What are the cheapest ways to invest in physical gold?

If any investing asset has had a banner year, it’s gold. After starting 2024 at $2,063.73 per ounce, the precious metal’s price experienced a steady ascent, peaking at a record $2,736.35 per ounce by late October. This impressive rally made gold one of the year’s hottest commodities for both new and seasoned investors. While the price of gold has dipped slightly in the time since — today’s price is $2,677.35 per ounce — the strong upward price trajectory over the past year underscores gold’s enduring appeal.

For those intrigued by gold’s potential, there are numerous ways to gain exposure to the asset, from gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold mining stocks to futures contracts. However, one of the most popular and beginner-friendly options is physical gold. Owning tangible gold allows investors to hold a piece of wealth in their hands, free from counterparty risks or market intermediaries. It’s an accessible way to invest in a timeless asset, making it especially attractive to those seeking long-term stability.

That said, buying physical gold often comes with a steep price tag, as the premiums, production costs and storage considerations can quickly add up. But by choosing the right forms of gold, it’s possible to build a portfolio of this precious metal while staying within your financial means.

Get started with gold investing today.

What are the cheapest ways to invest in physical gold?

If you want to find an affordable way to invest in physical gold, you may want to consider the following options:

Small gold bars

Small gold bars, starting at 1 gram, offer another approachable entry point into physical gold ownership — and are ideal for beginners looking to invest without a significant upfront cost. Produced by reputable refiners and accompanied by assay cards for authenticity verification, these bars combine portability with lower premiums compared to coins of equivalent weight. Their standardized form makes them easy to store and transport, while their widely recognized format ensures good liquidity.

When purchasing small gold bars, just be sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer, preferably one with third-party certification. If affordability is the main focus, you may also want to avoid bars with excessive branding or…