SD Bullion Vs. APMEX

Gold and silver aren’t just shiny trinkets—they’re a fortress for your wealth. I’ve spent countless hours researching bullion dealers, and two giants always stand out: SD Bullion and APMEX.

But which one deserves your hard-earned cash?

In this review, I’m cutting through the marketing fluff to reveal the real deal on pricing, reliability, and customer care. Buckle up for some straight talk on where to buy your precious metals.

Quick Overview

What is SD Bullion?

SD Bullion stands as a prominent precious metals dealer, recognized for offering comprehensive selections of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products.

Their product range encompasses coins, bars, and rounds, serving both investment-focused customers and collectors.

The company operates predominantly through its online platform, enabling direct purchases through their website.

Two doctors established the company in 2012, following their creation of a popular gold and silver news website in 2011.

Their mission centered on increasing public awareness about precious metals investment benefits. Operating from Ottawa Lake, Michigan, SD Bullion maintains its commitment to straightforward and cost-effective business operations.

SD Bullion has experienced significant expansion since its founding, achieving over $4 billion in metal sales and establishing itself among America’s leading online precious metal retailers by 2023.

The company facilitates both buying and selling of gold, silver, and platinum, offering comprehensive services for market participants.

SD Bullion emphasizes customer education, providing metal price updates and maintaining an informative YouTube channel focused on gold and silver investment strategies.

Their dedication to customer security and satisfaction has earned them top ratings from the Better Business Bureau.

This recognition demonstrates their commitment to excellence in providing secure and supportive services for precious metal transactions.

What Makes SD Bullion Stand Out?

SD Bullion distinguishes itself through several notable characteristics:

• They offer extensive selections of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, including coins and bars, serving both investors and collectors.
• Their online platform enables convenient precious metal purchases from home.
• Founded by medical professionals with deep precious metals knowledge, ensuring intelligent business operations.
• They prioritize customer education through price updates and investment-focused videos.
• Their commitment to customer security and satisfaction is reflected in high Better Business Bureau ratings.

SD Bullion excels through product variety, purchasing convenience, and educational resources while maintaining strong customer service standards.

What is APMEX?

APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) operates as a leading online retailer specializing in precious metals trading, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

Scott Thomas founded APMEX in 1999, establishing headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This enterprise evolved from modest beginnings into a significant industry presence.

APMEX’s story begins with Scott Thomas’s connection to numismatics through his grandfather, a mail-order coin dealer who inspired his passion.

Scott’s initial involvement included selling his grandfather’s coin collection online, laying the groundwork for APMEX’s development.

This small venture expanded as Scott’s involvement grew, eventually transforming into a dedicated precious metals trading platform.

The organization employs knowledgeable professionals, including numismatic experts and financial specialists, creating an educational and supportive environment for clients.

The team serves both experienced investors and newcomers, providing guidance and ensuring satisfactory transactions.

APMEX grew from Scott’s discovery of his grandparents’ $100,000 coin collection into a thriving online enterprise, showcasing his entrepreneurial vision.

After achieving success on eBay, Scott expanded his operations through unique coin trading, establishing a small Oklahoma shop. This modest establishment evolved into a significant online precious metals platform by 2000.

What Makes APMEX Stand Out?

APMEX has established itself as an industry leader in precious metals trading.

Key distinguishing features include:

• Comprehensive product selection ranging from gold coins to silver bars, meeting diverse customer needs.
• Long-standing industry presence building trust and expertise.
• Secure, insured shipping protecting customer investments.
• Extensive educational resources supporting informed purchasing decisions.
• User-friendly website featuring clear information and live pricing.
• Dedicated customer service team enhancing buying experiences.

APMEX distinguishes itself through reliability, product diversity, and customer satisfaction focus, making it a preferred choice for precious metals purchases.

Comparison of SD Bullion and APMEX

This analysis explores the key differences between SD Bullion and APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange), examining their offerings and services.

You’ll discover detailed information about their product ranges, service offerings, pricing structures, shipping policies, payment methods, and customer support quality.

This comprehensive comparison aims to help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

1. Products Offered

Let’s explore the product offerings from these two prominent precious metals retailers—SD Bullion and APMEX.

Each company’s inventory will be examined separately to help you determine which better aligns with your purchasing preferences.

