX offers a range of IRA-approved products.

These products meet specific purity standards required by the IRS for inclusion in a retirement account. Gold products must be of .995 purity or higher, with the notable exception being U.S. Gold Eagle coins, which are also eligible.

Silver offerings must reach a purity of at least .999, while platinum and palladium options are available at .9995 purity.

These strict standards ensure that investors add only high-quality metals to their retirement portfolios, maximizing the potential benefits of holding precious metals in an IRA.

APMEX’s selection of IRA-eligible metals allows investors to diversify their retirement savings with confidence, knowing that each product is compliant with IRS regulations and represents a stable and valuable addition to their investment strategy.

Storage

When it comes to securing your precious metals investment, APMEX offers a premier storage solution in partnership with Citadel Global Depository Services, Inc. Citadel, operating within the highly secure facilities of Brink’s, provides investors with peace of mind through top-tier security measures and comprehensive insurance coverage.

The storage services are not only about security but also about convenience and value. With low shipping prices for orders over $500, APMEX makes it seamless to transfer your precious metals to Citadel’s vaults.

Once there, your assets benefit from real-time transaction data and an accurate, up-to-date inventory valuation.

Furthermore, Citadel’s storage fees are remarkably competitive, marked at only 0.55% annually—on par with costs associated with ETF management fees—making it an affordable option for both novice and seasoned investors.

Citadel also undergoes independent audits by a well-respected accounting firm, ensuring transparency and trust in its operations.

Shipping

APMEX distinguishes itself with an admirable shipping service, tailored to offer both convenience and security to its customers.

Orders exceeding $199 enjoy the benefit of free shipping, a gesture that underscores APMEX’s commitment to providing value to their customer base.

For purchases under this threshold, a nominal fee of $9.95 is applied, ensuring your valuable investments are delivered safely to your doorstep.

Dispatched through Registered/Insured US Mail and UPS, APMEX leverages its robust logistics network to deliver orders within an estimated window of 1-10 business days, contingent upon the chosen payment method.

Additionally, purchasers using debit cards are eligible for the exclusive QuickShip Program, expediting processing to the next day for most domestic purchases.

This distinct approach to shipping not only enhances the customer experience but also reflects APMEX’s dedication to reliability and efficiency in fulfilling orders.

AutoInvest Program

The AutoInvest program by APMEX marks a significant advancement in simplifying investments in precious metals, making it an attractive option for both seasoned investors and newcomers.

Recognizing the potential hurdles in timing the market, APMEX devised AutoInvest to enable recurring purchases on a set schedule—weekly, bimonthly, monthly, or quarterly.

This ingenious feature empowers investors to systematically build their holdings, leveraging the cost-averaging effect to potentially lower the impact of market volatility.

AutoInvest is particularly valuable for those looking to incrementally invest in precious metals without the need to constantly monitor market prices.

APMEX’s foresight in creating AutoInvest underscores their understanding of investor needs and their commitment to providing tools that foster convenient and strategic investment in precious metals.

Sell to APMEX

Selling precious metals to APMEX is designed to be a straightforward and efficient process, accentuating the ease with which individuals can liquidate their investments.

APMEX welcomes sellers to initiate the procedure online or over the phone, promising quick processing and payment post-authentication of the products.

This prompt service is bolstered by APMEX’s direct association with UPS, ensuring expedited and fully insured shipments.

APMEX’s detailed understanding of the precious metals market, backed by a team of experts with profound product knowledge, guarantees that sellers receive competitive pricing for their assets.

The Bullion Card

The Bullion Card by APMEX is an innovative financial product that intersects the realms of traditional reward credit cards and precious metal investments.

As the first of its kind, the card offers an exciting opportunity to earn cashback in the form of gold or silver, transforming everyday purchases into potential investments.

Cardholders enjoy an impressive introductory offer of 4% back on APMEX purchases and 1% back on all other transactions, alongside a generous signup bonus.

The absence of annual percentage rates (APR) on purchases and balance transfers during the introductory period further enhances the Bullion Card’s appeal.

Exclusive to APMEX customers, this card not only serves as a unique tool for accruing precious metals but also highlights APMEX’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to its clientele.

APMEX Club

The APMEX Club presents a tiered loyalty program meticulously designed to enrich the customer experience through a range of exclusive benefits and services.

Membership is easily attainable, with thresholds based on the number of completed orders or the total value of purchases and sales.

From expedited shipping and access to flash sales to anniversary gifts and special offers, the APMEX Club elevates the investing journey for its members across all tiers: Select, Premier, Elite, and the invitation-only VIP tier.

