Buying physical gold from a bank sounds straightforward—walk in, show ID, pick your coins or bars, and stroll out a little heavier. In practice, it’s more nuanced. Some banks do sell gold coins and bars directly at select branches or via dedicated bullion desks. Many do not.
Others offer gold accounts, certificates, or brokerage access rather than physical metal over the counter.
This guide gives you a practical, up-to-date overview of which banks are known to sell gold coins and bars, where to find them, how to buy safely, the questions to ask, and alternatives if your local branch says, “We don’t do that here.”
Quick Take: Do Banks Even Sell Physical Gold?
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United States (most large banks): Typically no retail sale of physical coins/bars at the teller window. A few community or regional banks have experimented with bullion programs (often coins), but this is the exception, not the rule.
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Canada: Yes, through well-known programs (e.g., big 5 bank precious-metals desks).
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Europe: Common in certain countries (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, Austria) via bank branches, travel banks, or affiliated bullion desks.
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UK: High-street banks generally don’t sell bullion at branches; buyers usually use dealers or The Royal Mint (not a bank).
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Asia & Middle East: Mixed—but many banks do sell bullion (e.g., Singapore, South Korea, UAE) at select locations or via official channels.
Bottom line: don’t assume your bank sells gold. Call first, ask for the precious-metals or bullion desk, and verify inventory, pricing, and ID requirements.
The Lists: Banks Known to Sell (or Historically Sell) Gold Coins & Bars
Important: Offerings change by country, branch, and policy. Treat these as starting points. Always confirm directly with the bank’s precious-metals unit or the branch manager.
United States
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Regional & Community Bank Programs (varies by state)
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Some smaller banks periodically offer 1 oz gold American Eagles or buffalos, and 10 oz or 1 oz bars through limited-time promotions or partner programs.
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Availability is inconsistent; many programs are seasonal or limited-inventory.
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Action: Call your bank’s corporate office or wealth-management unit and ask, “Do you sell physical gold coins or bars directly to customers? If so, which branches and what items?”
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Why most big U.S. banks don’t sell physical bullion at branches
Logistics (vaulting, insurance, shipment)
Compliance (KYC/AML)
Tight margins versus specialized bullion dealers
Preference to steer customers to ETFs, futures, or precious-metals IRAs via partners
Canada
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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) — Precious-metals services that include gold bars and coins through its metals desk and selected locations.
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TD Bank (TD Precious Metals) — Offers gold bars/coins online for pickup or delivery in Canada; well-known for retail bullion.
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Scotiabank — Historically a major retail bullion player (ScotiaMocatta legacy), though walk-in programs have evolved; verify current offerings.
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BMO and CIBC — Have offered bullion products through wealth-management or partner channels; availability varies by branch and province.
United Kingdom & Ireland
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High-street banks (Barclays, HSBC UK, NatWest, Lloyds, etc.) — Generally do not sell physical bullion at branches.
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Work-around: The Royal Mint (not a bank) sells bullion bars/coins online and at its visitor centre; many UK buyers use reputable dealers.
Switzerland
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UBS — Longstanding precious-metals desk; sells gold bars and coins at select branches and via wealth channels.
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Credit Suisse (now UBS group) — The Credit Suisse branded bars remain iconic; check current availability through UBS channels.
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Cantonal Banks (varies) — Some sell bullion products, often at main branches in canton capitals.
Germany
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ReiseBank — A well-known currency and bullion specialist with branches in major cities and transport hubs; sells gold coins/bars over the counter.
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Sparkasse/Volksbank (selected branches) — Some regional banks sell bullion, often Vienna Philharmonics, Krugerrands, or LBMA-approved bars. Call your local branch.
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Deutsche Bank/Commerzbank — Retail bullion programs have varied; many customers are directed to partner dealers or online channels.
Austria
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Erste Bank / Sparkassen (select branches) — Often sell Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich) products, including Philharmonics and bars.
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Raiffeisen (select branches) — Similar model; availability varies by region.
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Note: The Austrian Mint itself operates retail counters (not a bank), supplying many banks and dealers.
France, Italy, Spain, Benelux
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Retail bullion at bank counters is less common than in DACH (Germany-Austria-Switzerland).
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Some private banks and wealth units can source gold bars/coins on request via partners; call the private-banking desk.
Poland & Central/Eastern Europe
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Select banks (often larger, urban branches) may sell bullion or facilitate purchases through affiliates. A vibrant network of dealers exists if banks don’t stock items.
Scandinavia
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Physical bullion sales at bank branches aren’t the norm; most clients use dealers or mints. Private-bank channels may assist on request.
