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Last Updated on December 23, 2023
SD Bullion is widely recognized in the precious metals market for its commitment to offering the lowest prices, a substantial product range, and excellent customer service.
However, it might not always be the best fit for every investor due to personal preferences, individual investment strategies, or geographic location.
This guide highlights the top alternatives to SD Bullion, helping you make an informed decision about the right precious metals dealer for your unique needs.
Top 5 Alternatives to SD Bullion
1. Goldco
Goldco has some of the highest marks across the industry for customer service and integrity, including an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- A+ Rating from Better Business Bureau
- AAA Rating from Business Consumer Alliance
- Get up to $10,000 in Free Silver with Qualifying Purchase
- Easy 3-Step Process to Get Started
"The crew at Goldco are professional and accommodating, extremely helpful and very easy to work with. My service rep, Tony Pino, was always available and willing to answer/explian any questions. Highly recommend them." -Mark G.
Goldco (read our review), a renowned precious metals firm, has made its mark by focusing on gold and silver IRAs. The company offers a plethora of services ranging from facilitating IRA rollovers to selling a variety of precious metals for direct delivery.
Pros:
- Exceptional customer service.
- Specializes in gold and silver IRAs.
- Free gold IRA guide for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited to gold and silver; does not offer platinum or palladium.
- Minimum investment requirement could be high for some investors.
2. Augusta Precious Metals
Augusta Precious Metals is another reputable company that focuses on gold and silver IRAs. Known for its transparency, Augusta offers a unique customer experience with a dedicated customer success agent for each client.
Pros:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Offers a range of educational resources.
- Lifetime customer support.
Cons:
- Limited product portfolio.
- Does not deal in common bullion coins.
>>Learn more and get free investing kit from Augusta Precious Metals
3. American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold (read our review) is a family-owned business known for its personalized customer service. They offer a variety of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, for both IRAs and direct delivery.
Pros:
- Wide variety of products.
- Excellent customer service.
- No-fee buyback program.
Cons:
- Website lacks detailed product information.
- First-time buyer minimum could be steep for some.
>>Learn more and get free investing kit from AHG
4. Noble Gold
Noble Gold (read our review) stands out due to its offering of rare and collectible coins, along with the traditional gold, silver, platinum, and palladium options for IRAs and direct delivery.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of products, including rare coins.
- Competitive pricing.
- Secure storage options.
Cons:
- Information on the buyback policy is vague.
- Rare coins are not suitable for all investors.
>>Learn more and get free investing kit from Noble Gold
5. RC Bullion
RC Bullion is a top-tier dealer that specializes in converting IRAs or eligible 401(K) into self-directed IRAs capable of holding precious metals.
Pros:
- Specializes in IRA rollovers.
- Provides a dedicated account manager.
- Competitive pricing.
Cons:
- Limited product range.
- Lack of pricing information on the website.
>>Learn more and get free investing kit from RC Bullion
Tips for Deciding Which SD Bullion Alternative Will Work Best for You
Making an informed decision regarding the best alternative to SD Bullion requires careful consideration of several key factors. Each investor’s needs are unique, and what works best for one person may not be the most suitable choice for another. The following tips aim to guide you in your decision-making process:
- Understand Your Investment Goals: The first step in choosing the right precious metals dealer is to clearly define your investment goals. Are you looking to diversify your portfolio with physical precious metals or invest in a precious metals IRA? Are you interested in long-term investment or short-term profit? Do you have a preference for a particular type of metal, such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium? Understanding your objectives will help narrow down your choices and identify the dealer that best aligns with your goals.
- Research Thoroughly: Once you have identified your goals, conduct thorough research on potential dealers. Read reviews and testimonials, check ratings on reputable business evaluation platforms, and consider the company’s reputation within the industry. Look at how long the company has been in business – longevity can often indicate a solid track record and strong customer trust.
- Compare Pricing and Fees: When choosing a dealer, it’s essential to understand the pricing structure and any potential hidden fees. These might include charges for storage, delivery, and insurance. Some companies may also have minimum purchase requirements. Transparent pricing is a key characteristic of a reputable dealer.
- Evaluate Customer Service: Customer service plays a critical role in the precious metals industry. The ideal dealer should offer prompt, professional, and personalized service. A dedicated customer success agent can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your investment journey. Also, check if the company offers educational resources to help you make informed decisions.
- Consider the Range of Services: Some dealers, like Goldco and Augusta Precious Metals, specialize in gold and silver IRAs, while others offer a broader range of services including direct delivery of precious metals, numismatic coins, or collectibles. Identify the services that are most relevant to your needs.
- Security and Storage: If you’re investing in a precious metals IRA, consider the security and storage options provided by the dealer. Some dealers partner with secure storage facilities that offer segregated storage, ensuring your assets are individually allocated
Why Goldco Is Our Top Pick
When it comes to alternatives to SD Bullion, Goldco stands out as our top choice due to several key factors that set it apart from its competitors. These include exceptional customer service, specialization in gold and silver IRAs, a commitment to investor education, and a high level of transparency.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Goldco has built a reputation for providing outstanding customer service, an essential aspect of a good precious metals dealer. From the initial consultation through to the purchasing process and beyond, Goldco’s team of professionals is always ready to assist, answer questions, and provide guidance. Their dedicated customer service ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience, which is crucial for both new and experienced investors.
- Specialization in Gold and Silver IRAs: While many dealers offer a variety of services, Goldco has chosen to specialize in gold and silver IRAs. This focus allows them to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise in this area, resulting in a superior service for investors interested in adding precious metals to their retirement accounts. Goldco’s team guides customers through the process of setting up a self-directed IRA, making it easy to diversify their portfolio with precious metals.
- Commitment to Investor Education: Goldco is dedicated to educating its clients about the benefits of investing in precious metals. Their comprehensive and free Gold IRA guide is an invaluable resource for investors at all stages of their investment journey. By equipping investors with knowledge, Goldco empowers them to make informed decisions.
- Transparency: In an industry where pricing and fees can often be confusing, Goldco’s commitment to transparency is refreshing. They provide clear and detailed information about their fees upfront, ensuring there are no unpleasant surprises down the line.
- Competitive Pricing: While Goldco is not the cheapest option on the market, their pricing is competitive, particularly given the high level of service and expertise they provide. Furthermore, their minimum investment requirement, although higher than some competitors, ensures a higher level of service and support for each investor.
- Credibility and Reputation: Goldco has a strong reputation within the industry and among investors. With numerous positive customer reviews and high ratings on business evaluation platforms, Goldco has demonstrated its reliability and commitment to its clients.
While Goldco may not offer the broadest range of products or the lowest prices, its strengths lie in its service quality, expert focus, transparency, and commitment to client education. This makes it an excellent choice for investors who are looking for a trusted partner to guide them through the process of investing in a precious metals IRA. It’s worth noting, however, that while Goldco is our top pick, the final choice should always align with the individual investor’s unique needs and investment goals.
Summary
While SD Bullion is a strong contender in the precious metals market, there are several other reputable alternatives worth considering. These companies, including Goldco, Augusta Precious Metals, American Hartford Gold, Noble Gold, and RC Bullion, all have unique strengths that cater to different investor needs.
Remember, the best precious metals dealer for you will depend on your unique investment goals, the level of customer service you expect, and the specific precious metals you wish to invest in. Thorough research and comparison are essential to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.
Goldco, our top pick, stands out due to its exceptional customer service, focus on gold and silver IRAs, and commitment to investor education. However, all the companies listed here have proven track records and offer excellent alternatives to SD Bullion, making them worth considering in your search for the ideal precious metals investment partner.
