With the market in continual flux and the abundance of Precious Metal products available, choosing investments can be challenging. This review looks at APMEX, its products, and whether investing with them is a sensible move for you.
What is APMEX?
A leader in online precious metals trading, Oklahoma City-based APMEX is one of the largest American online retailers, with more than 200 employees and over $11 billion in transactions to date. The company was formerly known as American Precious Metals Exchange. Scott Thomas is the President and Chairman who founded the company in 2000; Kenneth Lewis serves as CEO. Over 40,000 products are available at APMEX, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, numismatics, and semi-numismatics. APMEX sells investment and collection products. To help keep customers informed, the APMEX website offers information on collecting and making investments, as well as investment tools and market reports.
Before we continue...
We have worked very hard to review, research and reveal the most important pieces of information that investors need to know before investing their money. We have been able to narrow a list down to the top 5 gold IRA companies.
I recommend you check the list before proceeding with any IRA transfer.
Quick answer: Augusta Precious Metals is our #1 recommendation for multiple reasons, including their
A+ BBB rating, thousands of top rankings, and Money magazine’s selection of them as “Best Gold IRA Company.” PLUS, they will pay all custodial and storage fees for up to 10 years!
APMEX Ratings, Complaints, and Customer Reviews
APMEX has been accredited by BBB since 2004. However, they have received some complaints for:
The good news is that the company resolves issues continually.
Many customers have dealt with APMEX repeatedly, and they heartily recommend them. Here are some of the ratings:
What services does APMEX offer?
The store segment has many categories, including gold, silver, platinum, bars, bullion coins, and more. APMEX likely offers the broadest selection of coins than any other online merchant. Almost any kind of coin is available, even rare coins. More than 10,000 various options are available for purchase. Coins rarely run out of stock. Thanks to their "Buy-Back" program, APMEX is able to maintain a good inventory.
In addition to coins, bars, and rounds, APMEX also offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullions. They collaborate with more than a dozen mints around the world.
Straight from the US Mint, the new 1 oz bullion coins reach you in pristine condition. All the good dealers follow this standard procedure. The coins are stunning, as you would expect from a company with the APMEX name. APMEX has fantastic bargains on junk silver. You would always find premiums for the circulated coins are acceptable.
Numerous numismatic products and a large selection of semi-numismatic coins for collectors are available from APMEX. They have numismatists on staff with years of expertise to identify and confirm the products received.
All APMEX products are stored at its OKC business headquarters. Returns are inspected, and APMEX purchases are pulled from inventory, packaged, and shipped by employees.
UPS and FedEx pick up packages at the location, and a secured team delivers the remainder to USPS.
What does APMEX offer that its competitors don't?
APMEX ships fast through its connections with UPS and FedEx. Moreover, they provide personalized spot price alerts and a rewards program for loyal clients. Via their APMEXclusive product program and their mint, Fine Mint, APMEX introduces products in partnership with companies.
They also provide notifications and tools to help its clients become better investors and keep up with the most recent offerings and new shipments of the business. Customers can also purchase products made of precious metals conveniently and on the go. In 2021, APMEX launched its first shoppable app that enable users to access live spot prices, shopping, portfolio management, and the latest market trends.
What are the fees at APMEX?
APMEX claims no additional fees are applied to the spot prices shown on its website. But if you pay with a check or wire transfer, you'll receive a 4% discount on the costs. This 4% discount is forfeited if you pay with a credit card, PayPal, or BitPay.
Your precious metals are stored with the highest level of security provided by Citadel, an APMEX subsidiary managed by world-class security company Brink's.
On domestic orders, APMEX does not have a minimum or maximum purchase. Orders under $199.00 incur a $9.95 shipping fee, while shipping is free for orders over $199.00. Only domestic orders qualify for free shipping. The annual storage fee ranges from $180 to $300 and depends on the portfolio value.
Can you trust APMEX?
APMEX was established in 2000 and has been accredited by BBB since 2004.
APMEX has over 200 employees and is a multi-billion dollar-brand. They have strong credibility and are an unquestionably reputable business. They take pride in offering the most foreign bullions, such as South African Krugerrands and Royal Canadian Maple Leafs.
They sell collectibles and rare coins. APMEX does not act as a custodian, but they do carry approved metals for IRAs. If self-storage isn't for you, you can count on APMEX because they've partnered with the best custodians.
PROS and CONS of APMEX
Pros
Cons
Also read: Best Gold Ira Companies, Gold IRA Statistics, Gold IRA vs Physical Gold, Goldco vs Augusta Precious Metals
FAQs
Risk is a component of all investments, and coins and bullions are no different. Many economic factors, such as the current market price, the perceived scarcity of the items, and many other factors, influence the value of a bullion coin. The level of quality, the demand at the time, and market mood are a few of these variables. Not everyone may want to invest in bullion or coins because their value can fluctuate. All investments, including bullion and coins, can lose their value, so you should understand them thoroughly before deciding to invest.
You must use one of the following methods to pay APMEX:
- Debit or credit card (excluding prepaid cards)
- PayPal, Money wire, eCheck, written check
- Also payable: Dogecoin (DOGE), Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and five stablecoins pegged to the US dollar (GUSD, USDC, PAX, DAI, and BUSD)
Money orders are no longer accepted.
Yes. All check payments, including electronic checks, are held for four to five business days. Before the order ships, the holding period ensures the bank can notify the company if there is a problem with the payment. If your bank takes too long to confirm the check, additional holding days might result. You may consider paying by same-day bank wire to avoid the holding period and avail the APMEX cash discount.
Most of the time, APMEX can send payment to you the business day after you sell to them if you use APMEX Logistics and choose the Next Day Air option. UPS must receive the package no later than 4 pm on weekdays during regular business hours. The following business day after APMEX receives your item, they will send your payment to you (conditions apply). Choose the payment option that suits you. You will receive a $10 voucher for use on a future APMEX purchase if they can't process your payment by the end of the following business day.
The traders and investors who need to enter and leave markets quickly are more likely to use exchange-traded funds or ETFs. People who buy and hold things prefer physical investments of gold/silver or other metal forms. While an ETF is a paper instrument with some hedging risks, you can always take physical possession of gold or other precious metals if you own them.
