can i buy gold on fidelity?

Can I buy gold on Fidelity? Yes — Fidelity gives investors multiple ways to gain gold exposure: physical bullion (via its precious-metals desk and partners), gold ETFs and mutual funds, and mining ...

2025-09-09 12:39:00

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Can I buy gold on Fidelity?

Can I buy gold on Fidelity? Yes — Fidelity offers several routes to get exposure to gold: ordering physical coins or bars through its precious-metals service, buying gold-backed ETFs and mutual funds, or purchasing shares of gold-mining companies. The options, rules, and costs differ by product and by account type (taxable brokerage vs. IRA vs. employer-sponsored plan). This article explains each path, operational details you need to know, retirement-account limits, fees and minimums, step-by-step how-to instructions, common tickers, and practical considerations for risk and taxes.

As a quick roadmap, you will learn:

The short answer to “can i buy gold on fidelity” and what that implies for different investor goals.
Differences between physical gold and “paper” gold (ETFs, mutual funds, mining stocks).
How to order physical bullion through Fidelity’s precious-metals program and the typical minimums and storage/settlement rules.
How to buy gold ETFs, mutual funds, and mining stocks inside a Fidelity brokerage or retirement account.
Retirement-account rules for physical metals and alternatives for 401(k) and IRAs.
Fees, risks, practical examples, and common tickers to research.

Read on to decide which path best fits your investment objectives and account type.

Short answer

Yes — can i buy gold on fidelity? Yes. Fidelity provides access to gold exposure in multiple forms:

Physical gold (coins and bars) through Fidelity’s precious-metals program and partner dealers; orders are placed through a Fidelity representative and subject to minimums, trading-hour windows, and custody/storage rules.
Gold-backed ETFs and commodity-tracking funds, which trade on public exchanges and can be bought commission-free in a Fidelity brokerage account.
Gold-focused mutual funds (including Fidelity’s own funds) that investors can buy through Fidelity subject to fund minimums and prospectus rules.
Shares of gold and precious-metals mining companies (standard equity trades).

Note: gold futures and some derivatives are typically not available through Fidelity’s retail brokerage platform; investors who need futures would use a different provider. As with any investment, availability and suitability depend on your account type (taxable vs. IRA vs. employer plan) and on plan-specific rules.

Ways to get gold exposure on Fidelity — overview

When asking “can i buy gold on fidelity,” it helps to separate gold exposure into two broad categories:

Physical gold: coins and bars that represent ownership of metal bullion.
“Paper” gold: exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, futures/derivatives, and equities (miners) that provide price exposure or business exposure to gold.

Each category has tradeoffs in liquidity, cost, storage, taxes, and operational complexity. Below we break down how Fidelity supports each route and the specific details you need to know.

Physical gold, coins, and bars through Fidelity

Fidelity offers a precious-metals trading program through which customers can buy physical gold (coins and bars) via Fidelity’s designated dealer partners. Key points:

How orders are placed: Physical bullion orders must typically be placed through a Fidelity representative or the precious-metals desk rather than as a fully self-service online trade. That means you’ll call or message Fidelity’s metals service, request a quote, and place the order with assistance.
Minimums and order sizes: Fidelity’s public guidance indicates there are minimum purchase requirements for physical metals (for example, nonretirement account initial purchases historically have had minimums around $2,500). IRA purchases may have different minimums and custodial requirements. Always confirm current minimums when you contact Fidelity.
Unit restrictions: Physical orders commonly require whole ounces or whole-coin quantities; fractional-ounce bullion or fractional coins are typically not available through this program. If fractional exposure is desired, ETFs offer that flexibility.
Trading hours and pricing: Purchases are often executed during specific precious-metals trading windows (for example, a defined intraday window such as morning-to-midafternoon ET). Pricing uses spot references plus premiums/commissions; Fidelity acts as an agent connecting you to dealers — it does not warehouse inventory as a market-maker.
Settlement, delivery, and storage: Delivery or insured storage options are arranged through Fidelity’s partners. For taxable accounts, you may choose physical delivery to an insured ship-to address subject to shipping fees and insurance. For IRA accounts, IRS rules require custodial storage at an approved depository/custodian; Fidelity’s process will route IRA-eligible metals purchases through approved custodial arrangements.
Fees and markups: Expect a markup above spot price (a dealer premium), potential commissions, shipping/insurance fees for delivery requests, and storage/warehouse fees for allocated storage. Premiums vary by coin/bar type and market conditions.

