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’ve ever opened five tabs, added the same bar to four carts, then discovered each dealer plays by slightly different rules—welcome to silver shopping in 2026.
“Cheapest” isn’t a single website; it’s a combination of product choice, payment method, shipping threshold, tax, and timing.
This guide shows you how to put those pieces together so your total landed cost comes out lower—reliably.
Quick promise: I’ll give you a repeatable playbook you can use any day of the week, and I’ll name the dealers and policies that matter—backed by current references.
The One-Minute TL;DR
-
Compare the same SKU across dealers (e.g., “generic 10 oz bar” or “100 oz RCM bar”), then calculate total landed cost (price + payment upcharge – cash/ACH discount + shipping + sales tax).
-
Free shipping thresholds are often $199 at dealers like APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, Provident Metals, and Monument Metals—though some shops run $149 (Hero Bullion) or different promotions, and terms can change.
-
Cash/ACH discounts (often ~4%) can undercut “cheap” credit-card pricing. That 4% swing can trump tiny differences in spot premiums.
-
Bigger bars = lower per-ounce premium. If the goal is ounces-per-dollar, 10 oz and 100 oz bars typically beat 1 oz coins. Use price-comparison tools for real-time premium checks.
-
Sales tax can make or break the “cheapest.” Many states now exempt bullion—but not all (and a few reversed exemptions for 2026). Know your state’s rule before you compare.
What “Cheapest” Really Means in 2026
“Cheapest” is rarely the banner price on a category page. It’s your delivered, paid, and tax-reflective number. Five variables decide it:
-
Premium over spot (the headline we all chase).
-
Payment method adjustments (cash/ACH/wire discounts vs. card/PayPal pricing).
-
Shipping/insurance (free over a threshold, or a flat fee below it).
-
Sales tax (state-specific bullion exemptions; 2026 brought changes).
-
Promo / “silver at spot” new-customer deals (handy—but read the fine print).
Master those five and you’ll consistently pay less, no matter which dealer is trending today.
Step-by-Step: How to Find the Real Cheapest Place (in 5 Minutes)
Step 1 — Pick the exact product type.
Decide on one of these: generic 10 oz bar, generic 100 oz bar, or a specific mint (e.g., RCM 100 oz). Premiums differ wildly between coins and bars, and Eagles are their own universe.
Step 2 — Pull live prices from 3–5 dealers.
For example, check: APMEX, JM Bullion, SD Bullion, Provident Metals, Monument Metals, Silver Gold Bull, and Hero Bullion. Use comparison sites to speed this up for 10 oz/100 oz bars.
Step 3 — Toggle the payment method in the cart.
Many dealers show a 4% cash/ACH discount relative to card/PayPal. That alone can move a “2nd-cheapest” into #1.
Step 4 — Check shipping.
Is your order above the free-shipping threshold? Most big dealers comp shipping at or above $199; some promotional thresholds differ (e.g., $149 at Hero Bullion at the time of writing). Falling just under the line can cost you a flat $7.99–$9.95. Add another bar? Free ship unlocked.
Step 5 — Estimate sales tax.
Rules vary by state and even threshold. The big picture in 2026: many states exempt bullion, but a few added or reinstated tax; Washington State removed its exemption effective Jan 1, 2026, for example. If your state taxes bullion, a slightly higher pre-tax premium at a dealer in a tax-exempt scenario could still win.
Step 6 — Re-rank by landed cost.
Only now do you truly know the “cheapest place.”
Which Products Tend to Be Cheapest per Ounce?
-
100 oz silver bars: Typically the lowest premium per ounce—the go-to for value buyers stacking weight.
-
10 oz silver bars: Still efficient; easier to liquidate and ship than 100 oz for many folks.
-
1 oz rounds: Usually more than 10s/100s, but “dealer’s choice” or overstock promos can close the gap.
-
Sovereign coins (Eagles/Maples): Generally carry the highest premiums, especially American Silver Eagles—collectibility and demand keep them elevated.
Some dealers publish running averages that line up with this: smaller bars/coins ⇒ higher average premiums; 100 oz ⇒ notably lower.
