Best ways to invest in gold in the UK

Find out why investors attempt to use gold as a safe haven, how you can invest in gold and what to be aware of when investing.

Promoted for gold investing
Freetrade (Gold) logo
Go to site
Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
0% commission gold stocks & ETFs
Free Basic account
Easy-to-use app
Promoted for physical gold
Direct Bullion logo
Go to site
Capital at risk. T&Cs apply.
Buy gold coins or bars
Free, secure delivery
Bespoke gold market updates
Promoted for gold mining
eToro Free Stocks (Gold) logo
Go to site
Capital at risk. Fees apply.
0% commission gold mining stocks
No platform fee
Copy gold traders for free
★★★★★
1,100+ customer reviews

Investing in ETFs is another option worth considering. ETFs give you exposure to a bunch of assets without having to put all of your gold in one basket (you know what I mean).

Best-performing gold ETFs

If you want to check out the most popular top-performing gold ETFs in the UK, take a look at the options below. Just keep in mind that these aren’t necessarily the best gold ETFs to buy today. Past performance doesn’t dictate future results, so the under-performers may do well over the next few years.

There are loads of gold-based ETFs to choose from. They can cover a host of different companies within the industry. This can include mining companies, exploration companies, as well as the actual asset itself (sometimes sold as an ETC). Gold ETFs and ETCs are pretty good for beginners looking to invest in gold or those who want plenty of diversification.

Here are some of the largest and most popular gold ETCs and ETFs right now by fund size, according to justETF:
Gold ETC/ETFTickerYTD performance (to 18 November 2024)Link to invest
Invesco Physical Gold ASGLD24.80%InvestCapital at risk
iShares Physical Gold ETCSGLN24.65%InvestCapital at risk
Xtrackers IE Physical Gold ETC SecuritiesXGDU24.66%InvestCapital at risk
Amundi Physical Gold ETC GBPGLDA24.67%InvestCapital at risk
WisdomTree Physical GoldPHGP24.50%InvestCapital at risk
WisdomTree Physical Swiss GoldSGBX24.77%InvestCapital at risk
Gold Bullion SecuritiesGBSS24.50%InvestCapital at risk
WisdomTree Core Physical GoldWGLD25.11%InvestCapital at risk
HANetf The Royal Mint Responsibly Sourced Physical Gold ETCRMAU23.70%InvestCapital at risk
Xtracker Physical Gold ETCXGLD24.66%InvestCapital at risk

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.


Buying physical gold, coins and bullion!

For some, part of the appeal of investing in gold is being able to hold it. Good news: If you’re one of those people, buying solid gold has never been easier.

Before you buy and invest in physical gold, you should make sure of the following:

  1. You have a way to store it securely. If you plan on holding the gold yourself, you should have a safe or another secure way to store the gold.
  2. The gold is real and certified. Make sure the seller is legitimate and that the gold has been tested before buying.
  3. The price is fair. It’s important you pay a market rate, or at least a price that you believe represents good value.
Promoted
Direct Bullion
Compare physical gold

Other fees may apply. Your capital is at risk.

  • Buy gold coins or bars
  • Free, secure delivery
  • Bespoke gold market updates

Invest in gold mining companies, an alternative approach

By investing in gold mining stocks, you’re not just reliant on the price of gold. The potential success of your investment comes down to the company’s performance. This has upsides and downsides. Here are some brokers to consider:

Table: sorted by promoted deals first
Name Product UKFST Finder Score Min. initial deposit Price per trade Frequent trader rate Platform fees Offer Link
Finder Award
FREE TRADES
eToro Free Stocks
4.3
★★★★★
$100
£0 on stocks
N/A
£0
Go to site

Capital at risk. Fees apply.

Platform details
XTB
4.4
★★★★★
£0
£0
£0
£0
Earn up to 4.75% interest on uninvested cash.
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
CMC Invest share dealing account
4.4
★★★★★
£0
£0
N/A
£0
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
IG Share Dealing
4.1
★★★★★
£0
From £8
From £0
£8 per month
Get 0% commission on US shares. T&Cs apply. Capital at risk.
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
Hargreaves Lansdown Fund and Share Account
4.2
★★★★★
£1
£11.95
£5.95
£0 (0.45% for funds)
Go to site

Capital at risk

Platform details
loading

All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.


Emily Herring's headshot
Written by

Publisher

Emily Herring is a Publisher at Finder specialising in credit-based products including credit cards and business and personal loans. Emily has recently joined the Investments team. She has a Masters in Creative Writing & Publishing and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media. See full bio

Emily's expertise
Emily has written 147 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Loans & credit cards
  • Building credit

More guides on Finder

  • 4 ways to streamline your international business payments with WorldFirst

    As more businesses plan to go global, find out how WorldFirst’s multi-currency account could benefit your operations. Paid content.

  • eToro vs XTB

    XTB and eToro are cheap investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare the features, fees, account types and more – side by side in eToro vs XTB.

  • Payday loans guides & resources

    Browse our collection of payday loan guides, designed to answer all of your short term loan questions and help you find the right payday loan.

  • Best side hustle ideas for teens

    We’ve compiled a list of side hustle ideas, so you can give your teenager a nudge in the right direction next time they come to you asking for money.

  • Euro business accounts

    Find out how euro business accounts work and who they might suit.

  • Can you have more than one business bank account?

    We explain the benefits of opening multiple business bank accounts and what to watch out for.

  • Freetrade vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

    Freetrade and Hargreaves Lansdown are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Freetrade vs HL.

  • Bestinvest vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

    Bestinvest and Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Bestinvest vs Hargreaves Lansdown.

  • Moneybox vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

    Hargreaves Lansdown and Moneybox are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Moneybox vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL).

  • Moneyfarm vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL)

    Hargreaves Lansdown and Moneyfarm are both investment platforms with a lot to offer. We compare their features, fees, account types and more – side by side in Moneyfarm vs Hargreaves Lansdown (HL).

Go to site