Frequently Asked
Questions

Thank you for visiting Bullion Standard! We understand that you may have questions about our services, products, and policies. Below, you will find answers to common questions organized into different categories for your convenience. If you can't find the information you're looking for, please feel free to contact our customer support team for further assistance.

FAQ Categories

Payments

Yes, we use industry-standard encryption technology to protect your personal and financial information.
Unfortunately, no. Full payment is required at the time of purchase.
Generally, we accept only one payment method per order. If you have specific payment requirements or need assistance, please contact our customer support team, and we will assist you accordingly.
Yes. Bullion Standard offers several payment methods, each including potential discounts. Orders paid by credit card and PayPal are charged at the product’s full list price. Orders paid with cryptocurrency through Bitpay may receive a 3% discount. Additionally, orders paid with check, wire, or eCheck may receive a 4% discount. These discounts are displayed on each product page and within your shopping cart.
If you paid your order by credit card, PayPal, Bitpay, or eCheck, it is generally not possible to change the payment method. If you paid your order by paper check or wire transfer, it is possible to change payment methods. If you have any concerns or need assistance, please contact our customer support team as soon as possible.
Bullion Standard accepts many different payment methods for your convenience. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept PayPal, eChecks (ACH), Cryptocurrency (BitPay), paper checks mailed to us with a tracking number, and bank wire transfers.

When paying by eCheck (ACH), you will be prompted to complete the transaction through Plaid at checkout. Similarly, when paying by PayPal or BitPay, you will be prompted to complete the transaction through the respective payment method at checkout.

Please see the table below for payment minimums and maximums allowed per payment method. We always encourage our customers to pay with a bank wire when possible, as it provides a 4% discount combined with the fastest payment settlement time.
 

Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and PayPal

Up to $7,500

eChecks (ACH from Customer’s checking bank account only)

Up to $15,000

Personal Checks, Certified Cashier’s Checks, and Bank Issued Checks (mailed with a tracking number)

Up to $25,000

Cryptocurrency (BitPay)

Up to $100,000

Bank Wire Transfer 

$500 and above

Payments by debit card, credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency, and bank wires are processed the next business day following receipt. eChecks (ACH) and paper checks typically take between 3 to 5 business days to clear once received.

Products & Specifications

We offer a wide range of precious metals products, including bullion bars, coins, rounds, and other collectibles. Our extensive inventory includes gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium products from reputable mints and refineries around the world.
Yes. We use modern testing equipment and numismatic expertise to verify and confirm the authenticity and condition of every item we offer. We guarantee the authenticity and quality of every item we offer.
While we strive to accommodate customer preferences, availability may vary for specific products and dates. We recommend contacting our customer support team to discuss your requirements, and we will assist you to the best of our ability.
The images displayed on our website are representative of the products we offer, unless specifically noted otherwise. However, due to variations in photography, lighting, and individual product characteristics, the actual products may differ slightly in appearance.
 
Yes, many of our products are eligible for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA. We offer IRA-approved precious metals products that meet the requirements set forth by the IRS. Please contact our customer support team or visit our Precious Metals IRA page for more information.

Shipping & Delivery

Yes. Please contact our customer support team for further information regarding international shipping options.
To provide you with the fastest shipping possible, your order will be shipped, at our discretion, by UPS, FedEx, USPS, or another common carrier. Your order may be shipped in multiple packages, and these could be sent out on the same day or on different days, and from any of our locations. Bullion Standard aims to ship your order in the safest and most efficient manner, while also minimizing costs. We will provide you with ongoing shipping updates throughout the delivery process. It is our general practice to ship heavier silver orders via UPS Ground, while gold, platinum, palladium, and rhodium orders will be expedited through UPS 2nd Day Air or UPS Next Day Air Saver services, but we reserve the right to adjust these practices based on the specifics of your particular order. Our team packs and ships your items under recorded high definition video surveillance for order accuracy. You will receive an email confirmation of shipping with a tracking number(s). Note that in some cases it may take up to 48 hours for tracking to update with the carrier. All shipments are fully insured under our insurance policy, packaged inconspicuously, and will never reference our company name or anything referring to items of value, such as gold, silver, bullion, etc.
Delivery times may vary depending on factors such as shipping method, carrier delays, and your location. We strive to process and ship orders within 24 business hours of receiving cleared payment, and you will receive tracking information to monitor the progress of your shipment.
Yes. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive tracking information via email and in your customer account under the order details. This allows you to monitor the progress of your shipment and estimate its expected delivery date. Please ensure you will be available to receive your package on the estimated delivery date.
We use discreet and secure packaging for shipping precious metals. The packaging is designed to protect your order during transit and maintain the privacy of its contents.
Yes. For orders over $250, a direct signature is required to receive your package.

