How to Buy Gold Bars in Canada

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026.

This guide explains how to buy gold bars online in Canada: which bars to consider, what you will really pay, and how to check a dealer before you send money. We based it on dealers’ and the Royal Canadian Mint’s published terms.

While many dealers offer gold bars, understanding key differences in pricing, security, and service can save you significant money.

We earn a commission if you buy from Silver Gold Bull through links on this page. It does not change the price you pay.

Quick Gold Bar Facts in Canadian Market

Size	Premium (example, TD Precious Metals, 31 Oct 2026)	Best Use
1 oz	about 2.3%	Most liquid
10 oz	about 2.1%	Better value
1 kilo	ask for a quote	Lowest premium

Premiums change daily and differ by seller. Larger bars often, but not always, cost less per ounce.

Why Buy Gold Bars Online

Online purchasing offers several advantages:

Lower premiums than local dealers
Wider selection
Insured shipping, often free above a minimum order that varies by seller
Full documentation
Price comparison ability

While 1 oz bars are most popular, larger bars like 10 oz often offer better value through lower premiums.

Think about how you will sell before you choose a size. Smaller bars are easier to sell in part.

Types of Gold Bars Available in Canada

Here are the gold bars Canadian dealers commonly sell. Understanding these options helps you make smarter buying decisions.

Popular Gold Bar Sizes

Weight	Premium (example, TD Precious Metals, 31 Oct 2026)	Key Benefit
1 oz	about 2.3%	Easy to sell
100 gram	about 1.7%	Middle ground
10 oz	about 2.1%	Value balance
1 kilo	ask for a quote	Lowest premium

Larger bars often, but not always, cost less per ounce. In this dated example, the 100 g bar carried a lower premium than the 10 oz bar.

Major Refiners

Top-tier manufacturers with products available in Canada include:

1. Royal Canadian Mint

Made by Canada’s federal Crown corporation mint, 99.99% pure
Each bar individually serialized, in tamper-evident packaging
Can qualify for an RRSP or TFSA when bought through a bank or registered-account dealer program

2. International Refiners

PAMP Suisse
Valcambi
Perth Mint
(Older Credit Suisse bars still trade on the resale market. Credit Suisse was taken over by UBS in 2023.)

Premiums change daily and differ by seller, whether you buy from a bank or a dealer like Silver Gold Bull. As one dated example, on 31 October 2026 TD Precious Metals listed a 1 oz Royal Canadian Mint gold bar at about 2.3% above the gold price shown on its site. Check the live premium at two or three sellers on the day you buy.

RRSP Considerations

For those considering investing in gold bars via their retirement accounts, be sure to take the following into account:

The bar must be at least 99.5% pure gold, made by a refiner accredited by the London Bullion Market Association, and stamped with the refiner, purity and weight (CRA Income Tax Folio S3-F10-C1)
It must be bought from the refiner or from a bank, trust company, credit union, insurer or registered securities dealer, usually through a dealer program linked to a brokerage account
The plan’s trustee holds it in a vault. You cannot keep it at home
Some programs set stricter rules. Silver Gold Bull’s, for example, takes only 99.99% gold

Where to Buy Gold Bars Online in Canada

Below are the places Canadians commonly buy gold bars online, and the published terms we checked for each.

Your choice of dealer significantly impacts both cost and security.

Online Dealers and Banks

Silver Gold Bull (we earn a commission on sales through our links). What its help centre says, checked October 2026:

Canadian-owned, headquartered in Calgary. Online and phone orders only, no walk-in store
Full insurance coverage
Price match on phone orders: matches a reputable competitor’s all-in price before you order. The dealer can suspend it in volatile markets
Free insured shipping on orders over $999. Smaller orders pay a flat $19.95
Multiple payment options

If you want gold in an RRSP or TFSA, Silver Gold Bull’s registered savings page has a contact form. Its team then calls you to explain the Questrade account set-up. Submitting the form shares your name, email and phone number with the dealer.

For regular gold purchase, create an account on their platform and add your selected items to your cart.

Other places to compare: the Royal Canadian Mint lists its registered Bullion DNA dealers by province on mint.ca. TD and CIBC sell gold bars online and in branch, and RBC sells Royal Canadian Mint bullion in its branches.

Dealer Comparison

Feature	Online Dealers	Local Shops
Pricing	Easy to compare online	Ask for the all-in price
Selection	Usually wider	Varies by shop
Delivery	Insured shipping, free above a minimum	Take it home the same day, some shops also ship
Inspection	Not before delivery	Inspect before you pay
Payment	Several methods, each with limits	Varies by shop

Payment Methods Available

Common options:

1. Bank Wire

Available for larger orders (over $1,000 at Silver Gold Bull)
Must be sent within the dealer’s deadline (72 hours at Silver Gold Bull)
Your price is locked when you place the order, whatever payment method you choose

2. Other Methods

Silver Gold Bull’s other published methods (checked October 2026):

Interac e-Transfer up to $20,000
Credit card up to $20,000
PayPal up to $10,000
Online bill payment

It does not accept cryptocurrency. Other dealers set their own limits.

Many dealers charge more when you pay by credit card or PayPal than by e-Transfer, bill payment or wire. Compare the price shown for each payment method before you check out.

