US Money Reserve Reviews

US Money Reserve Review: Legitimate?

Reviewopedia staff  -  Updated:  August 2, 2023

 

US Money Reserve is a private distributor of government-issued precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum.

The company was established in 2001 and is based in Austin, Texas.  It is led by former United States Mint Director Philip N. Diehl.

How Does it Work?

US Money Reserve describe themselves as one of the nation’s largest distributors of precious metals products and related services, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.

They offer a range of products and services, including coins, bars, and other forms of bullion, as well as educational resources and guidance on investing in precious metals.

The company's products are sourced from government mints and are aimed at investors looking to diversify their portfolios with tangible assets.

In addition to physical precious metals, US Money Reserve also offers Individual Retirement Account (IRA) services, allowing customers to hold their precious metal investments in a tax-advantaged account.

US Money Reserve sells both "IRA Approved" and "Certified" precious metals.

"IRA Approved" Precious Metals

To be eligible for a precious metals IRA, the metals must meet certain standards set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

These standards, known as IRA-approved precious metals include gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars produced by government mints that meet specific requirements for purity and weight.

The required purity standards are as follows:

  • Gold  -  99.5% pure
  • Silver  -  99.9% pure
  • Platinum  -  99.95% pure
  • Palladium  -  99.95% pure

"Certified" Precious Metals

US Money Reserve also offers "certified" gold and silver coins, which are coins that have been professionally graded and certified by independent organizations.

Certified coins are considered to be of higher quality and value than non-certified coins, and they may command a premium price in the market.

Customer Reviews & Complaints

US Money Reserve has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from customers.

U.S. Money Reserve Inc. has an A+ rating with BBB with a rating of 3.7/5 from customer reviews

At the BBB, the company has 26 total customer complaints in the last 3 years and 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months.


Positive Reviews

  • Expertise  -  Many customers have praised the company's team of precious metal and market experts for their knowledge and guidance on investing in precious metals.

  • Convenient and Secure Storage Options  -  Customers have also noted the convenient and secure storage options provided by US Money Reserve, which allow them to store their precious metal investments in a safe and secure location. 

    US Money Reserve uses A-M Global Logistics (AMGL), an IRS-approved depository, as their proffered depository.

  • Wide Range of Products  -  Some customers have also noted the wide range of precious metal products offered by US Money Reserve, including coins, bars, and other forms of bullion.


Negative Reviews

  • High Prices  -  Some customers have criticized US Money Reserve for its higher prices compared to other sources, such as government mints.

  • Limited Availability  -  Some customers have also noted the limited availability of US Money Reserve's products, which may make it difficult for them to access the products and services they need.

  • Sales Tactics  -  Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the sales tactics used by US Money Reserve, which they view as high-pressure or pushy.

Customer complaints regarding the company's sales tactics have resulted in some legal issues for U.S. Money Reserve.

Most notably a lawsuit filed against U.S. Money Reserve claimed that the company overvalued their commemorative coins and targeted the elderly in their advertising.

The company has also been cited for deceptive marketing practices by the Texas Attorney General in 2010.

According to the complaint, US Money Reserve was accused of making false and misleading statements about the value and liquidity of precious metal investments.

Under the terms of the settlement, US Money Reserve agreed to pay $5 million to the state of Texas, as well as to change its marketing practices and provide greater disclosure to customers about the risks and limitations of investing in precious metals.

US Money Reserve did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

This case highlights the importance of being cautious when investing in precious metals and doing research to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of such investments.

Customer Service

US Money Reserve offers a "BuyBack Guarantee" which states that they accept the return of any certified coins within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. 

The coins must be returned in their sealed containers and the refund excludes shipping, handling and insurance charges.

Coins returned after 30 days of purchase may be refunded at either the current market value of the coin or the original purchase price of the coin minus a 20% restocking fee.

If you have any issues and need to reach a representative you can do so by email at: [email protected] or through one of several phone numbers we found on their site:

Customer Relations Department:  1-855-560-5118
Customer Service:  1-855-832-9570
IRA Consultation:  1-855-889-5111
Main Phone Number:  1-888-850-7315

Their address is listed as:
U.S. Money Reserve
P.O. Box 170339
Austin, TX 78717

Cost & Price Plans

At the time of this writing the annual fee for maintaining a gold IRA account with US Money Reserve is $250, but the company waives the setup and storage fees for the first year on qualifying accounts.

To qualify, accounts must meet the following minimums.

  • Rollovers/Transfers  -  minimum rollover/transfer of $25,000

  • New Accounts  -  Minimum purchase of $6,000 on select inventory required

As far as individual coins are concerned the value of precious metals is subject to market rates.

Additionally, it's important to consider any additional fees, such as shipping and handling, when comparing the overall cost of investing in precious metals with different providers.

The Bottom Line

US Money Reserve is a reputable company that provides a range of precious metal products and services, as well as expert guidance and secure storage options aimed at helping investors diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth.

However, it's a good idea to seek the advice of a professional to help you carefully review any information or claims made by precious metal providers before making a decision.

US Money Reserve have had customer complaints and some legal issues regarding their marketing practices and claims in the past.

It is also a good idea compare various sellers of precious metals, including government mints and online marketplaces, to determine the best option for you.

