Prepper MetalsGold & silver for the prepared
Home / "Free silver" promotions explained
Buying

"Free silver" promotions explained

Many precious metals companies advertise bonus or "free" silver with a purchase or IRA rollover. Here's how to look past the headline and compare the real cost.

By Prepper Metals Editorial · Updated October 2026 · Editorial standards

What these promotions are

A "free silver" or bonus-metal promotion typically offers extra metal when you make a qualifying purchase or move a qualifying amount into a precious metals IRA. Offers often scale with the size of the purchase or rollover.

Nothing is truly free in a business. The cost of a bonus has to come from somewhere, often from the pricing of the main purchase. That doesn't make every promotion bad, but it means you should judge the total deal, not the bonus.

The one number that matters

Work out how many ounces of metal you receive in total for every dollar you spend, including the bonus, and compare that with what you'd get buying the same type of metal elsewhere. A big bonus on top of high-premium products can still leave you with fewer ounces than a plain bullion purchase.

Questions to ask before you sign

  1. What is the price per ounce over spot for each product I'm buying, with and without the promotion?
  2. Is the bonus metal valued at retail or melt? What exactly is it (product, weight, purity)?
  3. What products are required to qualify? Are they bullion or premium/collectible coins?
  4. What are the minimums, and are there conditions like holding periods?
  5. What happens to the bonus if I cancel, return or sell early?
  6. What would you pay me to buy back everything today?
  7. Can I have all of this in writing before I commit?
Watch for: pressure to decide on the call, vague answers about premiums, bonuses that only apply to high-markup products, and anyone who won't put the terms in writing. The CFTC has warned consumers about precious metals schemes targeting retirement savings; see the source below.

Educational information only, not investment, tax or legal advice. Precious metals prices change constantly and can go down as well as up. Talk to a licensed professional about your situation. Full disclaimer.

Some links on this site are affiliate links. How we make money.

Keep reading

Compare companiesCoins vs rounds vs barsGold IRA basicsWhere to buy

Sources

We check facts against primary sources where possible. Spot an error? Email hello@preppermetals.com. See our editorial standards.

Common questions

Is free silver from gold IRA companies really free?

The cost of a bonus usually comes from somewhere, often the pricing of the main purchase. Compare total ounces received per dollar, with and without the promotion.

What should I ask about a free silver offer?

Ask for the price per ounce over spot with and without the bonus, what products are required, how the bonus is valued, any conditions, the buyback price, and get it all in writing.