As of June 2024, according to Fidelity’s precious-metals information pages, customers must contact Fidelity to place physical bullion orders and review IRA-custody rules before placing an order. (As with any detail, confirm the most current terms directly with Fidelity when you plan a purchase.)

Gold ETFs and commodity-tracking funds

A common and simple way to get exposure to the gold price inside a Fidelity brokerage or IRA is via gold-backed ETFs and commodity-tracking funds. Key features:

Trade like stocks: ETFs such as large, gold-backed ETFs trade on major exchanges throughout the trading day and can be bought or sold in real time like equities.
Backing and structure: Many gold ETFs hold physical bullion in vaults and issue shares representing a fraction of that bullion (these are often “physically backed” ETFs). Others may use sampling, swaps, or synthetic structures — check the ETF prospectus.
Liquidity and costs: ETFs generally offer high liquidity, low bid-ask spreads, and modest expense ratios. Fidelity typically offers commission-free trading for most US-listed ETFs, making them cost-effective for many traders.
No physical storage: ETFs remove the need for the investor to arrange storage and insurance.
Fractional exposure: Buying an ETF gives you exposure to fractions of an ounce indirectly (depending on share price). Some broker features allow fractional-share purchases, widening access.
Typical tickers to research: GLD, IAU (gold-backed ETFs), and GDX (miners ETF) are widely used examples to consider. Verify ticker availability and descriptions on Fidelity’s platform.

As of June 2024, Fidelity’s learning resources explain ETFs as a convenient way to hold gold exposure without physical storage, and that many ETFs are tradable commission-free within Fidelity brokerage accounts.

Gold mutual funds and gold-focused Fidelity funds

Fidelity offers mutual funds and provides access to third-party gold mutual funds. Characteristics:

Active vs. passive: Mutual funds may be actively managed (e.g., Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio — FSAGX) or passively track indexes. Active funds aim to generate returns via manager decisions and can invest in mining equities, royalty companies, and other gold-related securities.
Minimums and fees: Mutual funds often have purchase minimums and different fee structures (expense ratios, possible sales loads depending on share class). Check the fund prospectus and Fidelity fund pages for minimum initial investment amounts.
Suitability: Mutual funds are suitable for investors seeking active management, dollar-cost averaging, or a professionally managed allocation.
Holding in accounts: Mutual funds can be held in taxable brokerage accounts and many retirement accounts subject to plan rules.

Example: Fidelity’s FSAGX is a gold-focused mutual fund available for purchase on the Fidelity platform; consult the fund page for current holdings, fees, and minimums.

Gold mining and precious-metals stocks

Buying shares of companies engaged in gold mining or related activities is a commonly used method to gain leveraged exposure to gold price movements. Points to consider:

Equity exposure vs. metal ownership: Owning miner shares means owning a business, not metal. Company fundamentals, production costs, exploratory success, management, and leverage to gold prices drive returns.
Higher volatility: Miners often amplify gold price moves but also carry company-specific operational and geopolitical risks.
ETFs for miners: ETFs like GDX provide basket exposure to many mining companies and can reduce single-stock risk.
Tradeability: Mining stocks and miners ETFs are tradeable in Fidelity brokerage accounts like any other equity.

Gold futures and derivatives (availability)

Gold futures and many derivatives are common instruments for professional traders looking for direct exposure, leverage, and short-term trading. Important note:

Fidelity’s standard retail brokerage historically does not offer direct futures trading on its basic platform; customers seeking gold futures typically use a futures-capable broker. Check with Fidelity if you have access through an institutional account or a specialized offering.
Options on ETFs and equities are often available and can provide derivative exposure to gold-related instruments; these should be used only by investors who understand options risk and settlement.

Can you buy physical gold in Fidelity retirement accounts?

This is a frequent question: can i buy gold on fidelity inside an IRA or 401(k)? The answer depends on account type and IRS rules.

IRAs: The IRS allows certain types of physical precious metals within IRAs but requires that the metals meet minimum fineness standards and be held by an approved custodian/depository. Fidelity’s process for IRA precious-metals purchases routes orders through approved custodial arrangements and depositories. You cannot have physical metals delivered to your personal home address if they are IRA holdings — the metals must be stored with an approved custodian.
401(k) and employer plans: Most employer-sponsored 401(k) plans managed through Fidelity do not permit direct holdings of physical bullion. These plans typically offer mutual funds, ETFs (where allowed), and stock investments. If you want physical metals inside a retirement vehicle, consider a self-directed IRA or a solo (individual) 401(k) established with providers that support precious-metals custody. Third-party custodians and specialty plan administrators are usually involved.
Self-directed retirement accounts: Adding physical gold to a self-directed IRA requires an approved custodian, acceptable metal specifications (IRS list), and an approved depository for storage. Third-party providers or specialized IRA custodians facilitate these arrangements.

