Vaulted Review: Legit or Not?
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With that said, let’s return to the discussion at hand!
Ever found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of product reviews online? You're not alone. Exploring through countless opinions can be exhausting.
That's where a "Vaulted Review" comes in. It's a streamlined approach to reviewing products, cutting through the noise to give you the essentials.
What is Vaulted?
Have you ever wondered how to invest in physical gold without the hassle? Vaulted offers a seamless solution.
Operated by International Collectors Associates LLC, part of the McAlvany Financial Group, Vaulted leverages ICA's expertise in the gold brokerage industry since 1972.
The platform specializes in 99.99% fine gold kilo bars minted by the Royal Canadian Mint. Rather than dabbling in numismatic coins, Vaulted zeroes in on the intrinsic value of gold.
This makes it a straightforward choice for investors seeking purity and reliability in their gold investments.
Using Vaulted is incredibly intuitive. Whether you're on the go or at your desk, the user-friendly mobile app available on both iOS and Google Play Store and the desktop site make accessing your gold investments a breeze.
For beginners, the interface is designed to be easy to navigate, removing common barriers to entry.
How Does Vaulted Work?
Vaulted simplifies getting into gold investment with a straightforward, user-friendly approach.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, it makes the process seamless and accessible through a mobile app and desktop site.
VaultPlan
Fundamentally, Vaulted guides you through a well-structured process called VaultPlan. Setting up your account is the first step.
I found the setup process to be quick as you can create an account through the mobile app available on iOS and Google Play Store or directly on the desktop site.
It requires personal and contact information, and linking it to an existing bank account is essential.
Funding the account is just as simple. You can do it from the linked bank account or via wire transfer.
This streamlined funding process ensures you can start investing without unnecessary delays.
When it comes to buying gold, Vaulted offers a transparent and almost instant transaction experience during market hours.
You specify the amount of gold you wish to purchase, and they guarantee that the price will be within 1.8% of the wholesale market rate.
Selling gold is equally hassle-free. Need to liquidate your investment?
Just log into your account, hit the "Sell Gold" button, and Vaulted provides a selling price within 1.8% of the market rate. This consistency builds trust and reliability for regular users.
Physical Delivery of Gold
One feature that sets Vaulted apart is the option for physical delivery of your gold. After purchasing, you might want the tangible asset in your hands.
Vaulted allows this by providing a secure delivery service. Imagine the feel of a 99.99% fine gold kilo bar minted by the Royal Canadian Mint in your possession.
Having the physical gold delivered offers not just peace of mind but also the intrinsic satisfaction of holding a valuable asset.
The delivery process is secure and discrete, adding another layer of assurance.
Readers exploring Vaulted should highlight these streamlined processes and reliable services.
Whether through their app or desktop site, Vaulted truly makes gold investment accessible and straightforward, making it a standout choice for anyone interested in diversifying their portfolio with physical gold.
Top Features of Vaulted
When I first explored Vaulted, several standout features immediately caught my attention.
The platform offers a range of benefits that make gold investing accessible and straightforward for users at all levels.
Let me take you through the top features!
1. User-Friendly Mobile App
Vaulted’s mobile app is a game changer. It simplifies the entire process of buying, holding, and selling gold.
Designed with user experience in mind, the app is intuitive, making navigation easy even for beginners.
Whether you're at home or on the go, managing your gold investments becomes a breeze.
2. Low Fees
The fee structure at Vaulted is another impressive aspect. Transaction fees are a modest 1.8% of the total value for each buy or sell order.
Also, the maintenance fee is only 0.4% per year, deducted semi-annually.
Compared to other platforms, these fees are low, ensuring that more of your money is invested in gold rather than eaten up by costs.
3. No Minimum Investment
One of the most appealing features for new investors is the lack of a minimum investment requirement.
Anyone can start investing in gold through Vaulted, regardless of their financial situation.
This inclusivity opens the door for a wider range of individuals to start growing their wealth with physical gold.
4. Secure Storage
Security is a primary concern when investing in physical assets, and Vaulted excels here.
Gold purchased through the platform is stored in the Royal Canadian Mint’s maximum-security vault.
Fully insured against loss, damage, or theft, this high security measure offers peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safe.
The combination of these top features: a user-friendly app, low fees, no minimum investment, and secure storage, positions Vaulted as a leader in the gold investment space.
Fees and Minimum Investment
Exploring fees and minimum investment requirements is crucial when considering any investment platform.
Let’s break down how Vaulted approaches this!
How Much Do I Pay to Buy or Sell Gold?
When you buy or sell gold on Vaulted, there is a transaction fee of 1.8%. This means, for every transaction, a small percentage is deducted from the total value.
