This invention provides an exhaust gas purification catalyst, which can burn PM (particulate matter) at a temperature below the temperature required in the prior art technique and can realize a high PM combustion rate at elevated temperatures, and an exhaust gas purification apparatus using the exhaust gas purification catalyst. The exhaust gas purification catalyst comprises a composite oxide having oxygen release properties and Ag and a noble metal co-supported on the composite oxide. The exhaust gas purification catalyst and an exhaust gas purification apparatus (1) using the exhaust gas purification catalyst can increase the PM combustion rate at elevated temperatures and, at the same time, can burn PM at a temperature below the temperature required in the prior art technique. Further, fuel consumption loss caused by forced regeneration, EM deterioration, and catalyst deterioration can be suppressed, and, thus, the load on automobiles can be reduced.