Dealer facts and Trustpilot profiles checked 17 September 2026. Scores and review counts are dated snapshots, not live feeds.
Free delivery refers to UK purchases, subject to the conditions below. “—” means walk-in buying was not confirmed. LBMA membership may belong to the named operator; BullionByPost and Gold.co.uk share one operator.
13
Dealers Compared
9
Brands with LBMA Membership
3
BNTA Members
9
Free Delivery Options
| Dealer | Founded | Trustpilot | LBMA | BNTA | Free Del. | Walk-in | Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BullionByPost | 2008 | 4.8/521,682 reviews | Full (operator) | Not listed | Yes | Book to buy or collect; sellers may walk in | Yes | Online bullion purchases with delivery or storage |
| The Royal Mint | 886 AD | 3.7/53,291 reviews | Full | Not listed | Check terms | — | Yes | Best for provenance and long-term vault storage |
| Chards | 1964 | 4.8/511,117 reviews | Full | Not listed | No | By appointment | Yes | Sovereign collectors and numismatics |
| Atkinsons Bullion | 1990 | 4.9/527,026 reviews | Affiliate | Member | Yes | By appointment | Yes | Gold and silver buyers seeking insured UK storage |
| Sharps Pixley | 1796 | 4.7/52,396 reviews | Full | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Yes | London walk-in bullion purchases |
| Hatton Garden Metals | 2007 | 4.9/57,864 reviews | Affiliate | Not listed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Best for in-person buying in central London |
| Baird & Co. | 1967 | 4.5/5490 reviews | Full | Not listed | Check terms | Collection by appointment | Yes | Own-brand bars direct from the refinery |
| Gold.co.uk | Not confirmed | 4.7/51,867 reviews | Full (operator) | Not listed | Yes | Trade counter; call ahead | Yes | Allocated gold and silver storage |
| BullionVault | 2005 | 4.6/53,416 reviews | Full | Not listed | No | — | Yes | Trading and holding allocated vaulted bullion |
| The Gold Bullion Company | 1993 | 4.9/5470 reviews | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | By appointment | Yes | Bullion delivery or arranged Wolverhampton collection |
| Physical Gold | 2008 | 4.9/5137 reviews | Not listed | Member | Yes | Collection by arrangement | Yes | Gold and silver purchases with segregated storage |
| Bleyer Bullion | 2009 | 4.5/540 reviews | Not listed | Not listed | Over £20 | By appointment | Yes | Buyers comparing a wider range of precious metals |
| ATS Bullion | 2002 | 3.7/527 reviews | Not listed | Member | Yes | Yes | Yes | Best for walk-in on the Strand + beginners |
Detailed Dealer Reviews
Checked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Trade counter and contact, Delivery, Storage fees, LBMA membership.
Online gold and silver coins and bars. Operated by Jewellery Quarter Bullion Ltd, an LBMA Full Member.
Free insured UK delivery; speed depends on order value and service. Book ahead to buy or collect at the Birmingham counter; sellers can visit during counter hours.
Pros
- Gold and silver coins and bars available online
- Free insured UK purchase delivery
- Allocated, segregated storage with Brink's
Cons
- Storage fees have a £10 monthly minimum
- Delivery from storage and some partial sales incur extra charges
Online bullion purchases with delivery or storage
Visit BullionByPostChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery, Bullion FAQ, Storage, LBMA membership.
The UK's official mint, producing Britannias and Sovereigns. Offers physical bullion storage at The Vault and fractional vaulted metal through DigiGold.
The delivery page lists free UK bullion delivery, but another bullion FAQ quotes a £250 threshold. Confirm the charge and dispatch estimate at checkout.
Pros
- Buy Britannias and Sovereigns directly from their manufacturer
- Insured storage at The Vault in South Wales
- Sell eligible vaulted holdings through the online account
Cons
- Published delivery pages give conflicting thresholds
- DigiGold cannot be delivered; physical bullion storage rates depend on product
Best for provenance and long-term vault storage
Visit The Royal MintChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, About, Delivery and visits, Storage, LBMA membership.
Bullion and collectable coins, including British sovereigns. LBMA Full Member with showrooms in Blackpool and London.
