By Mark Sandulli · Founder & editor · Updated October 13, 2026
The cheapest place to buy gold changes daily, so the honest answer is: compare the total delivered price, not the sticker price. The dealer with the lowest coin price isn't always cheapest once shipping and card fees are added.
Big online dealers worth comparing
| Dealer | Known for |
|---|---|
| JM Bullion | Free shipping over a minimum order; wide bullion selection |
| APMEX | One of the largest selections online |
| SD Bullion | Competes hard on low premiums |
| Bullion Exchanges | New York–based; coins, bars and rare coins |
Five ways to pay less
- Pay from your bank account. A bank transfer, e-check or paper check is usually a few percent cheaper than a credit card.
- Hit the free-shipping minimum, or factor shipping into your comparison.
- Buy 1 oz or larger. Small pieces carry much higher premiums per ounce.
- Stick to plain bullion. Skip proof, "limited edition" and graded coins.
- Check the buyback price too. A dealer that buys back close to spot saves you money when you sell.
What about local coin shops? They can be competitive, and you avoid shipping. Ask for their price over spot and their buyback price, then compare.
Red flags: pressure to buy today, phone salespeople steering you to "exclusive" coins, and prices quoted without a clear premium over spot.
Compare today's prices → · Take the 30-second quiz →
We may earn a commission from some dealers listed here. It never changes the order of our comparison. How we make money.
Source for dealer shipping terms: FindBullionPrices JM Bullion profile
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