For example, if you’re buying $1,000 worth of gold, the fee would be $18. This makes budgeting for your investments straightforward.
Also, Vaulted keeps additional costs minimal by not charging extra for physical delivery beyond the standard carrier and Royal Canadian Mint fees.
There’s also an annual maintenance fee of 0.4%, deducted semi-annually in January and July.
This fee is taken either from your cash balance or gold balance, ensuring that the platform remains accessible without hidden surprises.
Compared to other platforms I’ve used, Vaulted’s clear fee structure is a breath of fresh air.
Are Vaulted Fees Good?
Vaulted’s fees are indeed competitive. In comparison to other online gold dealers, which often have higher transaction fees, Vaulted offers a cost-effective option.
I’ve researched various platforms; many charge upwards of 2-3% per transaction. Vaulted’s 1.8% fee stands out as more reasonable.
Likewise, the 0.4% annual maintenance fee is lower than average, further enhancing its appeal.
Also, there is no minimum investment requirement. You can start investing in gold with as little as $10.
This opens the door for a wide range of investors, from beginners to seasoned aficionados looking to diversify their portfolios.
Summarizing, Vaulted’s fee structure is designed with the user in mind, making gold investment as hassle-free and affordable as possible.
Storage and Security
When it comes to storing your gold, Vaulted goes above and beyond to ensure unparalleled security and peace of mind.
Where is the Gold Stored?
The gold I invested in through Vaulted is stored in highly secure facilities. Specifically, all physical gold acquired by Vaulted and its clients is housed at the Royal Canadian Mint.
This location isn't just a random pick. It is selected for its maximum-security vaults, which offer the best protection for investors' assets.
Let's investigate into the specifics!
The Royal Canadian Mint's vaults are among the most secure in the world, fortified by stringent security measures that would deter even the most determined intruder.
These include state-of-the-art surveillance systems and round-the-clock guards. Also, all gold stored here is fully insured against loss, damage, or theft.
This means you don’t have to worry about potential risks; your investment is protected under any circumstances.
Beyond just the physical security, the gold stored in these vaults enjoys an extra layer of governmental backing.
The storage facilities are regulated and backed by the Canadian government, offering added reassurance.
Knowing that my gold is under such robust protection helps me sleep better at night.
Ownership and control of the gold remain a critical aspect of our discussion. The gold stored in these vaults is always under my ownership.
Even in the unlikely event of Vaulted's bankruptcy, my gold cannot be leased, sold, pledged, or liquidated without my explicit authorization.
This ensures complete control over my investment, making Vaulted a platform that prioritizes the user's rights and security above all else.
Is Vaulted Safe?
When investing, safety is always paramount. I can confidently say that Vaulted is regarded as a safe platform for several reasons.
Let’s break it down!
Firstly, the gold you purchase through Vaulted is stored at the Royal Canadian Mint.
Known for its maximum-security vaults, the Royal Canadian Mint ensures that your gold is fully insured against loss, damage, or theft.
It is reassuring to know that such a renowned institution handles storage.
Operating since 1972, International Collectors Associates LLC (ICA), a subsidiary of McAlvany Financial Group, runs Vaulted.
This long operational history speaks volumes about the stability and trustworthiness of the company. Rarely do you find companies with such enduring legacies in the financial industry.
Transparency is another key factor in assessing safety.
Vaulted is clear and upfront about its fees, which include a 1.8% transaction fee and an annual maintenance fee of 0.4% for storage.
Knowing exactly what you are paying for eliminates any hidden surprises. I've found that this level of transparency is not always common in the finance world.
Are there risks involved? Like any investment, there are always some risks. But, knowing that my gold is stored securely and is insured gives me significant peace of mind.
Also, the control remains with the investor. In the unlikely event of Vaulted's bankruptcy, the gold cannot be leased, sold, pledged, or liquidated without explicit authorization.
This emphasis on safeguarding my investment highlights Vaulted’s commitment to its users.
Not only does this reinforce confidence, but it also aligns with their goal of making gold investment easily accessible and secure.
For anyone looking to diversify their portfolio with physical gold, Vaulted offers a compelling, safe option.
Pros and Cons of Vaulted
Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of Vaulted is crucial for making an informed investment decision.
Pros:
Cons:
User Experience
When I first started using the Vaulted app, I was impressed by its intuitive design.
The app's user interface is incredibly straightforward, allowing me to navigate through its features without any confusion.
From the moment I downloaded it, I could tell that it was created with both tech-savvy users and beginners in mind.
One of the standout elements of Vaulted is its simplicity. The process of buying, storing, and selling gold can often be intimidating, but Vaulted makes it easy.
For example, I can purchase gold with just a few clicks. No need for lengthy procedures – just decide on the amount and click to buy.
