Last updated: January 2026

When I first started researching precious metals investing about two years ago, I was overwhelmed by the number of dealers out there. Some had been around for decades, others were relatively new. Orion Metal Exchange fell into the latter category, but its reviews caught my attention.

After months of research and eventually becoming a client, I’m sharing everything I learned the good, the not-so-good, and what I wish I’d known from the start.

Who Is Orion Metal Exchange?

Orion Metal Exchange opened its doors in 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Their founder and CEO, Jacob Blalock, brought what the company claims is over 50 years of combined industry experience from the team. I’ll be honest, when I first heard “founded in 2017,” I was skeptical. In an industry where longevity often equals credibility, being the new kid on the block seemed like a red flag.

But here’s what made me dig deeper: they’re validated by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which is a big deal in the numismatic world.

They also follow regulations set by the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These aren’t just nice badges to have, they’re industry standards that help protect consumers.

• My office is at: 12301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 412, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
• Phone: (800) 559-0088 or (888) 607-4685
• Email: support@orionmetalexchange.com
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time

What They Actually Sell

Let me break down what you can actually buy from Orion, because this matters more than you might think.

Metals Available

When I called to inquire about their inventory, I was pleased to find they carry all four major precious metals:

• Gold – Both coins and bars
• Silver – Various forms including bullion and numismatic coins
• Platinum – Less common than gold and silver, but available
• Palladium – Growing in popularity among investors

Types of Products

Here’s where it gets interesting. You can buy:

1. Bullion coins – These are your standard investment-grade coins valued primarily for their metal content
2. Numismatic coins – Collector coins that can carry premiums beyond their metal value
3. Bullion bars – Bars of varying sizes (though specific pricing requires a phone call)

One thing that frustrated me initially: while you can see starting prices for many coins on their website, bar pricing isn’t listed. You have to call for that information. Coming from a background where I’m used to comparing everything online, this felt old-fashioned.

The Three Ways to Store Your Metals

This is where Orion offers genuine flexibility, and it’s something I appreciated during my decision-making process.

Option 1: Home Storage

If you’re the type who wants physical possession of your metals (I get it, there’s something reassuring about knowing it’s in your own safe), Orion will ship directly to you.

When I asked about this, they actually took time to discuss proper home storage options with me.

What I learned about home storage:

• You absolutely need a fireproof, waterproof safe
• Biometric locks (fingerprint scanners) add another layer of security
• A home security system isn’t a bad idea if you’re storing significant value
• Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance might need updating
• During shipping, Orion insures your metals in transit
• Flat shipping fee is $39

The representative I spoke with was refreshingly honest: “Home storage gives you immediate access, but it’s not the most secure option. If you’re storing tens of thousands of dollars in metals, a depository is safer.” I appreciated that candor.

Option 2: Secure Vault Storage

This is what most serious investors choose. Orion works with IRS-approved depositories—places like Brink’s for domestic storage, and they also have international options if that’s your preference.

Storage costs I was quoted:

• Annual fees: $75-$100 depending on the facility
• Insurance through Lloyd’s of London is included
• These fees are actually competitive; I checked with other dealers

One detail that mattered to me: these aren’t just random warehouses.

These are facilities designed specifically for precious metals storage, with security measures that would make Fort Knox jealous.

Option 3: Precious Metals IRA

This is where things get tax-advantaged, and it’s probably why most people end up contacting Orion in the first place.

Setting Up a Precious Metals IRA: My Step-by-Step Experience

I’m going to walk you through exactly what happened when I decided to open an IRA with Orion, because this information was hard to find when I was researching.

Step 1: The Initial Contact

You can’t set up an IRA online,at all. I tried. Their website has lots of information, real-time pricing charts (which I’ll discuss later), and an investor kit you can request, but actual transactions require human contact.

I filled out a contact form on their website on a Tuesday afternoon. By Wednesday morning, I had a call from Michelle (names changed for privacy), who would become my main contact throughout the process.

Step 2: The Educational Call

Here’s what surprised me: Michelle didn’t immediately try to sell me anything. Our first conversation lasted about 45 minutes, and most of it was her asking about my financial goals, my current retirement situation, and my understanding of precious metals as an investment.

