Love Costco—But If You’re Buying Gold (or Silver) Bars There, Read This First

Let me start with a confession:
I love Costco.

My wife and I have been loyal members for years. There’s something oddly therapeutic about wandering the aisles, discovering five-gallon tubs of mayonnaise and boxes of granola bars that could feed a small army, and then walking out with a new kayak. It’s a place of value, trust, and (let’s be honest) some pretty great samples.

But recently, a new category of products has been capturing the attention of Costco members: 1-ounce gold bars—and now, 10-ounce silver bars.

Yes, Costco is in the precious metals business. And while the idea of adding gold or silver to your cart right alongside a rotisserie chicken is amusing, it also raises some important considerations.

So, from someone who’s been in the precious metals industry for over a decade, let me say this:

If you bought—or are thinking about buying—a gold or silver bar from Costco, that’s totally fine.

But let’s make sure you know what you’re getting into—and how to protect your investment.

The Pros of Buying Precious Metals from Costco

We’ll start with the good news. Because honestly, there are a couple of reasons why buying gold or silver bars from Costco can be a smart move.

1. Trust Factor: Absolutely Solid
Costco has earned its reputation as a retailer that delivers value and stands behind its products. Their members are fiercely loyal, and for good reason. If Costco says a gold bar is 99.99% pure, there’s no reason to doubt it.

2. Competitive Pricing
Believe it or not, the price you pay for those 1-ounce gold bars or 10-ounce silver bars is generally very fair. Costco’s markup is known to be thin compared to many traditional retailers. And in precious metals investing, price matters.

The Price Breakdown: Why It Matters

Let’s break down how pricing typically works using a gold bar example.

Assume the spot price of gold is $3,446 (as of August 29, 2025). Here’s a simplified flow:

• A mint sells the bar to a wholesaler at 1% above spot → $3,480.46
• The wholesaler sells it to a retailer with a 1% markup → $3,515.26
• The retailer sells it to you with a 2% markup → $3,585.56

So, you’ve now paid about 4% above spot. Not bad when compared to typical markup on consumer goods (how much did you pay over cost of goods sold for your last pair of shoes?).

If you are purchasing for investment purposes, to break even on your investment the spot price of gold would need to rise past $3,585.56.

That’s why Costco’s low margin is attractive—it keeps your “break-even point” closer to spot, shortening the time needed to potentially see a return.

But That’s Where the Love Affair Ends…

Costco earns points for trust and pricing. But beyond that? Buying gold or silver bars from a big-box retailer is kind of like buying a tuxedo at a sporting goods store. You can—but should you?

This is where we come in. At First Gold Group, we see our role as advocates for gold and silver investors.

If you’re truly serious about investing in precious metals, here are 9 reasons why a specialty dealer like First Gold Group may be a better choice.

9 Ways We Support Costco Gold and Silver Buyers (and All Investors)

1. Competitive Pricing
We can often match or beat the price you’d pay for a 1-ounce gold bar or a 10-ounce silver bar at Costco. We work directly with some of the nation’s largest and most trusted wholesalers—many with decades of experience.

2. Trusted Industry Experience
I’ve been in the precious metals retail business since 2012, with a foundation in compliance and ethics. At First Gold Group, we emphasize transparency, fair pricing, and integrity-driven service.

3. Transparent, Real-Time Pricing
Unlike Costco, we provide real-time spot-based pricing. That means you’re always buying at a price that reflects the current market—helping you avoid overpaying if the market dips between your click and checkout.

4. Product Variety
Costco’s selection is limited—usually a single design of gold and silver bars. At First Gold Group, we offer a wide range of gold and silver bars (including the exact bars Costco sells), as well as coins and collectibles to help diversify your holdings.

5. Deeper Inventory Access
Despite Costco’s strong sales, their bars are rarely seen in stores and often sell out online. We maintain deeper inventories with fewer limits—no 2-bar max here.

6. Enhanced Privacy and Discretion
When you buy a bar from Costco, you leave the store with physical gold or silver in hand—right after having your receipt checked by someone you don’t know, who now knows you purchased precious metals. At First Gold Group, we ship securely and discreetly to your door, so your purchase stays your business.

7. No Membership Fees
Costco requires an annual membership (currently starting at $65) just to buy. With us, there are no membership fees or hidden costs—ever.

8. Buy-Back Program
Costco does not buy back the bars it sells. When it’s time to sell, you’re on your own. At First Gold Group, we offer a transparent and competitive buy-back program—even if you didn’t buy from us originally.

9. Convenience and No Travel Required
No driving to the store. No refreshing a webpage hoping to catch an item before it’s gone. With us, you can shop anytime from your phone or computer and have your metals delivered directly and securely. Want personalized service? We are here for you.

Final Thought:

Let’s be clear: Costco entering the gold and silver space is a good thing. It brings awareness to physical precious metals as a legitimate and accessible investment.

But when it comes to building your portfolio, I want more than just a fair price—I want expertise, variety, privacy, and personalized service.

So yes, enjoy your Costco trip. Just don’t treat your long-term financial security like a bulk-pack impulse buy.

And hey—grab a rotisserie chicken for us while you’re there.