See our top-selected dealers for buying gold bars and investing with confidence. Explore gold spot prices, products, and dealer costs to secure your future.
American Hartford Gold is a privately held gold dealer founded in 2015 and based in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
The company sells various gold investment options, including one-ounce and Valcambi bars.
Shipping:
All orders include free shipping, insurance, and tracking.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers and checks.
Other Services:
American Hartford Gold offers a price-match guarantee and a buyback program. Investors can also get up to $2,500 in free silver on qualifying purchases.
Augusta Precious Metals is a family-owned business in Tarzana, CA that has been in operation for over 50 years.
Products:
The company offers one and 10-ounce gold bars from various hallmarks.
Shipping:
The company offers free, insured shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers for any amount and personal checks for up to $50,000.
Other Services:
All clients meet with a Harvard-educated economist. All purchases and products come with price protection. Also, the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee within seven days of purchase for new customers who buy premium precious metals.
Goldco is a privately held precious metal dealer that was founded in 2006 and is based in Woodland Hills, CA.
Products:
Some investment options include gold bars in varying sizes from a range of hallmarks.
Shipping:
The company does not charge for shipping.
Payment Options:
Goldco accepts checks, cashier’s checks, and wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldco offers financial articles and resources to educate investors about precious metals and IRAs. Their website provides free educational resources in blogs, eBooks, videos, and a live price tracker. Also, fees are waived for the first year, and new investors receive 10% back in silver coins. Finally, the yearly storage cost is reimbursed in like-value silver when investors make a $25,000 minimum purchase.
Goldline is a precious metal dealer that was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.
Products:
Goldline offers a large selection of gold products to invest in. Some options include one-tenth-ounce, one-ounce, and Valcambi bars.
Shipping:
Orders are shipped for free.
Payment Options:
Goldline accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
Goldline offers a seven-day price guarantee program for purchases over $10,000. Also, the company provides educational resources to new investors who want to learn about the precious metals industry and how to get started with investing.
Noble Gold is a precious metal brokerage firm in Pasadena, CA, established in 2017.
Products:
Noble Gold offers IRS-approved gold assets to invest in, including one-kilogram bars.
Shipping:
The shipping prices vary based on the products, weight, and shipping location.
Payment Options:
Noble Gold Investments accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a buyback program and a free investment kit to educate investors on physical assets. Noble Gold Investments also offers Survival Packs, which are pre-selected precious metal bundles. The company’s experts select a blend of precious metals for each Survival Pack tier. Finally, the company offers segregated storage.
Oxford Gold Group is a precious metal company based in Los Angeles, CA, that was founded in 2017.
Products:
Some gold assets offered by the company include one and 10-ounce bars.
Shipping:
Oxford Gold Group offers free shipping.
Payment Options:
The company accepts wire transfers.
Other Services:
The company offers a comprehensive investment guide and additional informative videos and articles on how to invest in physical assets. Also, Oxford Gold Group offers buyback and no-fee liquidation programs.
A gold bar, also referred to as gold bullion or a gold ingot, is a high-purity physical gold that comes in the shape of a bar. The minimum purity required for investment is 99.5% gold. Ideally, they must be stored in recognized and secure gold bullion vaults to preserve their quality.
These bars are available in different sizes, ranging from small bars of one to 100 troy ounce(s). The most common size traded around the world is one troy ounce.
Gold bullion bars also have different styles:
They can be hand-poured, cast, and minted ingots.
Hand-poured gold bars are produced by pouring the molten gold into molds.
Cast bars are also molten into gold molds but are more natural-looking.
Finally, minted bars are cut from the cast bar and rolled to a uniform thickness.
Each bar is stamped with its exact gold weight, finesses, and serial number for added security.
Buying gold bars is a cost-effective way for investors to diversify their portfolios because of their lower manufacturer’s premium.
Why Should I Purchase Gold Bars?