Dealer Policies That Directly Affect Your Price
Below are widely used U.S. dealers and the policies that can change your total:
-
APMEX
-
Free shipping at $199+; under that is typically $9.95. Fully insured shipments. No U.S. order minimum.
-
-
JM Bullion
-
4% discount for bank wire/ACH/check; card/PayPal is the baseline (no discount). Free shipping $199+.
-
-
SD Bullion
-
Free shipping $199+; offers 4% e-check discount; occasionally runs “silver at spot” new-customer deals.
-
-
Provident Metals
-
Free shipping $199+, fully insured; policy page updated Jan 21, 2026.
-
-
Monument Metals
-
Free shipping $199+; under that, often $7.99; recognized for discrete, insured shipping.
-
-
Hero Bullion
-
Frequently $149+ free ship and aggressive promos (e.g., starter packs/at-spot deals rotate). Always confirm the current threshold before ordering.
-
-
Silver Gold Bull
-
Free shipping $199+, “best price match” messaging on site; details matter for eligibility.
-
Policy pages change—always check the live page at checkout for the most accurate threshold and discount language.
Sales Tax: The Hidden Swing Factor
-
Many states grant full or partial exemptions for precious-metals bullion; others require thresholds; and a few (e.g., Washington State as of Jan 1, 2026) removed exemptions.
-
Several state updates since 2024 either added exemptions (e.g., Wisconsin) or modified them; some states impose threshold rules (e.g., certain purchases above $1,000). Always verify your state’s current rule right before you order.
Why this matters: A dealer with a slightly higher sticker price in a no-tax scenario can beat a “cheaper” dealer if your state imposes sales tax at checkout.
Price-Comparison Tools: Shortcut to the Best Premiums
You don’t have to click twelve tabs. Use comparison sites to zoom in on lowest premiums over spot for common formats:
-
FindBullionPrices tracks live ACH prices, stock status, and dealer promos; helpful pages include 100 oz silver bar comparisons and a general silver price grid.
-
Bullion.Directory and Bullion.com host comparison pages for 100 oz bars and other popular SKUs (always double-check at the dealer cart).
These tools save time—but landed cost still wins (remember shipping, tax, and payment method).
What About “Silver at Spot” New-Customer Deals?
They’re real—and useful—once:
-
Typically limited to one per household and small ounce limits (e.g., 5 oz rounds).
-
Great for shaving a few dollars off your first purchase—but they won’t supply your entire stack.
Use them to test a dealer’s shipping speed, packaging, and communication. If you’re happy, use that shop for your larger bar orders when their promos line up.
A Practical Example: Which Cart Is Truly Cheaper?
Imagine you want either ten 10 oz generic bars or one 100 oz generic bar—whichever nets the lowest per-ounce outcome today.
-
Check live premiums for both options at 3–5 dealers (comparison sites can speed this up).
-
Toggle ACH/wire in cart—does the 4% discount kick in? That alone can be the tiebreaker.
-
Make sure you’re over $199 to lock free shipping (or add a small item to tip over the line).
-
Estimate tax based on your state’s 2026 rule; Washington now taxes bullion, while many states exempt it.
-
Re-rank by delivered price per ounce. You’ll often find the 100 oz bar wins, but not always—promos, overstock, or a one-day sale can flip the result.
Coins vs. Bars: Why It Changes the “Cheapest” Answer
-
American Silver Eagles (ASEs) are beloved—and pricey. In 2026 (their 40th anniversary), Eagles often carry steep premiums that make them a luxury ounce. If value is king, they’re rarely “cheapest.”
-
Maples/Britannias/Philharmonics usually sit below ASE premiums, but still above generic bars/rounds.
-
Generic 10 oz / 100 oz bars (or “Dealer’s Choice”) tend to be the value sweet spot most days.
Shipping & Fulfillment Reality Check (2026 Edition)
Demand spikes and record-price headlines can cause longer handling times across the industry. Some dealers note delays during peak volume; others advertise that they did not raise shipping thresholds despite surges. In the short run, a slightly higher sticker price from a dealer who ships faster and in stock can be worth it.