For example, government mints, such as the United States Mint, may offer precious metal products at lower prices than private distributors such as US Money Reserve.

Such costs should be evaluated with the consideration of the potential added value of US Money Reserve's expertise and secure storage options.

As with any investment, it is recommended to seek the advice of professionals and to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of investing in precious metals before making a decision.

If you have any experience with US Money Reserve or their services, please leave your reviews below.

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US Money Reserve Customer Reviews

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Buy metals at close to spot price
July 30, 2022

Buying collector "rare" coins will just be overpriced and never get back to the price you paid. There are Companies that sell coins at a slight mark up over spot, and E bay is a way to buy coins at reasonable prices, Do your homework on spot prices and stay away from overpriced graded coins.

rosie January 09, 2023

Thank you to all reviewers. Recently, I contacted USMR inquire of lower weight/denomination bullion. Agent said would send info. I also asked for info re: IRA/Gold.

Hours later, 8PM, I received a call from female agent re IRA/Gold rollover. 30 mins later (pushy), she attempted to secure my current IRA acct no., w/Capital Group. Realizing she was already in the process of attempting to rollover my IRA into a USMR - I strongly informed her I was not ready to do anything other than secure information.

Subsequently, because she was so pushy, I researched pros and cons. Forbes website info set out the pros and cons. She contacted me yesterday and I flatly declined the possibility of a rollover/gold/ira.

I appreciate all of these reviews. Wish I had read them first. Better late than never. USMR is on now on my "junk" list.

Kelley February 05, 2024

You are right, they are pushy. I told them i was only interested in information on Gold Coins. Wanted to read information first. Did not want to roll over into a IRA. The coin rep. gave my contact info to the IRA rep and he was nice enough but pushy. I block the repeated calls. Not interested any-longer due to the pushy calls.

Scam, they just want to hit you over head for your money
December 13, 2020
It's a scam, my father got taken by a very good sales guy, selling gold coin at 3x the price of the of the gold weight. If you're going to buy gold, buy it by weight not what's printed on it. And if I'm giving you cash, I want the gold in my hand not on paper.

MisLeading Advertisement
March 17, 2020
This vendor does not return phonecalls when messages left on their voice machine. They only want to sell and not reply to customer's needs nor concerns. Don't spend your hard-earned money on them. Reputable dealers like APMEX, Coin Mart, are far more honest and stand behind their sales. Check reviews before you buy precious metals !

ErnestoL December 10, 2020

Thanks Wally! I was about to make a purchase then saw your review and no reply from the company.

US Money Reserve is a scam
November 19, 2018
They love to sell to you. Impossible to get them to buy anything back. Won't return phone calls when they find out that is what you want to do.

Talked with them, they were not in this country.
June 21, 2018

Tried to get the pamphlet info that they advertised, but they wouldn't give it to me, instead, they wanted me to purchase some, then would send me info. What a scam, can't believe that the federal government isn't involved with this already. They all need to go to jail, including the people on the phone as they know this is a scam!!!!!!!

J>W> Smith

Seattle Washington

P>S>

Don't like my review, come see me in Seattle, tired of people taking advantage of others, and I will kick your ass!!!!!!!!

PhilipO'Brien September 25, 2019

I Doubt it !!!!!

SylTavares May 20, 2020

It is a shame that Scammers like this are taking advantage of other people's money. Scammers need to go!

100 % scam. The coins are useless
August 20, 2016

100 % scam. The coins are useless on open market.

I can't believe people are gullible enough to be taken by these grifters.

No service, no response to phone calls!!
April 29, 2016
Cannot get anyone to answer my calls. Have left numerous phone calls. I have an emergency and need to sell my gold coins, which I was told they would gladly take back at any time. (in the sales pitch of course)

Poor Service! No Sevice!!!!!
February 8, 2014

I have recently dealt with this company and have had nothing but headaches. They advertised on TV so I thought they would be a reputable company. As it turns out however after giving my credit card number and waiting for two weeks I still haven't received the goods. However they did send me more information as to how to purchase more gold, silver and platinum coins. Very kind of them huh! I will not be doing business with them ever again! And I still haven't received the coins promised. Further more they have not sent me any kind of tracking number or any means of finding out when the coins might arrive. I suppose I am supposed to hole up in my house waiting for the coins to arrive so that I can sign for the delivery. I advise you all to steer clear of this obvious scam.

Yours truly Allen Fraley Santee California!

Kevin Benz February 05, 2015

U.S. Money Reserve responds: Mr. Fraley first contacted our company and placed and order on January 24, 2014. We tried to contact Mr. Fraley four times in order to get a corrected address in order to ship his gold. We successfully reached him on February 11, 2014. His gold was shipped on February 14 and signed as received by him on February 17, 2014. U.S. Money Reserve takes great p[ride in having the most secure and fastest shipping in the industry. With a valid address and credit card, we often ship within 24 hours of the order with your gold received within 3 days. We also guarantee every purchase of certified coins. Unless otherwise specified at the time of sale, the U.S Money Reserve will accept the return of any certified Gold, Silver or Platinum coins within 30 days of purchase and provide a full refund.

WallyCasio March 17, 2020

You'll say anything to save your skins !