Gold Bullion Canada: What to Compare First
| Option | Best for | What to verify | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian online bullion dealer | Selection and delivery | Premium, payment fee, insured shipping, buyback terms | Shipping cost and timing vary |
| Local coin shop | In-person inspection | Reputation, invoice, authenticity and spread | Smaller selection |
| Bank or institution | Established channel | Availability, minimums, pickup and storage terms | Often fewer products |
| Online marketplace | Broad selection | Seller history, authenticity evidence and returns | Seller quality varies |
Where Canadians Can Review Current Bullion Options
Review current bullion products, payment options and shipping details.
View Kitco BullionReview Canadian bullion, delivery and storage options.
View Sprott MoneyReview current product listings, policies and terms.
View Money MetalsAffiliate disclosure: estack.ca may earn a commission from some dealer links at no extra cost to you. Always compare current terms and all-in pricing before ordering.
Gold Bars vs Gold Coins
| Format | Advantages | Limitations | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold coins | Recognizable and easier to divide into smaller resale amounts | Can carry higher premiums | First purchases and resale flexibility |
| Gold bars | Can be more premium-efficient at larger sizes | Less divisible and higher single-item value | Larger purchases and longer-term storage |
What Does “Premium Over Spot” Mean?
The spot price is the market reference price for gold. A retail buyer usually pays more than spot because the final cost can include fabrication, dealer margin, payment processing, shipping and insurance. Compare the total delivered cost, not only the advertised premium.
Buying Gold From CIBC or Another Bank
Canadians often search for whether CIBC or another major bank sells gold. Some financial institutions offer precious metals or access to bullion products, but product availability and terms can change. Before buying through a bank, compare its current selection, minimum purchase, pickup or delivery method, premium and storage options with specialist bullion dealers.
How to Buy Physical Gold in Canada Safely
- Verify the exact weight and purity, such as 1 oz and 99.99% fine gold where applicable.
- Check the mint or refiner and any assay or packaging information.
- Compare card, bank-transfer and wire-payment pricing.
- Confirm shipping is tracked, insured and signature-required.
- Review return and buyback policies.
- Keep invoices and product documentation.
Storage Options in Canada
Home safe
Consider physical security, discreet installation and whether your insurance specifically covers bullion.
Bank safe-deposit box
Ask about access hours, box availability and insurance. The contents of a safe-deposit box are not the same as an insured bank deposit.
Professional vault storage
Confirm whether storage is allocated or unallocated, how ownership is documented, insurance coverage, audit practices and withdrawal fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy physical gold in Canada?
Use an established dealer, coin shop or institution, compare the all-in price and verify product, delivery and storage details before paying.
Are gold bars or coins better?
Coins are often easier to resell in smaller amounts. Bars may be more premium-efficient for larger purchases.
Does Scotiabank or CIBC sell gold?
Precious-metals availability at Canadian banks can change. Check the institution's current offering and compare its total cost with specialist dealers.
Bottom Line
Start with a verifiable seller and a product you understand. Compare the full delivered cost, confirm insured delivery and decide where the metal will be stored before placing the order.