Middle East
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UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) — Banks like Emirates NBD have offered gold products (accounts/certificates), and retail bullion is widely available in the Dubai Gold Souk and through bank-affiliated dealers. Confirm physical pickup policies and items.
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Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait — Select banks and finance houses may sell bullion or facilitate purchases; branch-level availability varies.
India
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Large banks (e.g., ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank) historically sold gold coins at branches, though RBI guidance has changed programs over time to curb imports. Many now limit or avoid direct bullion sales.
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Action: Call your local branch; policies shift. Retail investors commonly buy through national mints, jewelers, or government schemes (e.g., Sovereign Gold Bonds—paper, not physical).
Singapore
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UOB (United Overseas Bank) — A standout in Asia for retail bullion; sells gold bars/coins at its well-known main-branch shop and online ordering for pickup.
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OCBC / DBS — Offer gold products (including accounts); physical bullion availability may be limited or via partner channels.
South Korea
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Major banks such as KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, and NH NongHyup have sold small gold bars and coins through branch counters or gold desks. Sales sometimes pause during demand spikes; call ahead.
Japan
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Large city banks commonly don’t retail bullion over the counter; customers use Tanaka Kikinzoku, Mitsubishi Materials, or bank-affiliated dealers.
Australia & New Zealand
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Big four Aussie banks generally don’t sell physical bullion at branches; buyers use the Perth Mint (not a bank) and accredited dealers.
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NZ buyers commonly use dealers; banks may help via wealth channels.
How to Confirm and Purchase From a Bank (Without Wasting a Day)
Call the right department: Ask for the precious-metals desk, bullion services, or wealth/treasury—not just the teller line.
Use this quick script:
“Hi, I’m a retail customer. Do you sell physical gold coins or bars directly to customers? If yes, which items (e.g., 1 oz coins, 10 oz bars, 1 kg bars), which brands/mints, current premium over spot, and do you buy back? Also, can I reserve inventory for pickup, and which ID/payment methods do you require?”
Verify the details:
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Products: Exact coin/bar types, sizes, and mints (e.g., American Eagle, Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, LBMA-approved bars).
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Purity & documentation: .9999 bars/coins, assay cards, serial numbers.
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Pricing: Premium over spot, VAT/GST (where applicable), fees.
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Buyback terms: Spread/commission, settlement time, ID/KYC requirements.
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Logistics: On-hand inventory vs. special order, pickup location, insurance for shipments.
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Limits: Daily cash thresholds, bank transfer timelines, and reporting rules.
Pros and Cons of Buying From a Bank
Advantages
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Trust & provenance: Banks source from recognized mints/refiners.
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Convenience: Central locations, formal paperwork, and seasoned compliance.
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Integrated services: Some banks offer vaulting, custody, and buyback in the same ecosystem.
Drawbacks
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Selection can be thin: Fewer SKUs than specialized bullion dealers.
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Premiums: Sometimes higher than dealers due to overhead and limited volumes.
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Rigid procedures: Appointments, ID checks, transfer timing, and limited pickup windows.
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Availability swings: Programs change; inventory can be scarce during demand spikes.
Banks vs. Dealers vs. Mints: Which Path Fits You?
| Channel | What You Get | Best For | Watch-Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banks (where available) | Trust, simple KYC, potential vaulting & buyback | First-time buyers, “one-roof” service | Narrow selection, potentially higher premiums |
| Accredited Dealers | Wide selection, competitive pricing, online ordering | Value shoppers, collectors, bulk buyers | Vet the dealer (reviews, years in business, return policy) |
| Mints (e.g., Royal Mint, Austrian Mint, Perth Mint) | Direct-from-mint products, special issues | National bullion coins, brand confidence | Delivery times, limited retail counters in some regions |
Tip: If your bank sells only a couple of items, it can still be ideal for a simple, long-term position (e.g., 1 oz coins + 10 oz bars). For variety or volume discounts, compare with two or three top dealers.
How Much Should You Buy (and What)?
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Core stack:
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1 oz coins (American Eagle, Maple Leaf, Britannia, Philharmonic, Kangaroo): highly liquid; great for gradual accumulation.
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10 oz bars: strong balance between low premiums and manageable size.
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Advanced/long-term:
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100 g / 250 g / 1 kg bars (from LBMA-accredited refiners like PAMP, Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus). Lower premium, but larger resale chunks.
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Documentation matters: Keep invoices, assay cards, and serial numbers together. Photograph bars (serial visible) and store digital copies of receipts.
