In-depth review
APMEX Review (2026)
APMEX is best for buyers who want a broad precious-metals selection, published online prices, and the ability to choose bullion directly, provided they compare premiums and confirm separate IRA custody costs.
4.0
Our score / 5
Founded
2000
Metals offered
Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium
Storage
Multiple Options Available
BBB rating
A+
The quick verdict
Is APMEX worth it?
APMEX is worth considering for buyers who prioritize product choice and online shopping. Its IRA process connects bullion purchases with a separate custodian, including Equity Trust, while offering designated IRA-eligible products. Compare the final purchase premium, resale quote, and complete custody costs before choosing it.
Bottom line
Best for investors who want to select bullion online from a broad catalogue. Consider alternatives if you need a consolidated IRA fee quote or prefer extensive personal assistance throughout the process.
What we like
Watch out for
Best for
Not ideal for
Costs
Fees, pricing & minimums
APMEX states that its minimum IRA purchase is $2,000. This is a dealer purchase minimum rather than a complete account-opening requirement. The selected custodian may impose separate cash-balance or funding requirements. Its IRA FAQ also states a $1,000 minimum for selling metals back to APMEX.
A single current IRA setup fee or comprehensive annual cost was not verified in the reviewed dealer materials. Request the custodian’s written schedule covering opening, administration, storage, transactions, transfers, and closure. Any promotion should specify which charges are covered, its qualification requirements, and when assistance ends.
Citadel’s published non-IRA storage schedule starts at 0.55% annually, with a $15 monthly minimum, billed quarterly. This equals a $180 annual minimum. Larger portfolios have lower percentage tiers. These rates should not be presented as the cost of an APMEX IRA.
Online prices make product comparisons easier, but premiums above spot and the purchase-to-sale spread still matter. Compare the exact weight, mint, quantity, payment method, and delivered cost. Special prices can change with market conditions.
Security
Storage & custody
APMEX sells metals; a separate IRA custodian administers the retirement account. Its online IRA process identifies Equity Trust, and its materials explain that preferred custodians provide depository choices. Confirm the specific facility, legal custodian, storage method, and insurance before placing an IRA order.
For separate non-IRA holdings, APMEX offers Citadel Global Depository Services, its wholly owned storage subsidiary. APMEX states that domestic Citadel storage uses Brink’s and that products are allocated, segregated, and protected against theft, damage, or physical loss. These general storage terms should not automatically be assumed to govern an IRA account.
IRA bullion belongs to the account. The investor directs purchases but cannot keep the metal at home as personal property while retaining compliant IRA custody. An authorized in-kind distribution is different and may create taxes or penalties. Storage insurance protects against specified physical risks, not declining metal prices.
Products
Metals & product selection
APMEX offers gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, with dedicated IRA-eligible categories. Its catalogue includes recognizable bullion coins, bars, and collectible products. American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs are established examples, alongside bars in different sizes.
Selection helps investors compare premiums, weights, and brands. It also requires care: collectible packaging, certification, or a dealer listing does not automatically establish IRA eligibility. Have the custodian approve each product.
Eligible gold bullion generally must meet 99.5% fineness, with an exception for qualifying American Gold Eagles. Silver, platinum, and palladium have their own standards. Smaller products can support flexible purchasing but often cost more per ounce than larger bars. Non-IRA purchases can be delivered to customers under APMEX’s shipping terms.
Trust
Reputation & track record
BBB lists APMEX’s business start date as February 1, 2000, and accreditation since April 29, 2004. The retrieved profile shows an A+ rating. Accreditation is a business-reputation indicator, not investment approval or a guarantee.
The retrieved Trustpilot profile displays a 4.4/5 score from approximately 10,190 reviews. Positive feedback includes repeat purchasing and ease of ordering. Critical feedback and BBB comments include delivery, missing-package claims, and customer-service concerns. Ratings change, and retail reviews provide limited evidence about IRA administration.
A comprehensive regulatory or litigation history was not established in this review. Its operating history and catalogue are more useful evidence than an unsupported claim that its record is free of disputes.
Scorecard
How we scored APMEX
Not sure APMEX is the right fit?
See how it stacks up against every provider we rate.
Editorial
How we review gold IRA companies
This review assesses official product listings, IRA information, fee disclosures, storage terms, BBB records, and available customer feedback. The provisional score weights fees and value at 30%, selection at 20%, storage and security at 20%, support at 15%, and reputation at 15%. The weighted result is 3.99, rounded to 4.0.
This is desk research. We did not open an account, purchase bullion, inspect a vault, audit insurance, or test liquidation. The weights provide a consistent comparison framework; we have not verified an established publisher-wide testing history or affiliate relationship.
FAQ
Common questions about APMEX
What is APMEX’s minimum investment?
APMEX has a $2,000 minimum investment requirement.
Is APMEX a legitimate, safe choice?
Yes, they are a reputed precious metals dealer with an industry presence spanning over two decades.
Can I roll over a 401(k) into a gold IRA with them?
Yes, they work with Equity Trust to facilitate gold IRA rollovers.
Where will my metals be stored?
While APMEX offers Citadel’s storage for non-IRA purchases, IRA-approved storage depends on your custodian.
Final verdict
Should you choose APMEX?
APMEX deserves consideration if broad product choice and online purchasing are priorities. For a precious-metals IRA, compare the total custodian and storage costs, purchase premium, and resale quote before funding. Its catalogue is a strength, while price and service comparisons remain important.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no extra cost to you. This can influence which companies we feature. We only cover providers we believe offer genuine value.
Not financial advice: Informational only. Precious-metals investing carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed advisor before investing.
