US Money Reserve Review: A Comprehensive Review of Precious Metal Investments

Expert Review of US Money Reserve: Is It Legit?
U.S. Money Reserve
Company NameUS Money Reserve
Founded2001
HeadquartersAustin, Texas
ProductsGold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Coins and Bullion
ServicesPrecious Metals IRA, Buyback Guarantee, Secure Storage
Customer ServicePhone, Email
Websiteusmoneyreserve.com

Introduction

US Money Reserve, a prominent provider of precious metals, has been a trusted name in the industry for over two decades. With a focus on diversifying investment portfolios with physical assets, the company offers a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of both novice and seasoned investors. This US Money Reserve review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of US Money Reserve, highlighting its offerings, customer service, and overall performance in the precious metals market.

History and Background

Established in 2001, US Money Reserve has grown to become one of the largest private distributors of U.S. government-issued gold, silver, and platinum products. The company's leadership includes Philip N. Diehl, the former United States Mint Director, lending a unique advantage and credibility to its operations. Over the years, US Money Reserve has served hundreds of thousands of clients seeking to diversify their assets with precious metals.

Product Offerings

US Money Reserve offers a wide array of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Their product line includes popular items such as:

  • American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle Coins
  • American Gold Buffalo Coins
  • Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and Silver Maple Leaf Coins
  • Australian Gold Kangaroo and Silver Kangaroo Coins
  • South African Krugerrand Coins
  • Gold, Silver, and Platinum Bars

For collectors, the company also offers a selection of unique and rare coins, providing an opportunity to own a piece of history while investing in precious metals.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to investing in precious metals, pricing and value are crucial factors to consider. Let's evaluate US Money Reserve's pricing and the value their products offer.

Reviews on US Money Reserve's pricing

User feedback on the competitiveness of prices:

  • Some customers say that U.S. Money Reserve (USMR) has excellent customer service and pricing. However, others say that the $250 annual fee is too expensive. 
  • Some say that the $250 annual fee is often waived the first year. Others say that USMR's buyback commitment offsets the annual fee. 

Value for money compared to similar companies:

  • USMR offers a wide selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products from government mints around the world. They have a minimum purchase of $25,000 for rollovers or transfers, or $6,000 on certain inventory. 

US Money Reserve Reviews of Customer Service and Security

US Money Reserve's marketing places a strong emphasis on customer service, with a team ready to guide buyers through the process of purchasing precious metals.

Refunds and Returns

The company provides a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, offering a full refund for any certified coins returned in their sealed containers within this period.

That being said, a June 2023 customer review from the website ConsumerAffairs.com indicates that US Money Reserve did not honor their cancelation policy:

I placed an order for some gold coins, then changed my mind a few hours later and called back and canceled the order. The next day they debited my checking account anyway. I called that day and asked that they credit the money back to my account. The representative agreed to take care of it right away but a week and three phone calls later nothing has been done. I was told that I had 24 hours to cancel and that I would not be debited until shipment. When I first contacted them I thought they a reputable company. I no longer think so!

Alan, ConsumerAffairs.com review (June 29, 2023)

At GoldAndSilverApp.com, we advise consumers like yourself to navigate larger companies with GREAT caution. Larger PM companies (US Money Reserve and the likes) may not have the same oversight on processing orders and customer service that smaller, more intimate dealers & mints do. This is one of our selection criteria. Knowing a lot of money is at stake here, mishandled transactions will guarantee frustration and disappointment.

Customer Complaints

As of October 2023, US Money Reserve is Better Business Bureau accredited with an "A+" rating. That being said, certifications don't necessarily correlate with quality. The company has a 3.83/5 BBB rating from 53 reviews, along with 22 complaints.

US Money Reserve's BBB complaints are mostly due to:

  • shipping errors;
  • deceptive sales (tricking a buyer into hiding a purchase from their family);
  • overvalued products;
  • refunds and returns

About one-third (7) of these complaints are clearly resolved. This is a notable improvement over the U.S. Money Reserve's prior BBB rating of "F" eleven years earlier in 2012. Also at that time, they had 41 complaints filed through the BBB.

Security

In terms of security, US Money Reserve ensures the protection of customers' personal and financial information. All transactions are conducted securely, and the company requires a signature upon delivery of purchased items, further enhancing the security of the buying process.

Authentication and Certification

Ensuring the authenticity of precious metals is of utmost importance to skeptical investors and stackers. According to US Money Reserve's website, they employ a multi-step process to verify the authenticity of precious metal products they offer. The verification methods are largely centered around certified or graded coins. Here are the detailed procedures, summarized from their various articles and resources:

Certification and Grading by Third-Party Organizations:

  • Certified coins are evaluated and graded based on their rarity and preservation state by reputable third-party grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
  • These grading services assess the authenticity of a certified coin, and this information is important for potential long-term profit. They provide a registration number on the coin's protective casing, which can be used to verify the authenticity of the coin online or by contacting the grading company​1​.