Portfolio Diversification
Gold bars are an appealing investment because they are tangible, physical assets whose value rises inversely to the traditional stock market. Thus, a diversified portfolio that combines gold, stocks, and bonds reduces overall volatility and risk. Also, throughout the years, gold has maintained its value and served as a hedge against inflation.
Inflation Hedge
Throughout history, gold has proven to be an excellent hedge against inflation. Between 2001 and 2007, the price of gold was in the green. Moreover, from 2016 to 2019, the price of gold increased by 44%. This historical performance makes investing in gold a wise strategy to protect your wealth during times of economic uncertainties.
Easy to Sell or Get a Loan Against
When faced with a financial emergency, you can depend on your gold investment because it can be liquidated quickly. Therefore, you can either place your gold bars for sale or get a loan against it from the bank. Moreover, the interest rate may be lower because it is a secured loan.
Wealth Preservation
Unlike other assets, gold has maintained its value throughout the years. This makes investing in gold a great way to preserve wealth from one generation to the next. In addition, gold can be passed on to your children as a gift for significant life events. Your children can also hold onto this asset and pass it to their children, confident that the gold will retain its price.
Gold Bar Buying Tips
Storage and Insurance
Ensure that your gold is stored correctly to maximize protection from damage. Any damage may affect your gold bar’s price. Consider keeping them in a high-security depository. If you choose to store your gold bars in vault storage, you may access your bars only during depository opening hours. You can also keep them in a safe deposit box at the bank. However, the bank doesn’t insure gold bars, and you will have to find an insurance company that covers gold bars kept in the bank.
You may also store your gold bars at home in a private safe. However, before reserving your gold, ensure that your private safety box is fireproof and waterproof and kept in a hidden place. Also, consider getting additional home insurance if your policy doesn’t cover the possible loss of precious metals.
Dealer and Manufacturer
As with any investment, when choosing the best gold bullion dealer for you, paying attention to reputation is vitally important. Research gold dealers’ reviews from previous consumers and business accreditation agencies to ensure the company is trustworthy.
Best gold dealers offer bars that recognized manufacturers and refiners produce. Look for respected producers like the Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, PAMP Suisse, and Credit Suisse to ensure the highest purity level. Additionally, make sure to check the bar’s purity, form, size, and weight before purchasing.
Purity and Fineness
The gold content in the bar has a significant impact on its value and worth. Therefore, ensure any gold bar you purchase has at least 99.5% pure gold or 24-karat gold. Moreover, if you are buying gold bullion bars as an investment, make sure that the bar features the name of the manufacturer, its weight, and its purity to verify the gold you are purchasing is real.
Gold Bar Sizes
Gold bars come in a variety of sizes, each fitting different investment strategies and budgets. Commonly, they range from one gram to 400 ounces, with the most popular being the one-ounce, 10-ounce, and one-kilogram bars.
The size of a gold bar directly influences its price and liquidity: smaller bars offer affordability and ease of trading, while larger bars typically come with a lower premium over the market price of gold but require a larger upfront investment. When choosing the size of a gold bar, consider not only the current price but also how it aligns with your long-term investment goals.
Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Bars
Before you purchase gold bars, familiarize yourself with the advantages and drawbacks of this investment option:
Pros
Inflation Hedge
Precious metals like gold have an intrinsic value, making them less susceptible to volatility. As a result, if the value of the dollar continues to decrease due to inflation, gold can act as a safe hedge against it.
Stock Market Alternative
The stock market is extremely volatile. Investors looking for a steadier alternative may turn to gold bars.
Paper Currency Alternative
Wealth Preservation
Gold has steadily risen in price over the last few decades. As a result, it can offer fixed long-term growth.
Portfolio Diversification
More affordable than gold coins
Cons
Doesn’t Earn Passive Income
Unlike stocks or bonds, gold investments do not offer dividends. Investors will only see a profit if they liquidate their gold bars.
Transaction Fees
Secure Storage Fees
If you choose to store your gold bars at a depository, you will be charged annual storage fees. Even if you store at home, you will likely need to purchase a safe.
