can you buy gold on fidelity? A Complete Guide

Can you buy gold on Fidelity — short answer: yes. Fidelity offers both physical precious‑metals purchases via a brokered service and financial exposures (ETFs, mutual funds, mining stocks) in broke...

2025-08-25 09:08:00

By Emma Shah

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Buying Gold on Fidelity

Can you buy gold on Fidelity is a common question from investors weighing physical bullion against paper exposures. In the context of U.S. markets and digital‑asset comparisons, "can you buy gold on Fidelity" means whether an investor can obtain exposure to gold using Fidelity’s services — either by buying physical coins/bars through Fidelity’s precious‑metals program or by buying gold‑related securities (ETFs, mutual funds, and mining stocks) inside a Fidelity brokerage account or IRA. This article explains both pathways, order mechanics, custody and IRA rules, costs, risks, and practical next steps.

As of December 2025, according to CryptoSlate, institutional demand and regulatory shifts materially changed how investors view store‑of‑value assets; while that report focused on Bitcoin’s institutional adoption and ETF flows, it underscores why some investors ask "can you buy gold on Fidelity" as part of a broader portfolio‑allocation decision. (As reported: As of December 2025, CryptoSlate.)

Overview of Options

Answering "can you buy gold on Fidelity" requires distinguishing three primary pathways available to Fidelity clients:

Physical precious metals (coins and bars) purchased through Fidelity’s precious‑metals service and fulfilled by third‑party dealers. These are physical deliveries or custodial storage of actual metal.
Financial (non‑physical) exposures — gold ETFs, mutual funds that focus on gold or the precious‑metals sector (for example, Fidelity funds that invest in the gold sector), and individual gold‑mining or royalty company stocks that trade like other equities.
Indirect exposure via commodity or multi‑asset funds that include gold alongside other allocations. These do not create direct ownership of physical metal but provide market exposure.

In short: can you buy gold on Fidelity? Yes — both as physical metal (via a brokered service) and as securities that provide gold exposure in brokerage and retirement accounts. The choice depends on your objective, liquidity needs, storage preferences, tax considerations, and account type.

Physical Precious Metals via Fidelity

Products offered

Fidelity’s published materials show they facilitate purchases of major bullion coins and bars. Typical product types that investors ask about when they query "can you buy gold on Fidelity" include:

U.S. Mint coins (e.g., American Eagle, American Buffalo) when IRS/IRA eligibility and dealer availability permit.
International government‑backed coins (e.g., Canadian Maple Leaf) depending on dealer supply and account rules.
Bullion bars of common weights (1 oz, multiples of ounces, and larger bars when available).
Other precious metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium are also commonly offered via the same service.

Note: Fidelity itself does not hold a public inventory of bars/coins for retail sale; it acts as a broker/agent and works with approved precious‑metals suppliers to fulfill client orders.

Order mechanics and constraints

When investors ask "can you buy gold on Fidelity" they should understand the operational rules Fidelity sets for direct metal purchases:

Minimums: Fidelity’s materials indicate minimum initial purchases for the precious‑metals service. Historically, non‑retirement account minimums have been around a few thousand dollars (example: $2,500), while IRA minimums may differ (example: $1,000). These figures can change — confirm current minimums with Fidelity before placing an order.
Whole units: Orders are normally placed in whole coins or whole ounces. Fractional‑ounce orders for physical bullion are generally not supported in Fidelity’s precious‑metals program; fractional exposure is available through ETFs or fractional share programs for securities.
Order placement: Physical metal purchases are usually placed by contacting a Fidelity representative (phone or secure message) rather than a purely online, self‑service trade ticket. Specialist hours and a representative‑assisted process apply.
Trading hours and execution: Precious‑metals order execution windows follow market and dealer hours. Fidelity’s documentation has referenced specific trading hours (for example, roughly 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. ET for certain order types), but exact hours and fills depend on the metals desk and dealer partners.

Because the process involves third‑party dealers, execution confirmations, shipping schedules, and settlement follow timelines that differ from regular stock trades.

