For centuries, gold has been the cornerstone of wealth and security. Thanks to online marketplaces, buying gold products is now more convenient and transparent than ever.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate some of the best online gold dealers, learn about the history of gold, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of adding gold to your investment strategy.
Most Popular Coins
American Buffalo Gold Coin
American Eagle Gold Coin
Australian Kangaroo Gold Coin
Chinese Panda Gold Coin
South African Krugerrand Gold Coin
Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coin
Most Popular Bars
Perth Mint Gold Bars
PAMP Suisse Gold Bars
Valcambi Gold Bars
The Best Gold Companies to Buy Gold Online
See our top-selected dealers for buying gold coins and bars and invest with confidence. Explore gold spot prices, products, and dealer costs to secure your future.
American Hartford Gold is a privately held gold dealer founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
The company sells various gold coins, including American Eagles, Canadian Buffalos, Canadian Buffalos, and South African Krugerrands.
Shipping:
All orders include free shipping, insurance, and tracking.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers and checks.
Other Services:
American Hartford Gold offers a price-match guarantee and a buyback program. Investors can also get up to $2,500 in free silver on qualifying purchases.
Augusta Precious Metals is a family-owned business in Tarzana, CA, that has been in operation for over 50 years.
Products:
The company offers gold coins from American, Austrian, South African, Australian, and Canadian mints. Some popular gold coins include the American Eagle, Britannia, Austrian Philharmonic, and South African Krugerrand.
Shipping:
The company offers free insured shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers for any amount and personal checks for up to $50,000.
Other Services:
All clients meet with a Harvard-educated economist. All purchases and products come with price protection. Also, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee within seven days of purchase for new customers who buy premium precious metals.
Birch Gold Group is a precious metal dealer founded in 2003 and based in Burbank, CA.
Products:
The company offers gold assets – some options include American Eagle and Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Florin, and South African Krugerrand coins.
Shipping:
The company offers free shipping for cash purchases over $10,000.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
Birch Gold Group offers a 20-page "Investment Kit" that explains how to get started in precious metal investing.
Goldco is a privately held precious metal dealer that was founded in 2006 and is based in Woodland Hills, CA.
Products:
Some investment options include gold American Eagle, Australian Striped Marlin, Liberty, and Washington Monument coins.
Shipping:
The company does not charge for shipping.
Payment Options:
Goldco accepts checks, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldco offers financial articles and resources to educate investors about precious metals and IRAs. Their website provides free educational resources in blogs, eBooks, videos, and a live price tracker. Also, fees are waived for the first year, and new investors receive 10% back in silver coins. Finally, the yearly storage cost is reimbursed in like-value silver when investors make a $25,000 minimum purchase.
Goldline is a precious metal dealer that was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
Goldline offers a large selection of gold products to invest in. Some options include American Eagle, Benjamin Franklin, Mayflower, Liberty, American Buffalo, Austrian Philharmonic, and Canadian Maple Leaf coins.
Shipping:
Orders are shipped for free.
Payment Options:
Goldline accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldline offers a seven-day price guarantee program for purchases over $10,000. Also, the company provides educational resources to new investors who want to learn about the precious metals industry and how to get started with investing.
Lear Capital was established in 1997 and is located in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
Some gold investment options through Lear Capital include American Eagle, Australian Kangaroo, and Liberty coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers and checks.
Other Services:
Lear Capital offers a library of educational resources regarding precious metal investing. The company also has no-fee buyback and price-match programs. Also, the yearly storage cost is reimbursed in like-value silver when making a minimum purchase, and investors receive more like-value silver for every additional $25,000 investment.
Noble Gold is a precious metal brokerage firm in Pasadena, CA, established in 2017.
Products:
Noble Gold offers IRS-approved gold coins to invest in. Some options include American Gold Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Australian Kangaroo, and Austrian Philharmonic coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
Noble Gold Investments accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a buyback program and a free investment kit to educate investors on physical assets. Noble Gold Investments also offers Survival Packs, which are pre-selected precious metal bundles. The company’s experts select a blend of precious metals for each Survival Pack tier. Finally, the company offers segregated storage.
Oxford Gold Group is a precious metal company based in Los Angeles, CA, that was founded in 2017.
Products:
Some gold assets offered by the company include Canadian Polar Bear, American Eagle, British Royal Mint, Austrian Philharmonic, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand coins.
Shipping:
Oxford Gold Group offers free shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a comprehensive investment guide and additional informative videos and articles on how to invest in physical assets. Also, Oxford Gold Group offers buyback and no-fee liquidation programs.
Rosland Capital is a Los Angeles-based firm that was founded in 2008.
Products:
Rosland Capital offers a wide selection of gold investment options. Some options include Formula 1, British Museum, American Eagle, Austrian Philharmonic, Canadian Maple Leaf, and South African Krugerrand coins.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
The company accepts checks and wire transfers.
Other Services:
Investors receive $1,000 in free gold if they order a minimum of $20,000.
Gold has been valued since prehistoric times because of its beauty, rarity, and malleability. In 3,000 BC, the earliest gold bars were used in Egypt and Mesopotamia for aesthetic, religious, and financial purposes. As trade expanded in ancient civilizations, the Greeks and Romans began to produce more uniform gold bars like the “aureus,” a standardized gold coin.
