How To Buy Gold Safely Online

Monday, December 2nd

Investors who want to jump on the gold-buying bandwagon have numerous options on how to invest in the precious metal. Whether buying gold in its physical form - jewelry, coins or bars - or buying shares in a gold exchange traded fund, buyers should always fully research their options and the seller to ensure they will not be ripped off.

The price of gold has fluctuated wildly over the last year, with prices starting at $1,700 at the start of 2012, and spiking as high as $1,800 in October of that year. Despite the unpredictable change in value from one day to the next, it's never too late to invest in gold.

There are a myriad of reasons why investing in gold is a good idea. The biggest reason is that unlike paper currency, gold is not affected by inflation or global uncertainty. During times when a country's paper currency is losing value, gold will gain in its worth.

But how does one safely invest in the precious metal? One of the most popular ways to invest in gold is through online brokerages and gold-selling companies. Purchasing shares in a gold exchange traded fund, or even buying gold in the bulk form of bullion, is risky for the investor who has never done it before. It's important to follow a few rules if you plan to buy gold online for the first time.

See all of our
Sites to Buy Gold reviews

Sites to Buy Gold FAQ

Why buy gold?

There are many reasons you should consider buying gold. As a precious metal, it maintains value in a way not seen with paper currency or other assets. Buying gold increases in popularity when the US dollar weakens, too. Some people simply enjoy buying gold as a fun and beautiful way to expand their investments and pass their wealth down to their children and grandchildren.

Is gold (still) a good investment?

Gold can be a way to diversify your investment portfolio. There are pros and cons to buying gold specifically as an investment; the value can rise and fall, and it may not be easy to liquidate. On the other hand, gold's value is recognized worldwide (unlike currency) and some investors feel that buying gold is a solid inflation hedge.

In what forms can gold be purchased?

Most people buy gold in coins or bars. Popular coins include Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, American Gold Eagles, and South African Gold Krugerrands. Gold bars come in a wide range of styles and weights, from as small as 1 gram all the way up to 1 kilogram or 100 ounces (or larger).

Are there other precious metals I should consider buying?

Some people enjoy having a mix of metals. You could expand your collection into silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium or copper, depending on the seller you choose and what they have on offer.

Where do I safely store the gold that I buy?

A fireproof home safe is a good idea if you plan on storing your gold at home. You can also keep it in a safe deposit box at your local bank. However, many retailers where you buy gold have secure on-site storage facilities of their own, if you prefer not to have the gold in your possession.

Why would I consider buying gold online?

Simply put, there's no better selection anywhere you could shop locally. When you buy gold online, you get the world's best inventory and can compare one seller against another to get the best price and customer service. Especially if you're looking for a unique coin or a hard-to-find bar weight, you'll want to take advantage of the shopping experience only available online.

What if my package gets lost in the mail?

When you buy gold, your package will be insured for its full value. For extremely high-value order (over $2,000) the company will probably use Registered Mail for delivery and require a signature to confirm that you received it.

Are online gold sellers legitimate?

Yes, most of them are well-established businesses that have been serving customers for many years. But, it's a good idea to verify the reputation of any gold store you're considering: start by checking out the company's listing with the Better Business Bureau, and then see what clients have said about their experience with the retailer when buying gold or other precious metals.