Red Flags and Smart Safeguards
-
Too-good-to-be-true pricing from unknown sites: hard pass. Stick to recognized dealers (the list above).
-
Ambiguous shipping timelines: if it’s “pre-sale” or “delayed,” note the ship date before placing a large order.
-
Payment method traps: verify that your price reflects cash/ACH (not card). A hidden 4% swing wipes out “savings.”
-
Sales tax surprises: confirm how the dealer collects tax for your state before checkout—rules changed in 2026 for some states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single cheapest product for stacking?
On average, 100 oz generic bars. But promos on 10 oz bars or “dealer’s choice” lots sometimes beat them on a given day. Always compare both.
Are comparison sites reliable?
They’re excellent starting points. Always confirm the price in the dealer’s cart (with your payment and ship method selected) before you decide.
Why do card/PayPal prices run higher?
Processing fees. Many dealers offer a ~4% discount for ACH/wire/check to reflect lower costs.
Is free shipping really free?
Above the threshold, yes (and it’s usually insured), but falling under often adds $7.99–$9.95—which can make a “cheaper” per-ounce item more expensive than tossing one more bar in the cart.
How big is the sales tax issue?
Potentially big. Many states exempt bullion, but some don’t, and Washington scrapped its exemption in 2026. Always check your state’s current status.
A Ready-to-Use Shopping Playbook
-
Decide format first: If the mission is lowest cost per ounce, start with 10 oz and 100 oz bars.
-
Check two comparison pages (100 oz + 10 oz), then open the top three dealer carts for the same SKU.
-
Set payment to ACH/wire and note the 4% discount effect.
-
Add/subtract a small item to cross free-shipping if needed.
-
Estimate tax (verify your state’s rule for 2026).
-
Buy the lowest landed cost—not the lowest sticker.
-
If you’re new to a dealer, consider using a small “at-spot” starter offer to vet packaging/communication first.
So…Where Is the “Cheapest Place” to Buy Silver Online?
It depends on the day and the product. But here’s how it often shakes out:
-
For 100 oz bars, the cheapest cart frequently rotates among SD Bullion, JM Bullion, Monument Metals, Silver Gold Bull, and Hero Bullion, depending on cash discount, stock/overstock, and free-ship threshold. Use the comparison tools to spot leaders fast.
-
For 10 oz bars, all of the above are contenders—and flash promos can flip the order within hours.
-
For Eagles or sovereign coins, premiums rise everywhere; shop hard, but be ready to pay more for government-minted options.
-
If you live in a taxing state (e.g., Washington in 2026), check how each dealer collects/remits tax. That alone can change your “winner.”
Bottom line: The cheapest place is rarely a fixed URL—it’s the one that gives your chosen SKU the lowest landed price today after cash discount, shipping, and tax.
References
-
Shipping & Payment Policies:
APMEX free shipping $199+, insured; policy details and FAQ.
JM Bullion payment discounts (4% wire/ACH/check); shipping details.
SD Bullion free shipping $199+, e-check discount (4%), and new-customer spot deals.
Provident Metals free shipping $199+; shipping policy updated Jan 21, 2026.
Monument Metals free shipping $199+; sub-threshold fee often $7.99.
Hero Bullion frequently $149+ free-ship threshold; see site/terms.
Silver Gold Bull free shipping $199+ (US); price-match messaging. -
Comparisons & Premiums:
FindBullionPrices comparison pages (100 oz bars, silver grid) and premium methodology notes.
Bullion.Directory comparison dashboards (100 oz bars; average premium pages).
Bold Precious Metals guidance on typical 100 oz bar premiums. -
Sales Tax:
Sales Tax Institute update on Washington taxing bullion as of Jan 1, 2026.
Hands Off Sales Tax and dealer/state guides summarizing 2026 exemption maps.
Additional state examples and updates. -
Context:
Demand/market background for coins vs. bars in 2026; ASE anniversary note.
Final Word: If you run this process—same SKU, cash/ACH, free-ship threshold, state tax check—you’ll land on the true “cheapest place” today. Repeat it next time you buy, and you’ll keep shaving costs without sacrificing safety, speed, or sanity.