As of May 2024, a third-party guide on retirement plan limitations notes that Fidelity-sponsored 401(k) plans typically do not allow physical gold holdings and that investors requiring physical metal in retirement should evaluate self-directed options and custodial fees. Always confirm plan documents and consult a tax advisor for IRA- and 401(k)-specific rules.

How to buy gold on Fidelity — step-by-step

Below are concise step-by-step processes for each main route. When you ask “can i buy gold on fidelity,” these steps will help you act.

A. Buying gold ETFs, commodity-tracking funds, or mining ETFs

Open or log into your Fidelity brokerage or IRA account.
Use the Fidelity search field to research tickers or fund names (examples below). Read the ETF prospectus and key facts (expense ratio, AUM, holdings).
Decide order type: market order (executed at market price) or limit order (set price target).
Enter quantity (shares) or dollar amount; confirm if fractional-share purchasing is supported for your account.
Submit the order and monitor execution. Track holdings and performance in your account.

B. Buying mutual funds (including Fidelity gold-focused funds)

Log in to your Fidelity account and search for the fund (e.g., FSAGX).
Review the fund prospectus for investment objective, fees, and minimum initial investment.
Choose the account to use (taxable brokerage, IRA) and place the buy order via the fund buy page.
Fund purchases may execute at end-of-day NAV; monitor settlement and tax reporting.

C. Buying physical gold (coins/bars) via Fidelity’s precious-metals service

Contact Fidelity’s precious-metals desk or a Fidelity representative (online message or phone) to request quotes and confirm product availability.
Specify coin/bar type, quantity, and whether the purchase is for a taxable account or IRA.
Review price quotes, premiums, minimums, storage options, delivery fees, and estimated settlement times.
Place the order through the Fidelity representative. For IRAs, confirm approved custodian and storage arrangements.
After confirmation, track settlement, storage allocation, and any custody receipts provided by the custodian.

D. Buying gold-mining stocks

Use Fidelity’s research tools to screen miners or royalty companies.
Select tickers, review financials and risk factors, and decide order type.
Place the trade in your Fidelity brokerage or IRA (if allowed by plan).

Fees, minimums, and operational details

When evaluating whether “can i buy gold on fidelity” suits you, consider these typical costs and operational rules:

Physical metals minimums: Historically, Fidelity’s precious-metals program has shown minimums (for example, around $2,500 for initial nonretirement purchases), but exact figures change — verify with Fidelity when ordering.
Premiums over spot price: Dealers add a premium to the spot price for coins and bars. Premiums vary by product, market demand, and size (larger bars typically have lower per-ounce premiums).
Shipping and insurance: If you request delivery, expect shipping, insurance, and handling fees. If metals are held through a custody arrangement for an IRA, storage fees and custodial fees apply.
Fund/ETF fees: ETFs charge expense ratios (e.g., a few basis points to tenths of a percent). Mutual funds may charge higher expense ratios and sometimes sales loads or purchase minimums.
Trading commissions: Fidelity generally offers commission-free trading on U.S.-listed ETFs and many equities. Mutual funds may have transaction fees depending on share class.
Settlement windows: Physical metals and mutual funds may have different settlement rules compared with equities and ETFs (ETFs usually settle in standard T+1/T+2 windows depending on the instrument and jurisdiction).
Order windows for metals: Precious-metals trades may be accepted only during specified intraday windows; Fidelity’s materials indicate limited trading hours for physical metals operations.

Always ask for a full fee disclosure and a written quote before placing a physical metals order.

Risks and considerations

Whether you are using physical bullion or paper instruments, be aware of the risks:

Price volatility: Gold prices can be volatile and may move sharply in either direction.
Counterparty and custody risk: Holding physical metals involves custody risk (storage provider, insurance). Paper instruments have counterparty or issuer risk.
Liquidity differences: ETFs and large mutual funds are generally more liquid than specific bullion coins or bars, especially for odd sizes.
Premiums and markups: Physical purchases include dealer premiums; when selling, you may face bid discounts relative to spot.
Tax treatment: Tax rules differ by jurisdiction. In the U.S., certain physical coins are taxed as collectibles with potentially different capital-gains treatment; ETFs and funds are taxed under ordinary capital-gains rules. Retirement accounts have their own tax deferral rules. Consult a tax advisor for details.
Storage and insurance costs: Physical holdings usually require paid storage and insurance, adding ongoing carrying costs.
Operational complexity: Physical metals and self-directed retirement solutions require more paperwork and operational steps than buying an ETF.