Returns & Security

Yes, your satisfaction is guaranteed at Bullion Standard. We provide all our customers with a refund, return, or exchange on everything we sell, including all bullion and numismatic products. If you wish to return or exchange any product, you must notify us within seven (7) calendar days from the date on which you received your order. Please notify our customer service team by email at support@bullionstandard.com or by telephone at (833) BST-GOLD (278-4653) during normal business hours. All items must be kept in their original packaging and free from damage or defects. Please note that market loss and/or restocking fees (if applicable) are assessed to return and exchange orders. Please see our terms and conditions for our complete policy.
Bullion Standard uses industry-standard encryption and security protocols to protect your personal and payment information. We are fully committed to maintaining the highest level of security to ensure your data is safe.
After initiating a return with our customer service team, you will be provided detailed return instructions. When returning items, carefully package the product(s) and use a shipping method that includes tracking and insurance, such as USPS Registered Mail. We may also provide you with a fully insured return shipping label to our facility, with the cost conveniently deducted from your return amount. You are responsible for the cost of return shipping. Our team receives and opens your package on recorded high definition video surveillance to verify and confirm the authenticity of your return items.
Refunds and exchanges are processed after we receive and verify the returned item(s). Typically, this process takes between 1 to 5 business days upon our receipt of the returned product(s).
At Bullion Standard, we take fraud prevention very seriously to protect our customers and their transactions. We may require additional verification for certain orders, such as a phone confirmation or proof of identity. If we suspect any fraudulent activity, we may cancel, delay, or refuse to ship the order and will cooperate with authorities to investigate and prosecute fraud. Your safety and security are our top priorities.

Popular FAQs

Yes, in many cases, you can roll over funds from existing retirement accounts, such as 401(k) or Traditional IRA, into a Precious Metals IRA. Consult with your financial advisor or tax professional to understand the specific requirements and potential tax implications. Please note that Bullion Standard is not a registered investment advisor, and cannot provide individual investment advice.
 
The IRS has specific guidelines on IRA approved precious metals. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins and bars meeting certain purity standards are typically allowed. View our collection of IRA-approved precious metals on our website.
To maintain the tax advantages of a Precious Metal IRA, the metals must be held in an IRS-approved storage facility. However, Bullion Standard can assist you in selecting a secure storage option for your holdings.
 
Precious Metal IRAs offer potential tax advantages. Depending on the type of IRA and your individual circumstances, contributions may be tax-deductible, and gains can grow tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the account type.
A Precious Metals IRA offers potential benefits such as diversification, potential protection against inflation and economic uncertainties, and the opportunity to hold physical assets in your retirement portfolio. Consult with your financial advisor to understand how a Precious Metals IRA aligns with your investment goals.
Opening a Precious Metals IRA with Bullion Standard is a simple process. Research and educate yourself on the benefits and requirements of a Precious Metals IRA, choose a trusted custodian, and select and purchase IRA-approved metals from our extensive inventory. Our team can guide you through the process and recommend reputable custodians.

Buybacks

Yes. As a two-way precious metals retailer, we purchase almost every product we sell. Please see our “Sell To Us” website page to create your own buyback order, or contact our customer support team for more information regarding our buyback process, pricing, and eligibility.
We buy back a wide range of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium in various forms, such as bars, coins, and rounds. Please see our “Sell To Us” website page to view live buyback item pricing, or contact our customer support team for specific details on the products we accept.
To initiate a buyback, please see our “Sell to Us” website page to create your own buyback order, or please reach out to our customer support team. We will guide you through the process, provide you with the necessary instructions, and assist you in completing the transaction.
Our buyback prices are based on current market conditions, including the spot price of the metal, market demand, and other relevant factors. We strive to offer competitive prices to ensure a fair transaction for both parties. Please see our “Sell To Us” website page to view live item buyback prices. We’re certain you’ll be impressed.
Yes, we accept precious metals for buyback, regardless of whether they were purchased from Bullion Standard or another source. Please contact our customer support team for further details.
When selling to Bullion Standard, the minimum transaction amount is $1,000. Please note that certain item quantity minimums and maximums may also apply, depending on our current inventory levels.

