10 Best Places to Sell Gold Online & Locally (Most For Cash)

Looking for the best sites to sell gold for the best possible price?

Whether you have old jewelry, coins, or bullion, choosing the right buyer makes all the difference.

Here’s your guide to the most reliable places to sell gold, backed by real customer experiences and market research.

What’s Your Gold Really Worth?

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Gold is trading at over $2,500 per ounce – one of the highest prices in history. But don’t get too excited just yet. That old necklace marked “14K” isn’t pure gold. Here’s what those numbers mean for your wallet:

• 24K = 100% pure gold
• 18K = 75% pure gold
• 14K = 58.3% pure gold
• 10K = 41.7% pure gold

How Can You Calculate How Much Your Gold Item is Worth?

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Gold price is evaluated according to its weight and the prices are typically provided per gram, per ounce or per kilogram of pure gold.

You can use this gold price calculator to understand how much your gold item is worth.

10 Websites to Sell Gold Online & Locally

Cash for Gold USA

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Cash for Gold USA is one of the best places to sell gold in any form, including:

• Coins
• Jewelry
• Watches 
• And even scrap or broken gold.

We tested the site by selling two gold bracelets to see how the process works and evaluate their offer.

We received $100 for those bracelets.

It’s also convenient to sell your gold to Cash for Gold USA as they send you the prepaid shipping label so you can send them your gold without any additional fees. 

Moreover, you’ll receive your money within 24 hours after the company receives your gold.

If you have other valuables, such as silver and diamonds, you can sell them to Cash for Gold USA as well.

Use this link to get 10% appraisal bonus.

Pros:

• Free FedEx shipping with exactly $5,000 insurance coverage
• Payment within 24 hours through PayPal, check, or wire transfer

Cons:

• Must mail items for quote (no online estimates)
• Offers 25-30% less for gold under 14K compared to higher karats

Express Gold Cash

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Express Gold Cash also offers the highest payout for your gold. 

They will provide you an offer for your items the same day you submit your application. 

The company also guarantees that you’ll get your payment within 24 hours after they receive your package. 

In order to ensure the fastest delivery service possible, they provide you a prepaid overnight FedEx shipping label.

Pays 90% of the value of gold bullion & up to 85% of the refined value of gold jewelry.

Pros:

• Pays 90% of bullion value and 85% for jewelry
• Same-day offer + payment within 24 hours via PayPal/direct deposit

Cons:

• No physical locations for immediate payment
• Customer support only available 9am-5pm EST

USA Gold Bureau

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USA Gold Bureau is a leading dealer of investment-quality gold and silver items from the US Mint and other supplies.

In order to sell your gold coins and bars to the USA Gold Bureau, simply find your item in the list and click the ‘Sell to Us’ button to submit your offer. 

If your item isn’t listed, the company may still be willing to accept it. Just call 800-775-3504 and tell them what you have. 

Pros:

• Expert authentication for rare coins with certification
• Specializes in American Eagle and international gold coins

Cons:

• Minimum transaction amount of $2,000
• Only accepts gold coins and bars (no jewelry or scrap)

Apmex

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APMEX is one of the world’s largest retailers of gold and silver goods.

In order to request a quote for your gold items, you need first to create an account and then call the company at (800) 514-6318.

When you’re selling your gold to APMEX, you have to handle shipping at discount rates. All shipping plans are insured up to $50,000.

Discounted UPS rates:

• Next day air – $49.07 – 1 day to receive
• 2nd day air – $41.26  – 2 days to receive

Note that APMEX’s minimum purchase amount is $1,000, meaning your gold needs to be above this threshold.

Pros:

• $50,000 shipping insurance (highest in industry)
• Real-time pricing updates every 15 minutes

Cons:

• Minimum $1,000 transaction requirement
• Shipping costs $41-49 based on delivery speed

SellYourGold.com

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SellYourGold promises same day offers and payments within 24 hours of receiving your package.

Once you accept your offer, you’ll receive a prepaid and insured overnight FedEx shipping label.

Furthermore, you can also request FedEx VIP door-to-door shipping service and have your items picked up from your home.