She explained:

• How precious metals IRAs differ from traditional IRAs
• The tax implications (contributions can be tax-deductible, withdrawals are taxed)
• The required minimum distributions that kick in at age 73
• Early withdrawal penalties before age 59½
• The difference between traditional and Roth precious metals IRAs

Red flag I was watching for: High-pressure sales tactics. I didn’t encounter any. When I told Michelle I needed time to think, she said, “Absolutely. This is a big decision. Here’s my direct line—call when you’re ready.”

Step 3: Understanding the Minimums

This is important, so pay attention:

Official minimum: $5,000 to open a precious metals IRA

Practical minimum: $30,000 to qualify for promotional offers

When I asked about this gap, here’s what I learned: You can absolutely open an IRA with $5,000. But Orion (like many dealers) runs promotions where they’ll waive certain fees or give you free storage for a year—but only if you hit the $30,000 threshold.

At the time I opened my account, the promotion was:

• One year of free storage (value: ~$100)
• One year of free insurance (included in storage)
• One year of free custodial services

For someone rolling over an existing IRA of significant size, this makes sense. If you’re starting fresh with $5,000, you’ll pay the standard fees.

Step 4: The Rollover Process (If Applicable)

I already had a traditional IRA with another institution. Orion handled the rollover paperwork, which honestly impressed me. Michelle sent me forms via email, walked me through each signature line over the phone, and coordinated with my previous custodian.

Timeline for my rollover:

• Day 1: Initial paperwork submitted
• Day 5: Confirmation from old custodian
• Day 12: Funds arrived in my new Orion-managed account

If you don’t have an existing IRA, you can establish a new one through:

• Bank transfer (ACH)
• Wire transfer
• Mailed check

Step 5: Choosing Your Metals

Here’s where I hit my first real frustration: Not all of Orion’s products are IRA-eligible. The IRS has strict purity requirements:

• Gold must be 99.5% pure
• Silver must be 99.9% pure
• Platinum must be 99.95% pure
• Palladium must be 99.95% pure

While Orion’s website shows you their full inventory, it doesn’t clearly mark which coins meet IRS standards and which don’t. I had to go through my selections with Michelle to verify everything was IRA-approved.

Pro tip I learned: Stick with well-known bullion coins if you’re new to this. American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and similar government-minted coins are always IRA-eligible.

Step 6: Selecting Your Depository

Because IRS rules require that IRA-held metals be stored in an approved facility (you can’t keep them at home if they’re in an IRA), I had to choose a depository.

Orion works with all the major IRS-approved depositories in the United States. Michelle sent me information on three options, covering:

• Location (did I want East Coast, West Coast, or central?)
• Specific security features
• Accessibility (how easy it is to liquidate or add to your holdings)
• Exact fee structures

I chose a facility in Delaware based on Michelle’s recommendation for my situation—not the cheapest, not the most expensive, but good middle-ground service.

The Real Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay

Let me be completely transparent about fees, because this is where precious metals dealers can get murky.

One-Time Setup Fees

Account setup fee: $250

This is what I paid to establish the IRA account. Some dealers waive this during promotions; Orion didn’t when I signed up, but I’ve seen them offer this waiver since then.

Setup or transfer fees for the IRA itself: $0

Orion doesn’t charge you to roll over an existing IRA or to set up a new one beyond the account setup fee mentioned above.

Annual Recurring Fees

IRA service fee: $90 per year

This covers the administrative costs of maintaining your IRA account, processing statements, handling required IRS reporting, etc.

Storage fees: $75-$100 per year (average: $100)

This depends on which depository you choose and how much you’re storing. When I compared this to other dealers, I found it competitive. Some charge based on the value of your holdings (a percentage), which can get expensive. Orion’s flat fee structure made more sense for me.

Insurance: Included in storage fees

Your metals are insured through Lloyd’s of London while in the depository. This isn’t a separate line item—it’s bundled into that storage fee.

Transaction Costs

Shipping (for non-IRA purchases): $39 flat fee

If you’re buying metals for home delivery, you’ll pay $39 regardless of how much you’re ordering.

Buyback fees: $0

This is actually one of Orion’s better features. They offer a commission-free buyback program. If you decide to sell your metals back to Orion, you don’t pay a selling commission. You call, they quote you a price, you accept, and once they receive your metals in good condition, they send payment.

The purchase price itself: This varies

Obviously, the biggest “cost” is whatever you’re paying for the actual metals. Orion’s pricing is competitive with the industry, but you’re not getting a discount just because you’re buying through them.

The spot price is the spot price, and dealers add their premiums on top.

