If you’re looking to invest in precious metals, choosing the right dealer is crucial to ensuring a secure and profitable investment experience. APMEX and SD Bullion are two of the most reputable platforms, each offering a wide selection of gold, silver, and platinum products.
While both dealers provide high-quality metals, they each have distinct features that set them apart. In this review, we’ll compare their product offerings, pricing, customer service, and additional features, helping you make an informed investment decision.
Whether you’re an international buyer, a collector looking for rare coins, or an investor seeking competitive buyback prices, understanding the strengths and unique offerings of each platform will guide you toward the best choice for your investment goals.
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What is APMEX?
Based in Oklahoma City, APMEX (formerly the American Precious Metals Exchange) is a leading force in online precious metals trading and one of the largest internet retailers in the U.S.. Established in 2000, the company is led by President and Chairman Scott Thomas and CEO Kenneth Lewis.
APMEX sets itself apart with a strong commitment to customer experience, offering high-quality products, secure storage solutions, fast shipping, and exceptional service.
The company also provides comprehensive customer support, with multiple communication channels, including live chat support, ensuring quick and efficient assistance for urgent inquiries.
What is SD Bullion?
Founded in 2012, SD Bullion is a leading online precious metals dealer, specializing in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper bullion. The “SD” in its name stands for “Silver Doctors,” and Dr. Tyler Wall owns the company.
SD Bullion is recognized for its below-market pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for investors looking to buy precious metals at competitive rates. Unlike some dealers that charge higher premiums, SD Bullion focuses on affordability, setting it apart in the industry.
The company offers a diverse selection of both domestic and international products, including British gold coins and other foreign bullion, providing versatility for investors with varied preferences.
With its extensive product range and strong reputation for competitive pricing, SD Bullion has gained significant attention in the precious metals market. If you’re looking for an affordable and diverse investment option, exploring SD Bullion may be a valuable step in achieving your financial goals.
Features
APMEX: Features
- AutoInvest Program: APMEX offers an AutoInvest feature, allowing investors to automate recurring purchases of precious metals, ensuring convenience and a disciplined investment strategy.
- The Bullion Card: A unique rewards-based credit card that enhances transaction flexibility and provides added benefits for frequent buyers.
- Extensive Range of Metals: APMEX provides a wide selection of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, catering to investors with diverse preferences.
- Non-Metal Accessories: In addition to bullion and coins, APMEX offers collecting supplies, numismatic accessories, and storage solutions, making it a one-stop shop for precious metal investors.
- Accessible for All Investors: With its user-friendly platform, APMEX is suitable for both beginners and experienced investors, offering a diverse range of investment options to meet different financial goals.
SD Bullion: Features
- $2 Billion in Transactions: SD Bullion has processed over $2 billion in transactions, demonstrating its experience, reliability, and strong presence in the precious metals industry.
- Lowest Price Guarantee: The company is widely recognized for offering some of the lowest prices on gold and silver bullion, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious investors.
- High-Quality Assurance: SD Bullion partners with trusted mints and suppliers, ensuring that all metals are authentic, high-quality, and investment-grade.
- Competitive Buyback Prices: Investors benefit from strong buyback offers, allowing them to sell their metals at competitive rates, maximizing their returns.
- End-to-End Investment Solution: By providing low-cost purchases and high-value buyback rates, SD Bullion serves as a comprehensive platform for both buying and selling precious metals efficiently.
Comparison
APMEX and SD Bullion cater to different investor needs, each offering distinct advantages based on investment priorities.
APMEX excels with innovative features such as the AutoInvest Program for automated purchases and “The Bullion Card”, providing added flexibility and convenience. With its diverse selection of precious metals and investment tools, APMEX is well-suited for both seasoned investors and newcomers looking for a comprehensive platform.
On the other hand, SD Bullion has built a strong reputation with a track record of over $2 billion in transactions, focusing on affordability by offering some of the lowest prices on gold and silver bullion. Coupled with competitive buyback rates, it appeals to investors looking for cost-effective investment opportunities.
The choice between APMEX and SD Bullion depends on individual priorities APMEX is ideal for those seeking advanced features and a broad selection, while SD Bullion is the go-to option for investors prioritizing low pricing and a solid industry track record.
