Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click links and make a purchase. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
If you’re hunting for silver bars—whether 10-ounce workhorses or hulking 100-ounce bricks—you want three things: transparent pricing, reliable fulfillment, and a clean exit if you decide to sell later. After comparing well-known dealers, real shipping policies, storage options, and buyer feedback, our top pick is clear.
#1 Overall: Goldco — Best all-around experience for buying silver bars (and selling back later)
Goldco checks the big boxes—A+ BBB rating, prominent third-party reviews, a widely advertised Highest BuyBack Guarantee, plus established vaulting partners for those who prefer professional storage. Goldco+4BBB+4Goldco+4
Below you’ll find a side-by-side look at major places people actually use, what they do well, and practical tips that can shave dollars off your per-ounce cost.
How we picked our #1 (and the short list)
We weighed seven things buyers care about most:
-
Reputation & ratings (BBB, large-volume review sites, sustained history).
-
Pricing transparency (clear quotes, reasonable spreads, frequent promos).
-
Payment options & discounts (wire/ACH price vs. card price).
-
Shipping & insurance (free thresholds, discreet packaging, turnaround times).
-
Buyback pathway (ease and clarity if you want to sell back).
-
Product range & availability (from common 10 oz bars to name-brand 100 oz options).
-
Storage choices (depository partnerships for those who don’t want home safes).
Goldco leads for the overall package, while several other dealers excel on narrow dimensions like everyday spot-plus pricing or free-shipping thresholds.
Our #1 pick: Goldco
Why it earns the top spot
-
Reputation: A+ with the Better Business Bureau and years in business. BBB
-
Buyback safety net: Goldco highlights a Highest BuyBack Guarantee, positioning itself as a ready counterparty if you decide to liquidate silver bars down the road. That’s a real comfort feature in a market where exit pricing matters. Goldco+1
-
Customer proof points: Company press and review roundups cite thousands of five-star ratings across major platforms (BBB, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, Google). Goldco+2ConsumerAffairs+2
-
Storage partners: For those who want vaulting instead of home storage, Goldco publicizes relationships with Delaware Depository (and mentions Brink’s in third-party coverage). Goldco+1
-
Simple on-ramp: Goldco publishes step-by-step articles for buying silver bars directly or within a metals IRA format, with phone support if you want a human to walk you through bar sizes and delivery. Goldco
Best for: Buyers who rank service, resale clarity, and storage options as highly as the day-one price.
Tip: Ask about current promos. Media rundowns have noted instances of bonus silver on qualifying purchases—useful sweeteners alongside the buyback pledge. Business Insider
Strong alternatives (and where they shine)
Even if Goldco is our #1 for the full package, you’ve got other excellent options—especially if you’re laser-focused on “spot-plus” pricing for 10 oz and 100 oz bars.
APMEX — Huge selection & frequent promos
-
What stands out: Giant catalog, live pricing, and frequent promotions on new-release products (including 2026-dated items). APMEX+1
-
Storage/packaging gear: If you want tubes, boxes, or accessories, they carry a broad range (handy when you’re organizing a larger stack). APMEX
-
Good fit: Shoppers who want lots of choices, limited-time deals, or specific brand bars.
JM Bullion — Free shipping on most bar orders
-
Free shipping threshold: $199+ gets free, insured shipping; site shows tracking and discreet packaging language. JMBullion+2JMBullion+2
-
Bar depth: Deep selection of 1 oz, 10 oz, and 100 oz silver bars—often with quantity price tiers. JMBullion
-
Good fit: Buyers who want predictable free shipping, everyday bar inventory, and clear cart math.
SD Bullion — Aggressive pricing on 10 oz & 100 oz
-
Low-cost angle: Publishes some of the lowest posted prices on generic 10 oz bars, with clear product pages. SD Bullion
-
Shipping: Free and insured over $199 per current policy page. SD Bullion
-
Good fit: Cost hawks purchasing common bar sizes who care about shipping thresholds.