Real-Time Pricing: The Double-Edged Sword

One of the things Orion promotes heavily is their real-time pricing on their website. Let me tell you about my experience with this feature.

What Works Well

On Orion’s “Coins” page, you can see current pricing for their various coin offerings. They update throughout the day as spot prices change. For someone like me who checks prices obsessively, this was initially great.

They also have a “Charts” page with historical pricing. You can view gold, silver, platinum, and palladium prices from three months ago, six months ago, or twelve months ago. This is genuinely useful for tracking trends and timing your purchases.

The Limitations

Here’s what frustrated me:

1. Bar pricing isn’t listed – If you want to buy bars instead of coins, you have to call for pricing
2. No online transactions – Even with pricing displayed, you can’t click “add to cart” and check out
3. Promotional pricing can change – The website shows starting prices, but your actual price might differ based on current promotions or purchase volume

The representative I spoke with explained that precious metals pricing changes minute-by-minute, and they want to confirm the price with you before you commit. Fair enough, but it does mean extra steps.

A Useful Feature for Monitoring

Even though I can’t buy directly through the website, I do use their pricing charts regularly to:

• Track when might be a good time to add to my holdings
• See how my existing metals are performing relative to when I bought them
• Compare Orion’s listed prices to other dealers

The Customer Service Experience: What to Expect

I’m going to be brutally honest here: if you hate talking on the phone, Orion might frustrate you. Everything—and I mean everything—requires contact with a representative.

The Positives

Knowledge level: Every person I’ve spoken with at Orion has been genuinely knowledgeable. They can explain the difference between numismatic and bullion coins, discuss market trends, and answer tax questions (though they correctly remind you to consult your tax advisor for personal tax situations).

Patience: When I was new to this and asked what probably seemed like obvious questions, no one made me feel stupid. Michelle spent an hour on the phone with me during my first call without rushing me.

Follow-up: This surprised me. After I made my initial purchase, I started receiving:

• Market update emails
• Educational articles about precious metals investing
• Occasional calls checking if I had questions

Some people might find this annoying; I found it helpful as someone still learning.

The Frustrations

No online account portal: As of my last check in late 2025, there’s no way to log into an account online and see:

• Current value of my holdings
• Performance over time
• Transaction history

To get this information, I have to call. For someone used to checking their 401(k) balance online whenever I want, this feels archaic.

Limited hours: They’re open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. If you work East Coast hours, that’s 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. your time—workable, but not always convenient.

Phone-dependent: Even simple questions require a call or email. There’s no chat feature, no FAQ that answers specific questions about your account, no automated systems.

How Orion Stacks Up: My Honest Comparison

After working with Orion and researching their competitors extensively, here’s how I see them positioning in the market.

Where Orion Excels

Transparent fee structure: Once you get someone on the phone, they’re upfront about costs. No hidden fees surprised me later.

Educational approach: They genuinely seem interested in educating customers rather than just making sales. The free investor kit they sent me was actually informative, not just marketing material.

Buyback program: The commission-free buyback is legitimately valuable. Some dealers charge you to sell back to them; Orion doesn’t.

Website pricing tools: Even though you can’t transact online, having access to real-time and historical pricing is more transparent than many competitors.

Where Orion Falls Short

No online transactions: In 2026, not being able to buy precious metals online feels outdated. Some competitors let you complete entire purchases through their website.

Limited online account management: Not being able to check my IRA value online whenever I want is my biggest ongoing frustration.

Relatively new: Seven years in business isn’t nothing, but it’s not the 30+ year track record some competitors have.

High practical minimum: While the official minimum is $5,000, needing $30,000 to get promotional benefits puts it out of reach for many beginning investors.

Companies I Also Researched

For transparency, here are the other dealers I seriously considered:

1. Lear Capital: They offer a 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. I liked this safety net, but their minimum investment was higher for the products I wanted.
2. Augusta Precious Metals: They had promotions offering free gold with new IRA accounts, which was tempting. Their educational resources are excellent. I ultimately went with Orion because I preferred their buyback terms.
3. APMEX: Much more robust online purchasing, but they don’t specialize in IRAs the way Orion does.

Each has advantages. I’m not saying Orion is objectively better, just that for my specific situation (wanting an IRA, valuing phone support, and planning to hold long-term), they were the right fit.

What the Reviews Say (And What They Don’t)

Let me address the elephant in the room: Orion’s reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Almost suspiciously so. I was skeptical.

