While a typical Costco run might include a $1.50 hot dog and bulk paper towels, the wholesale club is also known for its gold sales.
Since the start of 2026, gold prices have risen 15%, crossing $5,100 an ounce on Monday. The safe-haven investment has seen a record-breaking run as investors flock to the metal amid geopolitical tensions and concerns about diversification away from the dollar. Prices also tend to rise during periods of economic and political uncertainty.
Costco sells 24-karat, 1 Troy-ounce gold bars—the standard unit of weight for precious metals—online and in some U.S. warehouses. Brands include South Africa-based Rand Refinery and Switzerland-based PAMP, both highly regarded in the precious metal space.
Costco’s low gold markup can be stacked with its rewards program and credit cards to make the deal shine even brighter. However, you need to be a member to check the price.
Here’s what you need to know about buying gold from Costco, including the pros and cons and how to buy.
How to buy gold from Costco
How much is one ounce of gold from Costco?
Gold, including the bars at Costco, follows a current value called a spot price. Gold’s price tends to rise and fall with the geopolitical climate and overall global economic conditions. In times of increased political and economic uncertainty, gold spot prices tend to rise.
Costco’s gold prices are tied to the spot price, but are still considered relatively affordable compared to other vendors. The wholesale club typically charges 1% to 2% above the spot price. That’s lower than what traditional gold dealers charge, which can mark up gold between 1% and 10%, according to gold dealer JM Bullion.
While Costco’s lower markup makes buying a gold bar more affordable, keep in mind that the spot price can still be high for an ounce.
How can you buy gold from Costco?
If you want to buy gold from Costco, you must have a membership.
Costco offers two types: The most basic Gold Star membership is $65 per year and the Executive membership costs $130 per year, not including sales tax.
Costco’s most basic Gold Star membership is $65 per year, plus state sales tax. The Executive membership costs $130 per year plus tax, and includes perks that could be useful for frequent shoppers, like a 2% annual reward on all club purchases. Both tiers offer access to online and in-store shopping.
With a membership in hand, you can check the price for gold bars sold online. Bars are limited to one transaction per membership and a maximum of four units in 24 hours.
Standard shipping and handling via FedEx are included in the price of the gold bar. Costco states that most bars are delivered within three to five business days of ordering. However, the buyer needs to be present to sign for the package. Shipping is not available to Nevada or Puerto Rico.
Meanwhile, Executive members receive a 2% annual reward on all store purchases, which includes gold. Rewards certificates are issued as store credit to use on future purchases.
Given the high price of gold, that reward could be a sizable amount. If a customer bought gold at a spot price of $5,100, with Costco’s markup of 2%, the 2% reward would come out to just over $104.
But that’s not the only savings you can get: Members can also use the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi for cash back.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a valuable card to pair with a Costco membership, but the rewards program is more restrictive than what you get with a typical cash-back card.
- High rewards rates for gas/EV charging and travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Restrictive rewards that you can only cash out once per year
- Requires a paid Costco membership
- No welcome bonus
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select’s editorial staff.
- Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
Foreign transaction fee
- 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco, along with 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter.
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and eligible travel, including Costco Travel.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
When combined with an Executive membership, this card would earn 2% cash back on top of the 2% executive rewards.
To be sure, once you’ve bought gold from Costco, it’s not returnable or refundable. If you change your mind in the future or want to sell your gold, you’ll need to work with a company that buys gold, like a gold dealer.
Pros and cons of buying gold from Costco
If you’re considering buying gold from Costco, make sure to consider these benefits and drawbacks.
Pros of buying Costco gold
- Affordable prices: Some gold dealers mark up gold from its spot price by 5% to 10%. Costco’s markup typically ranges between 1% and 2%.
- Executive members can earn rewards: If you already have a top-tier membership, you could get up to 2% back on your purchase as a reward.
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi earns cash back: Those who have this card can earn 2% cash back on their Costco in-store or Costco.com purchases, including gold items.
- Fast shipping included: The price online includes shipping and handling via FedEx. Orders typically arrive in three to five business days.
Cons of buying Costco gold
- Shipping not available nationwide: Shipping isn’t available to Nevada and Puerto Rico.
- No way to sell: While you can buy gold from Costco, you can’t sell gold to Costco. You’d need to connect with another company that buys gold if you want to sell in the future.
- No returns or refunds: Be certain that you’re committed to the purchase, as Costco doesn’t offer returns or refunds on gold.
- No storage options: While some gold companies offer options to securely store gold for you, this isn’t an option with Costco. You’ll need to have a plan for safely storing your gold on your own.
Alternatives to buying Costco gold
If the recent spike in gold prices has piqued your interest, getting it from Costco isn’t the only way to go.
One of the drawbacks to buying gold from Costco is that there isn’t a built-in market for selling if you want to liquidate the asset—you’d need to find a buyer, such as a gold dealer.
If you’re concerned about the tax implications, storage complications and illiquidity of buying physical gold, a gold IRA could alleviate some of those worries.
Gold IRAs are a type of retirement account that’s limited to gold, platinum and other precious metals. They have the same withdrawal rules and contribution limits as a standard IRA, but also the same tax advantages — you can find Roth gold IRAs that allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement. You can purchase gold and other metals through this account, and the institution you invest with holds the metals on your behalf securely.
Some of CNBC Select’s top picks for gold IRAs include Birch Gold Group for its transparent fees and American Bullion for its extensive educational resources.
Birch Gold Group
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Initial Purchase Requirements
Minimum initial purchase requirement of $10,000
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Account Minimums
Minimum account balance of $10,000
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Fees
Pros
- On new accounts of more than $50,000, Birch Gold will pay first year’s fees.
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- AAA Business Consumer Alliance rating
- Easy to locate fees
- Offers account transfers from a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, eligible 401(k) and more
Cons
- Flat fees aren’t as friendly to smaller investors
- Asset transfers can take up to three weeks to complete
American Bullion
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Initial Purchase Requirements
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Account Minimums
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Fees
Pros
- Free Storage and no custodian account fees for the first year on accounts of $50,000 or more
- Offers free investment guides and other educational resources
- Stored in the Delaware Depository and monitored 24/7, 365 days a year
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- AAA Business Consumer Alliance rating
Cons
- Only available to contact through phone and email, no live chat option
Costco gold FAQs
Do you have to pay tax on gold from Costco?
If you sell your gold for a profit in the future, you may owe a capital gains tax on the metals. The IRS considers gold bars a collectible, so the tax is based on your marginal tax rate up to 28%.
Can I still buy gold from Costco?
It’s still possible to buy gold from Costco. However, supplies may be limited and have been known to sell out.
Is buying gold from Costco a good idea?
If you’re interested in buying physical gold, getting it from Costco can be an affordable strategy since prices can be lower than competitors. Additionally, there are rewards for Executive members and Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders.
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