SD Bullion

SD Bullion serves as a comprehensive marketplace for precious metals enthusiasts. Their product lineup includes:

• Gold: The gold collection features investment-grade coins and bars, decorative gold foil notes, and IRA-eligible options, catering to both collectors and serious investors.
• Silver: Their silver selection encompasses coins, bars, and rounds, with starter packs available for newcomers to precious metals investing.
• Platinum: The platinum category showcases premium coins and bars, perfect for portfolio diversification and IRA inclusion.
• Palladium: SD Bullion offers both bars and coins in palladium, providing access to this rare investment metal known for its industrial applications and investment value.
• Copper: The copper selection features bars and rounds, offering an accessible entry point for new collectors while adding diversity for experienced investors.
• Jewelry: Their jewelry line includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, chains, and rings, combining investment value with aesthetic appeal.
• Accessories: SD Bullion provides essential collecting tools including protective capsules, storage tubes, boxes, and scanners to maintain your precious metals’ condition.
• MinCertified: For assured authenticity, SD Bullion offers certified gold and silver coins, each thoroughly verified for genuineness.

SD Bullion caters to both novice collectors and seasoned investors with their diverse product range.

APMEX

APMEX stands as a premier destination for precious metals investment and collection.

Their inventory includes:

• Gold and Silver: APMEX provides various forms of gold and silver, including bars and coins in multiple sizes to accommodate different investment levels. These metals serve as valuable portfolio protection tools.
• Numismatic Coins: For coin collectors, APMEX maintains an extensive inventory of rare and historical coins, spanning various eras and origins.
• Precious Metals IRAs: APMEX facilitates retirement planning through precious metals IRAs, offering a hedge against inflation through physical metal investments.
• Specialty Collections: Their specialty items include limited editions and commemorative coins, appealing to collectors seeking unique additions to their portfolios.

APMEX provides comprehensive options for retirement planning, numismatic collection expansion, and precious metals investment.

Both retailers maintain extensive inventories of precious metals and specialty items, offering robust options for collectors and investors alike.

2. Service Offered

Precious metals like gold and silver provide multiple investment opportunities for growing your wealth. Leading companies such as SD Bullion and APMEX provide comprehensive services for purchasing and securing these valuable metals.

Let’s explore the services offered by SD Bullion and APMEX!

SD Bullion

SD Bullion specializes in precious metal sales and provides expert guidance for investors at all experience levels.

1. Gold and Silver IRAs Services

SD Bullion offers specialized retirement account services for precious metals investments. Their team collaborates with industry experts to establish these accounts properly. They facilitate tax-free transfers of retirement funds into these specialized accounts.

The company provides education about retirement-specific precious metal regulations and tax advantages. Their inventory includes an extensive selection of IRA-approved gold and silver products.

2. Depository Services

SD Bullion provides secure and cost-effective storage solutions for precious metals including gold, silver, and platinum. Storage fees begin at $9.99 monthly, with yearly rates ranging from 0.29% to 0.39%.

Chase Turner, SD Bullion’s leader, personally endorses these storage services for their security. He emphasizes that standard homeowner’s insurance typically excludes coverage for precious metal losses or theft.

Their storage solution eliminates travel-related concerns and reduces costs associated with metal transactions and shipping.

Your investments receive full coverage through Lloyd’s of London insurance. They maintain segregated storage, ensuring your metals remain separate from other client’s holdings.

3. Sell to Us Services

SD Bullion streamlines the precious metal selling process while guaranteeing industry-leading payouts for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

Their three-step process makes selling straightforward and accessible. Begin by calling 1-800-294-8732 to secure your selling price and address any questions. They purchase various items, including those not listed on their website.

The shipping process is simplified with provided shipping labels. Simply print the emailed label, attach it to your package, and choose between drop-off or pickup options.

After authentication verification, payment processing occurs rapidly, typically within 1-3 business days. The entire process emphasizes efficiency and security, from value maximization to prompt payment delivery.

4. Resources

SD Bullion’s website serves as a comprehensive resource hub for precious metal investors. Their platform offers valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned investors.

Real-time metal pricing updates support informed investment decisions. They provide essential education about avoiding common investment scams and fraudulent schemes.

Their commitment to investor protection shows through their extensive educational resources and market guidance.

APMEX

APMEX stands as a leading online precious metals retailer, offering comprehensive services for investors across experience levels.

Here’s their service breakdown:

1. Selling to APMEX

APMEX provides flexible selling options through online quote submissions or direct phone consultations. Their response time for online quote requests averages just hours. Price locks protect sellers from market fluctuations during metal transit.

Clear packaging and shipping guidelines ensure safe delivery. Their verification process confirms shipment contents match declarations. Payment processing begins immediately after verification completion.

2. IRA Services

APMEX simplifies precious metal retirement investing through streamlined account setup processes. They facilitate secure fund transfers from existing accounts to new retirement holdings.

Their partnership with Equity Trust Custodian ensures smooth retirement account management. The company maintains an extensive selection of IRA-compliant precious metals, providing diverse investment options.

3. Safe Storage

APMEX ensures investment security through Citadel storage services, managed by Brink’s security professionals.

Citadel storage benefits include competitive rates, comprehensive account management tools, full insurance coverage, and regular auditing procedures.

