New to Gold Investment?
Learn everything you need to know about investing in gold in Singapore - from understanding purity to making your first purchase
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Understanding Gold Purity
Gold purity is measured in karats or fineness, indicating how much pure gold is in the alloy. Higher purity means more gold content but also higher prices and softer metal.
999 Gold (24 Karat)
99.9% pure gold - The highest purity available for investment
Advantages:
- Maximum gold content for your money
- Easily recognizable and tradable worldwide
- Qualifies for 0% GST in Singapore
Considerations:
- Softer metal - more prone to scratching
- Higher premium over spot price
- Not ideal for frequent jewelry use
916 Gold (22 Karat)
91.6% pure gold - Popular choice for jewelry in Asia
Advantages:
- More durable than 24K gold
- Widely available in Singapore
- Better for jewelry making
Considerations:
- Lower gold content (8.4% other metals)
- Still relatively soft for daily wear
- May have color variation due to alloys
750 Gold (18 Karat)
75% pure gold - Common in Western jewelry
Advantages:
- Very durable for daily wear
- More affordable price point
- Wide variety of colors possible
Considerations:
- Only 75% gold content
- Not ideal for pure investment
- May cause skin reactions in some people
Physical vs Digital Gold
When investing in gold, you have two main options: owning physical gold or investing in digital gold products. Each has its advantages and considerations.
Physical Gold
Available Forms:
- Gold Bars: 1g, 10g, 20g, 50g, 100g, 1kg
- Gold Coins: Singapore Lion, Maple Leaf, Krugerrand
- Jewelry: Investment-grade pieces
Advantages:
- Tangible ownership
- No counterparty risk
- Privacy and anonymity
- Can be held outside banking system
Considerations:
- Storage costs apply
- Insurance required
- Higher spreads (buy-sell difference)
- Verification and testing needed
Digital Gold
Available Forms:
- Gold Savings Accounts: UOB, OCBC, DBS
- Gold Certificates: Perth Mint, BullionStar
- Gold ETFs: SPDR Gold Shares
Advantages:
- Bank-backed certificates
- No storage worries
- Lower transaction costs
- Instant trading
Considerations:
- Counterparty risk
- Management fees apply
- Less privacy
- May not have physical delivery
| Factor | Physical Gold | Digital Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $100-$500 | $1-$10 |
| Liquidity | Medium (1-3 days) | High (Instant) |
| Storage Responsibility | Owner | Provider |
| Annual Costs | 0.5-2% of value | 0.1-0.5% management fee |
How to Buy Gold in Singapore
Research & Compare
Compare prices from multiple dealers using our platform. Check premiums and reviews.
Choose Your Gold
Select the type (bars/coins), purity, and weight that fits your budget.
Make Purchase
Visit dealer or buy online. Bring ID for large transactions (AML compliance).
Secure Storage
Arrange secure storage - home safe, bank box, or professional vault.
Documentation Requirements
For purchases below S$20,000:
- NRIC/Passport for verification
- Proof of address (utility bill)
For purchases above S$20,000:
- Source of funds declaration
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
Accepted Payment Methods
Cash
Widely accepted, private
Bank Transfer
Best for large amounts
Cheque/Cashier's Order
Secure, traceable
Gold Storage Options in Singapore
Proper storage is crucial for protecting your gold investment. Singapore offers world-class storage facilities with high security and insurance coverage.
Home Storage
For small amounts and immediate access
Requirements:
- • Fireproof safe (minimum 1-hour rating)
- • Bolted to floor/wall
- • Hidden location
- • Home insurance coverage
Annual Cost:
S$500-S$2,000 for safe + insurance
Bank Safe Deposit Box
Traditional option with bank security
Available at:
- • DBS, OCBC, UOB branches
- • Standard Chartered
- • Citibank Singapore
Annual Cost:
S$150-S$800 depending on size
Professional Vault Storage
Maximum security for large investments
Top Providers:
- • Le Freeport ("Fort Knox of Asia")
- • BullionStar Vault
- • Silver Bullion SG Vault
- • The Safe House
Annual Cost:
0.5-1.5% of value, includes insurance
Insurance Coverage
What's Covered:
- • Theft and burglary
- • Fire and natural disasters
- • Loss in transit
- • Mysterious disappearance
Premium Rates:
- • Home storage: 0.5-1% annually
- • Bank boxes: Included in rental
- • Professional vaults: Included
Your Gold Investment Checklist
Before Buying
- Set investment budget and goals
- Research current market prices
- Compare dealer premiums and reviews
- Decide on physical vs digital
After Purchase
- Arrange secure storage
- Get insurance coverage
- Keep purchase receipts and certificates
- Monitor market prices regularly