Transparency First
Our Ranking Methodology
Every dealer on Precious Metals Report is evaluated using the same rigorous, eight-category framework. Scores are assigned on a 1–10 scale and weighted to produce an overall composite rating that reflects real-world investor priorities.
How the System Works
Each category is scored independently on a 1–10 integer scale. A score of 10 represents best-in-class performance; a score of 1 indicates critical deficiencies. The overall score is a weighted average of all eight categories, rounded to one decimal place.
Scores are derived from a combination of publicly available data (BBB ratings, Trustpilot and Google reviews, published fee schedules), proprietary research (mystery shopping, customer interviews), and AI-assisted analysis of company websites, filings, and regulatory records.
We re-evaluate scores on a rolling basis—typically quarterly or whenever a material event occurs (e.g., a regulatory action, a major policy change, or a significant shift in customer sentiment).
Score Scale Reference
9–10
Exceptional
7–8
Strong
5–6
Average
1–4
Below Standard
The 8 Scoring Categories
Pricing & Fees
Weight: 12.5%Evaluates spot price premiums, transparency of costs, hidden fees, and overall value. We assess whether pricing is clearly displayed, how premiums compare to competitors, and whether total costs are disclosed upfront before purchase.
High Score (8–10)
Competitive premiums, published fee schedules, no hidden costs, clear invoices.
Low Score (1–4)
High premiums, surprise fees, vague 'call for pricing' with no benchmarks.
Reputation & Track Record
Weight: 12.5%Assesses BBB rating, years in business, customer complaint patterns, and overall industry standing. A long history with minimal complaints and transparent dispute resolution signals reliability.
High Score (8–10)
10+ years in business, A+ BBB rating, minimal complaints, strong industry standing.
Low Score (1–4)
Pattern of unresolved complaints, regulatory actions, or short operating history.
Customer Experience
Weight: 12.5%Measures ease of purchase, responsiveness, and quality of support. We evaluate whether representatives are helpful, knowledgeable, and provide a pressure-free consultative experience.
High Score (8–10)
Dedicated specialist, same-day response, educational approach, smooth purchase process.
Low Score (1–4)
Slow replies, scripted responses, aggressive upselling, difficult purchase process.
IRA Expertise
Weight: 12.5%Evaluates knowledge of gold IRAs, custodian partnerships, and rollover assistance. Top dealers guide clients through the entire IRA process with accuracy and minimal friction.
High Score (8–10)
End-to-end IRA facilitation, multiple custodian partners, error-free rollovers.
Low Score (1–4)
Limited IRA knowledge, single custodian only, paperwork delays or errors.
Product Selection
Weight: 12.5%Rates the variety of coins, bars, and metals available—including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. We also consider whether IRA-eligible products are clearly marked and diverse.
High Score (8–10)
Wide range of coins and bars, multiple metals, IRA-eligible options clearly labeled.
Low Score (1–4)
Limited inventory, single metal focus, unclear IRA eligibility.
Shipping & Storage
Weight: 12.5%Covers delivery speed, insurance, packaging quality, and secure storage options. We verify that shipments are fully insured and that storage facilities offer segregated or allocated options.
High Score (8–10)
Fully insured shipping, fast delivery, segregated storage, reputable depositories.
Low Score (1–4)
Uninsured shipments, slow delivery, commingled storage only.
Buyback & Liquidity
Weight: 12.5%Evaluates ease of selling back metals, buyback rates, and how quickly funds are returned. A strong buyback program provides investors with a reliable exit strategy.
High Score (8–10)
Published buyback policy, competitive rates, payment within 1–3 business days.
Low Score (1–4)
No formal buyback, opaque pricing, slow or uncertain payment timelines.
Educational Resources
Weight: 12.5%Rates the quality of guides, market insights, webinars, and tools provided to help buyers make informed decisions. We assess whether content is genuinely educational versus purely promotional.
High Score (8–10)
Comprehensive guides, market commentary, webinars, risk-aware advice.
Low Score (1–4)
Thin or promotional-only content, no market insights, deflecting questions.
Editorial Independence
Precious Metals Report may earn compensation through affiliate partnerships with some of the dealers we review. However, compensation never influences scores or rankings. Every company is evaluated using the identical eight-category framework regardless of whether an affiliate relationship exists.
For more details on our standards, see our Editorial Guidelines and Advertising Disclosure.
See the Rankings in Action
View our ranked list of top gold IRA dealers, complete with overall scores and category breakdowns.
View Gold Companies Ranked