Costco gold bars (typically PAMP Suisse or Rand Refinery, 1 oz) carry a roughly 2% markup over spot price, which is competitive compared to traditional dealers who often charge 5% to 10% or more. If you’re already a member and can grab one before it sells out, that’s a fair price.
The catches: Costco has a strict no-return and no-buyback policy, meaning you’ll need to find your own buyer when it’s time to sell.
Selection is limited to basically one product, membership fees eat into savings if you’re not already a member, and gains are taxed as collectibles at up to 28%.
It’s a reasonable, low-friction way to buy a small physical position, but not ideal for active traders or larger holdings.