APMEX Review: Is It Right for Your Precious Metals Portfolio?

With investment choices seemingly endless these days, each comes with its own market risks and unknowns. Precious metals, however, carry intrinsic value and a long history of resilience, making them a compelling option to consider.

So, how do you limit uncertainty and reduce the chance of losing money when investing in these assets? After more than two decades in the precious metals industry, I’m convinced the firm you partner with plays a decisive role.

The right provider offers both professional support and the know‑how to navigate this market confidently. Among the companies investors frequently trust is APMEX.

APMEX appeals with a broad range of gold products, including bullion coins and bars, and the option to buy for an IRA account. There’s much more on offer, so here’s my comprehensive review.

APMEX: A Quick Overview

Headquartered in Oklahoma City and formerly known as American Precious Metals Exchange, APMEX is a leader in online precious metals trading and one of the largest online retailers in the United States. Under the leadership of President and Chair Scott Thomas and CEO Kenneth Lewis, APMEX has built a strong reputation since launching in 2000.

What stands out is APMEX’s commitment to delivering an outstanding precious metals experience—reliable service, quality products, secure storage options, swift delivery, and more.

The Best Gold IRA Companies in 2025

Before we dive in, I’ve reviewed dozens of precious metal IRA providers over the years and compiled my top five gold IRA companies for 2025. I recommend reading this guide before proceeding with an IRA transfer.

My number one pick is Augusta Precious Metals—backed by an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, hundreds of 5‑star reviews and lifetime account support. Read my Augusta Precious Metals review or visit the official Augusta website to learn more.

APMEX Products and Services

Here’s what my research and hands‑on experience revealed about APMEX’s offering:

A Broad Range of Gold and Silver Coins

Investing with APMEX opens plenty of avenues to diversify your portfolio. The breadth of the catalogue was one of the first things that impressed me. As listed on the APMEX website, you can explore:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Rare Coins

While this looks concise at a glance, each category contains numerous sub‑categories and product lines. In my view, this breadth suits both first‑time and seasoned investors who want to spread risk across quality assets for the long term.

Precious Metals IRA

You can establish a new IRA or transfer an existing IRA to APMEX through a custodial partner. APMEX collaborates with trusted companies that assist investors in opening and maintaining an IRA account.

Once your account is set up, you can choose from IRA‑eligible products offered by APMEX. Eligible precious metals include:

• Gold with a purity above 99.5% (excluding US Gold Eagle coins)
• Silver with a purity of at least 99.9%
• Platinum with a purity of at least 99.95%
• Palladium with a purity of at least 99.99%

OneGold

APMEX offers access to OneGold—an innovative platform for secure digital ownership of gold, silver and platinum—so you get more than standard precious metals and IRA account services.

Created by APMEX in partnership with Sprott, OneGold provides a modern, secure and cost‑effective path to metal ownership. Holdings are stored with renowned vaulting providers such as Loomis International, the Royal Canadian Mint and APMEX.

Not sure what OneGold is? Similar to an ETF, it lets you benefit from price movements in gold and silver without physically holding inventory. It isn’t identical to ETFs, especially when it comes to fees.

Many ETFs charge 40–60 basis points per year in management fees. OneGold charges just 12 bps for gold and 30 bps for silver annually—often more cost‑effective with tighter spreads than buying physical metal.

AutoInvest

One challenge with precious metals is the difficulty of automating purchases when prices hit certain levels, which can mean missing favourable entry points.

APMEX’s AutoInvest feature allows recurring purchases weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly. It simplifies investing and helps you benefit from regular contributions through market ups and downs—a feature not commonly found among top competitors.

Storage Facility

To keep assets secure, APMEX partners with Citadel Global Depository Services, Inc. Citadel provides high‑security storage for your precious metals in private facilities located within Brink’s—one of the world’s premier security companies.

Your assets are securely stored at Citadel and protected by Brink’s. Additional services and benefits for APMEX customers include:

• Low shipping prices: No additional shipping costs when sending APMEX orders over $500 to Citadel. Orders under $500 incur a $9.95 shipping fee.
• Management tools: Citadel customers get real‑time transaction data and up‑to‑date inventory valuations.
• Insurance: Your products are fully insured while allocated and segregated, protecting against theft, damage or physical loss.
• Personalised delivery: You can take custody of your precious metals at any time.
• Low annual fees: Many storage options cost up to 150 basis points. Citadel’s fees are 55 basis points (0.55%), similar to an ETF’s management fee—combining strong security with value.
• Independent examinations: A major independent accounting firm conducts random audits of Citadel accounts for additional assurance.

Shipping

APMEX offers strong shipping value—free shipping on purchases over $199, and a $9.95 delivery fee on orders under $199.

Orders ship via Registered/Insured US Mail and UPS, typically arriving within 1–10 business days depending on payment method. Debit card orders may qualify for the QuickShip® Program.

This program provides next‑day processing for domestic debit card purchases (with some exclusions based on order contents).

Mobile App

APMEX also offers a dedicated shopping app. Unlike many precious metals providers I’ve used, this app highlights APMEX’s focus on digital solutions for investors.

Launched on Google Play in 2017, the app lets you track spot prices, purchase products, manage your portfolio and follow the latest market trends. It includes tools and notifications to help you stay across new opportunities.

Fees

Over the years I’ve seen many companies obscure their costs. APMEX is comparatively transparent: it charges shipping, handling and insurance only. All domestic orders over $199 and Citadel orders over $500 receive free shipping.

You’ll receive a confirmation email after placing an order outlining what’s included, and prices are locked the moment you order online or over the phone.

Pay by cheque, eCheque or bank transfer and you receive a 4.0% discount. Note that prices shown on the website already include this discount.

Is APMEX Trustworthy?

In my experience, APMEX has earned its standing as a dependable precious metals marketplace.

More than 20 years in operation, a wide product and service range, and a team of professional numismatists covering coins, paper currency and bullion all contribute to why many investors choose APMEX.

APMEX Rating On Consumer Sites

APMEX is rated highly by the Better Business Bureau and ConsumerAffairs, but there are concerns about negative Trustpilot reviews and a weak rating with the Business Consumer Alliance.

Personally, I haven’t experienced anything warranting a complaint. If you’re cautious about these ratings, you may prefer other providers with stronger consumer feedback. See my article on the best precious metals companies.

The Verdict

With AutoInvest, a well‑designed app, a wide choice of metals, secure storage, competitive shipping, a rewards credit card and more, it’s easy to see why APMEX stands out.

There are trade‑offs—limited contact options for some channels and higher costs for certain payment methods—so weigh the benefits against the drawbacks for your situation.

Looking for alternatives? Read my guide to the best precious metals companies to find the right fit for you.