Gold coins were first minted on the order of King Croesus of Lydia around 550 B.C. and circulated as currency before the introduction of paper money. Gold coins were used for everyday transactions because they were fungible, easily transportable, and retained stable value. Once paper money was introduced, currencies maintained an explicit link to gold under the “Gold Standard.”
With the rise of paper money, gold transitioned from a primary currency to a valuable investment asset. This shift was driven by its scarcity, durability, and universal recognition. Investors began using gold as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, increasing the demand for gold bars and coins as wealth preservation tools. Today, many countries, such as the U.S., China, and Australia, continue to produce legal-tender gold coins. However, these coins are used for investment purposes and not for circulation.
Why Should I Buy Gold Products?
Gold has been a trusted asset for centuries, and its appeal continues to grow in today’s uncertain economic climate. From portfolio diversification to wealth preservation, the advantages of investing in gold are clear.
Here’s why you should consider incorporating gold into your investment strategy:
Portfolio Diversification
Gold coins and bars are an appealing investment because they are tangible, physical assets whose value rises inversely to the traditional stock market. Investors seek it as a haven during economic downturns, leading to increased demand and higher prices. Thus, a diversified portfolio that combines gold, stocks, and bonds reduces overall volatility and risk.
Inflation Hedge
Throughout history, gold has proven to be an excellent hedge against inflation. Between 2001 and 2007, the price of gold was in the green. Moreover, from 2016 to 2019, the price of gold increased by 44%. While gold prices can fluctuate and aren’t always going up, investing in gold is one strategy to diversify your wealth during times of economic uncertainties.
Easy to Sell
When faced with a financial emergency, you can depend on your gold investment because it can be liquidated quickly. Its global recognition and consistent demand ensure that buyers can easily be found.
Wealth Preservation
Unlike other assets, gold has maintained its value throughout the years. This makes investing in gold a great way to preserve wealth from one generation to the next. Gold is consistently in demand due to its universal recognition and limited supply, which helps maintain its value over time. Additionally, gold's price tends to rise steadily and exhibit less volatility compared to other investments.
Cons of Buying Gold Bars and Coins Online
While buying gold bars and coins online offers convenience and a wide selection, it’s not without its pitfalls. These are some of the potential drawbacks you need to be aware of before investing:
No Passive Income
Unlike stocks and bonds, investing in gold doesn’t earn passive income through dividends.
High Premium
Dealers charge a premium above the spot price when buying gold coins, which increases the cost of the coin above the actual market price. Moreover, premiums may increase when the demand for gold coins is high.
Secure Storage Fees
It is necessary to store your gold coins in a secure storage vault to prevent theft or loss. You may keep your gold in your safe box at home for free of charge. Others may prefer storing their precious metals at a reputable gold depository. Either way, you will pay fees for high-quality safe or depository storage.
Capital Gains Tax
Precious metals are subject to capital gain tax by the IRS. When you want to sell your gold, any profit you have made is taxable. The current tax rate on long-term capital gains caps at 28%, higher than most long-term capital gains rates.
Buy Gold Online FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about investing in gold coins and bars:
How Do I Buy Gold Online in the USA?
Start by navigating through the website and comparing products by category. When you find the product you want, add it to your cart, enter the quantity you want, and move on to checkout.
Upon checkout, most dealers lock in your price for a short period while you fill out your personal information and choose your payment method. Once you successfully place your order, you will receive an email confirmation with ongoing shipping notifications.
We invite you to start your search right here at McGruff. Our gold dealer reviews and comparisons can help you make a smart decision on where to invest.
Where Do I Buy Physical Gold?
You can buy physical gold coins and bars from reputable local or online dealers. Make sure to research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy seller.
Some reputable online dealers, as highlighted above, offer a wide selection of gold products.
If you are interested in buying American Gold Eagles and American Gold Buffaloes, you can buy collectible versions from one of the four U.S. Mints directly. For bullion coins, you will need to purchase from one of the U.S. Mint’s authorized purchasers. Additionally, you may also buy physical gold at some banks.
Where Do I Find Gold Coins?
You can find gold coins at local coin shops, online dealers, national mints, and banks. You may also find rare or collectible coins at brokerages and investment firms, coin shows and expos, and auctions.
Which Site Is Best for Buying Gold Online?
When buying gold online, choose reputable dealers like the ones mentioned above. Look for well-established online dealers with positive customer reviews and transparent policies. Regardless of which site you use to buy gold online, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy seller when looking where to buy physical gold.
How Do Beginners Buy Gold?
First, assess your financial situation to understand how much you can allocate to investing in gold. Gold bars and coins come in various sizes, forms, and weights, so you can always find an option that works for your budget.
Make sure your online gold purchase comes with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer. Check for purity stamps like .999 or 24K and assay marks on the gold. After buying gold coins online, store them somewhere secure, like in a safe or bank safety deposit box.
Is Buying Gold Online Safe?
Before investing in gold, check the gold dealer’s review on our site to ensure it is reputable. Then, check that the dealer uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption and is Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant.