Capital Gains Tax
Not A Passive Income Asset
Gold assets are subject to capital gains tax by the IRS. When sold, you will be required to pay a 28% tax.
FAQ on Buying Gold Bars
Do you still have more questions about investing in gold bars? Here are some frequently asked questions that can clear the air:
How Much Does a Gold Bar Weigh?
A standard gold bar weighs around 400 troy ounces, or 27.4 pounds (12.4 kilograms). Banks around the world use this weight. To have a better understanding, it is about the size of a regular brick. However, the kind of gold bar investors would buy for their portfolios doesn’t weigh that much. The most common size traded around the world is one troy ounce or 1.097 ounces.
How Much Does a Gold Bar Cost?
Gold bar prices closely follow the gold spot price. The spot price is the current price at which gold may be bought and sold. Shipping, insurance, payment type, and the dealer can also impact the bar’s final price. Usually, larger gold bars are available at lower prices compared to smaller gold bars.
How Big Is a Gold Bar?
Weight
Width
Length
Thickness
Similarity
One-ounce gold bar
0.95 inches
1.65 inches
0.08 inches
Slice of Bread
10-ounce gold bar
1.46 inches
2.28 inches
0.35 inches
Grapefruit
One-kilogram gold bar
1.58 inches
3.15 inches
0.71 inches
One liter of water
Standard gold bar
7 inches
3.63 inches
1.75 inches
Regular brick
Do Central Banks Buy Gold Bars?
Central banks do buy gold bars. For example, the U.S. Federal Reserve buys gold bars to manage financial risks, promote financial stability, and diversify assets.
What Is Better, Gold Coins or Bars?
The answer depends on personal preferences and interests. Some investors may prefer gold coins because of their aesthetics, popularity, and history. Others may pick gold bars because they get more value for their money and are easier to store. Evaluate the reason you want to buy gold to understand which option is better for you.
How to Choose a Reputable Gold Dealer?
When you want to buy gold bars, choose bullion professionals with a solid reputation. Reputable Gold bullion companies usually have a high ranking by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Business Consumer Alliance (BCI), and other consumer protection groups. Make sure to check their ratings and customer reviews on the websites mentioned above to make an informed decision.
Can You Add Gold Bars to an IRA?
Most traditional IRAs do not offer investment opportunities in precious metals. However, you can establish a self-directed IRA to purchase qualified gold with your IRA funds. The IRS regulations require that an IRS-approved custodian has the gold. In addition, the gold bullion coins and bars must have a 99.5% fineness level and be produced by a national government mint or an accredited refiner, assayer, or manufacturer.
The Royal Canadian Mint gold bar, Scottsdale Mint gold bar, the PAMP Suisse gold bar, and the Credit Suisse gold bar are IRA-eligible gold bars.
Where Can You Store Gold Bars Not Held in an IRA?
You can store your gold bars in an authorized precious metals depository or vault, in a safe deposit box at the bank, or at home in your private safe. Whichever option you decide, ensure that your gold is appropriately stored and insured to protect against damages.
How Can I Buy Gold Bars Online?
If you’re looking to buy gold bars online, there are several important things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s crucial to find a reputable dealer. Do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy seller. Secondly, keep an eye out for fees – some dealers may charge high premiums or shipping costs, so it’s important to compare prices across different websites. Additionally, you’ll want to find secure storage for your gold once it arrives. Look into options like home safes or secure vaults to protect your investment. It’s also worth considering purchasing insurance to further safeguard your purchase. Finally, keep in mind that while gold is often seen as a stable investment, you can’t always count on being able to resell it for the spot price.
What Are Alternatives to Gold Bar Investments
Alternatives to investing in gold bars include a variety of precious metals that cater to different investment objectives and risk profiles. Gold coins are a popular choice, offering similar benefits to gold bars but in a more collectible format with potentially higher aesthetic value.
Silver coins and bars present a more affordable entry point into precious metal investing and can provide a hedge against economic volatility. For those looking to diversify, platinum and palladium coins and bars are available – they are rarer than gold and silver and thus may carry a higher potential for growth.
