.Com TLD apmex.com

apmex.com

November 18, 2025

Here’s a detailed look at APMEX, Inc. (American Precious Metals Exchange) — what it is, how it works, what’s good and what to watch out for.

APMEX.com Company background

APMEX was founded in 2000 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (CB Insights) Their business: selling and buying physical precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) to investors, collectors. (BP Trends) Over the years they have expanded their inventory, global reach, storage/IRA services. (PR Newswire)

They claim major milestones: e.g., more than $18 billion in total sales over 25 years, over 220,000 five-star reviews as of 2025. (PR Newswire)

What they offer

Products

Services / features

  • No minimum purchase for domestic orders (for some products) and shipping perks (they claim free shipping above certain threshold). (Money)

  • Storage solutions for purchased metals: you can purchase and store rather than have delivered if you prefer. (BP Trends)

  • Large product catalogue: The company claims tens of thousands of SKUs. (wholesale.apmex.com)

  • Providing educational content: guides, market information, investment questionnaire on their website. (APMEX)

Strengths

  • Longevity: Being in business (since 2000) gives a measure of credibility.

  • Broad selection: For someone wanting many choices of metals, sizes, coins vs bars, they appear to offer an extensive list.

  • Transparency: They list product prices online, and show many product categories. (Money)

  • Storage/IRA options: For investors who don’t want physical delivery or want tax-advantaged account, the services exist.

  • Branding and recognition: They have built a strong brand in the precious metals e-commerce space.

Weaknesses / things to watch

  • Pricing / premiums: Buying physical precious metals means you pay a margin above the spot price (for manufacturing, distribution, etc). Some reviewers say APMEX’s margins are higher than some competitors. (Wikibit Forex)

  • Customer-service / fulfillment complaints: While many positive reviews exist, there are consistent negative comments about shipping delays, back orders, order cancellations, or packaging issues. For example, on Trustpilot many complaints about delays or product condition. (Trustpilot)

  • Payment methods & consumer protections: A complaint cited via BBB shows a customer upset about being pressured away from credit card payment (which gives consumer protection) toward wire/check, and then a large authorization hold not quickly released. (Better Business Bureau)

  • Lack of full regulatory visibility: Because they’re a private company and selling physical metals (not securities) their regulatory oversight is different than, say, a broker-dealer or bank. Some review sites flag that. (Wikibit Forex)

Suitability & best uses

If you are:

  • Interested in owning physical precious metals (coins/bars) and you want convenience + variety. APMEX is a reasonable option.

  • Looking for the ability to buy metals for an IRA via a platform that supports that.

  • Want a trusted brand with long history.

But if you are:

  • Highly focused on getting the absolute lowest premium or margin over spot price, you may want to compare several dealers because margin differences matter.

  • Concerned about shipping/delivery risk (especially outside the U.S. or to non-standard addresses) you’ll want to check shipping methods, insurance and packaging.

  • Want very frequent or automated purchases at the lowest cost, you should check how the “AutoInvest” or recurring purchase program works and costs.

Important practical considerations

  • Always check the exact premium above spot: When buying gold/silver that’s the cost you absorb up-front.

  • Packaging & shipping: Since you are dealing with high-value items, secure shipping and appropriate packaging matter. Some users reported issues.

  • Payment method: Using a credit card gives more protection than bank wire or check; confirm what is acceptable and the protections you have.

  • Storage vs physical delivery: If you buy and have it delivered, you must secure it. If you store via a facility, check fees, withdrawal rules, what happens if you want delivery later.

  • Buyback/liquidation: If you plan to sell later, check what APMEX offers (or other buyers offer) and what their buyback policy is. Some reviews say the offer may be less attractive. (Money)

  • International shipping: If you are outside the U.S., check shipping availability, customs/import duties, additional cost. (APMEX mentions “Global” shipping to many countries) (Money)

Final thoughts

APMEX is a well-known, established player in the online precious metals market. For many investors or collectors its brand, selection, and services will be more than adequate. But like all precious metal dealers, you’ll want to do your homework: check exact costs (premium + shipping + storage), understand delivery/storage options, compare with alternatives, and make sure your expectations about service and timing align with reality.

Key Takeaways

  • APMEX founded in 2000, headquartered in Oklahoma City, U.S.

  • Offers gold, silver, platinum, palladium in coins/bars + rare coins + storage/IRA services.

  • Strengths: longevity, selection, transparency in listings.

  • Weaknesses: some customer complaints about service/fulfillment; premium may be higher; payment method issues.

  • Use it if you want convenience and large selection, but compare price and terms and ensure you understand shipping/storage.

FAQ

Q: Is APMEX legitimate?
Yes — it’s an established company, publicly noted milestones, long history. Many customers report positive experiences. But “legitimate” doesn’t mean it’s the best in every respect; you still need to evaluate terms.

Q: Can non-U.S. customers buy from APMEX?
They provide international shipping (via their “APMEX Global” offering) to many countries, but shipping costs/import duties/taxes vary. Check what applies in your jurisdiction. (Money)

Q: What about storage instead of delivery?
They support storage solutions: you can buy and store your metals in facilities rather than receive them. Useful if you don’t have safe storage at home or prefer professional vaulting. But storage typically comes with fees. (BP Trends)

Q: Does APMEX allow selling your metals back to them?
They have a “Sell to Us” program; however, as with many dealers, the price you receive may be lower than what you paid due to spreads, fees and market conditions. (Money)

Q: Are there hidden fees?
Not necessarily hidden, but you should check for: shipping fees (if below free-shipping threshold), storage fees (if using vault), differential between buy and sell price (premium) and possibly payment method-related constraints.