Product and Services
APMEX: Products and Services
APMEX distinguishes itself with a vast selection of precious metals, including an extensive range of coins and collectible items.
One of its standout features is the Portfolio Management tool, which enables investors to track their portfolio’s daily value and set pricing alerts, enhancing investment oversight.
Beyond traditional offerings, APMEX provides Gold and Silver IRA services, allowing investors to integrate precious metals into their retirement portfolios for long-term wealth protection.
A unique addition to its services is the APMEX Bullion Card, which offers 4% cash back on purchases and the option for automatic investments, providing added flexibility and value.
With its comprehensive investment tools, retirement solutions, and exclusive features, APMEX stands out as a top choice for investors looking for a well-rounded and feature-rich precious metals platform.
SD Bullion: Products and Services
SD Bullion offers a diverse selection of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper, catering to a wide range of investors.
In addition to metals, the company provides various accessories, such as safes, vaults, water filters, and survival food, appealing to those interested in preparedness and asset protection.
While SD Bullion does not directly offer IRA services, they partner with New Direction IRA custodians, guiding investors looking to incorporate precious metals into their retirement portfolios.
For secure storage, SD Bullion offers vaulting solutions, with detailed fee structures available on their website, ensuring transparency and flexibility for investors seeking safekeeping options.
Comparison
A comparison of APMEX and SD Bullion in terms of products and services highlights their distinct strengths and unique offerings.
APMEX excels with its comprehensive investment tools, including the Portfolio Management tool for tracking assets, Gold and Silver IRA services for retirement planning, and the APMEX Bullion Card, which offers cash-back rewards and automatic investments, providing added value beyond traditional buying and selling.
On the other hand, SD Bullion caters to a broader range of investor needs, offering not just gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, but also accessories, safes/vaults, water filters, and survival items, making it an appealing choice for those looking to diversify beyond precious metals.
Both companies serve different investor preferences APMEX focuses on advanced investment tools and financial flexibility, while SD Bullion provides a diverse product lineup and practical storage solutions.
The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities whether an investor values innovative investment tools and IRAs or a wider selection of products and survival essentials.
Shipping
APMEX: Pricing
APMEX offers transparent pricing for precious metals, with a flat shipping fee of $9.95 for orders under $199, while orders over this amount qualify for free shipping.
To ensure security and peace of mind, all shipments are fully insured, protecting orders during transit. Additionally, a signature is required upon delivery, providing proof of receipt and safeguarding packages from potential loss or theft.
SD Bullion: Pricing
SD Bullion maintains transparent and straightforward pricing, charging a flat shipping fee of $7.77 for orders under $199, while orders over this amount qualify for free shipping.
For international shipments, costs are calculated at checkout, with potential duties and taxes payable upon delivery.
To ensure security and accountability, all packages both domestic and international require a signature upon delivery.
Failure to provide a signature may void the package’s insurance coverage. Customers also receive tracking numbers to monitor their orders in real time.
Comparison
A comparison of APMEX and SD Bullion’s pricing structures highlights some key differences. APMEX applies a $9.95 shipping fee for orders under $199, while SD Bullion offers a slightly lower flat rate of $7.77 for orders below this threshold. Both companies provide free shipping on orders exceeding $199.
In terms of security, both APMEX and SD Bullion fully insure their shipments and require a signature upon delivery to safeguard orders.
Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to individual preferences regarding shipping costs and order values, as both platforms ensure secure and reliable delivery.
APMEX vs SD Bullion: Which one is better?
In summary, both APMEX and SD Bullion are well-established and reputable precious metals dealers, each offering unique advantages.
Rather than one being inherently superior, the best choice depends on individual investment goals and preferences.
APMEX stands out for its extensive product selection, including traditional metals, collectible items, and non-metal accessories.
Additionally, it provides valuable market insights through the Daily Gold and Silver Market Report, helping investors make informed decisions.
SD Bullion, on the other hand, offers the Monthly Savings Program, which allows investors to purchase precious metals at discounted rates regularly, with the flexibility to adjust or cancel subscriptions as needed.
Ultimately, the choice between APMEX and SD Bullion depends on whether an investor prioritizes a vast selection and market insights (APMEX) or affordable, subscription-based investing (SD Bullion).
