Where to Buy
1 oz Gold Bars
An independent guide to understanding your options for purchasing 1 oz (one troy ounce) gold bars from reputable sources. Learn what to look for, how to evaluate dealers, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Important: 1ozGoldBars is an independent educational resource. We do not sell precious metals and are not affiliated with any of the dealers listed on this page. We encourage you to compare prices and services across multiple dealers before making any purchase. All purchasing decisions should be made after your own research and due diligence.
How to Buy Safely
Follow these five steps to help ensure a secure purchase. For more detail, see our guide on how to buy 1 oz gold bars safely.
Choose a Reputable Dealer
Look for established dealers with verifiable business addresses, industry memberships (such as ICTA or PNG), and strong customer reviews. Check how long they have been in business and whether they have a physical presence. Avoid sellers with no track record or unclear ownership.
Compare Premiums Over Spot
The price of a 1 oz gold bar equals the current spot price plus a dealer premium, typically ranging from 3% to 8% for this size. Get quotes from multiple dealers and compare the total cost including any shipping or handling fees. Check our live gold prices page to see current spot pricing.
Confirm Product Details
Verify the bar weight (1 troy ounce = 31.1035 grams), purity (typically .9999 fine gold), and refiner. Reputable bars come with assay cards or certificates that document authenticity. Understand what you are buying before completing the transaction.
Understand Payment and Shipping
Review payment options (wire, check, card) and understand any price differences between methods. Confirm that shipping is fully insured and requires signature on delivery. Know the dealer's policy on damaged or missing shipments before you pay.
Plan Your Storage
Decide where you will store your gold before purchasing. Options include a home safe, bank safe deposit box, or professional vault storage. Consider insurance for your holdings regardless of storage method. Keep bars in original packaging to preserve condition and simplify future resale.
Red Flags to Avoid
Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs when evaluating dealers or offers.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
If a price is significantly below spot or well under market premiums, be extremely cautious. Legitimate dealers operate on thin margins and cannot sell below cost. Unrealistic prices often indicate counterfeit products or outright scams.
No Physical Address
Legitimate bullion dealers have verifiable business addresses. Sellers operating without a physical location, using only P.O. boxes, or providing addresses that do not match a real business are high-risk. Verify the address exists before purchasing.
No Buyback Policy
Reputable dealers typically offer buyback programs, purchasing gold back from customers at competitive rates. A dealer unwilling to buy back the products they sell may not stand behind their inventory or may be selling items difficult to resell.
Unclear Product Specifications
Vague descriptions like “gold bar” without specifying weight, purity, or refiner are warning signs. Legitimate listings clearly state the exact product: weight in troy ounces, fineness (such as .9999), and the mint or refinery that produced it.
Generic vs Branded Bars
When shopping for 1 oz gold bars, you will encounter both generic (unbranded) bars and bars from recognized refiners. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed choice.
Generic Bars
- •Lower premiums over spot price
- •Produced by smaller or secondary refiners
- •May not include assay cards or serial numbers
- •Resale may require additional verification
Branded Bars
- •Slightly higher premiums
- •From LBMA-accredited or well-known refiners
- •Typically include assay cards and serial numbers
- •Easier to resell with wider dealer acceptance
Note: Both generic and branded bars contain the same amount of gold. The difference is in documentation, recognition, and resale ease. For most buyers, branded bars from established refiners offer a balance of modest premium and straightforward resale. Learn more in our guide to what is a 1 oz gold bar.
Online Bullion Dealers
Major online dealers offer wide selection, competitive pricing, and convenient shipping. We encourage you to compare prices across multiple sources before purchasing.
JM Bullion
An established online precious metals dealer offering 1 oz gold bars from major refiners including PAMP Suisse, Perth Mint, and Valcambi.
View JM Bullion gold barsAPMEX
A large online bullion retailer with a wide selection of 1 oz gold bars from various mints and refiners worldwide.
View APMEX gold barsSD Bullion
An online dealer known for competitive pricing on bullion products, including 1 oz gold bars from recognized refiners.
View SD Bullion gold barsKitco
A long-standing precious metals dealer and data provider offering 1 oz gold bars alongside comprehensive market information.
View Kitco gold barsBullion Exchanges
A New York-based bullion dealer offering 1 oz gold bars with multiple payment options and competitive pricing.
View Bullion Exchanges gold barsMonex
A precious metals dealer providing live market data and various gold bar products for purchase.
View Monex gold barsLocal Coin Shops & Dealers
Local coin shops and bullion dealers are a great option for purchasing 1 oz gold bars, especially if you prefer face-to-face transactions.
- •In-person inspection: Examine bars before purchase and verify authenticity on the spot.
- •Immediate possession: Walk out with your gold the same day, no shipping delays or risks.
- •Build relationships: Regular customers often receive better pricing and first access to inventory.
- •Local expertise: Staff can answer questions and may offer testing services.
Finding local dealers: Search for “coin shop near me” or “bullion dealer” in your area. Call ahead to confirm they have 1 oz gold bars in stock and ask about current pricing.
Marketplaces & Auctions
Online marketplaces and auction houses offer 1 oz gold bars, though extra caution is warranted when buying from individual sellers rather than established dealers.
Potential Benefits
- • Access to a wide variety of products
- • Competitive pricing from multiple sellers
- • Buyer protection programs may apply
- • Convenient comparison shopping
Key Risks to Consider
- • Counterfeit risk from unknown sellers
- • Seller verification requires diligence
- • Return policies vary significantly
- • Limited recourse if problems arise
Vaulted & Custodial Programs
Some investors prefer professional vault storage rather than taking physical delivery. This approach provides institutional-grade security while you maintain ownership of specific gold holdings.
Allocated vs. Unallocated Storage
Allocated storage means your specific bars are segregated and identified as yours. Unallocated storage means you have a claim on a quantity of gold held in aggregate. For physical ownership, allocated storage is recommended.
Major vault and logistics providers serving the precious metals industry include:
Using Multiple Pricing Sources
Our live gold prices page uses data from Monex. Comparing prices across multiple sources helps you understand market conditions and verify dealer pricing.
Additional pricing resources:
- Monex live gold prices· Prices provided by Monex
- Kitco gold price charts
- GoldPrice.org market data
Disclaimer
1ozGoldBars does not endorse, recommend, or rank any specific dealer, platform, or storage provider. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice or a recommendation to purchase from any particular source. We encourage you to compare prices and services across multiple dealers. Gold investments carry risks, and prices can fluctuate significantly. Always perform your own due diligence, verify dealer credentials, and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Continue exploring 1ozGoldBars: