Choosing between APMEX vs JM Bullion is one of the most common dilemmas for precious metals buyers — and for good reason. These are two of the biggest, most established online bullion dealers in the United States. Both have massive catalogs, strong reputations, and millions of dollars in daily transactions.
But "big and reputable" doesn't mean they're the same. After years of buying from both dealers and tracking how they stack up across pricing, selection, shipping, and service, I can tell you each one has a distinct personality. Here's everything you need to make the right call.
Quick Comparison: APMEX vs JM Bullion
| Feature | APMEX | JM Bullion |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City, OK | Dallas, TX |
| Free Shipping | Orders $99+ | Orders $199+ |
| Minimum Order | No minimum | No minimum |
| Payment Methods | Check/wire, ACH, credit card, crypto, PayPal | Check/wire, ACH, credit card, crypto, PayPal |
| Buyback Program | Yes | Yes |
| IRA Services | Yes | Yes |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Product Count | 20,000+ SKUs | 10,000+ SKUs |
| Best For | Collectors, rare coins, largest selection | Budget-conscious investors, competitive pricing |
Pricing and Premiums
Let's address the elephant in the room: APMEX is more expensive. On virtually every mainstream bullion product — American Eagles, Canadian Maples, generic rounds, gold bars — JM Bullion's premiums over spot are lower. Sometimes significantly so.
The difference on a 1 oz American Silver Eagle might be $1–$3 in JM Bullion's favor. On gold products, the spread narrows, but JM Bullion still tends to edge out APMEX on price.
Why do people still buy from APMEX? Because APMEX carries products that JM Bullion simply doesn't stock. Rare coins, exclusive mint partnerships, limited series, vintage pieces — APMEX's inventory is unmatched. If you're buying a common 1 oz gold bar, go with JM Bullion. If you want a specific year Perth Mint Lunar Series coin in BU condition, APMEX probably has it.
APMEX also runs an Auto Buy program where you can set target prices and automatically purchase when spot hits your number — a feature JM Bullion doesn't offer.
Both dealers offer tiered pricing: the more you buy, the less you pay per unit. And both give the best prices on check/wire payments, with credit cards carrying a 3–4% surcharge.
[AFFILIATE_LINK:apmex] | [AFFILIATE_LINK:jm-bullion]
Product Selection
This is APMEX's crown jewel. With over 20,000 products, APMEX has the largest online precious metals catalog in the industry. Gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper — in every format from fractional gram bars to 100 oz poured silver. They carry:
- Exclusive series and mint partnerships others can't get
- Certified/graded coins (PCGS, NGC) in a huge range
- Vintage and rare coins with deep historical inventory
- Collector sets and presentation packaging
- World coins from dozens of mints
JM Bullion has an impressive catalog of its own — easily 10,000+ products covering all the mainstream categories. For standard bullion products (Eagles, Maples, Britannias, generic rounds and bars), JM Bullion's selection is comprehensive. They also carry some exclusive items and limited releases.
The practical difference: If you're building a silver stack with generic rounds and government-minted coins, both dealers have you covered. If you're a collector hunting specific dates, grades, or limited editions, APMEX is where you'll find what others don't carry.
Shipping and Delivery
APMEX offers free shipping on orders over $99 — a notably lower threshold than most competitors. This is a genuine advantage for smaller purchases. Below $99, shipping runs around $9.95.
JM Bullion requires $199+ for free shipping, with orders below that costing around $9.95. This higher threshold can sting if you're making frequent smaller purchases.
Both dealers ship discreetly with full insurance. Packaging quality is excellent from both — double-boxed, no external markings indicating contents.
Shipping speed is comparable: 1–3 business days for in-stock items, though both can experience delays during market volatility (when everyone's buying at once). Some buyers have reported occasional shipping delays from APMEX during peak periods, while JM Bullion is generally praised for consistent turnaround times.
Payment Methods
Both dealers accept a nearly identical range of payment options:
- Check / Money Order — Best pricing (lowest premiums)
- Bank Wire — Best pricing, faster processing than check
- ACH / eCheck — Convenient, good pricing
- Credit / Debit Card — 3–4% premium at both
- PayPal — Accepted by both (same premium as credit card)
- Cryptocurrency — Bitcoin and other major cryptos accepted
APMEX also offers their Auto Buy feature for automated purchasing at target prices, and a bullion lending program where you can use your metals as collateral — services JM Bullion doesn't match.