Serial Numbers and Barcodes:

  • After a coin has been inspected, graded, and sonically sealed in an impact-resistant case by PCGS, a barcode and serial number are issued.
  • The serial number facilitates the verification of the authenticity and quality of any certified coin evaluated by PCGS experts. The barcode is utilized for internal purposes at PCGS. By entering the coin's serial number on PCGS.com, individuals can swiftly verify the authenticity and quality of the coin​2​.

Registration Number Examination:

  • For gold coins or bars, it's advised to look for a registration number if the item is certified or graded.
  • The registration number, from either PCGS or NGC, indicates that the item has been authenticated. Verification of coin registration numbers can be done at pcgs.com or ngccoin.com​3​.

Physical Verification Techniques:

  • They mention a magnet test to help determine the authenticity of gold coins or bars. Real gold is not magnetic, so if a magnet is attracted to a gold item, it's likely not real gold​4​.

Certified Proof Coin Verification:

  • Certified proof coins come with unique serial numbers that can be used to verify their authenticity either on PCGS.com or through a PCGS Cert Verification App​2​.

Sealing and Unique Registration Numbers:

  • Certified coins are sonically sealed in clear tamper-proof slabs, each with a unique serial number to verify their graded condition and authenticity​5​.

Through these methods, US Money Reserve ensures the authenticity of the precious metal products they offer.

Educational Resources and Investment Advice

US Money Reserve provides a wealth of educational resources to help investors make informed decisions. These resources include detailed product descriptions, market news, and investment guides. The company also offers personalized guidance on investing in precious metals, helping customers choose the right products based on their financial goals and market conditions.

In addition to its in-house expertise, US Money Reserve partners with industry experts to provide market insights and investment advice. This collaborative approach ensures that customers receive comprehensive and up-to-date information to guide their investment decisions.

Storage Solutions and Investment Options

For customers who prefer not to store their precious metals at home, US Money Reserve offers secure storage solutions through third-party vaults. This service provides an added layer of security and convenience, allowing customers to invest in precious metals without worrying about storage and safety.

Beyond buying physical precious metals, US Money Reserve also offers the option to invest in a Precious Metals IRA. This self-directed IRA allows customers to diversify their retirement savings with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, providing a hedge against market volatility and inflation.

Comparison and Verdict

When compared to other reputable precious metal dealers, US Money Reserve stands out for its wide range of product offerings, excellent customer service, and secure storage solutions. However, it's important to note that the company has faced criticism and legal action related to its sales practices and customer service. Some customers have reported issues with order cancellations and refunds, while others have raised concerns about the company's sales tactics.

Despite these issues, US Money Reserve remains a popular choice for many investors due to its extensive product offerings, educational resources, and the option to invest in a Precious Metals IRA. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by its 30-day satisfaction guarantee, also adds to its appeal.

Conclusion

US Money Reserve offers a comprehensive range of precious metals products and services, making it a viable option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios with physical assets. While the company has faced some criticism, its commitment to customer service, secure storage solutions, and educational resources make it a contender in the precious metals market.

However, as with any investment, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and consider all options before making a decision. Potential customers should be aware of the issues raised in some reviews and consider seeking independent advice before making a purchase.

Our #1 Recommendation

While US Money Reserve offers a variety of services and products, our top recommendation is Sovereign Mint Exchange (SMX). Unlike gold IRA companies, SMX provides a complete chain of custody for every product you buy. This means you see, touch, and have full control over your precious metals.

In the current political climate, with the involvement of the Federal Reserve, IRAs and 401(k)s are at risk of disappearing. SMX offers a simpler process for moving money from retirement to buy metals outright, whether vaulted or directly. Plus, at SMX, every gold and silver product is made to order and responsibly sourced from ecologically sound mines. Start buying with SMX today for a secure and transparent precious metals experience.

Ready to Start Buying Precious Metals?

Visit Sovereign Mint Exchange today to explore their wide range of products and learn more about their services. Best of all, with their annual membership plan, you can save money on precious metal purchases.

Remember, diversifying your portfolio with precious metals can provide a hedge against market volatility and inflation. We personally consider gold and silver NOT an investment with a return, but "sound money". While stocks, cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments have gone to zero, gold and silver have never gone to zero in thousands of years' history. That's why we recommend buying precious metals with that in mind -- at GoldAndSilverApp.com, we're of a buy and hold position rather than a buy and sell position.

Frequently Asked Questions about US Money Reserve

What products does US Money Reserve offer?
US Money Reserve offers a wide range of precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bullion.
What security measures does US Money Reserve have in place?
US Money Reserve ensures the protection of customers' personal and financial information. All transactions are conducted securely, and the company requires a signature upon delivery of purchased items.
What educational resources does US Money Reserve provide?
US Money Reserve provides a wealth of educational resources, including detailed product descriptions, market news, and investment guides. They also offer personalized guidance on investing in precious metals.
What storage solutions does US Money Reserve offer?
US Money Reserve offers secure storage solutions through third-party vaults for customers who prefer not to store their precious metals at home.
What is a Precious Metals IRA?
A Precious Metals IRA is a self-directed IRA that allows customers to diversify their retirement savings with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, providing a hedge against market volatility and inflation.
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