UK delivery starts at £3.50. Orders over £60 are tracked and insured. Blackpool and London collections require an appointment.
Pros
- Established in 1964
- LBMA Full Member since 2024
- Allocated, segregated UK and overseas bullion storage
Cons
- Showrooms do not currently accept walk-ins
- Delivery charges apply; overseas stored products are not available for physical delivery
Sovereign collectors and numismatics
Visit ChardsChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Vaultor, Delivery and collection, LBMA membership, BNTA membership.
Gold and silver coins and bars, including new and pre-owned products. Vaultor offers fully allocated, fully insured UK storage through Brink's for eligible purchases.
Free fully insured UK delivery on purchases, regardless of order value. Delivery from storage is charged separately.
Pros
- 4.9/5 on Trustpilot from 27,000+ reviews, checked 17 September 2026
- Free insured UK delivery on purchases, regardless of order value
- LBMA Affiliate Member and BNTA member; allocated UK storage available
Cons
- Showroom visits and collection require an appointment; no immediate over-the-counter bullion purchases
- Vaultor accepts eligible new purchases from Atkinsons only; storage, delivery and partial-withdrawal fees apply
Gold and silver buyers seeking insured UK storage
Visit Atkinsons BullionChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, FAQ, Vaulting, LBMA membership.
Precious metals dealer in the Degussa group, with a London shop, allocated bullion vaulting and separate safe deposit box services.
Free fully insured delivery. Under £500 via Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For; over £500 via Special Delivery for next-working-day delivery after dispatch.
Pros
- Buy in person at the St James's Street shop
- LBMA Full Member
- Allocated, segregated bullion vaulting available
Cons
- Physical shop is in London
- Storage and transport out of the vault can incur additional charges
London walk-in bullion purchases
Visit Sharps PixleyChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery and buying, Storage, LBMA membership.
Family-run dealer in London's historic jewellery quarter. Gold and silver coins and bars with competitive pricing.
Free insured UK delivery on purchases, or collection from the Hatton Garden counter with ID. Storage withdrawals have separate terms.
Pros
- Buy and sell at the Hatton Garden counter
- Free insured UK purchase delivery
- LBMA Affiliate Member; allocated, insured storage for eligible gold purchases
Cons
- Storage only accepts eligible gold bought from HGM and selected for storage at purchase
- Storage has a monthly minimum; administration and delivery charges may apply
Best for in-person buying in central London
Visit Hatton Garden MetalsChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery and collection, Storage, LBMA membership.
UK precious metals refiner established in 1967, manufacturing its own bullion bars. LBMA Full Member.
Tracked, insured courier delivery. Check current charges and dispatch estimates when ordering. Prepaid showroom collections require prior approval and an appointment.
Pros
- Produces its own bullion bars
- LBMA Full Member
- Allocated, individually segregated and insured vault storage
Cons
- Collection requires advance arrangements and ID
- Delivery charges and timing need confirmation for the order
Own-brand bars direct from the refinery
Visit Baird & Co.Checked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Trade counter and visits, Terms and operator, Storage fees, Silver withdrawals, LBMA membership.
Gold and silver bullion, operated by Jewellery Quarter Bullion Ltd, which also operates BullionByPost. Offers allocated storage.
Free insured UK purchase delivery. UK storage delivery costs 0.35% of shipment spot value plus £25, both subject to VAT; larger shipments require a quote.
Pros
- Same operator as BullionByPost, an LBMA Full Member
- Allocated, segregated storage with Brink's
- Gold storage: 0.65% + VAT annually, with a £10 monthly minimum including VAT
Cons
- Call one or two days ahead before buying at the Birmingham trade counter
- Storage withdrawal and some partial sales incur fees
- VAT becomes payable if silver bought for VAT-free storage is delivered
Allocated gold and silver storage
Visit Gold.co.ukChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Fees and withdrawals, LBMA membership.
Online marketplace for directly owned precious metal held in professional vaults. Customers own allocated metal by weight, rather than shares in a fund.
Designed for vaulted ownership in London, Zurich, New York, Toronto or Singapore. Physical withdrawal is available subject to metal, size, verification and fee requirements.
