Article Summary
Costco has tightened restrictions on gold bar sales amid surging demand. Initially allowing members to buy two 1-ounce, 24-karat gold bars per transaction, the retailer now limits purchases to one transaction every 24 hours. This move comes as gold prices hit record highs in 2024, driven by economic uncertainty and inflation fears. Costco’s gold sales, including products from Rand Refinery and PAMP Suisse, have become a significant revenue driver, with estimates suggesting monthly earnings between $100 million and $200 million. Mixed reactions from members highlight the challenges of balancing demand and accessibility.
What This Means for You
- Limited Purchase Opportunities: You can now only buy one transaction of gold bars every 24 hours, so plan ahead to secure your investment.
- Rising Gold Prices: With gold prices up over 60% since early 2024, consider diversifying your portfolio with tangible assets to hedge against inflation.
- Competition for Inventory: Act quickly when purchasing gold bars, as demand continues to outpace supply.
- Future Outlook: Expect further restrictions or price increases as global economic instability fuels gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.
Costco Tightens Gold Bar Sales Amid Surging Demand
Costco’s gold bars have become so popular that the company is quietly tightening restrictions on its precious metal sales.
While members could originally buy two 1-ounce, 24-karat gold bars per transaction, Costco has since changed its policy. Shoppers can still buy up to two bars, but they can place only one transaction every 24 hours. According to the listings for the two 1-ounce gold bars currently available on Costco’s website — the Rand Refinery and PAMP Suisse Lady of Liberty — there’s a “Limit of 1 Transaction Per Membership, with a Maximum of 2 Units Per 24 Hours.”
Other gold and silver products sold on Costco.com also have purchase limitations. For example, members can also buy up to two 1-ounce gold coins in one transaction every 24 hours. And sales of 10-ounce silver bars are limited to one transaction, with a maximum of 10 units per day.
The warehouse giant has generated significant buzz since it began selling 24-karat gold bars in 2023. The Swiss- and South African-made bullion has sparked an online gold rush, with inventory repeatedly selling out. In its first-quarter earnings report for 2025, Costco listed gold as one of its top-selling product categories. Analysts at Wells Fargo estimate that the retailer earns between $100 million and $200 million a month from gold bar sales.
But the latest restrictions from Costco appear to respond to the rabid demand for gold this year. In April, gold prices hit record highs, driven largely by economic uncertainty and inflation fears, prompting a shift toward tangible assets like gold. Since the start of 2024, the price of gold has gone up by more than 60%.
Two years ago, for example, the 1-ounce Rand Refinery sold on Costco’s website for just under $2,000. Today, that same bar is priced at approximately $3,250. The current market price for one ounce of gold is around $3,295.
Costco has not issued an official statement or responded to requests for comment about the reasoning behind the new restrictions. However, as members start to pick up on the change, reactions have been mixed online.
“Good, they should limit it [to] one,” one Reddit user said on the r/CostcoPM (precious metals) thread, citing concerns about overwhelming demand and how difficult it already was to get even a single bar.
Others were less enthusiastic. “I’m not a flipper and regularly buy [the] max limit every order,” another user said. “If it’s [one bar], I can and will find better deals.”
People Also Ask About
- Why is Costco limiting gold bar sales? Due to surging demand and limited inventory, Costco aims to ensure fair access for all members.
- What is the price of Costco’s 1-ounce gold bars? The Rand Refinery and PAMP Suisse bars are currently priced at approximately $3,250 each.
- How do Costco’s gold prices compare to the market? Costco’s bars are priced slightly below the market rate of around $3,295 per ounce.
- Can I resell Costco gold bars for profit? Yes, but resale value depends on market conditions and buyer demand.
- What other precious metals does Costco sell? Costco also offers silver bars and gold coins with similar purchase limitations.
Expert Opinion
Costco’s decision to restrict gold bar sales underscores the growing appeal of precious metals as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. According to financial analysts, this trend is likely to continue as global markets remain volatile, making gold a cornerstone of diversified portfolios.
Key Terms
- Costco gold bar sales
- 24-karat gold bars
- Rand Refinery gold bars
- PAMP Suisse Lady of Liberty
- gold price trends 2024
- tangible assets for inflation
- safe-haven investments
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