How we compare gold dealers
Every product-specific claim has to be tested against a defined buying situation; paying us does not purchase a better objective fee result.
Our working method
We assess the suitability of a dealer for a specific buyer rather than inventing universal scores. A dealer may be suitable for recurring purchases, another for coins or special mint products, another for certain storage needs. These are descriptive categories, not audited quality seals.
1. Verify the business
Confirm company identity, published business contacts, customer-facing terms and relevant public records before giving a merchant more prominent editorial treatment. A web listing is not proof of registration or assurance.
2. Compare equivalent products
Use the same fine troy ounces, product condition, payment channel, quantity and quoted time. Show missing costs as unknown, not zero.
3. Calculate true purchase economics
Separate metal value, product premium, shipping, insurance, card/payment fees, applicable taxes and documented buyback terms. No live dealer feed is connected at launch; visitor-entered calculations are explicitly labeled.
4. Document source and date
Store official URLs, quote dates and policy evidence for any numerical merchant claims. Until substantiated, profiles avoid numerical rankings, BBB scores and promotional superlatives.
5. Keep money and editorial judgments distinct
Affiliate referrals may compensate this publication. Dealer sponsorships, if introduced, will be visibly marked advertising. Advertisers cannot purchase a better premium calculation, assurance credential or factual rating.
6. Invite corrections
Merchants and readers can submit documented corrections; editorial staff decide whether revisions meet evidence requirements.
The World Gold Council's Gold Dealer Assurance Standard and BSI-operated programme are external frameworks. We will only display a dealer's participation or status after checking the programme's official evidence, and will not reproduce restricted badges without permission.
Primary reading
- CFTC: 10 things to ask before buying physical metals
- World Gold Council: Gold Dealer Assurance Standard
- BSI: Gold Dealer Assurance Programme
- FTC: endorsements and affiliate disclosures
Last methodological edit: November 2, 2026. A method date does not mean every merchant term has been reverified on that day.