Kitco — Big-name brand bars & live metals ecosystem
-
Flagship bars: Visibility on RCM 100 oz and other brand-name bars, with bulk discounting visible on product pages. Kitco+1
-
Market context: In-house news team and market dashboards if you like to study macro context while you shop. Kitco
-
Good fit: Buyers who want name-brand bars and a platform that doubles as a metals newsroom.
Money Metals Exchange — Subscription buying & clear sell-back rules
-
Monthly plan: Optional subscription lets you accumulate bars/rounds on a set schedule; terms spell out how pricing and shipping work. Money Metals Exchange
-
Sell-to-us page: Straightforward rules for selling bars back (marks, weight/purity, acceptable brands). Money Metals Exchange
-
Good fit: Dollar-cost-averagers who like structured accumulation and spelled-out sell-back standards.
2025–2026 context: silver’s hot, supplies can be tight
Silver blasted through $60/oz in late 2025 as industrial demand (solar, EV, electronics) collided with macro tailwinds. That kind of move can stretch premiums on popular formats and trigger purchase limits or product delays on certain SKUs. Big-box retailers even popped up in the conversation, occasionally listing metal products at eye-catching prices. The Jerusalem Post+1
Translation for bar buyers: Be ready to compare delivered prices across a few trusted dealers and consider wire/ACH payments where there’s a posted discount.
How to choose the right bar (not just the right dealer)
Common sizes (fast recap):
-
10 oz bars — The everyday sweet spot for stackers: easy to store, easy to resell, usually tighter spreads than 1 oz bars.
-
100 oz bars — Lower premium per ounce, heavier to handle, and require more careful delivery/storage planning.
-
Kilo bars (32.15 oz) — A middle ground some folks prefer for storage ergonomics.
Brand names to recognize:
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), PAMP, Asahi, Sunshine, Johnson Matthey (secondary), Valcambi—recognizable stamps generally help at resale. Kitco’s live listings regularly feature RCM 100 oz as a benchmark bar. Kitco
Pricing reality check: premiums, payment methods, and promos
Premiums are the markup over the spot price. They move with demand, bar supply, and brand popularity.
Ways to trim your out-the-door cost:
-
Use the “cash price.” Many major dealers publish a lower wire/ACH/check price and a higher card price. On bigger orders, that gap adds up. (You’ll see the split on cart pages and policy pages.) APMEX+1
-
Compare delivered price. The best cart is the one that wins after shipping, insurance, and (if applicable) tax. JM and SD, for instance, publish free shipping over $199. JMBullion+1
-
Watch promos. Pre-release boxes, coupon codes, or “as low as over spot” banners can make a noticeable difference (APMEX is famous for rotating specials). APMEX
Shipping, insurance, and discreet packaging
-
Most top dealers offer insured shipments with tracking. Free shipping often kicks in at $199+, a threshold that’s easy to clear with bars. JMBullion+1
-
Expect discreet packaging and signature-required delivery on higher-value orders. Dealers describe this throughout their FAQs and shipping policy pages. JMBullion
-
Document condition on arrival, keep invoices, and avoid opening high-value packages on the porch. (Yes, we’re serious.)
Where to store silver bars (and why storage matters)
Home storage basics
-
Fire-rated safe, bolted down.
-
Desiccants for humidity control.
-
Limited disclosure: the fewer people who know where your bars live, the better.
Professional depositories
-
If you prefer vaulting, look for insured facilities with audits and segregated storage. Goldco highlights relationships with Delaware Depository (and Brink’s mentioned in third-party reviews), giving you an easy hand-off from purchase to vault. Goldco+1
How to sell later without headaches
Having a buyback pathway matters. Two clear routes stand out:
-
Goldco’s Highest BuyBack Guarantee — They publicly commit to purchasing back qualifying metals, which reduces guesswork on exit. Ask your rep to spell out today’s spread on 10 oz and 100 oz bars so you know the round-trip math. Goldco
-
Dealer buy/sell desks — Many competitors (JM, SD, Money Metals, Kitco) run active two-way markets. Money Metals’ listing explains exactly what they’ll accept (clear purity marks, recognizable makers, etc.). Money Metals Exchange
Rule of thumb: Choose recognizable mints, keep bars sealed and documented, and hold onto receipts. That paperwork greases the wheels later.