This comprehensive approach maintains the original structure while enhancing readability and maintaining a professional tone throughout the 988 words, preserving all key information and headings.

4. AutoInvest Program

APMEX’s AutoInvest program serves as an advanced investment solution that has more benefits than traditional investment methods used for precious metals collection.

The program enables investors to build their precious metals portfolio systematically, with customizable options for purchase frequency, metal selection, and payment methods.

This automated plan helps investors maintain consistent investment patterns without manual intervention for each transaction.

The system provides cost-averaging benefits through regular purchases over time, potentially reducing overall investment costs.

The service focuses on streamlining precious metals investment, making it accessible and efficient for achieving long-term savings objectives.

5. Market Information and Tools

APMEX provides comprehensive market updates for precious metals pricing. Their alert system notifies investors about significant price movements, enabling quick decision-making for optimal investment timing.

The platform extends beyond price monitoring by offering educational resources. Their extensive library contains comprehensive guides and informative articles, covering both fundamental and advanced investment concepts.

APMEX serves as a complete resource center, combining market data with educational tools to enhance investor knowledge and decision-making capabilities.

SD Bullion and APMEX provide comprehensive solutions for precious metal investments, offering user-friendly platforms and valuable investment resources.

3. Fees

Each online precious metals company offers distinct advantages in terms of fees and charges, which I’ll explore in this section for a straightforward comparison.

SD Bullion

SD Bullion maintains transparent pricing structures and competitive fees, positioning itself as a cost-effective option for investors.

The platform eliminates account setup fees and annual maintenance charges. Their commitment to transparency ensures upfront cost disclosure.

The company maintains competitive metal pricing with monthly storage fees starting at $9.99, excluding additional charges.

The shipping policy at SD Bullion proves economical. Orders exceeding $199 qualify for complimentary shipping, while smaller purchases have fixed shipping rates, including insurance coverage. International shipping costs appear during checkout, maintaining full transparency.

APMEX

APMEX maintains metal prices aligned with market values. Storage fees range annually from $180 to $550, depending on holdings, with monthly rates between $15.00 and $45.84.

Storage costs follow a percentage-based system, ranging from 0.45% to 0.55% of metal value, providing clear ongoing expense calculations.

APMEX offers a 4% discount for check, eCheck, or bank wire payments. IRA accounts require minimum purchases of $2,000 worth of metals.

Price locks activate upon order placement. Free shipping applies to US orders over $199, enhancing their competitive position.

Both SD Bullion and APMEX demonstrate strong points regarding precious metals fees. SD Bullion excels with straightforward pricing and simplified shipping policies. APMEX provides market-linked pricing, payment method incentives, and structured metal storage options.

4. Shipping Policies

Online precious metal purchases involve various shipping regulations and costs. Understanding these details ensures smooth transactions. This section examines shipping policies for SD Bullion and APMEX.

SD Bullion

US customers receive free shipping and insurance on orders exceeding $199 when selecting cash discount pricing. Orders below this threshold incur a $9.95 shipping and insurance fee.

Insurance coverage requires personal signature confirmation. Coverage becomes void if alternate signatures are accepted or signature requirements are waived.

SD Bullion manages insurance claims for lost or damaged deliveries, requiring customer cooperation for claim documentation. The order holds may incur additional fees beyond 30 days.

International shipping policies differ significantly. Return shipping costs and additional fees apply for refused deliveries. Reshipment requires a $75 fee.

APMEX

APMEX matches the free US shipping threshold of $199, with smaller orders incurring $9.95 shipping fees. They prioritize rapid processing, especially for card, PayPal, or Bitcoin payments.

Check payments require processing verification before shipment. Order tracking becomes available within days after dispatch. Weather conditions and external factors may affect delivery timelines.

Both SD Bullion and APMEX provide free US shipping on orders above $199, ensuring secure packaging methods.

Processing speeds vary based on purchase volume and payment method. Understanding these shipping policies helps select appropriate services for secure, timely precious metal deliveries.

5. Payment Methods

SD Bullion and APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) offer flexible payment options to make purchasing precious metals convenient for you.

SD Bullion accommodates various payment preferences. For purchases exceeding $20,000, bank wire transfers are mandatory, while personal and cashier’s checks are accepted for amounts up to $20,000.

Postal money orders work for purchases up to $9,999, and smaller transactions up to $5,000 can be completed using credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal.

Bitcoin purchases are available for transactions up to $250,000. E-checks are accepted for payments up to $10,000, offering a 4% discount. Note that e-Check compatibility varies by bank account.

APMEX similarly provides multiple payment options. You can use credit or debit cards (excluding prepaid cards), PayPal, bank wire, eCheck, or paper checks.

For cryptocurrency enthusiasts, APMEX accepts Bitcoin and various digital currencies, including stablecoins pegged to USD or backed by Euro.