The automated VaultPlan feature is another gem; it lets me set up periodic purchases, ensuring I consistently invest without having to think about it.
Customer support is a crucial aspect of any financial service, and Vaulted excels in this area. They provide assistance via phone and email during regular business hours.
The beauty lies in their expert staff – these folks aren’t just customer service reps, they have deep knowledge of portfolio balancing and gold markets.
Whenever I’ve had questions, their insights have been invaluable, resolving my concerns efficiently.
Let’s talk about features!
Besides automated buying, the app offers an option to request physical gold delivery.
This feature adds a tangible aspect to my investment, allowing me to hold the gold if I wish. It’s a rare convenience, underscoring Vaulted's dedication to user satisfaction.
Overall, using Vaulted has greatly simplified my experience with investing in physical gold.
The app shields me from the complexities traditionally associated with gold investment while providing robust support and a host of valuable features.
Vaulted Alternatives
When considering alternatives to Vaulted, it’s essential to compare features, fees, and user experience. Several platforms stand out in the gold investment industry.
GoldMoney
GoldMoney offers a robust platform for investing in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
It enables users to purchase precious metals in various weights and securely store them in vaults around the world.
Unlike Vaulted, GoldMoney charges a 0.5% transaction fee, which is lower. But, the storage fees vary depending on the metal and location, often making it more expensive.
With GoldMoney, I appreciated the diverse metal options. They also provide a GoldMoney debit card, letting you spend your gold balance directly.
This feature is particularly convenient for those who want liquidity. On the downside, the platform's interface can be overwhelming, especially for new investors.
The additional fees based on storage location can also add up, potentially reducing the overall return on investment.
BullionVault
Offering competitive fees, BullionVault charges an initial 0.5% commission on gold purchases, and the storage fee is 0.12% per annum, significantly less than Vaulted.
They store gold in secure vaults located in London, New York, Singapore, Toronto, and Zurich.
Using BullionVault, I found that it provided excellent transparency with daily audit reports. They have a 24/7 trading platform, catering to those who need flexibility.
But, the user interface feels dated, and the lack of a mobile app makes investing on the go more challenging.
If you need customer service, be prepared for potential delays, as their support is not as responsive as Vaulted’s.
JM Bullion
JM Bullion specializes in selling and delivering physical precious metals. Unlike Vaulted, which provides secure storage, JM Bullion requires users to arrange their own storage.
This difference could be significant for investors who prioritize secure vault storage.
I liked JM Bullion’s straightforward pricing structure with no hidden fees. Also, they often have promotional deals and discounts.
On the flip side, the lack of integrated storage solutions means added effort and potential costs for secure storage.
Also, the physical delivery process can be subject to delays, which might be inconvenient for urgent needs.
APMEX
APMEX offers a wide range of precious metals, including rare coins and bars. Their platform caters to collectors and investors alike.
APMEX provides a vast selection of metals and collectibles, which is impressive if diversification is your goal.
They also have a loyalty program that grants discounts on bulk purchases.
Even though this, the platform lacks a dedicated storage option, requiring users to arrange their solutions.
This can be a hassle and adds extra costs to your investment. Another downside is the higher premium rates on collectibles, which could impact your returns.
OneGold
OneGold is a digital platform backed by APMEX and Sprott. It offers the ability to buy, sell, and store gold, silver, and platinum.
I found OneGold’s mobile app to be user-friendly, similar to Vaulted's. OneGold charges a flat fee of 0.8% for transactions, higher than Vaulted’s 1.8%.
Their storage fee is 0.4%, on par with Vaulted. The partnership with APMEX adds credibility and trustworthiness.
But, the platform doesn't allow physical delivery, unlike Vaulted, which might be a drawback for those who prefer this option.
Choosing the Right Alternative
Selecting the best alternative to Vaulted depends on several factors, including your investment goals and preferences for storage and fees.
While Vaulted excels in low fees and secure storage, platforms like GoldMoney and BullionVault offer lower transaction fees but come with their own sets of trade-offs.
For those requiring physical delivery, JM Bullion might be appealing, albeit with added responsibilities and costs related to storage.
Eventually, each platform has unique strengths and weaknesses, so considering these aspects will help you make a more well-informed choice about your gold investment needs.
Final Verdict
Exploring the world of gold investment can be daunting but Vaulted offers a streamlined and secure solution.
With its intuitive app low fees and robust security measures it stands out as a top choice for both new and seasoned investors.
The platform's commitment to transparency and user control ensures peace of mind while investing in physical gold.
Vaulted's competitive edge lies in its accessibility and reliability making it a compelling option for anyone looking to diversify their portfolio with gold.
If you're seeking a hassle-free way to invest in gold Vaulted is definitely worth considering.