: Recommended for its high level of transparency and ease of use for online retail.

How to Buy Gold to Diversify Your Portfolio - Charles Schwab

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

: 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%.

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

: Rated as the Best Overall and Best Gold IRA provider for 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.