What size gold bar is best for investment?

The 1 troy ounce gold bar is the most popular and practical size for individual investors. It offers a strong balance of premium efficiency, liquidity, and affordability. Investors with larger budgets may benefit from 10 oz or 1 kilo bars for their lower per-ounce premiums.

Are gold bars a good investment?

Gold bars are an excellent vehicle for investing in physical gold due to their low premiums and standardized purity. As a long-term store of value and inflation hedge, gold bars have proven their worth over centuries. They're best suited for buy-and-hold investors focused on wealth preservation.

What is the cheapest way to buy gold?

Buying larger gold bars (10 oz or 1 kilo) from reputable dealers offers the lowest premiums per ounce. If you're working with a smaller budget, 1 oz bars from competitive dealers like MintBuilder provide strong value. Always compare total cost including shipping before ordering.

How do I know if a gold bar is real?

Buy from reputable dealers who source from LBMA-accredited refiners. Genuine bars come in sealed assay card packaging with serial numbers, and their dimensions and weight conform to exact specifications. For additional verification, you can use a precious metals verifier or a sigma metalytics tester.

Can I put gold bars in my IRA?

Yes, gold bars that meet the IRS minimum purity of .995 fine are eligible for a self-directed Gold IRA. Most investment-grade bars at .9999 fine easily qualify. The bars must be stored in an IRS-approved depository.

Should I buy PAMP Suisse or a generic gold bar?

PAMP Suisse bars carry a slightly higher premium but offer superior brand recognition, anti-counterfeiting features, and stronger resale demand. If you plan to hold long-term and want maximum resale liquidity, PAMP is worth the small extra cost. For pure gold accumulation at the lowest price, a generic LBMA-accredited bar delivers the same gold content for less.

How should I store gold bars at home?

Use a fire-rated, bolt-down safe that weighs at least 200 pounds (or is bolted to a concrete floor). Keep your gold holdings confidential and ensure your insurance policy covers the full value. For larger holdings, a professional depository is recommended. Read our full gold storage guide for details.

Gold Bars: Sizes, Brands, Premiums and How to Buy in 2026

Gold bars are the most cost-efficient way to buy physical gold. With lower premiums than coins and a straightforward value proposition—pure gold by weight—gold bars are the product of choice for investors who want to maximize the amount of metal they acquire for every dollar spent. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying gold bars in 2026, including the most popular sizes, the brands that command the highest trust, how premiums vary, and what to look for when making a purchase.

Check the current gold spot price before you shop, then browse our selection of gold bars and coins to compare products and premiums in real time.

Why Investors Choose Gold Bars

Gold bars offer several distinct advantages over coins and rounds:

Lowest premiums: Because bars are simpler to produce than intricately designed coins, they carry lower premiums over the spot price. This means more gold for your money.
Efficient storage: Bars stack neatly and take up less space per ounce than coins, making them ideal for large holdings stored in safes or depositories.
Standardized purity: Investment-grade gold bars are .9999 fine (99.99% pure gold), meeting the highest international standards.
Wide range of sizes: From 1-gram bars accessible to any budget to 1-kilogram bars for serious investors, there's a gold bar for every financial goal.

If you're new to gold investing, start with our comprehensive how to buy gold guide for the complete overview before diving into bar-specific details.

Gold Bar Sizes: A Complete Breakdown

Gold bars are available in a wide range of sizes. Each has its own advantages in terms of premium efficiency, flexibility, and practical use.

1 Gram Gold Bars

The smallest commonly available gold bar, the 1-gram bar is an accessible entry point for new investors and a popular gift item. At roughly the size of a postage stamp, these bars are easy to store and transport. However, they carry the highest percentage premiums due to fixed production costs being spread over a very small amount of gold. Best suited for gifting, small incremental purchases, or barter-sized holdings.

5 Gram and 10 Gram Gold Bars

Fractional bars in the 5g and 10g range offer a better premium-to-weight ratio than 1-gram bars while remaining affordable. They're a practical choice for investors who want to dollar-cost average with smaller monthly purchases. Several major refiners produce these sizes with assay card packaging.

