We earn commissions from featured brands, which impact the order and presentation of listings
Advertising Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Search
Investing » SD Bullion vs. APMEX: Side-by-Side Comparison

SD Bullion vs. APMEX: Side-by-Side Comparison

Is SD Bullion better than APMEX? We compare ratings, product selection, IRA services, and more to help you choose the right gold dealer.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

SD bullion logo

SD Bullion
APMEX
Min. Investment
$0
$0
Established
2012
2000
Storage Fees
0.29% – 0.39% Starts at $9.99. 0.29% annual fee for gold amd platinum products, 0.39% for silver
About 0.55% Annually, estimated – can be vary between accounts
Coin & Bar Selection
Strong bullion focus, IRA-approved metals, fractional sizes
Broad selection, includes rare coins, collectibles, pre-1933 gold
Payment Methods
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Pricing Transparency
Real-time spot price updates
Real-time spot price updates
Best For
Affordable bullion, strong reviews, IRA simplicity
Collectors, rare coins, and premium features
Our Rating
(4.3/5)
(4.1/5)
Read Review
Read Review

SD Bullion vs. APMEX: Which Has Better Reviews?

SD Bullion clearly outperforms APMEX in terms of customer satisfaction across major review platforms.

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
4.3 (2,648 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 2014
Sitejabber
3.3 (641 reviews)

While both companies hold A+ BBB ratings, SD Bullion earns a 4.3 Trustpilot score versus APMEX’s low 1.7. On Consumer Affairs, APMEX lags with 2.8.

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
1.7 (7,966 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 2004
Consumer Affairs
2.8 (290 reviews)

This discrepancy highlights SD Bullion’s consistent service and reliability, whereas APMEX’s reputation suffers due to complaints around order processing, delays, and customer support.

Buying Bullion: SD Bullion or APMEX?

When it comes to buying gold and silver directly, both SD Bullion and APMEX offer wide-ranging product lines — including coins, bars, and rounds from leading mints.

APMEX stands out with its massive inventory, including pre-1933 gold, junk silver, and a broad selection of collectibles.

On the other hand, SD Bullion focuses more on investment-grade bullion, offering IRA-approved products in various sizes, including fractional options.

In terms of payment flexibility, SD Bullion clearly leads. Buyers can choose from credit/debit cards, PayPal, e-check, bank wire, and even Bitcoin — many of which qualify for a 4% discount.

SD Bullion gold bars
1/100 oz gold coin on SD Bullion (screenshot taken by our team from SD Bullion)

APMEX also accepts these methods, but imposes a 4% fee on card and crypto transactions, which can reduce cost-efficiency.

Shipping policies are similar — both offer free shipping on orders over $199 and insure all deliveries. However, SD Bullion’s spot price locking system is a standout feature, securing your price at checkout even if your payment clears days later.

APMEX offers faster shipping through its QuickShip® program, but SD Bullion offers better pricing consistency.

Both dealers include robust buyback programs, but SD Bullion’s minimums are lower, making it more accessible for smaller investors. APMEX’s $1,000 minimum for selling back metals may be a barrier for beginners.

U.S. Mint gold coins, APMEX
Example of U.S. Mint gold coins, APMEX (Screenshot from APMEX website)

While APMEX has great extras like its Bullion Card and AutoInvest, these are more valuable for frequent or advanced buyers.

For everyday investors, SD Bullion provides the better balance of pricing, accessibility, and product range.

Comparing Gold IRA Services: SD Bullion or APMEX?

Overall, both companies are strong in IRA offerings, but SD Bullion’s simplified onboarding, strong support, and investor-friendly terms give it a narrow but meaningful advantage.

Both APMEX and SD Bullion make it easy to set up a precious metals IRA, partnering with reputable custodians and offering a wide range of IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products.

APMEX works with Equity Institutional, Strata Trust, and others; SD Bullion also partners with New Direction Trust and Kingdom Trust.

APMEX IRA join

In terms of product availability, both platforms support a diverse set of IRA-eligible metals — from gold bars to coins like the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf.

However, SD Bullion’s IRA setup process feels a bit more streamlined, with dedicated guidance and multiple funding options, including rollovers from existing 401(k)s and IRAs.

When it comes to storage, APMEX stores IRA metals through Citadel, operated by Brink’s, while SD Bullion uses its own SD Depository — a fully insured, non-bank storage facility.

IRA approved platinum, SD Bullion
Example of IRA approved platinum, SD Bullion

SD Bullion also gives new customers three months of free storage, making it more attractive to first-time IRA investors.

Fee structures are where SD Bullion has a slight disadvantage. While both platforms require you to contact them directly for full IRA fee details, APMEX lists its storage fee (about 0.55% annually) more transparently.

Summary: SD Bullion vs APMEX

In this comparison, SD Bullion outperforms APMEX in key areas.

It earns higher ratings from customers, offers better value for physical purchases, and delivers a smoother experience for IRA investors. APMEX brings strong features and product variety, but its lower reviews and higher payment fees hold it back.

Overall, SD Bullion is our top pick for most gold and silver investors.

FAQ

Yes, both SD Bullion and APMEX are well-established with secure websites, insured shipping, and strong reputations in the precious metals market.

SD Bullion is generally more beginner-friendly with straightforward pricing and a simple checkout process, making it ideal for newcomers.

Not all purchases are reported. Reporting depends on the type and size of the transaction, and both companies comply with federal regulations.

While both accept crypto, APMEX supports more digital currencies via BitPay, offering better integration for crypto investors.

Only APMEX offers this through its AutoInvest feature, which lets users schedule regular gold, silver, or platinum buys.

Yes, but cancellations come with penalties. SD Bullion charges a restocking and market loss fee; APMEX charges a flat cancellation fee plus market loss.

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Search
Best Investing Brokers
Top Offers From Our Partners

empower logo

Personal Finance & Investing Tools
Budgeting, goal planning, net worth, cash flow, tax minimizing, personalized portfolio construction, tracking and adjustments
Talk to Financial Advisors

acorns-logo

Smart Portfolios by Experts
Cash Account with 1.00% – 3.00% APY

Promotion:
$5 Sign up, add $5 or more to your personal portfolio, and Stash give you a $5 bonus to start. 
Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
Coinbase Wallet
Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

Buy and Sell Crypto witH IRA
Buy and Sell Gold & Silver with IRA
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

#1 In Investing

Our Newsletter

Access investment tips, expert investment strategies, key market updates, and exclusive opportunities to grow your wealth

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.