The Numbers

As of 2026:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): A+ rating, accredited since March 2021, 54 reviews
• Trustpilot: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 196 reviews
• Google: 4.9 out of 5 stars from 233 reviews
• ConsumerAffairs: Positive feedback, though fewer reviews

My Take on These Reviews

After becoming a client and reading these reviews again, here’s what I think:

They’re likely genuine: The review content matches my experience. People praise the customer service, the educational approach, and the straightforward process. These don’t read like fake reviews.

They’re from satisfied customers: Here’s the thing—people who are happy with a service are more likely to leave reviews when asked. Orion clearly asks clients to review them. That’s not dishonest, but it does mean you’re seeing a skewed sample.

The complaints are telling: The few negative reviews I found complained about:

• Daily market update emails (too many communications)
• Not being able to buy online
• Confusion about spot prices vs. purchase prices

None of these are scam indicators. They’re legitimate complaints about business practices.

What Reviews Don’t Tell You

Reviews won’t tell you:

• Whether precious metals are a good investment for your situation
• If the timing is right to buy
• How Orion’s prices compare day-to-day with competitors (this fluctuates)
• Whether you’d be better served by a different type of retirement account

Red Flags I Watched For (And Didn’t Find)

Having researched precious metals scams before choosing a dealer, here’s what I was vigilant about:

Warning Signs of Precious Metals Scams

According to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Federal Trade Commission, watch out for:

1. Guaranteed returns – No legitimate dealer can guarantee precious metals will increase in value
2. Extreme pressure tactics – “You must buy now or miss out forever”
3. Requests for payment before price confirmation – Scammers ask for money before locking in what you’re buying
4. Claims of “insider information” – No one has secret knowledge of where metals prices are going
5. Refusal to provide information in writing – Legitimate dealers document everything

What I Found With Orion

1. No guarantees: Orion was clear that precious metals can go down as well as up. They position metals as a hedge and diversification tool, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
2. No pressure: I was never pressured to buy more than I wanted or to buy immediately.
3. Price confirmation before payment: Orion locks in your price, confirms it with you, sends written confirmation, and only then asks for payment.
4. Everything in writing: Every conversation was followed up with email documentation.
5. BBB accreditation: They’re properly licensed, insured, and have been vetted by the Better Business Bureau.

The FTC recently ordered one precious metals scammer to pay over $428,000 for defrauding senior citizens. This wasn’t Orion—it was a company using high-pressure tactics and false promises. Orion’s approach is fundamentally different.

The Buyback Program: How It Actually Works

Since this is a key feature Orion promotes, let me explain how their commission-free buyback program worked when I tested it.

My Test Transaction

About six months after my initial purchase, I decided to sell back a small portion of my holdings to test the process. Here’s what happened:

• Day 1 (Morning): I called Orion and said I wanted to sell back some of my silver coins.
• Day 1 (Within 15 minutes): The representative pulled up my account, confirmed what I owned, and gave me a quote based on current spot prices minus their buy spread.
• Day 1 (Before hanging up): I accepted the quote, and they locked in that price for 24 hours, giving me time to ship my metals.
• Day 2: I packaged my coins according to their instructions and shipped via insured mail.
• Day 5: Orion received my package and confirmed the metals were in good condition.
• Day 7: I received payment via check.

Important Details About Buyback

1. “Commission-free” doesn’t mean you get spot price: Orion buys back at a price below spot (the “buy spread”). This is industry standard. What’s commission-free is that they don’t charge you an additional fee on top of that spread.
2. You must ship the metals to them: If they’re in an IRA at a depository, Orion coordinates pickup. If they’re at home, you ship them.
3. Price is locked when you call: As long as you ship within their timeframe and the metals arrive in the condition stated, you get the price you were quoted.
4. Only for metals purchased through Orion: The commission-free buyback applies to metals you bought from them. If you bought metals elsewhere and want Orion to buy them, that’s a different (and less favorable) transaction.

Tax Implications You Need to Understand

I’m not a tax advisor, and Orion correctly reminded me to consult one. But here’s what I learned about precious metals IRAs and taxes:

Traditional Precious Metals IRA

• Contributions: Potentially tax-deductible, subject to IRS income limits and whether you have a retirement plan at work.
• Growth: Tax-deferred. Your metals can appreciate in value without triggering annual taxes.
• Withdrawals: Taxed as ordinary income when you take distributions.
• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Starting at age 73, you must take minimum distributions or face penalties.
• Early withdrawal penalties: Take money out before 59½, and you’ll pay a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax (with some exceptions).