Dealer, custody arrangement and settlement

A clear part of answering "can you buy gold on Fidelity" is knowing who handles the metal and which party holds title:

Agent/Dealer model: Fidelity acts as an agent that routes client orders to approved dealers or suppliers. Fidelity does not typically carry inventory of bullion for retail distribution; rather, it helps arrange the purchase through counterparties.
Custody and storage: Buyers choose whether to take physical delivery (shipping to an address) or use third‑party storage/custodial vaults. For IRA accounts, IRS rules typically require qualifying custodial storage arrangements; home delivery for IRA holdings is generally not allowed.
Settlement timeframe: Precious‑metals transactions often settle on a multi‑day timeline (for example, two business days or per the dealer confirmation). Title transfer and shipping/receipt are governed by the dealer’s and Fidelity’s settlement procedures.

Because Fidelity coordinates with external suppliers, counterparty, custody and insurance exposures depend on the dealer and storage provider used. When evaluating "can you buy gold on Fidelity," consider that you are also engaging with the dealer and custodian they select for execution and storage.

IRAs and retirement accounts

Many investors specifically ask "can you buy gold on Fidelity" because they want gold in an IRA. Key points:

IRA‑eligible metals: The IRS permits IRAs to hold certain coins and bars that meet fineness and provenance standards (for example, specified U.S. and foreign government bullion coins and certain minimum purity bars). Fidelity’s IRA precious‑metals service will only offer IRS‑approved items for IRA holdings.
Minimums and process: Fidelity’s IRA precious‑metals rules may have lower initial minimums than taxable accounts in some published materials, but IRA purchases require working with a Fidelity representative to ensure the metal meets IRS standards and that custodial and storage arrangements comply with retirement‑account rules.
Custodial requirements: For IRA holdings, metals must typically be held by an approved third‑party custodian or approved depository; the precious‑metals program will arrange these logistics as required.

Always verify current IRA policies and IRS guidance before proceeding. Fidelity’s account documentation lists eligible metal types and storage custodian options, and these rules change with regulations and dealer availability.

Financial (Non‑Physical) Ways to Get Gold Exposure

A frequent reason investors ask "can you buy gold on Fidelity" is they want exposure but prefer not to manage physical metal. Fidelity offers multiple financial instruments to capture gold exposure.

ETFs and mutual funds

Exchange‑traded funds (ETFs): Gold ETFs that directly or indirectly track the spot price of gold trade on public exchanges and can be bought and sold through Fidelity’s brokerage platform like any stock or ETF. ETFs can provide exposure without dealing with storage, insurance, or shipping. They also allow intraday trading and fractional economic exposure through share ownership (depending on broker features for fractional shares).
Mutual funds: Fidelity and other fund families offer mutual funds that invest in the gold‑mining sector or gold commodities exposure. For example, Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX) is a sector mutual fund that invests primarily in companies engaged in gold mining and production. This is an example investors often see when researching "can you buy gold on Fidelity" as it’s a Fidelity‑managed fund focused on the precious‑metals sector.

Important distinctions:

Spot‑tracking ETFs attempt to track the price of gold; mining funds invest in companies and therefore carry company‑specific risks and can diverge from spot gold performance.
Expense ratios, tax treatment, and liquidity vary across ETFs and mutual funds — review the prospectus and fund facts before investing.

Gold mining and related stocks

Buying shares of individual gold‑mining companies or broader materials and royalty firms is another way to gain exposure. These equities behave differently from bullion because they reflect operational, geopolitical, and company‑level risks (production costs, mine closures, management quality). When evaluating whether "can you buy gold on Fidelity" meets your needs, note that miner stocks can amplify or mute gold’s price moves.

Futures and derivatives

Gold futures traded on commodity exchanges are a direct way to gain exposure to gold prices, commonly used by traders and institutional participants. However, Fidelity’s retail brokerage historically does not provide futures trading to all clients through its standard retail platform. If you need futures, verify whether your Fidelity account type supports futures or whether you must use a registered futures dealer that offers those instruments. In practice, many retail investors obtain exposure through ETFs and funds rather than direct futures contracts.

How to Place an Order at Fidelity

Physical metals

Start with an account: You need a Fidelity brokerage or IRA account that supports precious‑metals purchases.
Contact a representative: Unlike ordinary online equity trades, physical metal purchases are routed through Fidelity’s precious‑metals desk and require representative assistance. Expect to provide order instructions by phone or secure message.
Confirm product and minimums: Confirm the coin/bar, quantity (whole units), price, dealer fees, shipping or storage options, and settlement timeline.
Execution and confirmation: Fidelity will route the order to the dealer. After execution, you'll receive trade confirmations, shipping notices (for deliveries), or custody confirmations (for storage).

