Head-to-Head Comparison

Blanchard Gold vs Orion Metal Exchange

When you've spent 30 years building your retirement savings, you can't afford to trust it to the wrong company. Let's look at what actually matters.

For someone with $500k saved over a lifetime of hard work, we focus on the things that count: BBB complaint history, how they handle problems, and whether customers actually recommend them to friends—not just flashy marketing.

Blanchard Gold
4.3A+$10,000 min
Orion Metal Exchange
4.4A$10,000 min

Between Blanchard Gold and Orion Metal Exchange, Orion Metal Exchange is the stronger choice with a 4.4/5 rating, A BBB grade, and a $10,000 minimum investment. Blanchard Gold scores 4.3/5 with a A+ BBB rating. Orion Metal Exchange is best for cost-conscious investors seeking lower fees, while Blanchard Gold is better for collectors interested in rare and numismatic coins.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

Orion Metal Exchange Wins

With a rating of 4.4/5 and A BBB rating, Orion Metal Exchange edges out Blanchard Gold (4.3/5).

Get Started with Orion Metal Exchange

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature
Blanchard Gold
Orion Metal Exchange
Our Rating
4.3
/ 5.0
4.4
/ 5.0
BBB Rating
A+A
Minimum Investment$10,000$10,000
Setup Fee$100$50
Annual Fee$200$150
Storage Fee$175$125
Metals Offered
GoldSilverPlatinumPalladium
GoldSilver
Founded19752017
Customer Reviews678189
Best ForCollectors interested in rare and numismatic coinsCost-conscious investors seeking lower fees
Visit SiteVisit Site
Recommended

Looking for a third option? Augusta Precious Metals is our #1 rated Gold IRA company for 2026.

Pros & Cons Comparison

Blanchard Gold

Pros

  • Longest track record (since 1975)
  • Rare and collectible coins
  • Extensive educational resources
  • Economic research department

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Some focus on numismatics (controversial in IRAs)
  • Older company culture

Orion Metal Exchange

Pros

  • Lower storage fees
  • Competitive pricing
  • Good customer service
  • Lower minimum

Cons

  • Newer company
  • Limited product selection
  • Less educational content

Company Overviews

Blanchard Gold

Blanchard Gold is the oldest precious metals dealer in this list, with nearly 50 years of experience. They're known for their rare coin selection and economic research.

4.3/5 ratingA+ BBBFounded 1975
Read Full Review →Visit Website →

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange offers competitive pricing and lower storage fees than many competitors.

4.4/5 ratingA BBBFounded 2017
Read Full Review →Visit Website →

The Bottom Line

Look, you didn't work 30 years to hand your savings over to a company that might let you down. Based on complaint history, customer service track record, and how they treat people with real money on the line, Orion Metal Exchange edges ahead (4.4/5 rating). That said, your situation matters:

Choose Blanchard Gold if:

Collectors interested in rare and numismatic coins

Choose Orion Metal Exchange if:

Cost-conscious investors seeking lower fees

Blanchard Gold vs Orion Metal Exchange FAQs

Is Blanchard Gold or Orion Metal Exchange better for a Gold IRA?
Orion Metal Exchange edges ahead with a 4.4/5 rating compared to 4.3/5. Orion Metal Exchange is best for cost-conscious investors seeking lower fees. However, Blanchard Gold may be a better fit if you're looking for collectors interested in rare and numismatic coins.
What is the minimum investment for Blanchard Gold vs Orion Metal Exchange?
Blanchard Gold requires a minimum investment of $10,000, while Orion Metal Exchange requires $10,000. Orion Metal Exchange has the lower entry point.
How do Blanchard Gold and Orion Metal Exchange fees compare?
Blanchard Gold charges $100 setup, $200/year maintenance, and $175/year storage. Orion Metal Exchange charges $50 setup, $150/year maintenance, and $125/year storage. Compare total first-year costs: $475 (Blanchard Gold) vs $325 (Orion Metal Exchange).
Can I have accounts with both Blanchard Gold and Orion Metal Exchange?
Yes, you can open Gold IRAs with multiple custodians. However, most investors find one quality provider sufficient. Annual IRA contribution limits ($7,000 in 2026, $8,000 if 50+) apply across all IRAs combined, though rollover amounts are unlimited.
Our #1 Recommendation

Ready to Protect Your Retirement?

Augusta Precious Metals has been rated #1 in our comprehensive review. Their education-first approach means you'll never feel pressured. Request a free info kit today.

A+ BBB Rating
4.9/5 Rating
Lifetime Support