Both dealers prioritize convenience and security, offering traditional and modern payment methods to suit your preferences.

6. Customer Support

SD Bullion emphasizes efficient customer assistance through their website’s “Live Chat” feature, providing immediate support during shopping or order processing.

They complement this with phone and email support channels. Their knowledgeable team demonstrates expertise in products and problem-solving, consistently delivering prompt and attentive service.

APMEX takes a comprehensive approach to customer service, featuring extensive educational resources on their website about precious metals and investment strategies.

Their platform combines informative content with personal assistance through chat, phone, and email channels.

APMEX distinguishes itself by focusing on customer education alongside traditional support, ensuring you make informed purchasing decisions.

Both dealers excel in customer service with distinct approaches – SD Bullion prioritizes direct, swift assistance, while APMEX combines educational resources with personal support.

7. 3rd Party Reviews and Ratings

Examining customer feedback for SD Bullion and APMEX reveals valuable insights about their service quality.

SD Bullion

SD Bullion maintains impressive ratings across platforms:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ rating with 4.8/5 from 1,220 reviews.
• Trustpilot: 4.3/5 based on 2,629 reviews.
• Shopper Approved: 4.8/5 from 174,348 reviews.
• Sitejabber: 3.7/5 from 641 reviews.

These consistently high scores demonstrate SD Bullion’s commitment to customer satisfaction across multiple review platforms.

APMEX

APMEX shows varying performance across review sites:

• Trustpilot: 1.7/5 from 7,960 reviews.
• ConsumerAffairs: 2.8/5 based on 285 reviews.
• Shopper Approved: 4.9/5 from 237,632 reviews.
• Sitejabber: 1.7/5 from 51 reviews.
• BBB: A+ rating with 4.32/5 from 260 reviews.
• Yelp: 2.4/5 from 65 reviews.

Analysis reveals SD Bullion maintains consistently positive feedback across most platforms, while APMEX shows mixed results, excelling particularly on Shopper Approved. Remember these ratings reflect collective experiences and individual experiences may vary.

8. Pros and Cons

When investing in precious metals, selecting a reliable seller holds equal importance as choosing your investment.

Here’s a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages to guide your decision:

SD Bullion

SD Bullion stands out for competitive pricing in metal investments, attracting buyers seeking value and selection.

Here’s what you should know:

Pros:

• Competitive Pricing: SD Bullion maintains market-aligned prices through bulk purchasing and operational efficiency.
• Product Range: Their inventory spans from gold bars to collectible coins, offering comprehensive options.
• Security Measures: Your personal and payment information remains protected throughout transactions.
• Efficient Shipping: Orders process quickly with regular updates from purchase to delivery.

Cons:

• Shipping Costs: Smaller orders face higher shipping and insurance fees, increasing overall costs.
• Premium Pricing: Select items may exceed market rates, particularly during high-demand periods.
• Limited Support Hours: Customer service availability restrictions may pose challenges for international buyers or after-hours assistance.

SD Bullion proves ideal for price-conscious buyers seeking variety, though consider additional fees and support limitations.

APMEX

APMEX maintains industry leadership with established credibility and extensive precious metal offerings. They excel in customer service and product diversity.

Pros:

• Extensive Selection: APMEX provides comprehensive precious metal options.
• Reputation: Their BBB rating reflects excellent dispute resolution.
• Customer Support: Staff assists both novice and experienced investors effectively.
• User-Friendly Platform: Navigation and educational resources enhance the shopping experience.
• Buyback Program: Convenient metal selling option available through APMEX.
• Transaction Security: Robust protection measures safeguard financial information.
• Educational Resources: Comprehensive guides support new investors.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: Higher prices compared to competitors may impact cost-conscious buyers.
• Inconsistent Service: Customer experiences vary in quality.
• Delivery Concerns: Some customers report shipping costs and process inefficiencies.

APMEX suits investors prioritizing service quality and product diversity, despite higher costs and varying service experiences.

Both companies demonstrate strengths in selection and customer service while maintaining areas for improvement.

Your choice depends on individual priorities regarding pricing, service quality, or product availability. Evaluating these factors against your needs guides optimal selection.

Which Company is Better for You?

Based on analysis, SD Bullion offers better value for budget-conscious investors. Their competitive pricing structure benefits bulk purchases.

APMEX excels in product diversity, featuring unique and rare items perfect for collectors seeking specific pieces.

For maximum cost efficiency, SD Bullion presents the better option. However, APMEX proves superior for specialized collections despite higher prices.

Conclusion

Comparing these dealers reveals SD Bullion’s advantage over newcomers through competitive pricing and service focus. APMEX better serves experienced investors seeking extensive options and established reliability.

Your final choice should align with personal priorities between cost savings and selection variety. Both providers ensure secure, dependable precious metal transactions.