Understanding Real Costs of Gold Bars

Here is what you pay on top of the gold price.

Understanding total costs helps prevent surprises at checkout.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Component	Typical Cost	Notes
Spot Price	Market rate	CAD converted
Bar Premium	About 1.7% to 2.3% in the TD example above, much more on gram bars	Size and seller dependent
Shipping	Varies by seller	Silver Gold Bull: free over $999, otherwise $19.95
Insurance	Included	Full coverage
Storage (optional)	Varies: for example, Questrade charges 0.6% a year for pooled gold and 1.5% for segregated storage	Ask for the fee in writing

Real Price Example

For a 1 oz gold bar today:

Base spot price in CAD
Premium over spot (compare it live at two or three sellers)
Free insured shipping if the order is over $999 (Silver Gold Bull)
Full insurance included
No GST/HST: gold bars, ingots, coins and wafers of at least 99.5% purity are exempt

Hidden Costs to Watch

What some dealers don’t mention:

Currency conversion fees
Payment processing charges
Special handling fees
Storage setup costs
Withdrawal charges

On a kilo bar, a difference of even a fraction of a percent in premium can mean hundreds of dollars, so compare all-in prices from at least two sellers.

Step-by-Step Gold Bar Buying Process Guide

Here are the steps for buying gold bars online in Canada, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Online Purchase Steps

Step 1: Account Setup

Choose your dealer. Compare at least two, for example a bank and an online dealer. Silver Gold Bull has direct buy options and an RRSP and TFSA offering. We earn a commission if you buy from Silver Gold Bull through our links.
Basic information needed
Verify your identity
Select payment method

Step 2: Order Process

Choose your items and place the order to lock the price, then pay by the dealer’s deadline. On the RRSP or TFSA route, the dealer places the order through your registered account and the metal goes straight to the custodian’s vault. Taking delivery later counts as a withdrawal for tax purposes.

Your selected dealer will walk you through these steps.

Step	Timeline	Notes
Product Selection	Immediate	Check inventory
Price lock	When you place the order	Price no longer moves
Payment	Within 72 hours (Silver Gold Bull)	Some methods take time to clear
Shipping	After payment clears, then 1 to 3 business days by courier	Insured, signature required
Delivery	Signature required	Track package

Storage Decisions

Consider your options:

Home storage (security needed)
Bank safety deposit box
Professional vault storage
International facilities

For large orders, ask the dealer how the parcel is insured and whether it can ship in more than one box. Expect to show ID on orders of $10,000 or more. Splitting a purchase does not avoid the dealer’s federal reporting duties.

Authentication & Security For Protecting Your Investment

Silver Gold Bull says its new products come direct from the mint and that it tests pre-owned metal, including with XRF. Knowing how to check a bar yourself still protects you, whoever you buy from.

Authenticity Features

Modern gold bars include:

Security Feature	Purpose	How to Verify
Serial Number	Unique ID	Check documentation
Assay Card	Certification	Verify hologram
Weight Specs	Authenticity	Use precise scale
Dimensions	Verification	Measure exactly
Mint Mark	Source proof	Check standards

Shipping Security

What to expect:

Discreet packaging: Plain outer box professional wrapping, tamper-evident seals and no mention on the outside of package contents.
Delivery protection: A signature is required, and the parcel is tracked and insured. If you miss the delivery, pick it up quickly. Silver Gold Bull’s insurance ends 2 business days after a missed delivery attempt, and only the named buyer with photo ID can collect it.

Consider documenting the unboxing process with photos or video, especially for larger purchases. While problems are rare with reputable dealers, documentation protects you.

Final Steps When Making Your Purchase

Run through these checks before you place your order.

Before You Buy

Verification checklist:

✅ Compare dealer premiums
✅ Check current spot price
✅ Verify dealer reputation
✅ Understand total costs
✅ Document all communications
✅ Save order confirmations
✅ Plan secure delivery and storage

Size Selection Guide

Price guide based on gold at about C$5,450 an ounce on 31 October 2026. Recheck the gold price before you use it.

Budget	Bar sizes that fit	Note
Under about $5,500	Gram and fractional bars (1 g to 20 g, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz)	Small bars carry a much higher premium per gram
About $5,500 to $55,000	1 oz, 50 g and 100 g bars	Easiest sizes to sell
About $55,000 to $175,000	10 oz bars	Lower premium per ounce, fewer buyers
Over $175,000	Kilo bars	Lowest premium per ounce, hardest to sell in part
RRSP or TFSA	Qualifying bars bought through a registered-account program	Held by the plan’s custodian, not at home

Final Thoughts

You are now informed on how to buy gold bars in Canada.

A 1 oz bar from a well-known refiner is a common first purchase because it is easy to price and resell. Compare the all-in price at two or three sellers, including Silver Gold Bull (an affiliate partner), a bank and a dealer on the Royal Canadian Mint’s list.

No matter which route you take, focus on dealer reputation and security over small price differences. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

Updated 31 October 2026: this guide previously said Silver Gold Bull ships free over $99, listed crypto as a payment option, and said gold bought for an RRSP could be shipped to your home. It now reflects the dealer’s published terms (free shipping over $999, no crypto) and the CRA rule that RRSP bullion must be held by the plan’s trustee.