Other things you can sell to SellYourGold:

• Jewelry
• Diamonds
• Silver
• Platinum

Pros:

• Free VIP FedEx pickup from your home
• Payment via check, PayPal, wire, or direct deposit

Cons:

• Online-only (no physical locations)
• 3-5 business days for payment processing

Liberty Gold & Silver

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Liberty Gold & Silver is an online brokerage of precious metals offering competitive pricing for your assets.

The company promises to pay you the highest price compared to the competitors. And if you’ll find a better deal at another brokerage, Liberty Gold & Silver will match that price and even pay you 10% more.

Precious metals Liberty Gold & Silver accepts:

• Gold
• Silver
• Platinum
• Palladium
• Rhodium
• Ruthenium
• Iridium

Pros:

• Matches competitor prices plus additional 10%
• Accepts all precious metals including platinum, palladium, rhodium

Cons:

• Only 2 reviews on BBB
• Requires minimum 5 oz for gold bar transactions

Diamonds

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If you own a diamond ring or any other jewelry with diamonds, Diamonds.pro can help you evaluate your item. 

They will also answer all of your questions about this precious stone, helping you avoid scammers in the precious goods market.

Pros:

• Free GIA-standard diamond evaluation
• Appraisal kit includes $1,000 insurance

Cons:

• Only buys gold items with diamonds attached
• Minimum diamond size 0.5 carats for evaluation

Kitco

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Kitco is the best source of precious metals market information as it shows real-time news about precious metals and their prices.

The news website was founded in 1977 and is the world’s famous source of gold prices and precious metals market information.

But that’s not all, Kitco has been a trusted bullion dealer since it was created.

Respectively, Kitco gives you an opportunity to sell your gold to its large network of precious metals investors.

While Kitco doesn’t offer free shipping, they can assist you and offers shipping service at discounted prices. 

Shipping rate:

• $35 flat rate for shipping
• $6.50 per $1,000 worth of product for insuring gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium shipments. 

Pros:

• Updates gold prices every 60 seconds
• Network of over 10,000 buyers

Cons:

• $35 flat rate shipping fee
• Additional insurance costs $6.50 per $1,000 value

Pawn Shops

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If you’re looking to sell your gold fast, without having to ship your precious items and get paid immediately, selling them to Pawn Shops is probably the best option for you. 

However, I imagine you probably want to get the most out of your unwanted gold items.

Pros:

• Cash payment within 10 minutes
• No minimum transaction amount

Cons:

• Typically pays 50-60% of market value
• Prices can vary up to 25% between shops

Luriya

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Luriya has a large team of trained professionals, who will help you sell your gold and other precious items without hassle.

You can sell all sorts of precious items to Luriya, such as:

• Precious metals – gold, silver, platinum, palladium
• Precious stones – emeralds, sapphire, rubies, 
• Diamonds 
• Coins 
• Watches
• Jewelry

To get a quote for your precious items, schedule an appointment by calling Luriya at 212-256-0025 or emailing info@luriya.com.

If you accept the offer, you can bring your item at the Luriya office: 30 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036, Suite #300. 

Alternatively, you can mail your items to the same address.

Pros:

• X-ray fluorescence testing for accurate purity
• Both mail-in and Manhattan store location options

Cons:

• In-person service limited to NYC (30 West 47th Street location)
• Must schedule appointment 24 hours in advance

Related: 10 Best Places to Sell Jewelry

Frequently Asked Gold Questions

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How do I know if my jewelry is really gold?

Look for markings like “10K,” “14K,” “18K,” or “24K” stamped on your jewelry. Real gold jewelry always has these markings, usually on clasps, inside rings, or on the back of pendants. If you can’t find markings, professional gold buyers can test your items using:

• Acid testing
• Electronic testing
• X-ray analysis
  These tests are non-destructive and can determine both authenticity and purity.

What affects the price I’ll get for my gold?

Several factors determine your gold’s value:

• Current market price (changes daily)
• Purity (karat)
• Weight
• Form (jewelry, coins, bars)
• Overall condition
• Where you sell it
  Remember: Even damaged or broken gold jewelry has value based on its weight and purity.

