American Bullion vs Orion Metal Exchange. Which One Is Right For You?

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Last Updated on November 28, 2025

Investing in a Gold IRA is one of the most effective ways to protect and diversify your retirement savings.

Choosing the right provider can make a big difference in terms of fees, storage security, and overall support.

American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange are two trusted companies in the precious metals space, each offering unique advantages for retirement investors.

American Bullion, founded in 2009, is known for its education-focused approach, transparent pricing, and streamlined IRA rollover process.

The company has helped thousands of investors safely transition their retirement accounts into precious metals.

Orion Metal Exchange, established in 2013, emphasizes personalized guidance, flexible IRA options, and a hands-on approach to building a precious metals portfolio.

Orion focuses on assisting investors at every stage, from account setup to metals delivery and buybacks.

In this comparison, we’ll examine fees, minimum investments, custodian and storage options, metals selection, buyback programs, and customer support, so you can understand the strengths of each company and determine which aligns best with your retirement goals.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	American Bullion	Orion Metal Exchange
Founded	2009	2013
Minimum Investment	~$10,000	$5,000
Fees	Account setup $0, annual $95–$150, storage $100–$150	Account setup $0, annual $100–$150, storage $100–$150
Metals Offered	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium (coins & bars)	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium (coins & bars)
Buyback Policy	Guaranteed buyback at market rates	Guaranteed buyback at market rates
BBB/Trustpilot Rating	BBB: A+ / Trustpilot: 4.8	BBB: A+ / Trustpilot: 4.9
Best For	Education-focused investors and traditional IRA rollovers	Investors seeking personalized guidance and flexible IRA options

2. Company Background & Trust Signals

American Bullion

Founded in 2009, American Bullion has become a trusted name in the Gold IRA industry by focusing on education, transparent pricing, and smooth IRA rollovers.

The company has assisted thousands of investors in safely moving their retirement accounts into precious metals.

Trust Signals & Recognition:

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (based on verified reviews)

• Media Mentions: Featured in investment and retirement publications

• Reputation: Known for a clear educational approach, reliable buyback program, and straightforward processes

Orion Metal Exchange

Established in 2013, Orion Metal Exchange emphasizes personalized support, flexible IRA options, and hands-on guidance for investors at every stage of the Gold IRA process.

Trust Signals & Recognition:

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot: 4.9/5 (based on verified reviews)

• Media Mentions: Featured in financial news and retirement resources

• Reputation: Known for dedicated account managers, transparent pricing, and customer-first approach

Takeaway:

3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process

American Bullion

American Bullion provides a streamlined setup process suitable for both beginners and experienced investors.

Minimum Investment:

• Approximately $10,000

Setup Process:

• Online or phone consultation to discuss IRA rollover

• Complete self-directed IRA paperwork through STRATA Trust

• Fund account via rollover or direct contribution

• Select metals and arrange delivery to an IRS-approved depository

Processing Time:

• Usually 24–48 hours

Investor Appeal:

• Predictable and structured, ideal for investors seeking a clear, step-by-step process

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange emphasizes a personalized, hands-on approach during setup.

Minimum Investment:

• $5,000

Setup Process:

• Initial consultation with an account manager to determine goals

• Assistance with IRA rollover or new account funding

• Guidance on selecting metals and storage options

• Account activation and metals delivery to IRS-approved depository

Processing Time:

• Typically 1–3 business days, with dedicated support

Investor Appeal:

• Hands-on guidance is perfect for investors seeking customized advice and reassurance

Takeaway:

4. Fees & Pricing Comparison

Understanding the fees associated with each provider is essential for evaluating long-term value.

Both American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange maintain transparent pricing, but their structures differ slightly.

American Bullion

• Account Setup Fee: $0

• Annual Custodian Fee: $95 to $150

• Storage Fee: Non-segregated: $100/year, Segregated: $150+/year

• Minimum Investment: ~$10,000

• Highlights: Predictable and transparent fees with occasional promotions for first-year investors

Orion Metal Exchange

• Account Setup Fee: $0

• Annual Custodian Fee: $100–$150

• Storage Fee: $100 to $150/year depending on depository and storage type

• Minimum Investment: $5,000

• Highlights: Transparent pricing with guidance on long-term costs, plus flexible options for different account sizes

Takeaway:

5. Custodian & Storage Options

Both American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange partner with IRS-approved custodians and secure depositories, ensuring your metals are safe, insured, and compliant with retirement regulations.