Membership in the APMEX Club not only accents the company’s appreciation for its clients but also sets a new standard for customer-centric initiatives within the precious metals industry.

Provident Metals

Now, let’s move onto Provident Metals. They also have a solid lineup of services that make getting into precious metals pretty straightforward and educational.

IRA Program

Provident Metals offers a specialized IRA program designed for those who wish to diversify their retirement savings by investing in precious metals.

Through partnership with the Preferred Trust Company, clients can create a self-directed precious metals IRA. The program incorporates gold, silver, platinum, and palladium within retirement planning, providing an alternative to traditional paper assets.

Clients begin by opening an account with the Preferred Trust Company, followed by selecting a secure depository to store their metals.

Investment choices include IRA-approved bullion such as the Australian Kangaroo, British Britannia, and the Canadian Maple Leaf in gold, as well as corresponding options in silver, platinum, and palladium.

These tangible assets can safeguard your retirement portfolio against inflation, offering long-term security.

Sell to Us Service

Provident Metals provides a “Sell to Us” service where clients can sell their precious metal assets, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.

The process is streamlined to ensure clients get competitive prices in a timely manner. Sellers begin by contacting Provident Metals for a quote.

Once the price is agreed, sellers receive instruction on how to securely ship their items. Upon verifying the shipment, Provident Metals releases payment within three business days through ACH, paper check, or wire transfer.

This service is tailored to those looking to divest their holdings efficiently and with confidence. It requires a minimum sell order of $1,000, with the option to sell items not listed on the website by consulting with their purchasing department.

Investing Guide

The Provident Metals Investing Guide serves as an educational hub for both novice and seasoned investors in precious metals.

It features a comprehensive glossary for understanding industry terminology, detailed resources for bullion investment, and a section dedicated to collectible coins.

Investors gain insights into various aspects of precious metals investing, such as the fundamentals of bullion investment and the nuances of collectible coin details and histories.

This helps investors to make informed decisions by improving their knowledge of the market, product offerings, and investment strategies.

With an emphasis on clarity and accessibility, the Knowledge Center prioritizes imparting valued information to assist investors in navigating the complex realm of precious metals, emphasizing the significance of informed investment practices.

Overall, Provident Metals is great for both getting into metal investing and learning more about it. Whether it’s setting up metals for retirement, selling metals, or just soaking up knowledge, they’ve got something for everyone looking to get into precious metals.

3. Fees and Charges

This part talks about how APMEX and Provident Metals charge for things like shipping and handling your precious metals’ purchases.

APMEX

APMEX wants to keep its prices close to the actual market rates, making it easier for customers to afford precious metals.

They give discounts for buying in bulk and let you save 4% if you pay by check or direct bank transfer. However, remember that precious metal prices can change quickly, so timing is everything.

When buying from APMEX, look out for extra charges. Using methods like Paypal or credit cards adds a 4% fee. However, if you spend more than $199, shipping in the US is free, which is great for larger purchases.

For storing your metals, APMEX works with Citadel, offering a storage service that charges you based on how much you’re storing, costing anywhere from $15 to nearly $46 each month.

Provident Metals

The details about their fees for IRA investments are a bit fuzzy, usually hovering around $200 annually for custody and storage, but it’s not crystal clear.

Shipping is another bright spot—Provident Metals scraps the shipping fee for orders over $199, much like APMEX.

APMEX has a clear policy on discounts and additional fees, making it easier to plan your budget. Provident Metals, while a bit less transparent about fees, shows a commitment to customer happiness with their buyback policy and free shipping on larger orders.

4. Shipping Policies

You always want to make sure that your investments are safe and that they won’t cost too much to ship. I’ll give you a quick look at how each company handles shipping, so you know what to expect.

APMEX

For me, APMEX seems customer-friendly when it comes to shipping. They don’t charge for shipping if you spend more than $199, which is a nice perk.

If you buy less, like under $199, APMEX still only asks for $9.95 for shipping, which isn’t too bad. This same fee applies to Citadel orders that are less than $500.

I like that they use safe and private ways to send their packages, like Registered Mail and UPS, and they even wrap things up in a way, so no one knows what’s inside.

They cover your package with insurance while it’s traveling, but they make it clear that once the package is delivered, it’s up to you to make sure it’s safe.

In my eyes, APMEX shows that they really care about their customers by the way they handle shipping – they keep things safe, private, and fair with their fees.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals also takes shipping seriously, offering a lot of choices to make sure customers are happy with how their metals get to them. They have the same free shipping offer on orders over $199, which is great.

