In a world of rising debt, stubborn inflation, and fragile markets, more people are turning to gold — not just as an investment, but as a financial lifeboat.
But if you're just starting out, the gold market can seem complex: bars, coins, ETFs, vaults, spot prices, premiums… where do you begin?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main ways to invest in gold, the pros and cons of each, and what makes physical gold a powerful foundation for long-term wealth.
For thousands of years, gold has been the ultimate store of value. Unlike paper money, it can’t be printed. It doesn’t rely on promises. And it has outlasted every currency in history.
Today, gold is used to:
Protect against inflation and currency debasement
Hedge against geopolitical risk and financial crises
Preserve wealth across generations
There are several ways to gain exposure to gold — each with different risks, costs, and benefits. Here's what you need to know:
This is gold you can hold in your hand — 100% ownership with no third-party risk.
Tangible asset — no counterparty, no reliance on banks
Tax advantages in the UK (CGT-free on certain coins)
Can be securely stored or delivered
Need for safe storage (home safe or insured vault)
Buying from a reputable dealer is essential
Best for: savers and investors looking for security, control, and long-term protection
ETFs track the price of gold and can be bought through stockbrokers. You don’t own the gold itself — just a paper claim.
Easy to buy/sell in an investment account
Tracks the gold price closely
You don’t own physical gold
Exposed to fund risks, fees, and potential restrictions
Best for: traders or short-term investors who want gold exposure but not physical control
These are shares in companies that mine and sell gold.
Can outperform physical gold in a rising market
Dividend potential
Very volatile — influenced by management, debt, political risk, not just gold prices
You’re investing in a business, not the metal
Best for: experienced investors comfortable with higher risk and equity markets
Some fintech companies offer digital gold — where your gold is supposedly held in a vault and traded online.
Fast, tech-driven platforms
Often offer low minimums
Check the fine print: Do you actually own the gold, or just have a claim?
Counterparty and audit risk
Best for: small-scale investors dipping a toe in the water
At Britannia Bullion, we believe fully allocated, tax-efficient physical gold is the most secure and strategic choice for UK investors.
Here’s why:
Sovereign British coins (like Britannias and Sovereigns) are CGT-free
You can take delivery or store securely with world-class vaulting partners
It’s gold you own — not gold you’re hoping someone else will deliver
In a world of growing financial uncertainty, owning the real thing matters.
Set your goal – Capital protection? Retirement planning? Diversification?
Choose your format – Coins (tax-free), bars (pure value), or both
Decide on storage – Home delivery or secure vault
Buy with confidence – Work with a trusted specialist, not just a price ticker
Download our free guide to gold investing or speak with one of our gold specialists. We’ll walk you through the options and help you find the right strategy for your savings.