ETFs, mutual funds, and stocks

Use online trading: ETFs, mutual funds and stocks are purchased through the standard Fidelity trading interface (market orders, limit orders, or scheduled mutual‑fund transactions).
Fractional shares and dollar‑based investing: Fidelity may offer fractional‑share purchases for eligible securities; this allows investors to buy partial ETF exposure with dollar amounts less than a full share. This is a key difference from physical metals when people ask "can you buy gold on Fidelity" — paper exposures can be fractionalized, physical metals generally cannot.
Clearing and settlement: ETFs and stock trades settle on the standard T+1 or T+2 timelines; mutual funds follow their own NAV‑based settlement.

Contact and support

Fidelity provides phone support, secure messaging through the account portal, and help documentation for precious‑metals and fund purchases. When in doubt, speak with a Fidelity representative to verify current product availability, minimums, and the precise process for IRA‑eligible metals.

Costs, Fees, and Practical Considerations

Price vs. spot and markups

Physical premiums: Purchasing physical gold includes dealer markups over the spot price, reflecting manufacturing, distribution, and dealer margins. Premiums vary across product types (coins often carry higher premiums than large bars) and market conditions.
Funds and ETFs: ETFs and mutual funds charge expense ratios and may incur trading commissions or bid/ask spreads. These are ongoing costs that affect long‑term returns.

Storage, insurance, and liquidity

Storage choices: Options include home storage (requires secure insurance and is generally less recommended for large holdings), third‑party insured vaults, or dealer/custodial vaults arranged through the precious‑metals program. For retirement accounts, custodial storage is usually required.
Insurance: Physical holdings should be insured against theft and loss. Third‑party storage arrangements typically include insurance in their fees.
Liquidity: ETFs and listed funds are highly liquid during market hours. Physical metal liquidity depends on secondary market demand and dealer willingness to buy back specific coins/bars; certain rare or graded coins may be less liquid.

Tax considerations

Tax rules differ materially between physical gold and gold ETFs or mutual funds. Brief, general points (not tax advice):

Collectible treatment: Sales of physical bullion and certain coins may be taxed at collectible capital‑gains rates (which can be higher than standard long‑term capital‑gains rates for equities), depending on jurisdiction and item type.
Funds and ETFs: Tax treatment depends on the fund structure; ETFs holding physical bullion may have specific tax reporting characteristics. Funds that invest in companies produce traditional equity tax events (dividends, capital gains).
Retirement accounts: Holding gold inside a traditional IRA defers taxes until withdrawal, but IRA rules and eligible product lists must be followed strictly.

Always consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.

Risks and Suitability

When deciding "can you buy gold on Fidelity" consider these risks:

Price volatility: Gold prices trade on macroeconomic, currency, and real‑rate expectations, and can be volatile.
Counterparty and custody risk: Physical bullion held with third‑party custodians or arranged by dealers exposes the investor to custody and counterparty risk if the custodian or dealer fails.
Tracking error: Funds and ETFs may not perfectly track spot gold due to management fees, cash holdings, and operational differences.
Company risk: Mining stocks and royalty firms introduce corporate risks unrelated to gold’s spot price.
Liquidity and premium risk: Physical coins may be sold at dealer bid prices below the purchase premium, especially in stressed markets.

Suitability depends on goals: wealth preservation, trading/speculation, portfolio diversification, or retirement planning. If you are unsure, consult a licensed financial professional.

Alternatives and Complementary Options

If Fidelity’s physical precious‑metals service or funds don’t match your needs, other options include:

Specialized bullion dealers and allocated storage providers for bespoke custody and insurance arrangements.
Gold ETFs and mutual funds from a broad universe of providers — when researching, compare expense ratios, holdings, and tracking methodology.
Commodities futures and options through brokers that offer futures access (if you need direct commodity exposure).
Tokenized or digital gold products available through certain regulated platforms; for crypto‑native exposure or tokenized assets, consider platforms that prioritize custody and regulatory compliance. If you are exploring crypto‑based options, you may want to explore Bitget and Bitget Wallet as a complementary place to access tokenized or crypto‑native assets, noting differences in asset structure and custody compared with traditional bullion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can you buy physical gold in fractional ounces through Fidelity? A: No. Fidelity’s precious‑metals service generally requires orders in whole coins or whole ounces. If you need fractional exposure, consider ETFs or fractional share features in brokerage accounts.

