Best Places to Buy Gold Bars: Secure Your Investment with Trusted Dealers

1. Reputable Online Dealers

The convenience of online shopping extends to gold as well, and there are several highly reputable online dealers that specialize in precious metals. These platforms offer a wide range of gold bars, from one-ounce pieces to hefty kilogram bars. Some of the most well-known online dealers include APMEX, JM Bullion, and SD Bullion.

These companies have solid reputations for transparency and competitive pricing. For example, APMEX provides real-time spot prices for gold and offers various sizes and brands of bars, from PAMP Suisse to Credit Suisse. JM Bullion, on the other hand, frequently runs promotions and offers free shipping on larger orders.

When buying online, check that the site uses encryption for transactions (look for “https” in the URL) and see if they offer insurance on shipments. Most reputable dealers will also have customer reviews readily available on their websites or platforms like Trustpilot.

2. Local Coin Shops

If you prefer a more personal touch (or just want to physically see the gold before you buy) local coin shops can be a great option. These shops not only sell coins but often carry bullion like gold bars. The advantage here is that you can establish a face-to-face relationship with the dealer, ask questions in real-time, and even negotiate prices if you're purchasing in bulk.

Some notable chains like Kitco or Golden Eagle Coins have both physical locations and online stores. Visiting your local shop also gives you the chance to avoid shipping fees or delays that might come with buying online.

That said, not all local coin shops are created equal. Make sure the dealer is recognized by organizations like the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) or the American Numismatic Association (ANA). This ensures that they follow ethical standards and have a certain level of expertise.

3. Banks That Sell Gold

In some countries (Switzerland being a notable example) buying gold from a bank is standard practice. Certain banks will sell gold bars directly to consumers or help you store them in secure vaults for an additional fee.

In the U.S., Banks don’t commonly deal in precious metals anymore. Still, it’s worth checking with your financial institution as policies differ by region. If they don’t sell gold directly, many banks have partnerships with bullion providers that can help you make your purchase securely.

4. Government Mints

A number of government mints around the world produce gold bullion specifically for investors. The U.S. Mint primarily deals with coins rather than bars, but mints such as the Royal Canadian Mint or Perth Mint offer a broader selection of both coins and bars.

The Perth Mint in Australia is particularly noteworthy for its high-quality production standards and international reputation. It even allows buyers to store their purchased gold at its secure facilities through its "Perth Mint Certificate Program."

Government-backed mints usually guarantee the purity and weight of their bullion products. While prices may be slightly higher than private mints due to this added security, many investors find the extra peace of mind worth it.

5. Precious Metals Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

If you’re not keen on physically holding onto your gold but still want exposure to its value as an asset, ETFs can be an efficient way to invest. These funds track the price of gold while allowing investors to trade shares just as they would with stocks.

The SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD), for instance, is one of the largest gold-backed ETFs worldwide, holding billions in physical bullion stored in secure vaults across different locations.

It’s important to note that while ETFs are convenient, they don't give you direct ownership of physical gold, just exposure to its price movements. For those looking for actual tangible assets they can hold or store independently, traditional bullion dealers might be more suitable.

What To Look Out For When Buying Gold Bars

• Purity: Always ensure that the gold bar you purchase is 99.9% pure (often marked as .999). This is considered investment-grade quality.
• Certification: Look for certifications from reputable refiners such as PAMP Suisse or Valcambi Suisse when buying bars.
• Storage Options: Do you want to store your gold at home or use a vault service? Dealers like APMEX offer storage solutions via third-party vaults if you're concerned about safety.
• Pricing: Compare prices across multiple dealers before making a purchase. Some may charge premiums over spot price that vary significantly based on brand or bar size.
• Shipping & Insurance: Ensure that any shipment comes fully insured so you're covered in case anything happens during transit.

The bottom line: whether you're buying from an online dealer like APMEX or heading down to your local coin shop, always do your homework before purchasing gold bars. Make sure you're working with trustworthy sellers who offer transparent pricing and secure delivery options and consider where you'll store your investment once it's in hand!