APMEX Promo Codes + Cashback

Yes, APMEX does have a price match, but it's basically useless for average buyers. You have to be an Elite or VIP Bullion Club member (which means you've spent at least $25,000 with them).

If you do have that status, the way to use it is simple. Before ordering, call a Specialty Account Manager with the competitor's listing pulled up. The deal has to still be live when you call, and it needs to be the exact same product APMEX sells. They're particular about the brand, size, and purity. Keep in mind they match the premium over spot, not the full sticker price.

To keep your request from getting turned down, make sure your order hits $1,000 or more and that both stores have the item in stock. Don't waste time browsing eBay, auction sites, or other third-party sellers either, since those prices don't count.

Do your homework before placing the order too, because the offer only applies to new purchases. Spot a lower price after you've already bought? APMEX won't adjust it.

Yes, free shipping is automatic once your order reaches $199, and no code is needed. Anything below that ships for a flat $9.95, and the discount applies on its own the moment you cross the line.

Don't add extra metal just to reach the free-shipping mark, since spending $30 to avoid a $9.95 fee costs you more than it saves. Unfortunately, based on our checks, they never lowered the threshold or hold free shipping events, so you don't have any other options. The smart move is timing. When you were already planning to spend close to that amount, put everything in one order instead of two.

Bullion Club VIP members get free shipping on every order, but reaching that tier takes more than $100,000 in total spending, which isn't realistic for most people. For a small one-time purchase, just pay the $9.95 and move on. There's no honest way around it.

Both a return and a cancellation cost you a fee of $50 or 5% of the order, whichever is higher, and shipping is never refunded. The only real way around these costs is making sure you get the order right before checking out.

• Canceling is the costlier option. Once you get a confirmation number, your price is locked. Cancel after that and you pay the fee plus any Market Loss when the metal price dropped. Should the market rise instead, APMEX keeps that gain.

• Returning gives you a 7-day window from the date your package arrives. A standard return still means paying the fee, plus possible Market Loss on bullion. When they sent you a defective or wrong item, though, support will usually handle it without charging you.

Always double-check your product, quantity, and payment method before clicking buy. A placed order can't be undone for free, and an unpaid Market Loss balance freezes your account from placing future orders.

The cheapest way to pay is by paper check, eCheck, bank wire, or trade, which all take 4% off the list price. Credit card and PayPal run you the full amount. On the site, anything marked "Check/Wire" already has that 4% built in.

Bullion is priced at spot plus a premium, and the 4% comes off that whole total. That lowers what you actually pay per ounce on every order, not just once.

Your bank charges around $25 to send a wire, which bites into your savings on a small order but barely registers on a big one. Check and eCheck cost nothing to send, though APMEX holds them 4 to 5 business days to clear before your metal ships. A bank wire clears the same day, so you keep the discount without the wait.

That leaves card and PayPal for one case only, when you need the purchase to land on a rewards or financing account.