Invest in gold: Top brokers in Australia for 2025

How to Invest in Gold

Investing in physical gold

Investing in gold bullion, bars or coins means buying and storing the metal yourself or via secure custodians. Highlighted as a classic safe haven, physical gold offers direct ownership and can act as a partial hedge against inflation or currency depreciation. However, it comes with storage and insurance costs, and does not generate passive income or dividends.

Example

Suppose you buy one gold bar at the spot price of $3,370 per ounce (current June 2025 price), purchasing a 100-gram bar (~3.22 oz) for around $10,850 AUD. If you store this bar in a specialist Sydney vault, you might pay $220 per year for secure storage and insurance.

Investing via ETFs and sector company stocks

For those seeking liquidity and easier trading, gold exposure via Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or listed gold mining companies is popular. Gold ETFs track physical gold prices and are bought and sold on the ASX like shares. Sector stocks (e.g., mining companies) offer potential for both price appreciation and dividends, but can be more volatile than gold itself.

Pros include quick execution, diversification, and often lower entry thresholds. Cons: ETFs carry management fees (typically 0.15–0.45% p.a.) and sector stocks may not precisely follow the gold price; company-specific and operational risks apply.

Example

An ASX-listed gold ETF (e.g., tracking the spot price) could be acquired for $3,400 AUD per share, matching one ounce of gold. With $10,200 AUD, you could buy three ETF shares. Dividends are uncommon in bullion-tracking ETFs but common with gold mining stocks.

Investing in gold with derivatives

Derivatives—including gold CFDs, futures, and options—allow traders to speculate on gold price movements with leverage, meaning you can control a large position with a relatively small outlay. Derivatives enable strategies to profit from both price rises and falls, but amplify both potential gains and risks of loss. No physical gold is received, and margin calls or rapid losses are a significant risk.

Example

A retail trader enters a CFD contract for one ounce of gold at $3,350 AUD, with 10:1 leverage. Margin required is $335. Should gold rise to $3,450, profit is $100; a $100 fall would erase all margin.

How to choose the best broker to invest in gold?

The right broker for investing in gold depends on both the investment vehicle and your objectives as an investor. Physical gold, ETFs and sector stocks, and derivatives each require a different brokerage setup and come with unique priorities for security, accessibility, and cost. Evaluating your goals and risk appetite helps to clarify which type of broker will serve you best.

Best broker for physical purchase

To buy physical gold, you need a broker or bullion dealer that specializes in the sale and secure delivery or storage of bars or coins. These intermediaries should offer transparency on gold purity, sources, and transaction costs, as well as secure vaulting options for those who do not want at-home delivery.

• Direct access to a range of gold bars and coins with full disclosures of purity and origin
• Clear information on premiums, shipping, and storage costs
• Options for safe physical delivery or professional storage facilities in Australia
• Robust security, insurance, and authenticity guarantees
• Reputation and industry accreditation (e.g., LBMA membership, ASIC registration)

Expert advice

Always verify the physical gold broker’s regulatory status, read independent reviews, and compare their handling and storage fees. Quick and reliable customer support are important for peace of mind.

Best broker to invest in ETFs and sector company stocks

For gold ETFs or shares in gold mining companies listed on the ASX or other exchanges, you need a licensed securities broker. The broker should offer a reliable trading platform, reasonable fees, and extensive product coverage, including ETFs that track gold prices directly or equity in major gold producers.

• ASX (and international exchange) access for a wide range of gold ETFs and mining stocks
• Transparent brokerage fees and no hidden trading or deposit charges
• A robust, user-friendly trading platform with research tools
• Easy integration with existing superannuation or investment accounts
• Educational resources and responsive customer service

Expert advice

Make sure your broker is regulated by ASIC and offers appropriate support for ASX-listed gold ETFs and mining stocks. Price comparison and demo accounts can help you assess trading costs before committing funds.

Best broker to trade gold with derivatives

Trading gold with derivatives such as CFDs, futures, or options requires a broker with strong risk management tools and access to leveraged products. Check for tight spreads, clear margin requirements, and the technical capability to handle sudden market volatility.

• Access to a range of gold CFDs, futures, and options (including on the ASX and global exchanges)
• Low spreads, competitive overnight fees, and transparent leverage/margin policies
• Advanced order types and charting tools for risk mitigation
• Fast order execution and real-time pricing
• Free demo account and quality educational support

Expert advice

Only use derivatives brokers that are regulated in Australia and have a strong record of client fund protection. Clear communication and responsive support are crucial, especially during periods of heightened volatility.

Why invest in gold?

