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Bullion Dealer Comparison

JM Bullion vs SD Bullion vs Kitco vs Money Metals vs Silver Gold Bull vs Birch Gold

A straight comparison of six precious metals dealers, based on what actually differs between them.

If you've spent any time shopping for gold or silver online, you've probably noticed the dealers all look pretty similar at first glance — inventory pages full of Eagles and Maple Leafs, spot price tickers, "as low as" pricing. The real differences show up once you get past the homepage: minimum orders, how they handle buybacks, whether they'll deal with an IRA custodian, and what happens if you actually need to call someone. This bullion dealer comparison focuses on exactly those details.

Every comparison below is based on each dealer's published policies. As a result, you can weigh them on the things that actually affect your order rather than on marketing copy.

Which Bullion Dealer Fits You?

The right dealer depends on how you buy. For example, a first-time buyer picking up a few ounces of silver has different needs than an investor moving a retirement account into physical metal. Start with the "Best For" column, then check the buyback and IRA notes against your own plans.

Side-by-Side Bullion Dealer Comparison

Dealer Best For Buyback Program IRA Eligible Metals Offered
First-time buyers ✓DIY online tool, $1,000 min. ✓Via New Direction Trust Co. Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Large orders, lowest premiums ✓Price locked by phone, not online ✓Dedicated IRA page, via custodian Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyers who follow spot pricing closely ✓24/7 online, some fees on shipping ✓Connects you to partner custodians Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyback flexibility ✓Competitive rates, in-house depository ✓Works with New Direction Trust, others Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Silver-focused buyers ✓Online tool, doesn't guarantee top price ✓Requires external IRA custodian Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Precious metals IRAs ✓Not guaranteed; priced near melt value ✓Core specialty, $10,000 IRA minimum Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium (IRA-focused)

Buyback and IRA details verified against each dealer's published policies as of July 2026 — see the notes under each checkmark. Policies and terms change from time to time, so always confirm current details on the dealer's site before ordering.

Recommended Reading
American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Bullion Coin Program
John Mercanti's inside look at the Silver Eagle program.
Check Price on Amazon →

Which Bullion Dealer Fits You?

Answer four quick questions and we'll point you to the dealer that matches how you buy.

Have you bought bullion before?

A Closer Look at Each Dealer

One of the more recognizable names in online bullion, and probably the easiest starting point if you've never placed an order before. Straightforward checkout, responsive support, and a product lineup broad enough to cover most first purchases without overwhelming you with options.
Visit JM Bullion →
SD Bullion has built its reputation around aggressive pricing, and it shows — if you're buying in quantity, their premiums over spot are consistently competitive. The tradeoff is a more no-frills experience than some of the other dealers here; you're paying for price, not hand-holding.
Visit SD Bullion →
Kitco's spot price charts have been the industry reference point for decades, and that reputation carries over to their bullion sales. If you want to buy from a name you already trust for market data, this is probably it. Pricing tends to sit slightly above the pure discount dealers, which is the tradeoff for the brand recognition.
Visit Kitco →
Money Metals leans hard into its buyback program, which matters more than people expect once they're ready to sell down the road. They also carry palladium and platinum consistently, which not every dealer stocks reliably.
Visit Money Metals →
As the name suggests, this is a strong option if silver is your main focus — good selection of bars and rounds across weight sizes, plus buyback flexibility if you want an exit path built in from the start.
Visit Silver Gold Bull →
Birch Gold is built specifically around precious metals IRAs — if you're rolling over a retirement account into physical gold or silver, this is the dealer on our list set up to handle that process with a custodian, rather than a general bullion retailer that happens to also offer IRA options.
Visit Birch Gold Group →
eBay Money Back Guarantee Find Bullion on eBay

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these dealers actually different, or is it all the same behind the scenes?
They're different companies with different pricing structures, buyback terms, and customer service teams. Spot price is the same everywhere since it's set by the market, but the premium each dealer charges over spot, and what happens when you want to sell back, varies enough to matter — especially on larger orders.

Which dealer has the lowest prices?
SD Bullion has generally positioned itself as the price leader among these dealers, particularly on larger orders. That said, premiums shift with market conditions and product availability, so it's worth checking current pricing directly before assuming any one dealer is cheapest on a given day.

Can I use any of these dealers for a precious metals IRA?
Most of them offer some form of IRA-eligible products, but Birch Gold Group is the one built specifically around the IRA process, including working with custodians. If a retirement account is the goal, that's the one to start with.

What does "premium over spot" mean?
The premium is the amount a dealer charges above the metal's market price. It covers minting, distribution, and the dealer's margin. Generic bars and rounds usually carry the lowest premiums, while government-minted coins like American Eagles cost more per ounce. In particular, small sizes such as tenth-ounce gold coins carry much higher premiums than one-ounce pieces, because the minting cost is spread over less metal.

Why does a dealer's buyback program matter?
Eventually most buyers want to sell, and the buyback terms decide how easy that is. Some dealers quote and lock a price online at any hour, while others require a phone call. Shipping costs, minimum amounts, and how fast payment arrives also differ. For that reason, it pays to read the buyback policy before your first purchase, not after.

Is it safe to buy gold and silver online?
Yes, as long as you stick with established dealers. Reputable dealers ship fully insured in plain packaging, and larger orders usually require a signature on delivery. Still, be wary of any seller offering bullion well below spot price, because that is a common sign of counterfeit metal or a scam.
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