Q: Can you buy gold in my IRA at Fidelity? A: Yes — subject to IRS rules about eligible coins and bars, Fidelity’s IRA procedures, and custodian/storage requirements. IRA purchases require representative assistance and compliance checks.

Q: Does Fidelity offer gold futures trading? A: Fidelity’s standard retail brokerage historically does not provide futures trading for all clients; investors who need futures should confirm whether their account supports futures or use a registered futures broker.

Q: How do I store physical gold purchased through Fidelity? A: Options include insured third‑party vault storage arranged through the precious‑metals program, delivery to a specified address (if allowed), or approved custodial storage for IRA holdings. Home storage is possible but raises insurance and security concerns.

Q: How do I check current minimums and availability? A: Contact Fidelity’s precious‑metals desk or check your account support documentation. Product availability, minimums, and fees change with market conditions.

Example Products and Fund References

Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX): A sector mutual fund that invests primarily in companies engaged in gold mining and production. This fund is an example of a Fidelity product that provides sector exposure to gold rather than direct bullion ownership.
Gold ETFs and funds: Exchange‑traded products that track the price of gold or offer exposure to precious‑metals companies are widely available on public exchanges and can be purchased through a Fidelity brokerage account. Review prospectuses and expense ratios carefully.

When evaluating these products, examine investment objectives, fees, holdings, and how each vehicle fits your time horizon and tax situation.

Practical Checklist Before Buying Gold on Fidelity

Define your objective: hedge, diversification, speculation, or retirement holding.
Choose vehicle: physical bullion (coins/bars) vs paper exposure (ETF, mutual fund, stocks).
Confirm account type: brokerage, Roth/Traditional IRA, or other retirement plan.
Review minimums and order mechanics: phone‑assisted orders for physical metal; online trading for ETFs and stocks.
Understand custody and storage: home delivery vs insured third‑party vaults; IRA custodial rules.
Estimate costs: dealer premium, shipping, storage fees, insurance, and fund expense ratios.
Check tax consequences: taxable account vs IRA; consult a tax professional.
Contact Fidelity support: verify current policies, product availability, and place orders with a representative when buying physical metal.

Sources and References

"Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium Trading" — Fidelity Investments (precious metals product materials and customer documentation).
"How to buy gold: 2 ways to invest in gold" — Fidelity learning center (overview of physical vs financial gold investments).
"Precious Metals Trading — How to Trade Precious Metals" — Fidelity customer‑service and how‑to guidance.
"Investment Choices | What You Can Trade at Fidelity" — Fidelity account and trading overview.
"Fidelity Select Gold Portfolio (FSAGX)" — Fidelity fund information and fund research pages.
"How to Invest 401k in Gold" — Fidelity retirement guidance on investing retirement accounts in precious metals.
CryptoSlate review (2025): As of December 2025, CryptoSlate reported major institutional shifts for digital assets and ETF markets that provide context for how investors balance gold versus crypto exposures.

Note: Fidelity’s fees, minimums, and processes can change. Verify details with Fidelity before executing any transaction.

Next Steps and Where to Learn More

If you still wonder "can you buy gold on Fidelity" and which path is right for you, start by clarifying your objective (physical ownership vs market exposure). If you prefer physical bullion, contact Fidelity’s precious‑metals desk to confirm current minimums, available products, and IRA‑eligible options. If you prefer non‑physical exposure, review ETFs and Fidelity mutual funds like FSAGX, check prospectuses, and place trades through the online platform.

For investors considering tokenized or crypto‑native gold exposures as part of a broader digital‑asset strategy, explore regulated platforms and reputable custody solutions. To learn about crypto custody and tokenized assets in a compliant environment, you can also explore Bitget and the Bitget Wallet for digital‑asset workflows that complement traditional holdings.