General Questions

Yes, Bullion Standard is a trusted and reputable company in the precious metals industry. We’ve been in the industry since 2010 and have a track record of providing high-quality precious metals products, a superior customer service experience, and secure transactions to our customers. We pride ourselves on being a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating, member dealers of the National Coin and Bullion Association (NCBA), the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and authorized dealers for PCGS and NGC, ensuring that our customers can trust in our reliability and reputation. At Bullion Standard, transparency and integrity are at the core of everything we do, embodying the principle that you only get one chance to make it right in this business.
 
Our corporate headquarters are located in San Diego, CA. As an online retailer, we serve customers nationwide through our online platform.
Currently, we operate exclusively through our online platform and do not have physical retail locations for in-person visits. However, our customer support team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Yes, we take your privacy and security seriously. We employ advanced encryption technologies and follow industry best practices to protect your personal and financial information. Your data is handled with the utmost care and stored securely.

Pricing

Precious metal prices are volatile and subject to fluctuations based on current market conditions. We update our prices in real-time to reflect current market pricing.
Yes! We conducted a six-month long analysis to study how our pricing compares to our competitors. Bullion Standard’s pricing is in the top decile, or top ten percent of all online bullion retailers. We strive to offer competitive prices to ensure our customers receive a fair value for their investments. We believe that a precious metals investor is successful when purchasing or selling for as close to market pricing as possible. Our pricing takes into account various factors, including current market conditions.
Our advertised product prices are the prices you will pay. We don’t charge any additional commissions or markups. The total price, including any sales tax or shipping expenses, will be provided to you before completing your order.
All purchase prices are locked in and guaranteed at the time of order. We do not offer price locks for future purchases. Precious metal prices are volatile and subject to market fluctuations, and cannot be guaranteed for extended periods of time.
We may offer discounts or reduced premiums for larger bulk purchases. Each of our product pages lists reduced item costs for larger quantities purchased, if applicable.

After Ordering

Once a sale confirmation has been issued, the price of the items in your order are locked in and guaranteed, and the order can’t be cancelled or modified in any way. If payment is not received by Bullion Standard within our stated timeframes, your order may be cancelled, and market loss and/or cancellation fees (if applicable) will be assessed.
 
In the rare event that your order arrives damaged or there is an issue with the contents, please contact our customer support team immediately. Failure to notify us of issues with your package within two (2) calendar days of the delivery timestamp of the carrier will result in a rejection of your insurance claim. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly and ensure your satisfaction. Please note that any and all packaging materials must be retained as you received them.
Yes. Your satisfaction is guaranteed at Bullion Standard. We provide all our customers with a refund, return, or exchange on everything we sell, including all bullion and numismatic products. If you wish to return or exchange any product, you must notify us within seven (7) calendar days from the date on which you received your order. Please notify our customer service team by email at support@bullionstandard.com or by telephone at (833) BST-GOLD (278-4653) during normal business hours. All items must be kept in their original packaging and free from damage or defects. Please note that market loss and/or restocking fees (if applicable) are assessed to return and exchange orders. Please see our terms and conditions for our complete policy.
Bullion Standard insures all its shipments to you while in transit for the sale value of the enclosed product. Should anything happen while your package is in transit to you, it will be covered by our insurance policy. If your order is lost during shipping, please notify our customer support team as soon as possible. Lost in Transit is defined for the USPS as tracking not having been updated in seven (7) or more business days; Lost in Transit is defined by UPS and FedEx as tracking not having been updated in three (3) or more business days. You must contact us within seven (7) business days of the most recent tracking for USPS and three (3) business days of most recent tracking for UPS and FedEx. If you do not contact us by these timeframes, insurance coverage will cease. We will initiate an investigation with the shipping carrier to locate the package or arrange for a suitable resolution. Please see our terms and conditions for our complete policy.
If you refuse delivery of your order without prior communication or valid reason, additional fees may apply, and you may be responsible for return and/or reshipment costs. It's important to contact our customer support team to discuss any concerns or issues you may have before refusing delivery.
You can check the status of your order by logging into your account on our website. You will also receive email updates with tracking information once your order has been shipped. Additionally, you can use the "Where's my order?" feature on our website.

Terminology

Spot price refers to the current market price of a precious metal per troy ounce. It represents the price at which the metal can be bought or sold for immediate delivery.
Bullion refers to precious metals in the form of bars, coins, or rounds that are typically purchased for investment purposes. These items are valued based on their metal content and purity.
The premium is the amount charged over the spot price of a precious metal. It includes costs associated with production, distribution, and profit margin for the dealer.
Numismatics is the study and collection of coins, including their history, design, rarity, and condition. Numismatic coins often have value beyond their metal content due to their historical and collectible significance.
A troy ounce is the standard unit of measurement used for precious metals. It is slightly heavier than a regular ounce (avoirdupois ounce) at 31.1 grams and is commonly used in the precious metals industry.