Orders that don’t hit the free shipping mark have a flat shipping cost of $9.95, just like APMEX. Provident Metals uses reliable carriers like UPS and USPS, and they also insure everything they send out.

For anything worth more than $1,000, they make sure someone signs for it when it’s delivered, which makes a lot of sense. Sometimes, there might be shipping delays, but they have a team ready to help if there are any issues.

I think Provident Metals really tries to keep customers feeling good about their shipping. They’ve got a nice balance of free and flat-rate shipping, insurance, and making sure higher-value orders are signed for.

In conclusion, my take on APMEX and Provident Metals is that they both do a solid job of making sure your precious metals are shipped in a safe, cost-effective, and customer-focused manner.

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5. Payment Methods

They’ve set up many ways to pay, making it easier for people like you and me. Here’s a closer look at what they offer.

APMEX

I find APMEX pretty flexible with their payment options, aiming to suit our preferences.

  • Checks: You can write a check for orders up to $100,000 and get a 4% discount, which I think is a nice perk.
  • Bank Transfers: For any amount, which is great for big purchases. Plus, they give a 4% discount here too.
  • Cards: They take credit and debit cards but say no to prepaid ones, which is something to remember.
  • eCheck: These are quick and get processed in a day, but your order will wait a bit before it’s sent out.
  • Cryptos: If you’re into Bitcoin or others like Ethereum, you’re in luck because APMEX takes them.
  • PayPal: A handy option for many, including me.

They really try to make it easy for us to buy what we want by offering a bunch of different ways to pay.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals also does a good job of providing a mix of payment methods, surprising in some areas.

  • Bank Wire and eChecks: Quick and solid choices for making sure your order is locked in.
  • Checks and Money Orders: I like that they still accept these, but don’t forget to send them fast because of their rules.
  • Bitcoin: It’s cool to see them embracing digital currency.

However, they don’t take PayPal or cards, which could be a downside if you prefer those methods. They stick to a more traditional path with their payment options, but it works well, offering enough flexibility for most of us, even though it’s not as wide as APMEX.

In the end, both companies make buying metals pretty approachable, depending on what payment methods you’re comfortable with.

6. Customer Support

When picking where to buy precious metals, how the company treats you is super important. Here, I’ll talk about how APMEX and Provident Metals handle customer service.

APMEX

I think they really know how to take care of their customers. You can talk to them through phone, email, or even live chat, which is great since people like different ways of getting help.

From what I’ve seen, their team knows their stuff, and they get back to you pretty quickly. They also have guides and tips, which is a big plus for anyone new to buying precious metals or for those who know the ropes but want to learn more.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals is also a good choice, with great prices and lots of different metals to choose from. They offer help by phone and email.

Some folks say they might not get back to you as quickly as APMEX, especially when they’re really busy. But when you do get in touch with them, they’re helpful and know what they’re talking about.

Both of these companies do a good job in helping their customers, but I feel APMEX might be a bit better because they get back to you quicker and have lots of helpful information easily available.

7. 3rd Party Reviews and Ratings

Making choices about buying from a company can really depend on what other customers say. Good or bad reviews can help us decide. Each review platform gives us different views. Let’s see what customers think about each company.

APMEX

I’ve noticed that APMEX promises a big product selection and says customer satisfaction is a big deal for them. But do the reviews agree? Let’s check out what different review sites say about them.

  • Trustpilot: They have a low score of 1.6 out of 5 from 7,941 reviews, which shows some customers are not happy.
  • ConsumerAffairs: They got a 2.9 out of 5 from 277 reviews. It’s average but could be better.
  • Shopper Approved: Here, APMEX shines with a 4.9 out of 5 from 233,387 reviews. Most customers here seem really happy.
  • Sitejabber: A score of 2 out of 5 from just 50 reviews suggests room for improvement.
  • BBB (Better Business Bureau): They have an A+ rating and 4.22 out of 5 from 244 reviews, showing trust and satisfaction.
  • Yelp: A 2.4 out of 5 from 63 reviews shows mixed feelings.
  • Google Play Store: The app is rated well at 4.8 out of 5 from 17,762 reviews—a good sign for the app experience.

It seems that APMEX does great in some areas but not all. They keep lots of customers happy, especially on Shopper Approved, but they could work on improving other areas too.

Provident Metals

Provident Metals is a company where customer opinions and ratings matter a lot. From great to not-so-great scores, let’s dive into their reviews.

