How to Buy Gold Bars: A First-Time Buyer's Checklist
To buy a gold bar: pick the size first (1 oz is the usual start), pay by check or wire for the lower price, buy a sealed bar with the refiner, weight and fineness stamped on it, check the shipping threshold, and weigh the bar when it arrives. As of Oct 31, 2026, 2:24 AM ET, the lowest 1 oz gold bar we track is $3,953.06 at Agate Metals (2.0% over spot).
Buying a gold bar is simple once you know which decisions come first. This checklist takes them in order. For today's prices, go straight to 1 oz gold bar prices by dealer.
1. Decide the size before the dealer
Gold bars run from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. The smaller the bar, the more you pay per ounce above spot. Making and packaging a 1 g bar costs nearly as much as a 1 oz bar.
For most first purchases, a 1 oz bar is the sweet spot. It has a low cost per ounce and is still small enough to sell on its own later. Larger bars only make sense if you are sure you will never want to sell part of the holding.
2. Choose how you will pay, then compare in that column
Dealers publish two prices. The check/wire (or ACH) price is the lower one. The card/PayPal price is higher: a median 4.2% on 1 oz gold bars at the dealers that list both, as of Oct 31, 2026, 2:24 AM ET.
Pick your payment method first. A dealer that is cheapest by wire can lose once card fees are added. Wire and check orders usually wait for funds to clear before the bar ships. Card orders ship sooner. Our tables rank by check/wire price and show the card price next to it.
3. Pick the refiner and packaging you want
Every bar should be stamped with its weight, fineness (.9999 or .999) and refiner. Most come sealed in an assay card with a serial number. “Random brand” or secondary-market listings are the cheapest way in. A named refiner or design costs more.
Keep the card sealed if you can. Buyers pay a little more for bars in intact packaging, and a broken seal can mean extra testing when you sell.
4. Read the shipping, insurance and tax lines
- Shipping: most online dealers ship free above a threshold ($149–$199 at four of the dealers we track, per their published policies checked Oct 18, 2026). Below it, a flat fee applies. A single 1 oz bar clears most thresholds on its own.
- Insurance and signature: reputable dealers insure the parcel until delivery. They require a signature on high-value orders. Check who carries the risk if a package is lost. Photograph the sealed box before you open it.
- Sales tax: many US states exempt investment-grade gold, but not all, and some apply limits. Ask the dealer whether it collects tax for your state. This is general information, not tax advice.
5. Online dealer, local shop, bank or Costco?
Online dealers usually have the lowest premiums and the widest choice. The trade-off is shipping time. A local coin shop lets you inspect the bar and take it home the same day, often at a higher price. Ask for a written quote so you can compare. Few US banks sell bullion to retail customers, so check before you plan around one.
Costco: members can buy 1 oz gold bars on Costco.com when they are in stock, with purchase limits. Our Costco gold bars vs online dealers page covers the limits, returns and a price comparison.
6. Verify the bar when it arrives
Match the bar's weight, fineness, refiner and serial number against your invoice. A 1 oz bar should weigh 31.10 g on an accurate scale. Gold is not magnetic, so any pull from a magnet is a red flag. If anything does not match, contact the dealer before breaking the seal.
Bought a graded coin instead? Read about verifying a graded coin's holder.
Compare 1 oz gold bar prices now
Other sizes and options: where to buy gold bars by premium · gold value per gram · compare gold prices · 1 oz Gold Eagles
FAQ
Can you buy gold from a bank?
Rarely in the US. Few US banks sell gold bars or coins to retail customers, so call first. Online bullion dealers, local coin shops and Costco (for members, when in stock) are the usual places.
What is an assay card?
A sealed card from the refiner that holds a small bar and shows its weight, fineness and serial number. Most new 1 g to 1 oz bars come in one.
What does "in assay" mean for gold?
The bar is still sealed in its original assay card. To assay metal is to test its purity, so an "assay gold" bar is one sold with that certificate. Bars out of the card often sell as secondary market at a lower premium.
Where can I buy gold bars?
From online bullion dealers, local coin shops and, for members, Costco. Online dealers usually list the lowest premiums; a local shop lets you see the bar first. Compare the lowest 1 oz bar price by dealer, with shipping and your payment method, before you buy.
How long does it take to receive a gold bar ordered online?
Card orders often ship within a few business days. Check and wire orders usually ship after the payment clears, which can add several days. Delivery is typically insured and needs a signature.