JM Bullion offers a Sell to Us program that's straightforward and well-reviewed, making it easy to liquidate when the time comes.
Customer Service
JM Bullion consistently earns higher marks for customer service across review platforms. Their phone support (800-276-6508), live chat, and email responses are praised for being fast, knowledgeable, and friendly. Their website also features extensive educational resources — price charts, buying guides, and market commentary that serve both beginners and experienced investors.
APMEX offers phone support, email, and live chat as well. They have a more corporate feel — you're dealing with a larger operation, and some reviewers note that the experience can feel less personal. That said, APMEX's support is professional and generally resolves issues effectively. Their website is polished and well-organized, though navigating 20,000+ products can feel overwhelming.
BBB ratings: Both hold A+ ratings. On Trustpilot and other review sites, JM Bullion tends to score slightly higher in customer satisfaction, though APMEX has a longer track record and massive review volume.
APMEX: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Largest product selection in the industry — 20,000+ SKUs
- Free shipping at just $99 (lowest threshold among major dealers)
- Auto Buy feature for automated price-targeted purchases
- Bullion lending program (use metals as collateral)
- Excellent for collectors and rare coin enthusiasts
- Long track record (operating since 2000)
❌ Cons
- Higher premiums than most competitors on standard bullion
- Customer service can feel impersonal at times
- Occasional shipping delays during high-demand periods
- Website can be overwhelming for new buyers
- Higher cost-per-ounce adds up significantly for bulk stackers
JM Bullion: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Lower premiums on mainstream bullion products
- Excellent customer service with fast, helpful support
- Strong educational resources for beginners
- Frequent promotions and flash sales
- Clean, easy-to-navigate website
- Reliable, fast shipping
❌ Cons
- Free shipping threshold ($199) higher than APMEX ($99)
- Smaller product catalog — fewer rare/collectible options
- No Auto Buy feature
- No bullion lending program
- Less extensive graded/certified coin inventory
The Verdict: APMEX vs JM Bullion
This comparison comes down to what kind of buyer you are:
Choose APMEX if you're a collector, you want access to the widest possible selection of coins and bars, or you frequently make smaller orders (that $99 free shipping threshold is a real perk). APMEX is the "everything store" of precious metals — you'll pay a bit more per ounce, but you'll find things here that don't exist anywhere else online.
Choose JM Bullion if you're primarily an investor or stacker focused on getting the most metal for your money. JM Bullion's lower premiums, better customer service ratings, and frequent promotions make it the smarter choice for anyone buying standard bullion products. Over time, the premium savings add up to real money.
My recommendation for most buyers: JM Bullion. The price difference is too significant to ignore if you're buying common bullion products. But keep APMEX bookmarked for those times when you need something specific that nobody else has.
[AFFILIATE_LINK:apmex] | [AFFILIATE_LINK:jm-bullion]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is APMEX more expensive than JM Bullion?
Yes, on standard bullion products APMEX typically charges higher premiums over spot price. The difference varies by product but can be $1–$3 per ounce on popular silver items. APMEX justifies this partly through their vastly larger product selection and additional services like Auto Buy and bullion lending.
Does APMEX have a lower free shipping threshold?
Yes — APMEX offers free shipping on orders over $99, while JM Bullion's threshold is $199. This makes APMEX more economical for frequent, smaller purchases, partially offsetting their higher premiums.
Which dealer is better for beginners?
JM Bullion is generally the better starting point for beginners. Their website is easier to navigate, educational resources are excellent, customer service is consistently top-rated, and lower premiums mean you get more metal for your money while you're learning. APMEX becomes more valuable as you develop specific collecting interests.
Can I sell my metals back to APMEX or JM Bullion?
Both dealers operate buyback programs. JM Bullion's "Sell to Us" program is straightforward — you get a quote, ship your metals, and receive payment. APMEX also buys back metals and offers a lending program where you can use your bullion as collateral without selling it outright.