Precious Metals IRA

A Precious Metals IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that allows you to invest in physical precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. It offers diversification and potential protection against economic uncertainties.
Eligible precious metals for a Precious Metals IRA include specific gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars that meet the requirements set forth by the IRS. Contact our customer support team or visit our Precious Metals IRA page for a list of eligible products.
Setting up a Precious Metals IRA involves several steps, including selecting a custodian, funding the account, and purchasing eligible precious metals. We recommend consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional for guidance and working with a reputable custodian to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
Yes, it is possible to transfer or rollover funds from an existing retirement account, such as a 401(k) or Traditional IRA, into a Precious Metals IRA. Consult with your financial advisor or custodian to explore your options and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Investing in a Precious Metals IRA may offer certain tax advantages, such as potential tax-deferred growth or tax-free distributions in the case of a Roth IRA. However, tax rules and regulations can be complex, and it's essential to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to understand the tax implications specific to your situation.

Grading

Coin grading is the process of assessing a coin's condition, rarity, and overall quality. Professional coin grading services evaluate coins based on established grading scales and assign a grade that reflects their condition and desirability in the collector's market.
Coin grading directly impacts a coin's value, as higher-graded coins are generally more desirable and command higher prices in the market. The grade helps determine the coin's rarity, preservation, and overall quality, influencing its appeal to collectors and investors.
Professional coin grading services, such as Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), are reputable third-party entities responsible for determining the grade of a coin. These services employ experienced numismatists who evaluate the coin's condition based on established grading standards.
 
Graded coins generally carry higher value compared to ungraded coins of the same type and year. The grading process provides an independent assessment of a coin's condition, authenticity, and quality, which enhances buyer confidence and establishes a standardized market value. The most widely recognized grading system today is known as the Sheldon coin grading scale, where a numerical grade from 1 to 70 is assigned. Grades 60 through 70 are reserved for uncirculated designations, where grades 1 through 60 are reserved for circulated designations.
The decision to buy graded or ungraded coins depends on your personal preferences and investment goals. Graded coins offer the assurance of authenticity, condition, and market recognition, and liquidity, making them popular among collectors and investors seeking confidence in their purchases. Ungraded coins can provide opportunities for acquiring coins at potentially lower premiums, especially for bullion or bulk purchases.

BitPay

Bitpay accepts a variety of cryptocurrencies, including but not limited to:

  • Bitcoin (BTC: on-chain, off-chain with Coinbase, and Lightning)
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
  • Dogecoin (DOGE) 
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Shiba Inu Coin (SHIB)
  • Apecoin (APE)
  • 5 USD-pegged stablecoins (GUSD, USDC, USDP, DAI, and BUSD)
  • Euro Coin (EUROC) I A Euro-Backed Stablecoin
  • Polygon (MATIC)

Bitpay processes transactions by converting cryptocurrency payments into the merchant’s preferred currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) at the time of the transaction. This conversion helps mitigate the volatility associated with cryptocurrency values.

Bitpay transactions are typically processed quickly. Cryptocurrency payments are confirmed on their respective blockchains, which can take from a few minutes to an hour. Once confirmed, Bitpay processes and settles the transaction with the merchant, usually within one business day.

To start using Bitpay, follow these steps:

  1. Create an account: Sign up on the Bitpay website.
  2. Set up your wallet: Use Bitpay’s wallet or any compatible wallet to store your cryptocurrencies.
  3. Integrate Bitpay with your business: Use Bitpay’s API, plugins, or payment buttons to integrate with your online store or point-of-sale system.
Receive payments: Start accepting cryptocurrency payments from customers.
Bitpay is considered a trustworthy and reputable company in the cryptocurrency space. It has been in operation since 2011 and is one of the oldest and most established cryptocurrency payment processors. Bitpay employs strong security measures, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and encryption, to protect users' funds and data.
Bitpay charges a 1-2% processing fee on transactions. This fee is deducted from the converted amount before it is deposited into the merchant’s account. There may be additional network fees for sending cryptocurrency, which are paid by the customer. All cryptocurrency orders at Bullion Standard qualify for a 3% discount from an item's full list price.

You can pay up to $100,000 with BitPay.