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Can You Buy Gold with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
Yes, purchasing gold with a credit card is an option, though dealers often add surcharges or have specific policies for such payments.
Should You Buy Gold With A Credit Card?
Weighing the advantages and disadvantages can help you decide if it's the right choice.
Benefits
- Rewards Points: You can earn credit card rewards like cash back, points, or miles on the purchase.
- Purchase Protection: Credit cards may offer fraud protection and dispute resolution if issues arise with the seller.
- Convenience: Paying with a credit card is often faster and simpler than arranging a bank wire or check.
Costs
- Processing Fees: Most gold dealers pass on credit card processing fees, typically 3-4% of the transaction total, to the buyer.
- Interest Charges: If you carry a balance, high credit card interest rates can significantly increase the overall cost of your gold.
- Cash Advance Classification: Some issuers may treat bullion purchases as a cash advance, incurring higher fees and immediate interest accrual.
How to Buy Gold With A Credit Card
Purchasing gold with a credit card can be a strategic way to earn rewards. Follow these general steps to navigate the process and make an informed investment decision.
- Find a Reputable Dealer: Research gold dealers that accept credit cards. Verify their authenticity through customer reviews, industry accreditations, and transparent pricing to avoid potential scams.
- Understand Fees and Limits: Be aware that dealers may add a processing fee for credit card payments. Also, check with your card issuer, as some may classify gold purchases as cash advances, incurring higher interest rates and fees.
- Select the Right Card: Using the right credit card can offer benefits like purchase protection or rewards. To find a card that fits your financial goals, an explore cards tool can help you compare options.
- Complete the Purchase and Secure Storage: Once you've chosen a dealer and card, complete the transaction. Immediately arrange for secure, insured storage, whether through a third-party depository or a personal safe.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Purchasing gold with a credit card can influence your credit score in several ways. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind before you make a transaction.
- Credit Utilization. A significant gold purchase can increase your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you're using compared to your total limit. A high ratio can negatively affect your credit score.
- Cash Advance Classification. Some issuers may classify gold purchases as a cash advance, which often carries higher fees and interest rates. This type of transaction can also be a red flag on your credit report.
- Hard Inquiry. If you apply for a new credit card to buy gold, the lender will perform a hard inquiry on your credit. This can cause a temporary dip in your credit score.
Alternative Ways To Buy Gold
Direct Bank and Cash Transactions
For those looking to bypass credit cards, purchasing gold directly via bank wire transfer, personal check, or even cash is a common alternative. Many bullion dealers prefer these methods as they eliminate processing fees, a saving that can sometimes be passed on to the buyer. This approach is straightforward for acquiring physical assets, such as coins or bars, from a reputable dealer.
Gold-Backed Financial Instruments
Another route is to invest in gold without taking physical possession. Gold Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and mutual funds offer a way to gain exposure to gold's price movements. These securities are traded on stock exchanges, providing high liquidity and sidestepping the complexities of storage and insurance associated with physical bullion. This method is ideal for investors focused purely on the financial aspects of gold ownership.
Choose the Right Card to Buy Gold
Whether you're aiming to maximize rewards on your investment or secure a low interest rate, selecting the right credit card is crucial. With a database of nearly 3,000 cards, Kudos’ AI-powered Explore Tool can help you compare your options and find your credit card match based on your personal preferences.
For those aiming to get more from their credit cards, Kudos is the ultimate free tool for online shopping. We're also giving you $20 back after your first qualifying purchase—just sign-up for free with code GET20 and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of buying gold with a credit card?
High interest rates and cash advance fees can significantly increase the overall cost of your gold investment.
Are there purchase limits when using a credit card for gold?
Yes, dealers often impose their own transaction limits, and your personal credit card limit will also apply.
Will I earn credit card rewards on gold purchases?
Often, no. Many card issuers classify gold purchases as cash advances, which typically do not earn rewards.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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