Where to buy gold bars and coins

For centuries, gold has been more than just a shiny metal — it’s been a reliable store of value and a symbol of financial stability. Even today, in an unpredictable economic climate, gold continues to prove its worth. While stocks and bonds often rise and fall with market cycles, gold tends to chart its own course, offering much-needed portfolio diversification during times of inflation and market turmoil.

In recent months, growing economic uncertainty has reignited interest in gold as an investment. The metal has delivered impressive returns, climbing nearly 26% since the start of the year. That surge has drawn attention from both long-time investors and those new to the world of precious metals. With various ways to invest — from physical gold bullion to gold-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold mining stocks — there’s no shortage of options for adding gold to a broader financial plan.

Physical gold, in particular, though, stands out for its tangible appeal. Unlike paper-based investments, owning gold bars or coins gives investors a hands-on asset that isn’t tied to the performance of a company or government. It’s also highly liquid, meaning it can be easily sold or traded for cash, which is a major benefit when markets are shaky or access to funds becomes critical. But where exactly can you buy physical gold bars and coins? Here’s what to know.

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Where to buy gold bars and coins

Where you opt to buy gold depends on your preferences, but these are the best places to consider.

Licensed online retailers

The digital revolution has transformed how investors acquire precious metals, with licensed online retailers emerging as a sophisticated and convenient channel for purchasing gold bars and coins. These platforms have democratized access to precious metals investing by combining extensive product selection with educational resources and competitive pricing structures.

Leading online gold retailers utilize advanced security measures and transparent pricing models to build trust with investors. Many platforms provide real-time pricing updates that track spot gold prices, allowing you to make informed decisions about your purchases. The competitive nature of online retail often results in lower premiums compared to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments, as these digital platforms operate with reduced overhead costs.

However, the key to successful online gold purchasing lies in selecting a reputable dealer. When evaluating online retailers, pay particular attention to customer service quality, shipping security protocols and authentication guarantees. The best platforms offer detailed product specifications, high-resolution images of their inventory and comprehensive buyer protection policies. Many also provide educational resources to help you understand factors affecting gold prices and how to verify the authenticity of your purchases.

Local precious metal retailers

You can also visit a physical store to buy gold bars or coins. This allows you to inspect the gold in person and ask staff any questions you have about its authenticity, purity and other factors.

As with online dealers, do research ahead of time to find ones with solid reputations. Compare prices between several retailers before purchasing, and bear in mind that prices from traditional retailers may be higher than online retailers due to the overhead costs of maintaining a brick-and-mortar location. And, before buying gold anywhere, be sure you know the current spot price so you can make an informed decision.

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Banks

Some banks in the U.S. sell gold bars and coins (as well as silver coins). This can be a good option for investors who prefer the public accountability of a federally regulated institution. However, your options may be limited compared to what you’ll find at an online retailer. You can call your local bank to find out if they sell gold.

What to look for

Wherever you purchase your gold bars and coins, there are some things to look out for to ensure you get the best product at the best price. When evaluating physical gold, consider its:

• Purity: Investment-grade gold must be at least 99.99% pure.
• Weight: The size and weight of the gold you buy will affect its cost and how easy it will be to store.
• Authenticity: Perform a DIY test such as the magnet test, ping test or float test to detect if the gold is fake or impure.
• Premium over spot price: Compare multiple sellers’ prices against the current spot price of gold to ensure you get a fair deal.

The bottom line

When buying physical gold, make sure you’re buying from a reputable dealer offering competitive prices and excellent customer service.

While you can buy gold bars and coins from pawnshops or individual sellers on marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist, it can be harder to verify the authenticity of their offerings, plus these sellers may have fewer reviews to rely on. It’s best to stick with the options listed above to ensure you invest wisely.