Storage: Your Options (and What Banks May Offer)
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Bank vaulting/custody: Some banks offer allocated or segregated storage for coins/bars you buy through them. Fees are annual; access rules vary.
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Safe-deposit box: Widely available but typically not insured by the bank; you may obtain private insurance. Check access hours and rules.
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Private vaults: Independent vaulting firms with audited, insured storage and flexible access windows.
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Home storage: Maximum control, but think seriously about insurance, safes, and discretion.
Ask your bank:
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Is storage allocated (specific items in your name) or pooled?
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Insurance coverage and limits?
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Withdrawal process, fees, and settlement timing?
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Annual audit reports?
How Banks Price Gold (Know Your Numbers)
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Spot Price: The live global trading price (per troy ounce).
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Premium: What you pay over spot for minting, distribution, and margin.
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1 oz coins: typically higher premiums than bars.
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Larger bars: lower premiums, but less flexible to sell in small chunks.
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Buyback Spread: The difference between the bank’s purchase price and the spot price when you sell back.
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Taxes: Some countries apply VAT/GST on certain bars/coins; others exempt investment-grade bullion. Ask the bank for written tax treatment or consult a tax pro.
Red Flags (Wherever You Buy)
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Unbranded bars without assay or serials.
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“Too good to be true” premiums.
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Refusal to provide written invoices, serials, or purity documentation.
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Pressure sales or “this price expires in 5 minutes!” tactics.
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No clear buyback policy or opaque fees.
Banks tend to avoid these issues—but stay vigilant anywhere you shop.
FAQ: Banks That Sell Gold Coins and Bars
Q: Why doesn’t my big U.S. bank sell gold at the counter?
A: Logistics, compliance, and margins. Many prefer to offer ETFs or futures instead of handling physical bullion.
Q: Are bank premiums always higher?
A: Not always—but often higher than a high-volume dealer. The trade-off is convenience and provenance.
Q: Can I buy at one bank and store at another?
A: Usually yes, if the storage facility accepts third-party items and documentation is complete.
Q: Do banks sell silver too?
A: In many regions, yes—especially where they sell gold. Ask for the precious-metals price list.
Q: Will banks negotiate on price?
A: Sometimes on larger orders. It never hurts to ask if there’s a volume tier.
A Practical, Regional Checklist (Copy/Paste & Call)
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U.S. – Call regional/community banks + ask wealth/treasury: “Do you sell physical gold coins/bars at any branch?” If no, ask for preferred dealer referrals.
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Canada – Contact RBC, TD Precious Metals, BMO, CIBC to compare coin/bar SKUs and pickup procedures.
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Switzerland – Check UBS precious-metals desks; ask about allocated storage and buyback spreads.
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Germany/Austria – Try ReiseBank or major city branches of Sparkasse/Erste; ask specifically for Philharmonics, Krugerrands, and LBMA-approved bars.
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Singapore – Visit UOB’s bullion counter (or call first to confirm inventory); compare with private dealers.
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UAE – Speak with Emirates NBD or major banks for gold products and check buyback policies; compare with reputable dealers in the gold souk.
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South Korea – Call KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, NH NongHyup for branch availability of small bars/coins.
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UK/Ireland/Australia/NZ – Banks typically refer customers to mints and accredited dealers. Plan to purchase through those channels.
Prefer to Buy Through an IRA Instead? (Gold & Silver IRAs)
If your end goal is retirement diversification rather than pocket-carry coins, a precious-metals IRA can be simpler than hunting branch counters.
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You hold IRS-approved coins/bars in a self-directed IRA with secure, audited storage.
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You get tax advantages similar to other IRAs (traditional or Roth).
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You avoid the “Do you have stock today?” branch chase entirely.
Our Top-Rated Choice: Goldco
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Well-established Gold IRA specialist with smooth rollover/transfer support
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Clear, patient walkthrough of metal eligibility, storage choices, and costs
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Competitive buyback program if you rebalance later
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Ideal if you want a “handle-it-for-me” experience without bank-by-bank legwork
Final Word
Finding a bank that sells gold coins and bars is easier in some countries (Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore) than others (U.S., UK). Whether you buy from a bank, mint, or dealer, the keys are the same: verify inventory, understand premiums, secure storage, and know the buyback rules. Use the lists and checklists above to save time—and avoid wandering from counter to counter hoping a teller slides a Maple Leaf under the glass.
If you’d rather allocate through your retirement account (and skip the branch safari), a reputable specialist like Goldco can help you move part of your IRA into physical gold and silver with transparent steps and secure storage.
Either path works. Choose the one that fits your goal, budget, and comfort. Then let time do the heavy lifting.

