United Gold Direct Review
In today’s uncertain financial climate, many seek ways to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth. For generations, savvy investors have turned to precious metals as a reliable means of preserving wealth, even amidst economic instability.
As a prominent player in the precious metals sector, United Gold Direct offers an extensive array of investment vehicles, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. With a proven track record over two decades, United Gold Direct has established itself as a trusted authority in delivering unparalleled customer service and a steadfast dedication to identifying optimal investment prospects for its clients.
This United Gold Direct review will examine United Gold Direct and evaluate its services, products, and overall performance. This will also investigate its pricing, shipping policies, and customer support to help you decide whether United Gold Direct suits your investment needs.
Advisory! Prior to diving into this review, we’d like to stress that at Investors Circle, our mission is to protect your wealth. We know that our research reports may alter your investment decisions, so we want to be 100% sure you are investing your hard earned money with the right company!
With this in mind, we urge you to check out our list of the top five companies in this space (we found 1 that fits 99% of investors needs)
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See if United Gold Direct made our list this year, or continue with this review below to see if they are possibly the right company for your investment needs.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is United Gold Direct
United Gold Direct is a precious metals investment company specializing in selling gold and silver coins, bars, and bullion. Established in 1996, the organization has its headquarters in the city of Encino, California.
United Gold Direct offers a variety of investment options for individuals who want to diversify their portfolios with precious metals, including IRA accounts and delivery services. They also provide educational resources and market analysis to help investors make informed decisions.
United Gold Direct offers a variety of products and services related to precious metals investing. Here are some of the products and services provided by the company:
Gold and silver coins: United Gold Direct sells a wide selection of gold and silver coins, including American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, South African Krugerrands, gold coins, palladium bars, and more.
Gold and silver bars: The company also offers gold and silver bars in various sizes and weights, ranging from 1 gram to 100 ounces.
Bullion: United Gold Direct provides silver bullion in products for investment, such as gold and silver rounds, bars, and coins.
Gold IRA accounts: The company offers self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that allow individuals to invest in precious metals for their retirement portfolio.
Delivery services: United Gold Direct provides secure delivery options for customers who purchase precious metals through the company, including insured and non-insured delivery options.
Education and analysis: The company offers educational resources, market analysis, and insights to help customers make informed decisions about investing in precious metals.
United Gold Direct is a full-service precious metals dealer that provides a range of products and services to investors looking for additional resources to diversify their portfolios with precious metals.
United Gold Direct Storage Options
United Gold Direct offers several storage options for customers who want to secure their precious metals. These options include:
Home delivery: Customers can choose to deliver their precious metals directly to their homes. United Gold Direct provides secure and insured shipping options to ensure the metals arrive safely.
Depository storage: The company partners with several depository storage facilities across the United States to provide customers with secure storage options. These facilities are equipped with advanced security systems and are insured by leading insurance providers.
Read Also: What are the Storage Fees for Gold IRAS?
IRA storage: United Gold Direct offers IRA accounts that allow customers to invest in precious metals for their retirement portfolio. The company partners with several IRA custodians that provide secure storage options for the metals held in the IRA account.
Is United Gold Direct Scam?
Although United Gold Direct is a genuine entity, it has garnered several complaints from consumers online and lacks accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
Furthermore, the company is currently embroiled in legal proceedings. As of August 12, 2020, California has issued a consent order against the company.
The Department of Business Oversight found that United Gold Direct sold goods worth approximately $45,000 to three individuals only to appropriate the clients’ funds for unrelated business expenditures.
Such conduct constitutes a violation of capital utilization standards. As a result, the company has been ordered to desist from employing client funds to pay for its commercial objectives.
Additionally, United Gold Direct has pledged to reimburse the affected parties $45,000 when practicable.
Customer Complaints
According to a consumer review on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website, a customer rated 1 out of 5 stars to particular company due to their perceived unsatisfactory service.
The customer expressed dissatisfaction with their experience, citing the organization’s apparent failure to assist them in securing a refund for their removed IRA gold, necessitated by a family emergency.
Despite several weeks having elapsed, the customer had yet to receive any of their funds, ach transfers which ought to have been returned more timely. The customer was forced to suffer several thousand dollars in delayed payments and late fees as a result of the company’s purported negligence and mismanagement of their emergency.
Despite attempting to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the customer discovered that the implicated company lacked accreditation.