1 Troy Ounce Gold Bars (31.1 grams)

The 1 oz gold bar is the standard unit for gold investment worldwide and the most popular size among individual investors. It offers an excellent balance between premium efficiency and affordability. One-ounce bars from recognized brands are highly liquid and easy to buy or sell anywhere in the world. This is the recommended starting size for most investors.

10 Troy Ounce Gold Bars

For investors making larger allocations, 10 oz gold bars offer meaningfully lower per-ounce premiums than their 1 oz counterparts. They represent a significant investment but provide excellent value. These bars are popular among investors who have already established a core position and want to add to it efficiently.

1 Kilogram Gold Bars (32.15 troy ounces)

The 1 kilo bar is the standard institutional-grade bar and offers the lowest per-ounce premiums of any retail gold product. These bars are favored by high-net-worth investors and are the minimum size for many international markets. Due to their significant value, kilo bars are typically stored in professional depositories or bank vaults.

Top Gold Bar Brands and Refiners

Not all gold bars are created equal. Buying from a recognized, LBMA-accredited refiner ensures authenticity, quality, and maximum resale value.

PAMP Suisse

Based in Ticino, Switzerland, PAMP (Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux) is one of the world's most respected gold refiners. Their iconic Lady Fortuna design is instantly recognizable, and their bars are known for exceptional finish quality. PAMP bars come sealed in CertiPAMP assay card packaging with a unique serial number and security features. They command a slight premium over generic bars due to their brand recognition and resale demand.

Valcambi

Another Swiss refiner and one of the largest in the world, Valcambi produces gold bars in sizes from 1 gram to 1 kilogram. They're particularly known for their CombiBar products—a sheet of small gold bars that can be individually broken off and used. Valcambi bars offer excellent quality at competitive premiums.

Argor-Heraeus

The world's largest gold refiner by volume, Argor-Heraeus is headquartered in Mendrisio, Switzerland. Their bars are LBMA-certified and widely traded on international markets. Argor-Heraeus bars are known for consistent quality and competitive pricing, making them a favorite among value-oriented investors.

Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

A government-backed mint with an impeccable reputation, the Royal Canadian Mint produces gold bars with advanced security features including micro-engraved laser marks and serialized assay cards. RCM bars carry the credibility of a sovereign mint while offering bar-level premiums. They're an excellent choice for investors who want the security of a government mint at a lower premium than coins.

Other Notable Brands

Additional reputable refiners include Perth Mint (Australia), Metalor (Switzerland), Heraeus (Germany), and Istanbul Gold Refinery. All are LBMA-accredited and produce investment-grade gold bars.

Understanding Gold Bar Premiums

The premium you pay above the gold spot price varies based on several factors. Understanding these factors helps you get the best deal.

How Size Affects Premiums

As a general rule, larger bars carry lower percentage premiums. This is because the fixed costs of refining, assaying, packaging, and distribution are spread across more gold. A 1-gram bar might carry a premium of 15–25% over spot, while a 1 oz bar might be 3–6%, and a 1 kilo bar could be as low as 1.5–3%.

How Brand Affects Premiums

Premium brands like PAMP Suisse typically command a small additional premium (often 0.5–1.5% more than generic or lesser-known brands) due to their superior packaging, anti-counterfeiting features, and strong resale demand. This added cost is often worth it for the peace of mind and higher resale value.

For a detailed breakdown of all premium factors, read our full guide on gold premiums explained and understand the relationship between spot price and premium.

Assay Cards and Authentication

Most investment-grade gold bars come sealed in an assay card—a tamper-evident package that includes a certificate of authenticity. The assay card typically states the bar's weight, purity, serial number, and the refiner's name.

Never remove a gold bar from its assay card. The sealed packaging is a critical authentication feature. Bars removed from their assay cards may require re-assaying before they can be sold, which adds cost and time. When you receive a gold bar, inspect the assay card for signs of tampering and verify the serial number matches the certificate.

Gold Bar Storage Options

Proper storage is essential to protecting your investment. Gold bars require a controlled environment free from moisture, chemicals, and physical damage.