American Bullion

• Custodian Partner: STRATA Trust

• Storage Options: Non-segregated (shared vault), Segregated (individual allocation)

• Security: Fully insured, IRS-approved depositories including Brinks and Delaware Depository

• Flexibility: Investors can choose storage type based on comfort level and budget

American Bullion prioritizes simple, transparent options that give investors confidence.

Orion Metal Exchange

• Custodian Partner: Equity Trust or STRATA Trust

• Storage Options: Segregated storage standard, Option for non-segregated storage if preferred

• Security: IRS-approved and fully insured depositories, including Brinks and Delaware Depository

• Flexibility: Dedicated account managers help investors choose storage solutions that match goals

Orion emphasizes personalized guidance while maintaining regulatory compliance and security.

Takeaway:

6. Metals Selection & Flexibility

Both American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange offer a wide range of IRA-approved metals, giving investors options to diversify their retirement portfolios.

American Bullion

• Gold: Coins and bars including American Gold Eagle, Gold Buffalo, Canadian Maple Leaf

• Silver: Coins and bars including Silver Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf

• Platinum & Palladium: Limited IRA-approved options

• Flexibility: Focuses on widely recognized, traditional metals, making it easy for investors to build a diversified portfolio

American Bullion is ideal for investors who want a straightforward lineup of core IRA-approved metals.

Orion Metal Exchange

• Gold: Coins and bars including American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Australian coins

• Silver: IRA-approved coins and bars

• Platinum & Palladium: Available depending on market supply

• Flexibility: Offers personalized guidance to build a metals portfolio suited to retirement goals

Orion Metal Exchange provides customized solutions, helping investors match metal selection to their strategy.

Takeaway:

7. Buyback Program & Liquidity

Liquidity is an essential factor for Gold IRA investors.

Both American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange offer buyback programs to ensure investors can convert metals back to cash when needed.

American Bullion

• Guaranteed Buyback: Yes, at market-competitive rates

• Process: Simple and straightforward; typically completed in a few business days

• Communication: Clear instructions with responsive support

• Investor Confidence: Reliable for retirees and those seeking predictable liquidity

American Bullion provides a fast and predictable buyback experience.

Orion Metal Exchange

• Guaranteed Buyback: Yes, competitive market rates

• Process: Personalized guidance from account managers throughout the transaction

• Communication: Step-by-step support ensures clarity and confidence

• Investor Confidence: Designed for investors who prefer hands-on assistance during buybacks

Orion emphasizes personalized support while maintaining a reliable liquidity process.

Takeaway:

8. Education & Customer Support

Providing guidance and education is crucial for Gold IRA investors, especially those new to precious metals.

Both American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange excel in supporting clients, but in slightly different ways.

American Bullion

• Offers free educational resources, including guides, videos, and webinars on Gold IRAs

• Provides one-on-one consultations for IRA rollovers and account setup

• Focuses on step-by-step guidance so investors clearly understand every stage

• Appeals to investors who value education-first, structured learning

Orion Metal Exchange

• Offers dedicated account managers to guide investors personally

• Provides educational resources like market insights, investment strategies, and consultation sessions

• Supports clients throughout the entire IRA process, including buybacks and storage

• Appeals to investors who prefer high-touch, hands-on support

Takeaway:

9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For

American Bullion

• Strong reputation and long-standing experience

• Transparent fees and predictable pricing

• Extensive educational resources

• Smooth, efficient IRA rollover process

• Guaranteed buyback program

• Limited high-touch, personalized support

• Less flexible with specialized investment options

Appeals To:

• Investors seeking education-focused guidance

• Those who prefer structured, predictable processes

• Retirees or first-time Gold IRA investors

Orion Metal Exchange

• Personalized guidance with dedicated account managers

• Flexible IRA and storage options

• Curated investment packages for tailored portfolios

• Quick, guided buyback program

• Transparent pricing with guidance on total costs

• Slightly higher fees for premium guidance or storage options

• Minimum investment may be higher for certain IRA types

Appeals To:

• Investors who want hands-on, tailored support

• Those seeking flexible investment strategies

• Individuals new to Gold IRAs needing step-by-step assistance

10. Conclusion

Choosing between American Bullion and Orion Metal Exchange depends on the type of investor experience you prefer.

Both companies are reputable, IRS-approved, and fully insured, offering secure storage, transparent fees, and guaranteed buyback programs.

Investors can confidently explore either company to secure their retirement portfolio with precious metals, access educational resources, and enjoy reliable buybacks.

These kits provide detailed guidance to help investors start their Gold IRA journey with confidence.

11. FAQ