  • BBB (Better Business Bureau): They do well here with an A+ and 4.69 out of 5 from 49 reviews. It seems quite promising.
  • Trustpilot: Their score here is low, 2.7 out of 5 from 3,681 reviews. Some customers definitely had issues.
  • Yelp: From 36 reviews, they have an average rating of 2.5 out of 5.
  • Sitejabber: A slightly better 2.6 out of 5 from 44 reviews, but still room for improvement.

From what I see, Provident Metals is quite trusted on BBB, but other sites show mixed feelings. This means there’s room for them to make things better for their customers.

8. Pros and Cons

Both companies have good points and areas that could be better. Let’s get into what’s great about these companies and what’s not so great.

APMEX

They also have high-tech tools, which seems helpful for people who are serious about their metal investments. Let’s check out why many people like APMEX and where it could do better.

Pros:
  • Trusted Seller: APMEX is a well-known and trusted online shop for buying precious metals like gold and silver. They have a top rating from the Better Business Bureau, which shows they are a serious and safe company to buy from.
  • Lots of Choices: They have a big selection of different metals, coins, and bars. Whether you want to invest or collect, they have plenty of options.
  • Helpful Information: APMEX offers up-to-date news on the metal markets and educational guides. This means you can learn and make smart choices when you buy or sell with them.
  • Great Customer Service: Many customers say the APMEX team is very helpful and knows a lot. They provide good support and help people have a good experience.
Cons:
  • Gold IRA Not the Best: They have coins for gold IRAs, but it seems like they didn’t put a lot of thought into it.
  • Extra Charges: The costs for shipping and keeping your metals with them are a bit high, and you pay extra if you use PayPal, a credit card, or BitPay.

Even though APMEX has some downsides, I think it’s still a strong choice because of all the different products and the tech features that make life easier for investors.

Provident Metals

They’re known for their low prices, and they make it easy to buy metals for your IRA. Here’s what I think is good about Provident Metals and what might need a second thought.

Pros:
  • Trusted: They’ve got a top-notch rating from the Better Business Bureau.
  • Great Inventory with Low Prices: They’ve got loads of different metals, like gold and silver, and don’t charge too much over the normal market price.
  • Handy for IRA: They work with a trust company to make it simple to add metals to your IRA, and they don’t charge a lot to get started.
Cons:
  • Who’s in Charge?: It’s hard to tell who is running the show over there because they don’t share much about their team.
  • Only in the US: If you’re not in the US, you’re out of luck—they don’t ship internationally.
  • Silver’s Expensive: Their silver costs a lot more compared to the usual market price.

Provident Metals seems like a good bet, especially if you are in the US and don’t mind not knowing much about the people in charge. Even with the limitations, they have a strong customer base because of their appealing prices and services.

In the end, your pick between APMEX and Provident Metals might depend on what’s important to you, like having lots of options, easy tools, knowing who you’re dealing with, or if you live outside of the US.

Which Company is Better for You?

Choosing between APMEX and Provident Metals to buy precious metals is a bit tough because both have their perks.

I think if you’re into a huge variety of coins and like being treated super well, APMEX could be your go-to. They’ve got loads of items but might charge a bit more. They also have this awesome 24/7 help if you ever get stuck.

On the flip side, if you’re watching your budget or after something a bit different, Provident Metals might be more up your alley.

Their prices are often a tiny bit cheaper than APMEX, and even though they don’t have help all day and night, they’re still pretty good when you need assistance.

For me, it’s all about what’s more critical – a wide range of products and top-notch service or saving some bucks and getting cool, unique items.

I’d lean towards Provident Metals for savings and unique finds, but if I ever wanted something specific or needed help at odd hours, APMEX would be my choice.

Conclusion

To sum it up, when deciding between APMEX and Provident Metals for your precious metals investment, think about what matters most to you.

If diversity and international renown are key, APMEX is the go-to with its impressive selection and global presence.

However, if saving money and focusing on the US market resonate more with you, Provident Metals could be your best bet, thanks to its competitive pricing and emphasis on American products.

BEST COMPANY
BEST OVERALL
9.8

Goldco Precious Metals

  • Goldco Surpasses $2 Billion in Precious Metals Placements
  • Over 5,000 Five-Star Ratings on BBB, Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs
  • Seven-Time Winer on the Inc. 5000 List

 

Disclosure: “The owners of this website may be paid to recommend Goldco or other companies. The content on this website, including any positive reviews of Goldco and other reviews, may not be neutral or independent.”
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