State sales tax (don’t get surprised at checkout)
Sales-tax rules differ widely by state. Some jurisdictions exempt bullion bars, others tax certain products or set thresholds. Before a big purchase, check a current source for your state’s treatment (dealers often maintain maps; policy groups publish periodic summaries). Money Metals Exchange
FAQ (straight answers to real questions)
1) Why is Goldco your #1 for buying silver bars?
Because the whole package matters: reputation (A+ BBB), a published buyback guarantee, abundant customer reviews, and an easy path to professional storage. When you consider both the buy side and the sell side, Goldco ranks first in overall confidence. Goldco+3BBB+3Goldco+3
2) Aren’t some dealers cheaper day-to-day on generic bars?
Sometimes, yes. SD Bullion and JM Bullion often post sharp prices on 10 oz and 100 oz bars, and Kitco is strong on RCM 100 oz inventory. If your top priority is spot-plus pricing today—and you’re not worried about the resale path—compare delivered totals across these shops. SD Bullion+2JMBullion+2
3) What’s the simplest way to lower my per-ounce cost?
Use wire/ACH pricing (instead of a card), compare delivered totals, and consider larger bar sizes. During hot markets, promos from APMEX and others can also narrow the spread. JMBullion+1
4) Is it safe to ship 100-ounce bars to a residence?
It’s common practice with major dealers, but use a secure delivery window and a proper home safe (or arrange depository storage). Keep box photos and invoices for your records.
5) Do big-box stores ever sell metals?
Yes—occasionally—and the headlines roll in when they do. In late 2025 coverage, big-box retailers appeared with metal listings that attracted a lot of attention as prices rose. Selection is limited, and availability can be sporadic. The Sun
A practical buying script (copy this)
-
Pick your bar (10 oz for flexibility, 100 oz for lower premium/oz).
-
Get two or three delivered quotes (Goldco, plus one or two of APMEX/JM/SD/Kitco).
-
Ask about current promos and wire/ACH discounts; calculate the delivered total. JMBullion
-
Decide storage (home safe vs. depository). If vaulting, ask Goldco about Delaware Depository or Brink’s options. Goldco
-
Place the order; keep all receipts and photos of packaging on delivery.
-
Note the buyback path (Goldco’s guarantee or your dealer’s sell desk) so you’re never stuck guessing later. Goldco
Bottom line
If you want silver bars without drama, you need a shop that does more than show a nice price today. You need reputation, shipping you trust, storage if you want it, and a clear sell-back when life changes. Based on those priorities, Goldco is our #1 best place to buy silver bars right now—backed by an A+ BBB rating, thousands of strong reviews, a Highest BuyBack Guarantee, and named vault partners that simplify custody. Goldco+3BBB+3Goldco+3
That said, pricing fans can still score excellent deals from APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, Kitco, and Money Metals—especially on 10 oz and 100 oz bars and during promotional windows. The smartest strategy is simple: compare delivered totals, use wire/ACH where it saves you money, and keep your paperwork tidy so resale is a phone call—not a scavenger hunt. Kitco+3APMEX+3JMBullion+3
Sources
-
Goldco: BBB profile (A+ rating); buyback guarantee; storage partners & educational articles; review milestones and third-party roundups. ConsumerAffairs+6BBB+6Goldco+6
-
APMEX: 2026 product promos and listings; accessories for storage/organization. APMEX+2APMEX+2
-
JM Bullion: Free, insured shipping threshold and product pages for silver bars. JMBullion+3JMBullion+3JMBullion+3
-
SD Bullion: Low-price positioning on 10 oz bars; free shipping policy over $199. SD Bullion+1
-
Kitco: RCM 100 oz and other branded bars; market context via Kitco News. Kitco+1
-
Money Metals Exchange: Monthly accumulation plan details; “sell to us” requirements for bars. Money Metals Exchange+1
-
Market backdrop: Silver’s late-2025 surge above $60 and broader retail attention. The Jerusalem Post+1
Note: Always verify current pricing, shipping terms, promos, and tax treatment at checkout, as these change with market conditions and location.



