Before finalizing a purchase from any dealer, experts from CBS News and FINRA recommend asking the following:

The following retailers are frequently cited by reviewers from CNBC Select and Money.com for their reliability and specific strengths:

: Recognized for having the largest product selection and frequently offering free shipping.

: Best for in-person retail . Membership is required, but it is highly attractive because its markups are often as low as 1% to 2% , compared to the industry standard of up to 10%.

: Noted as a strong option for accessible online retail for those who prefer shopping through familiar platforms. Market Intelligence (April 27, 2026)

Buying physical gold—such as bullion bars or coins—requires balancing convenience, price markups (premiums), and security. For most individuals, reputable online dealers or established big-box retailers offer the best mix of transparency and accessibility.