Home safe: A bolted, fire-rated safe is sufficient for smaller holdings. Ensure your homeowner's insurance covers the full value of your gold, or purchase a separate valuable items policy.
Bank safe deposit box: Offers better security than most home setups at a relatively low annual cost. Note that contents are not FDIC-insured.
Private depository: The most secure option, with full insurance, armed security, and regular audits. Required for gold held in an IRA. Annual fees are typically 0.3–0.5% of the stored value.

Learn more about the pros and cons of each option in our gold storage guide.

Gold Bars and IRA Eligibility

Gold bars are eligible for inclusion in a self-directed Gold IRA, provided they meet IRS purity requirements of .995 fine or higher. Most investment-grade gold bars at .9999 fine easily qualify.

To hold gold bars in an IRA, you'll need a self-directed IRA custodian and an approved depository. The bars must be shipped directly to the depository and cannot be stored at home. Popular IRA-eligible gold bars include 1 oz and 10 oz bars from PAMP Suisse, Valcambi, and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Tips for Buying Gold Bars

Compare premiums across sizes: Always calculate the per-ounce premium for different sizes to find the best value for your budget.
Stick to recognized brands: LBMA-accredited refiners ensure authenticity and strong resale value.
Buy in quantity when possible: Many dealers, including MintBuilder, offer volume discounts on larger orders.
Keep bars sealed: Never open assay card packaging. It protects authenticity and resale value.
Plan your storage first: Know where your bars will go before you order them.
Verify the dealer: Use transparent, reputable dealers who clearly display premiums and have positive customer reviews.

Shop gold bars at MintBuilder to compare sizes, brands, and premiums from trusted refiners—all with fully insured shipping.

Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: Which Is Better?

Neither is objectively "better"—the right choice depends on your goals. Bars win on premium efficiency, making them ideal for investors focused purely on accumulating gold by weight. Coins win on liquidity, recognition, and flexibility for smaller transactions. Many investors hold both: bars for the core position and coins for liquidity and divisibility. Compare the two in detail in our gold coins guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size gold bar is best for investment?: The 1 troy ounce gold bar is the most popular and practical size for individual investors. It offers a strong balance of premium efficiency, liquidity, and affordability. Investors with larger budgets may benefit from 10 oz or 1 kilo bars for their lower per-ounce premiums.
Are gold bars a good investment?: Gold bars are an excellent vehicle for investing in physical gold due to their low premiums and standardized purity. As a long-term store of value and inflation hedge, gold bars have proven their worth over centuries. They're best suited for buy-and-hold investors focused on wealth preservation.
What is the cheapest way to buy gold?: Buying larger gold bars (10 oz or 1 kilo) from reputable dealers offers the lowest premiums per ounce. If you're working with a smaller budget, 1 oz bars from competitive dealers like MintBuilder provide strong value. Always compare total cost including shipping before ordering.
How do I know if a gold bar is real?: Buy from reputable dealers who source from LBMA-accredited refiners. Genuine bars come in sealed assay card packaging with serial numbers, and their dimensions and weight conform to exact specifications. For additional verification, you can use a precious metals verifier or a sigma metalytics tester.
Can I put gold bars in my IRA?: Yes, gold bars that meet the IRS minimum purity of .995 fine are eligible for a self-directed Gold IRA. Most investment-grade bars at .9999 fine easily qualify. The bars must be stored in an IRS-approved depository.
Should I buy PAMP Suisse or a generic gold bar?: PAMP Suisse bars carry a slightly higher premium but offer superior brand recognition, anti-counterfeiting features, and stronger resale demand. If you plan to hold long-term and want maximum resale liquidity, PAMP is worth the small extra cost. For pure gold accumulation at the lowest price, a generic LBMA-accredited bar delivers the same gold content for less.
How should I store gold bars at home?: Use a fire-rated, bolt-down safe that weighs at least 200 pounds (or is bolted to a concrete floor). Keep your gold holdings confidential and ensure your insurance policy covers the full value. For larger holdings, a professional depository is recommended. Read our full gold storage guide for details.

Start Buying Gold Bars with Confidence

Gold bars are the most efficient way to build a physical gold position. By choosing recognized brands, comparing premiums across sizes, and planning your storage in advance, you can make smart purchases that serve your financial goals for decades to come.

Explore MintBuilder's gold bar selection today, or check the live gold spot price to see where the market stands before your next purchase.