Gold has long attracted investors due to its reputation as a reliable store of value and a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. Its unique properties provide protection against inflation, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks, making it a valuable addition to diversified portfolios. Over the years, gold has maintained its liquidity and proved its ability to preserve and grow wealth.

• Gold acts as a safe haven during market and geopolitical turmoil, often rising when other assets fall.
• It is a proven hedge against inflation, historically preserving purchasing power as currency values decline.
• Gold enhances portfolio diversification due to its low correlation with stocks and bonds.
• The asset offers global liquidity, with physical gold, ETFs, and gold-related investments easy to buy and sell worldwide.
• Central banks and institutional investors consistently support demand, underscoring its role in global financial systems.

Gold’s ability to hold its value over decades highlights its strength in preserving and growing capital for the long term.

The fees associated with investing in gold

Before investing in gold, it is essential to understand the different types of fees you may encounter. Each investment method—whether holding physical gold, trading gold ETFs or sector stocks, or using derivatives like CFDs—comes with specific costs. Knowing these fees in advance allows you to compare options, plan your investment, and avoid unexpected charges.

Buy/Sell Commissions

When you buy or sell physical gold, expect a per-transaction commission charged by the dealer, usually in addition to the gold price. For ETFs or gold stocks, commissions take the form of brokerage fees or exchange charges on each trade. CFD trading often includes either zero or a reduced commission, but may have other costs built into the price.

Real Example

If you buy a gold bar worth $5,000 and pay a $45 commission, your immediate total cost will be $5,045. Selling it later will incur another $45, so your round-trip cost is $90, not including other fees.

Brokerage Fees

Brokerage fees can include annual storage and insurance for physical gold, monthly investment account maintenance for ETFs, and in some cases, platform fees. CFDs rarely charge ongoing brokerage, but may recoup costs through other means.

Real Example

Suppose you store $10,000 worth of gold in a secure vault at a $50 annual fee plus $25 insurance. Over three years, storage and insurance alone would total $225.

Spreads

The spread is the difference between the buying (ask) and selling (bid) price. For physical gold, this is typically 1–2% of the gold’s value, reflecting the dealer’s margin. On ETFs and stocks, spreads are tighter—typically around 0.15%. CFDs often display very tight spreads (as low as 0.3 pips), but costs can add up with frequent trading.

Real Example

If the gold spot price is $3,370/oz and the physical dealer’s buying price is $3,420/oz, your spread cost is $50, about 1.5%. For ETFs, trading $10,000 in gold may cost $15 from spreads.

Other Fees

Other fees can include insurance and delivery for physical gold, yearly management fees for ETFs, and overnight holding or currency conversion charges for CFDs. These can accumulate if your position is held for an extended time.

Real Example

Investing in a gold ETF with a 0.4% annual management fee, if you buy $10,000, you’ll pay $40 a year even if you make no trades. For CFDs, holding a position overnight may cost $2 for every $10,000 per day.

The tax on income from trading gold in Australia

Investing in gold in Australia is subject to specific tax rules that depend on the type of investment you choose. The tax treatment can vary for physical gold, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), gold company shares, derivatives like CFDs, and digital bullion accounts. Understanding these regimes is crucial for correctly anticipating your after-tax returns.

• Physical gold: Subject to capital gains tax at your marginal rate, with a 50% CGT discount if held for more than 12 months.
• Gold ETFs/ETCs: Gains are taxed as capital gains, distributions are assessable income; 50% CGT discount applies for long-term holdings.
• Gold mining stocks: Dividends are taxed as income, capital gains from sale of shares are taxed at your marginal rate with potential 50% discount.
• Derivatives: Profits may be taxed as income if trading regularly; otherwise, as capital gains.
• Digital gold accounts: Treated like physical gold for tax, subject to CGT with discount for assets held longer than 12 months.

When you invest in gold, you must report any capital gains or income from your activity in your annual tax return. If you hold assets for over 12 months, you may be eligible for a 50% capital gains tax discount. Regular traders might fall under business or professional trader rules, which can affect tax calculations. Australian residents are taxed on worldwide income, and you may also need to keep records of purchase dates, sale dates, and amounts for each investment. Always review your personal situation or speak to a tax professional for up-to-date reporting requirements.

10 tips for choosing the right broker to speculate on gold

Selecting a reliable and well-suited broker is fundamental for anyone aiming to speculate on gold with derivatives such as CFDs or futures. Your broker’s quality will impact trade execution, cost efficiency, safety of funds, and overall trading experience. Understanding the key criteria will help you choose a broker that aligns with your trading needs and risk profile.

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.