US Money Reserve is one of the most heavily advertised gold companies in America. Their TV commercials feature former US Mint Director Philip Diehl, which gives them instant credibility. They're a major distributor of government-issued gold coins.
But here's the thing: heavy advertising costs money. And that money comes from somewhere. After investigating US Money Reserve, I found some things that potential customers need to know.
The "Exclusive Coin" Trap
This is where things get complicated. When you call US Money Reserve, there's a good chance they'll try to sell you on numismatic or "proof" coins rather than standard bullion.
Why does this matter? Standard bullion coins (like American Gold Eagles) are priced close to the spot price of gold. You might pay a 5-8% premium, which is normal. But numismatic coins—marketed as "rare," "exclusive," or "collectible"—can have premiums of 30-50% or more.
The Math Problem
If you buy a coin at 40% above spot, gold needs to rise 40% just for you to break even. Most "collectible" coins do NOT appreciate faster than standard bullion. For a Gold IRA, stick to bullion.
This isn't to say US Money Reserve is a scam—they're not. But their sales model appears designed to push higher-margin products. If you do business with them, insist on standard IRS-approved bullion and get the premium in writing before you commit.
Pros & Cons
The Good
- • Former US Mint Director involvement adds credibility
- • Large company with significant inventory
- • 30-day money-back guarantee on most purchases
- • BBB A+ rating
The Bad
- • Heavy push toward high-premium numismatic coins
- • Multiple reports of aggressive phone sales
- • Pricing not transparent on website
- • Higher markups than many competitors
Complaints to Be Aware Of
We have a dedicated page on US Money Reserve complaints, but here are the highlights:
- Persistent phone calls: Many customers report being called repeatedly after requesting a free guide
- "Bait and switch" allegations: Some say they were offered one product but pushed toward a more expensive option
- Spread confusion: Customers surprised by the gap between buy and sell prices
To be fair, the company does have an A+ BBB rating, which means they respond to and resolve complaints. But the volume of similar complaints suggests a pattern worth noting.
Final Verdict
US Money Reserve is a legitimate company—they're not going to steal your money. But their business model appears optimized for selling high-margin numismatic products rather than helping you build a cost-effective Gold IRA.
My recommendation: If you're interested in rare coins as collectibles, US Money Reserve might work. But if you want a Gold IRA for retirement diversification, you'll likely get better value from companies like Augusta or Goldco that focus on bullion.
If you do call US Money Reserve, be very clear: "I only want standard IRS-approved bullion for my IRA—no collectibles." Get everything in writing.