Roth Precious Metals IRA

• Contributions: Made with after-tax dollars (no upfront deduction).
• Growth: Tax-free if you follow the rules.
• Withdrawals: Tax-free and penalty-free after age 59½ if the account has been open at least five years.
• No RMDs: You’re not forced to take distributions at any age with a Roth.

A Critical Point About Precious Metals IRAs

When you take a distribution from a precious metals IRA, you’re receiving either:

1. The physical metals themselves (distributed in-kind), or
2. Cash from selling the metals

Either way, the value of that distribution is taxed as ordinary income for traditional IRAs. This is different from long-term capital gains rates, which are usually lower.

What my tax advisor told me: If you’re in a high tax bracket when you retire, having metals in a Roth IRA (where qualified withdrawals are tax-free) might make more sense than a traditional IRA. Run the numbers with a professional.

Common Complaints and Concerns

Based on reviews I read and my own experience, here are the most common issues people have with Orion—and my take on each.

“I can’t buy online”

The complaint: In an age of Amazon and one-click purchasing, having to call for every transaction feels outdated.

My take: Annoying? Yes. Deal-breaker? Depends on you. I’ve actually come to appreciate having a human verify my orders, especially for large purchases. But I’m someone who doesn’t mind phone calls. If you’re phone-averse, this will frustrate you endlessly.

“I can’t check my IRA value online”

The complaint: Most IRA custodians provide online portals where you can log in 24/7 and see your account value, transaction history, and performance.

My take: This is my biggest ongoing frustration. I want to check my account value whenever the mood strikes, not only during business hours when I can call. Orion needs to fix this if they want to compete with more tech-forward dealers.

“The minimum is too high”

The complaint: $30,000 to get promotional benefits is out of reach for many beginning investors.

My take: Technically, the minimum is $5,000. You can start there. But yes, the promotional structure favors larger investors. This is common in the industry but worth noting if you’re starting small.

“Too many follow-up communications”

The complaint: Some reviewers mentioned getting too many market update emails or follow-up calls.

My take: I receive about 2-3 emails per week. They’re educational market updates, not sales pitches. I find them useful. If you don’t, I imagine you could ask to be removed from the list.

“Spot price vs. purchase price confusion”

The complaint: People don’t understand why they can’t buy at the spot price they see on the website.

My take: This isn’t unique to Orion,it’s how the precious metals industry works.

The spot price is the price for immediate delivery of large quantities between dealers. Retail customers pay spot price plus a premium. Orion’s website shows their current prices with premiums included, which is actually more transparent than showing spot prices alone.

Is Precious Metals Investing Right for You?

Before you even think about whether Orion specifically is right for you, let’s address the bigger question: Should you invest in precious metals at all?

When Precious Metals Make Sense

1. As a hedge against inflation: Metals often maintain purchasing power when currencies decline.
2. For portfolio diversification: Metals typically move differently than stocks and bonds.
3. As “insurance”: Some investors hold metals as a catastrophe hedge.

When you have a long time horizon: Metals can be volatile short-term but may provide value long-term.

When Precious Metals Don’t Make Sense

1. As your primary investment: Most financial advisors recommend no more than 5-10% of your portfolio in precious metals.
2. If you need liquidity: Selling metals takes time and involves transaction costs.
3. If you’re chasing short-term gains: Precious metals are not get-rich-quick investments.
4. If you haven’t maxed out employer retirement matches: Get that free money first.

What Financial Advisors Generally Say

Most fee-only financial advisors I’ve consulted suggest:

• Maxing out employer 401(k) matches first (that’s free money)
• Building an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses)
• Paying off high-interest debt
• Contributing to tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s)
• Then, and only then, considering alternative investments like precious metals

Precious metals can be part of a diversified portfolio, but they shouldn’t be the foundation of your retirement strategy.

My Final Verdict After Two Years

So, is Orion Metal Exchange legitimate? Absolutely. Are they perfect? No. Would I recommend them? It depends on what you’re looking for.