Alternatives and complementary approaches

If you decide Fidelity’s paths are not a fit, consider alternatives:

Specialist bullion dealers and allocated storage providers for direct physical purchases.
Futures brokers for direct futures trading (for professional/active traders).
Commodity mutual funds or multi-commodity funds for broader commodity exposure.
Complementary precious metals such as silver, platinum, or palladium instruments.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I buy physical gold directly online in my Fidelity account?

A: Not typically as a purely self-service online trade. Physical bullion purchases are generally handled through Fidelity’s precious-metals desk and require a representative to place the order and confirm custody/storage arrangements.

Q: Can I hold gold ETFs in my IRA or 401(k)?

A: Gold ETFs are usually allowed in IRAs and in many brokerage-style retirement accounts. 401(k) plan rules vary — many employer-sponsored 401(k) plans do not offer ETFs; they offer a menu of mutual funds. Check plan documents or speak with your plan administrator.

Q: Does Fidelity store my bullion if I buy physical gold through them?

A: Fidelity facilitates purchases via partner dealers and custodial depositories. For IRA-held metals, custody must be at an approved depository/custodian. For taxable accounts, delivery or third-party storage arrangements are available through partner services. Fidelity itself is an agent and routes to approved custodians.

Q: Can I buy fractional ounces of physical gold on Fidelity?

A: Physical orders through Fidelity commonly require whole-ounce or whole-coin quantities. ETFs and fractional-share broker features provide fractional exposure.

Q: Does Fidelity offer futures trading for gold?

A: Standard Fidelity retail brokerage platforms typically do not offer direct futures trading; investors seeking futures should consult futures-capable brokers.

Q: Are gold mutual funds available on Fidelity?

A: Yes — Fidelity hosts and provides access to gold-focused mutual funds, including Fidelity’s own Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX). Review each fund’s prospectus for minimums and fees.

Practical examples and common tickers

Below are representative tickers and fund names commonly used to access gold exposure. Always confirm availability, fees, and suitability within your Fidelity account.

GLD — An example of a large physically backed gold ETF (tradeable like a stock).
IAU — Another physically backed gold ETF with typically a low expense ratio.
GDX — A broad gold-miners ETF that tracks major gold mining companies.
FSAGX — Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (a Fidelity-managed gold-focused mutual fund).

When you search these tickers on Fidelity’s platform, review the fund/ETF profile for expense ratio, assets under management (AUM), holdings, and liquidity.

As of June 2024, Fidelity’s fund pages and learning-center resources list these instruments as commonly used methods to gain gold exposure through the Fidelity platform.

Regulatory, tax, and custody notes

IRS rules (U.S.): Certain physical metals are IRA-eligible if they meet IRS fineness standards and are held in approved depositories. Physical metals in IRAs cannot be delivered to the account owner.
Taxes on physical coins: Some physical coins may be taxed as collectibles under U.S. tax law, which can affect long-term capital gains rates. Paper instruments (ETFs, stocks) are taxed under ordinary capital-gains rules.
Reporting: Sales of physical metals and funds generate tax-reporting forms; keep accurate records of acquisition costs, premiums paid, and sale proceeds.
Custody: For retirement accounts involving physical metals, use approved custodians and understand all fees and transfer rules.

Always consult a qualified tax professional for personal tax implications.

References and further reading

As you evaluate “can i buy gold on fidelity,” these are the primary sources used to prepare this guide. For detailed account-specific answers, contact Fidelity directly.

Fidelity: Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Trading (precious-metals program and order details). As of June 2024, according to Fidelity Investments' precious-metals pages, physical metals purchases require working with a representative and are subject to minimums and custodial rules.
Fidelity Learning Center: How to buy gold: 2 ways to invest in gold (overview of physical vs. paper approaches). As of June 2024, Fidelity’s learning articles describe ETFs, funds, stocks, and bullion as main options.
Fidelity Customer Service: Precious Metals Trading — rules on IRA purchases, trading hours, minimums, and how to place orders through a representative.
Fidelity Fund Page: FSAGX — Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (example of a gold-focused mutual fund available on Fidelity).
Third-party retirement guidance: Articles discussing limitations of employer 401(k) plans for holding physical gold and options for self-directed IRAs/solo 401(k) plans. As of May 2024, third-party guides noted that Fidelity-sponsored 401(k) plans typically do not allow physical gold.
Educational walkthroughs: Practical guides and videos showing how to buy gold ETFs using a Fidelity app (for execution examples and UI steps).