Where to sell gold?

When it comes to selling gold, you have several reliable options. Local jewelers and precious metal dealers often provide immediate payment and face-to-face transactions.

Online buyers typically offer higher prices due to lower overhead costs but require shipping your items.

Pawn shops provide instant cash but usually offer lower rates. The best choice depends on your priorities – whether you need immediate payment, maximum value, or the convenience of selling from home.

Best sites to sell gold?

Online gold buyers have revolutionized the selling process with secure shipping, higher payouts, and convenient service. Leading sites like Cash for Gold USA, Express Gold Cash, and APMEX have established strong reputations with thousands of satisfied customers.

These platforms provide free, insured shipping kits, transparent testing processes, and quick payments.

They also maintain high BBB ratings and extensive customer reviews, making it easy to verify their reliability before sending your items.

Best ways to sell gold?

The most profitable way to sell gold depends on what you’re selling. For basic gold jewelry or scrap gold, online buyers typically offer the highest prices. For rare coins or antique jewelry, specialist dealers or auction houses might be your best bet.

Consider getting multiple quotes before selling – this often leads to better offers as buyers compete for your business. Always check current market prices, understand your gold’s purity, and deal only with buyers who provide clear, written offers.

Why do different buyers offer such different prices?

Price variations occur because:

• Each buyer has different overhead costs
• Some need larger profit margins
• Business models vary (resale vs. melting)
• Some buyers are more competitive
• Location affects operating costs
  Online buyers typically offer better prices because they have lower overhead costs than physical stores.

Is it safe to mail my gold to online buyers?

Yes, when using reputable companies because:

• They provide free, insured shipping kits
• Packages are tracked door-to-door
• Insurance covers full value (usually $5,000-$25,000)
• Video-recorded unpacking process
• Return shipping is free if you decline their offer
  Always check insurance limits and only ship through their provided materials.

How quickly will I get paid?

Payment speed varies by buyer:

• Online buyers: Usually within 24-48 hours after accepting offer
• Local jewelers: Immediate cash payment
• Precious metal dealers: Same-day payment
• Pawn shops: Immediate cash payment
  Payment methods include check, bank transfer, PayPal, or cash (for in-person sales).

What’s the minimum amount of gold I can sell?

Requirements vary by buyer:

• Online buyers: Often require minimum values ($50-$200)
• Local shops: Usually no minimum
• Precious metal dealers: May have $500+ minimums
• APMEX and large dealers: Often require larger quantities
  Check with specific buyers about their minimums before shipping or visiting.

Should I clean my gold jewelry before selling?

Generally, no. Here’s why:

• Professional buyers prefer to evaluate items in their current state
• Harsh cleaning might damage the items
• Value is based on gold content, not appearance
• Some antique pieces are worth more with original patina
  If you must clean, use only mild soap and water.

What about diamonds or stones in my jewelry?

Consider these options:

• Some buyers pay extra for diamonds (get documentation)
• Ask if they return stones they remove
• Consider selling to a jeweler who values both metals and stones
• Have valuable stones removed professionally before selling
  Most online gold buyers focus only on gold content and may not pay for stones.

How can I be sure I’m not getting scammed?

Protect yourself by:

• Getting multiple written quotes
• Understanding the price of gold that day
• Never letting your items out of sight during in-person testing
• Using only established, verified buyers
• Getting everything in writing

What’s the best time to sell gold?

Consider selling when:

• Gold prices are high (like current prices)
• You’ve researched current market values
• You’ve gotten multiple quotes
• You feel confident in your buyer
• You understand the selling process
• Don’t sell if you feel rushed or pressured, as gold prices are relatively stable day-to-day.

Remember: The best buyer for you depends on:

• How much gold you’re selling
• How quickly you need money
• Your comfort with shipping vs. in-person sales
• Local options available
• Current gold prices

Always get multiple quotes and don’t feel pressured to accept any offer immediately. A good buyer will give you time to think about their offer.