Subsequent research into the company’s owner Adam Blaser revealed a history of fraudulent activity targeting previous customers. The customer resisted obtaining a refund, as Adam Blaser provided no resolution and claimed that the order was still in the processing phase.
A complaint was subsequently filed with the state of California, which disclosed that numerous grievances had already been received against the company.
The company explained that the delay in shipment occurred due to difficulties in securing the physical gold. However, after contacting several competing companies, the customer discovered none had encountered similar challenges. As such, it is believed that the explanation provided was an excuse for the lack of progress.
Positive Reviews
Several favorable customer reviews serve as a counterbalance to negative feedback. The Better Business Bureau’s website features a solitary, critical review, but Trustlink showcases a collection of 21 reviews. The majority of these reviews are glowing, bearing five-star ratings.
One satisfied customer lauded the purchase and transfer process, which they described as effortless. The customer service team extended their expertise and guidance throughout the process, aiding the customer in selecting the most suitable investments.
Related: How Much Silver Should You Own?
Another content patron shared that they arrived at the organization with many inquiries. But, the customer service representative tackled each query patiently and thoroughly, enabling the customer to move some assets and closed bank accounts into their IRA for tax benefits. Many previous clients recommend United Gold Direct to others.
Fees
United Gold Direct charges fees for its products and services, as is typical for precious metals dealers. There are no hidden fees as this company is very open regarding charges. Here are some of the fees and costs associated with United Gold Direct:
Premiums over spot price: United Gold Direct charges premiums over the spot price for the precious metal products it sells. These prices and premiums vary depending on the product and quantity ordered.
Shipping fees: Customers who choose to have their precious metals delivered to their home or business will be charged shipping fees. The shipping fees vary depending on the weight and value of the shipment and the shipping method selected.
Storage fees: Customers and employees who choose to store their precious metals in an IRS-approved depository will be charged storage fees. These fees vary depending on the storage location, the value of the metals, and other factors.
IRA fees: Customers who open an IRA account with United Gold Direct will be charged fees by the IRA custodian. These fees vary depending on the custodian and the specific IRA account.
Wire transfer fees: United Gold Direct only accepts payment via bank wire transfer, and customers may be charged fees by their bank for this service.
United Gold Direct Pros and Cons
This review is not complete without knowing the pros and cons of this company:
Pros:
A range of precious metal products is available, including coins, bars, and bullion.
Flexible storage options for customers, including home delivery and secure depository storage.
Provides educational resources and market analysis to help customers make informed investment decisions.
Offers self-directed IRA accounts for customers to invest in precious metals for their retirement portfolio.
Dedicated customer service team to assist customers with their purchases and inquiries.
Cons:
The company does not have as long a history as some precious metals dealers, founded in 1996.
There are some negative reviews of the company online, including complaints about sales tactics, customer service, and delivery times.
Precious metals can be volatile investments, and there is always the risk of price fluctuations and market uncertainty.
Some customers may find the fees charged by United Gold Direct to buy gold to be higher than other precious metals dealers.
The company only accepts bank wire transfers, personal checks, and money orders, which may be inconvenient for some customers who prefer other payment methods.
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United Gold Direct Customer Support Team
United Gold Direct’s dedicated customer support team can assist customers with their inquiries and purchases. The company’s customer service team can be reached via phone, email, or live chat on the company’s website.
Customers can contact United Gold Direct’s customer service team with questions about products, pricing, ordering, delivery, and storage options. The team is knowledgeable and helpful and is committed to providing excellent customer service to all customers.
In addition to its customer service team, the company also provides educational resources and market analysis to help customers make informed investment decisions. The company’s website includes articles, videos, and other resources to help customers learn more about precious metals investing.
United Gold Direct’s strong customer support team is dedicated to helping customers with their inquiries and purchases. The company’s commitment to customer service is reflected in its positive customer reviews and ratings.
To Sum Up
United Gold Direct is a highly reputable dealer of precious metals, offering products and services to customers interested in investing in platinum, palladium, gold, and silver.
The company provides flexible storage options, including home delivery and secure depository storage, and offers educational resources and market analysis to help customers make informed investment decisions.
While there are some negative reviews of the company online, United Gold Direct has generally positive customer reviews and ratings and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. However, your research and due diligence is essential when considering United Gold Direct or any other precious metals dealer.
Overall, United Gold is a viable option for customers interested in investing in precious metals and looking for a reputable gold dealer with a range of products and services. The company’s commitment to customer service and security and its flexible storage options make it a strong choice for customers looking to diversify their investment portfolio with precious metals.