Data Instrument

Dealer Comparison Matrix

Eight reviewed gold companies, measured side by side under the same WWG scoring methodology as our Reviews & Rankings ledger.

5 IRA companies / 3 bullion dealers / 5 criteria, 10-point scale
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APM

Augusta Precious Metals

Editor's Choice IRA Company

Est. 2012 ·Best Gold IRA for serious, long-term retirement investors

9.2 /10
Outstanding
Trust 9.5
Transparency 8.8
Products 7.8
Service 9.5
Value 8.5
Included Min $50,000 Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + No high-pressure sales — non-commissioned reps
  • + Lifetime account support included
  • + In-house economist for market education
  • + Streamlined, transparent setup process

Considerations

  • $50,000 minimum excludes many first-time buyers
  • Product range more limited than bullion dealers
  • Primarily IRA-focused
Read full review → High-net-worth retirement investors rolling over existing 401(k) or IRA assets
BGG

Birch Gold Group

Top Rated IRA Company

Est. 2003 ·Best for education-first IRA investors since 2003

8.8 /10
Excellent
Trust 9.0
Transparency 8.5
Products 8.5
Service 9.0
Value 8.2
Included Min $10,000 Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Operating since 2003 — one of the most established
  • + Wide IRA-eligible product selection
  • + Physical delivery available
  • + Lower $10K minimum broadens accessibility

Considerations

  • Pricing not always most competitive for bullion-only
  • Website could be more modern
  • Storage fees higher for smaller accounts
Read full review → First-time IRA investors who value extensive guidance and a 20+ year track record
APX

APMEX

Best Selection Bullion Dealer

Est. 2000 ·Best bullion dealer for the widest product selection

8.8 /10
Excellent
Trust 9.2
Transparency 8.2
Products 9.8
Service 8.5
Value 8.2
Free over $199 No minimum Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + 25,000+ product listings — unmatched selection
  • + Established since 2000
  • + OneGold digital platform
  • + Robust secondary market and buylist

Considerations

  • Premiums can be higher than focused competitors
  • Can be overwhelming for new buyers
Read full review → Collectors and investors wanting maximum product selection
GC

Goldco

IRA Company

Est. 2006 ·Best for streamlined IRA rollovers from existing accounts

8.8 /10
Excellent
Trust 9.0
Transparency 8.2
Products 8.2
Service 9.0
Value 8.5
Included Min $25,000 Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Industry-leading rollover process
  • + Competitive buyback rates at or above spot
  • + Large, established operation
  • + Step-by-step account guidance

Considerations

  • $25,000 minimum excludes entry-level investors
  • Product range more limited than bullion dealers
  • Some note aggressive follow-up during onboarding
Read full review → Investors rolling over an existing 401(k) or IRA into physical gold
AHG

American Hartford Gold

IRA Company

Est. 2015 ·Best buyback guarantee with accessible minimums

8.7 /10
Excellent
Trust 8.8
Transparency 8.5
Products 8.5
Service 8.8
Value 8.8
Included Min $10,000 Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Best price buyback commitment
  • + Price match guarantee on purchases
  • + Low $10K minimum — most accessible IRA firm
  • + Strong complaint resolution record

Considerations

  • Younger company — less established
  • Storage fees add up for smaller accounts
  • Some report aggressive onboarding follow-up
Read full review → Cost-conscious IRA investors who want a strong buyback guarantee
NG

Noble Gold Investments

IRA Company

Est. 2017 ·Best for personalized service and Texas storage

8.5 /10
Excellent
Trust 8.5
Transparency 8.5
Products 8.0
Service 8.8
Value 8.5
Included Min $20,000 Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Dedicated account rep for each client
  • + Texas-based vault option
  • + Genuinely responsive service
  • + Transparent fee structure

Considerations

  • Newer company — less established
  • Narrower product range
  • Not most competitive for high-volume
Read full review → Investors who want a personal relationship with their account manager
JMB

JM Bullion

Bullion Dealer

Est. 2011 ·Best bullion dealer for competitive pricing and value

8.5 /10
Excellent
Trust 9.0
Transparency 8.5
Products 9.0
Service 8.5
Value 8.8
Free over $199 No minimum Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Consistently tight premiums
  • + Free shipping on $199+
  • + Clear, transparent pricing
  • + Strong track record

Considerations

  • Smaller selection than APMEX for rare items
  • No physical retail locations
  • Slower service during peak demand
Read full review → Regular bullion buyers who want competitive premiums on standard products
SDB

SD Bullion

Bullion Dealer

Est. 2012 ·Best bullion dealer for the lowest premiums over spot

8.4 /10
Very Good
Trust 8.8
Transparency 9.2
Products 8.5
Service 8.0
Value 9.2
Free over $199 No minimum Buyback Program IRA Approved

Strengths

  • + Industry-low premiums over spot
  • + Fully transparent pricing breakdown
  • + Spot price alert tool
  • + Wire transfer discounts

Considerations

  • More basic website experience
  • Slower customer service during peaks
  • Narrower range of specialty products
Read full review → Cost-focused investors who want to minimize premiums on standard bullion
Methodology

How We Score — WWG Methodology

Scores on this page use the same independent WWG scoring system as our Reviews & Rankings page. Each company is assessed across five weighted criteria:

Trustworthiness 25%
Transparency 20%
Product Range 20%
Customer Service 20%
Value 15%

Ratings are editorial and independent. We do not accept payment for listings or rankings. Always verify current pricing directly with companies before purchasing. Read our complete dealer selection guide →