How to Buy Gold in 2026

Buying gold is straightforward once you decide what kind of exposure you want. Physical metal gives you a tangible asset; an IRA wraps it in tax advantages; ETFs offer convenience without possession. Each has trade-offs in cost, control, and tax treatment.

Physical coins and bars

Common bullion coins — American Gold Eagles and Buffalos, Canadian Maple Leafs — and bars from accredited refiners carry the lowest premiums over spot. Buy from established dealers, compare the premium, and avoid high-markup numismatic coins unless you are a collector.

Gold inside an IRA

A gold IRA lets you hold IRS-eligible metal in a tax-advantaged retirement account, with storage at an approved depository. This is the route for retirement-focused buyers who want tax benefits rather than metal in hand.

ETFs and paper gold

Gold ETFs track the price without you owning metal — convenient and liquid, but you hold a security, not bullion, and there is no physical claim you can take home. They suit traders more than long-term physical-ownership goals.

Storing what you buy

Personally owned gold should be insured and stored securely, whether at home in a quality safe or in a private vault. IRA metal is stored for you at an approved, insured depository.