What Does Buying and Storing Physical Gold or Silver Cost?
The full cost is more than the metal price or an annual storage percentage. Ask for a written quotation covering the product, quantity, currency, purchase price, applicable taxes, delivery or transfer charges, custody charges and the costs of a later sale or withdrawal. Not every charge applies to every transaction.
1. Understand the purchase price
A displayed spot price is a market reference, not a firm offer for a particular coin or bar. The quoted purchase price can reflect fabrication, distribution and the dealer’s margin. Compare the same product, fine-metal quantity, currency and delivery terms at the same time. Confirm how long the quote is valid and when the price becomes binding.
If your budget is fixed, ask how much buys metal and how much pays associated costs. Also ask whether payment or currency-conversion charges sit outside the quoted price. Do not assume the amount you could receive on resale is the amount you paid: the purchase and resale quotations can differ.
2. Read the storage schedule in context
AH’s published schedule currently lists annual gold storage rates of 0.70% for holdings up to USD 250,000, 0.50% above USD 250,000 and 0.40% above USD 1 million. For silver, the listed rates are 0.95%, 0.75% and 0.65% at those thresholds. The storage page states that these rates include storage and insurance.
Confirm the applicable rate in your quotation, especially for mixed holdings or values near a threshold. Ask which valuation dates and exchange rates are used, the billing currency and frequency, whether any minimum charge applies, how part-years are treated and how the tier is applied. A published headline percentage does not answer all of these questions.
A worked example, not a quotation
If the agreed valuation basis for gold were USD 100,000 for an entire year and the applicable annual rate were 0.70%, the simple annual calculation would be USD 700: 100,000 × 0.007. At 0.95%, the equivalent illustration for silver would be USD 950. These examples hold the valuation constant and exclude any other applicable charges. Actual invoices depend on the agreed terms and valuation method.
3. Ask about costs when metal moves
An initial transfer, an onward transfer or delivery to you may involve transport, transit insurance, handling or checks. Ask which of these apply and obtain a quotation before authorising movement. The storage agreement incorporates the agreed fee schedule and applicable taxes and costs; it is not a promise that every movement is included in the annual storage fee.
4. Plan the exit before the purchase
For a future sale, ask how a quotation is obtained, how long it remains valid, which deductions may apply and how payment is settled. For a physical withdrawal, ask about notice, release procedures, collection or delivery charges and transport cover. A smaller annual storage rate is not necessarily a lower total cost if the arrangement does not fit how you intend to use the holdings.
Your written quotation checklist
Exact coin or bar, quantity, weight and fineness.
Full purchase amount, currency, applicable taxes and payment terms.
Delivery or transfer arrangements and any one-time charges.
Annual custody rate, valuation basis, minimums and billing frequency.
Insurance scope, exclusions and whether transit needs separate cover.
Sale, withdrawal and account-closure procedures and applicable charges.
AH can discuss a purchase-only, delivery or storage enquiry around your actual needs. Start with the intended products, approximate budget and preferred custody arrangement. Request a complete quotation before making a commitment.
Prepared by Aurum Helvetica. Updated 21 October 2026. Published rates checked against AH’s storage page; fee obligations are described in clause 12 of the General Storage Agreement. Rates can change. This guide explains costs and is not a personalised investment or tax recommendation.
To discuss your situation, contact Aurum Helvetica. Please mention this guide and how you found us so we can answer in context.
Comments