Best Gold Bars for Investment: A Complete Guide

Gold bars are a popular investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolios. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out, it’s important to understand the different aspects of gold bars so you can make informed decisions. In this article, we will cover the important aspects of gold bars, including purity, brand, cost and more.

Factors to consider when investing in Gold Bars

Gold Bar Purity

Gold bars are usually made from pure gold or a mixture of gold and other metals, such as copper or silver. 

The purity of gold bars is measured in karats, with 24-karat gold being the purest form. Gold bars can also come in different weights, ranging from just a few grams to 400 ounces or more.

Different Gold Purity levels

The purest gold bar available is 24-karat gold, with a purity of 99.99%. While 24-karat gold is the purest form of gold, it is also the softest and most susceptible to damage. On the other hand, 10-karat gold is the least pure form of gold, but it is also the hardest and most durable.

Best Gold Bar Brands

When it comes to buying gold bars, it’s very important to consider the brand. Some of the top gold bar brands include:

• PAMP Suisse
• Credit Suisse
• Valcambi
• Heraeus
• Royal Canadian Mint.

Each brand has its own unique designs, weight options, and level of purity, so it’s essential to do your research and compare the different brands before making a purchase.

For example, PAMP Suisse is known for its intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship, while Credit Suisse is known for its reputation and reliability. 

On the other hand, Valcambi is known for its wide range of weight options and competitive prices.

How much will I pay if I buy gold bars?

The cost of gold bars varies depending on the weight, purity, and brand. In general, the larger the gold bar, the lower the cost per ounce. 

However, it’s important to compare prices from different brands and dealers to ensure you are getting the best deal.

One way to get the best prices and offers is to compare different online bullion dealers. For example, you can compare prices at BullionVault, GoldBroker, and Money Metals Exchange, just to name a few. 

By comparing prices from different dealers, you can find the best deals and get the most value for your money.

Investment-Grade vs Collectible Gold Bars

When it comes to buying gold bars, you have two main options: investment-grade and collectible. 

• Investment-grade gold bars are those that are made for investment purposes, with a focus on purity, weight, and brand. 

• Collectible gold bars are those that are made for collectors, with a focus on design and rarity.

Investment-grade gold bars are typically the best choice for those looking to invest in gold as they have a higher level of purity and a lower premium over the spot price of gold. However, collectible gold bars can also be a good option for those looking to add a unique and personal touch to their investment portfolio.

Comparison of Online Bullion Dealers

When buying gold bars, there are many online bullion dealers to choose from. Some of the top dealers include BullionVault, GoldBroker, and Money Metals Exchange.

 Each dealer has its own unique prices, offers, customer service, and delivery time, so it’s essential to compare the different dealers before making a purchase.

For example, BullionVault is known for its secure storage options and competitive prices, while GoldBroker is known for its easy-to-use platform and quick delivery times. On the other hand, Money Metals Exchange is known for its wide range of products and knowledgeable customer service.

To help you compare the different online bullion dealers, we have created a comparison table below:

What Type of Gold is Best to Buy?

When it comes to buying gold, there are two main types to consider: physical gold and paper gold. 

Physical gold refers to physical gold bars, coins, and other forms of bullion. Paper gold refers to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), futures contracts, and other forms of paper investments.

In general, physical gold is considered the best type of gold to buy as it provides a tangible form of investment. 

With physical gold, you have the peace of mind that comes with owning a tangible asset, and you can even hold it in your own possession. 

On the other hand, paper gold can be more convenient and easier to manage, but it doesn’t provide the same level of security as physical gold.

Does it Matter Which Gold Bar You Buy?

When it comes to buying gold bars, it does matter which gold bar you buy. Different gold bars have different levels of purity, designs, and brand reputation, so it’s important to consider these factors before making a purchase.

In general, it’s best to choose a gold bar with a high level of purity and a well-respected brand. This will ensure that you are getting a high-quality investment that is worth your money. 

It’s also important to consider the weight of the gold bar, as this will impact the cost per ounce.

Which is Better: Gold Coins or Gold Bars?

When it comes to buying gold, you have two main options: gold coins and gold bars. Both options have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, so stop and consider which option is best for you.

Bullion coins

Gold coins are often preferred by those who want a portable and easy-to-store form of gold, as they are smaller in size and come in different denominations. 

Gold Bars

On the other hand, gold bars are often preferred by those who want a larger form of gold, as they are usually cheaper per ounce and come in larger weights.

Ultimately, the best option between gold coins and gold bars depends on your personal preferences and investment goals.

What is the Safest Gold to Buy?

When it comes to buying gold, it’s important to consider the safety of your investment. 

The safest gold to buy is gold that is stored in a secure and insured facility, such as a bank or depository. This will ensure that your gold is protected from theft, loss, or damage.

It’s also important to consider the reputation of the dealer you are buying from so make sure to choose a reputable and trustworthy dealer, such as BullionVault, GoldBroker, or Money Metals Exchange, to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.

What is the Downside of Buying Gold?

Like any investment, there are risks associated with buying gold. One of the main risks is market risk, which refers to the fluctuations in the price of gold over time. 

The price of gold can be affected by a number of factors, including economic conditions, geopolitical events, and supply and demand dynamics.

Gold Storage Risk

Another risk associated with buying gold is storage risk. If you choose to hold physical gold, you’ll need to find a secure place to store it. This can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a safe place in your home or if you’re worried about theft or damage.

It’s also important to consider the potential for fraud when buying gold. Unfortunately, there are many scams and counterfeit products in the gold market, so it’s important to choose a reputable and trustworthy dealer to avoid these risks.

How Much Gold Should I Own?

The amount of gold that you should own depends on your personal investment goals and financial situation. 

Some investors choose to hold a small amount of gold as a hedge against inflation, while others choose to allocate a larger portion of their portfolio to gold as a long-term investment.

In general, it’s recommended to hold a diversified portfolio that includes a mix of different assets, including stocks, bonds, and commodities. 

But for safety reasons during this next recession of 2023 we do recommend that you hold at least 10% of your total net worth in some form of physical gold investment be it gold bars, gold coins, or raw gold. 

However, The exact allocation that’s right for you will depend on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and financial situation.

Bottom Line

Gold bars are a popular investment choice among those looking to diversify their portfolios. When choosing a gold bar, it’s essential to consider factors such as purity, brand reputation, and cost. 

It’s also important to consider whether you prefer physical gold or “paper” gold and whether you prefer gold coins or gold bars.

To ensure the safety of your investment, it’s important to choose a reputable and trustworthy dealer, such as BullionVault, GoldBroker, or Money Metals Exchange. 

Additionally, it’s essential to consider the potential risks associated with buying gold, including market risk, storage risk, and fraud risk.

Overall, by considering these factors and investing wisely, you can take advantage of the benefits that gold has to offer and achieve your investment goals.