You’ll Probably Like Orion If You:

• Value personalized phone support over online self-service
• Want educational guidance throughout the process
• Plan to hold your metals long-term (the buyback program is great for this)
• Appreciate transparent fee structures
• Are rolling over an existing IRA of significant size ($30,000+)
• Don’t mind that they’re a newer company

You’ll Probably Be Frustrated With Orion If You:

• Prefer to research and buy entirely online without phone calls
• Want to check your account value online anytime
• Are starting with a smaller investment (under $10,000)
• Value decades-long track records over competitive current offerings
• Want cutting-edge technology and account management tools

Who I Think Orion Is Best For

Based on my experience, Orion is ideal for:

1. First-time precious metals IRA investors who want hand-holding through the process
2. People rolling over existing retirement accounts who have the $30,000+ to benefit from promotions
3. Investors who value phone relationships over anonymous online transactions
4. Those who plan to hold long-term and want a solid buyback option when they eventually sell

Who Should Look Elsewhere

You might prefer a different dealer if:

1. You’re tech-savvy and want robust online tools – Consider APMEX or similar
2. You’re starting very small (under $5,000) – Look for dealers with lower minimums
3. You need a company with a 30+ year track record – Go with established names like Lear or Augusta
4. You want more aggressive promotional offers – Shop around; competitors often have different deals

Practical Next Steps If You’re Considering Orion

If after reading this you’re thinking about contacting Orion, here’s my advice:

Before You Call

1. Download their free investor kit – It’s actually informative
2. Review the pricing charts on their website – Get familiar with current metals prices
3. Have your questions written down – Calls can cover a lot of ground
4. Know your investment amount – This affects which promotions you qualify for
5. Gather your existing IRA information if you’re doing a rollover

Questions to Ask When You Call

• What specific fees will I pay, and when?
• What promotions am I eligible for at my investment level?
• Which metals are IRA-eligible?
• Which depository do you recommend for my situation, and why?
• How do I check my account value after opening my IRA?
• What’s your buyback process if I decide to sell?
• Can you send me references or connect me with current clients?

Red Flags to Watch For

Even though I trust Orion, here’s what should concern you with any dealer:

• Pressure to invest immediately
• Guarantees about future metals prices
• Requests for payment before price confirmation
• Unwillingness to provide information in writing
• Evasiveness about fees

If you encounter any of these, walk away.

A Personal Note on Precious Metals Investing

After two years of having a portion of my retirement in precious metals through Orion, I’m glad I diversified. My metals holdings have appreciated some, declined some, and mostly just sat there doing what they’re supposed to do: acting as a hedge and diversification tool.

They haven’t made me rich. They haven’t lost significant value either. They’re insurance, diversification, and peace of mind. That’s what precious metals should be, not a path to quick wealth, but a component of a balanced financial strategy.

Orion facilitated this for me in a professional, educational, and transparent way. They’re not perfect, I really wish they’d build an online account portal, but they’re legitimate, knowledgeable, and I haven’t regretted working with them.

Final Thoughts and Resources

Whether you choose Orion or another dealer, do your homework. Read reviews from multiple sources. Talk to financial advisors. Understand the tax implications. And never invest money you can’t afford to lose or that you’ll need in the short term.

Helpful Resources I Used

• IRS guidelines on precious metals IRAs: Publication 590-A covers IRA contributions
• U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission: Has warnings about precious metals scams
• Federal Trade Commission: Consumer information on precious metals investing
• Better Business Bureau: For checking dealer accreditation and complaints
• Trustpilot and Google Reviews: For customer feedback

Contact Information Again

• Orion Metal Exchange 12301 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 412 Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Phone: (800) 559-0088 or (888) 607-4685
• Email: support@orionmetalexchange.com
• Website: orionmetalexchange.com
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific

My Bottom Line

On a 5-point scale, I’d rate Orion Metal Exchange:

Overall: 4.2 out of 5

• Customer Service: 4.8/5 – Knowledgeable, patient, not pushy
• Pricing Transparency: 4.0/5 – Good for coins, lacking for bars
• Ease of Use: 3.5/5 – Phone-only transactions and no online account access hurt here
• Reliability: 4.5/5 – They’ve delivered on every promise
• Education: 4.7/5 – Excellent resources and patient explanations

They’re legitimate, professional, and well-suited for certain types of investors. Whether that includes you depends on your priorities, your investment size, and your comfort with phone-based service.

Whatever you decide, invest wisely, diversify appropriately, and never put all your retirement eggs in any single basket, precious metals or otherwise.

If you want to compare Orion Metals Exchange, here are the 7 top Gold IRA Companies of 2026 that we recommend.

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Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience and research. It should not be considered financial advice. Consult with qualified financial and tax advisors before making investment decisions. Precious metals investing carries risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.