Pros
- Buy and sell allocated metal through an online order board
- Gold custody: 0.12% annually, subject to a $4 monthly minimum
- Five vault locations; LBMA Full Member
Cons
- Standard order-board commission starts at 0.5%; lower rates require larger annual trading volumes
- Physical withdrawal is subject to substantial fees and minimum quantities
Trading and holding allocated vaulted bullion
Visit BullionVaultChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery and collection, Storage.
Gold and silver coins and bars, with insured delivery and allocated, segregated storage.
Free insured UK delivery. Orders over £200 use next-working-day delivery after dispatch; smaller orders take 3–5 days. Wolverhampton collection is by appointment for purchases over £1,000.
Pros
- Free insured UK purchase delivery
- Allocated, segregated storage available for eligible orders
- Wolverhampton collection available by appointment
Cons
- Storage is restricted to orders of £2,000 or more
- VAT-free silver storage products cannot be delivered or collected
Bullion delivery or arranged Wolverhampton collection
Visit The Gold Bullion CompanyChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery and storage, Collection and drop-off, BNTA membership.
Gold and silver coins and bars, including Britannias and Sovereigns. Founded by Daniel Fisher in 2008; BNTA member.
Free fully insured tracked UK delivery, or insured segregated storage. Hatton Garden collection and drop-off must be arranged in advance.
Pros
- BNTA member
- Free insured UK delivery for gold and silver purchases
- Insured, segregated storage with ownership documentation
Cons
- Storage charges have minimums and are billed in six-month periods
- UK storage withdrawals incur handling fees; VAT-free Swiss silver cannot be delivered
Gold and silver purchases with segregated storage
Visit Physical GoldChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery, Visits and terms, Selling to Bleyer, Storage.
Devon-based dealer offering gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium, plus allocated storage.
Free UK delivery on orders over £20. Visits require an appointment; the administrative office does not hold stock.
Pros
- Offers five precious metals, including rhodium
- Allocated, insured UK storage available
- Buyback service with an item-specific quote
Cons
- Trustpilot profile has a small review sample
- Selling prices are fixed only after items are received and inspected
- Storage account setup and movements incur fees; visits require an appointment
Buyers comparing a wider range of precious metals
Visit Bleyer BullionChecked 17 September 2026. Sources: Trustpilot, Delivery, FAQ, Gold storage, BNTA membership.
Investment-grade gold and silver with heritage rooted in Spink (est. 1666). LBMA Good Delivery refiner products.
Free insured UK delivery. Orders above £200 use Royal Mail next-day delivery after dispatch; lower-value parcels can take longer. Dispatch depends on cleared funds and the 3pm cutoff.
Pros
- BNTA member; established in 2002 following Spink's bullion business
- No minimum order value
- Buy in person at Savoy Court; insured gold storage available
Cons
- Trustpilot profile has a small review sample; eKomi is a separate platform
- Storage accepts gold only and has an annual minimum charge
Best for walk-in on the Strand + beginners
Visit ATS BullionTypical Gold Premiums Over Spot Price
All UK gold dealers charge a premium above the spot price. Here are typical premiums for the most popular products:
| Product | Typical Premium | CGT Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1oz Gold Britannia | 3–6% | CGT Free | New coins carry slightly higher premiums than secondary market |
| Gold Sovereign | 3–10% | CGT Free | Efficient online dealers ~3–5%; high street 8–10% |
| 1oz Gold Bar (LBMA) | 1–5% | Subject to CGT | Lowest premium; larger bars (100g–1kg) at 1–3% |
| 1oz Krugerrand | 3–7% | Subject to CGT | World's most traded gold coin; not UK legal tender |
How to Choose a Gold Dealer in the UK
1. Trust Signals
- LBMA membership: Check the membership category and legal entity in the LBMA directory; an operator can cover more than one brand
- BNTA membership: The British Numismatic Trade Association enforces a strict Code of Ethics (3 dealers hold this)
- Trustpilot score: Look for 4.5+ with hundreds of reviews — volume matters more than a perfect score
- Companies House registration: Verify the company is a registered UK business
2. Pricing and Premiums
- Compare the total cost including delivery, not just the listed price
- Premiums of 3–6% for coins and 1–5% for bars are normal
- Be wary of premiums significantly below the market norm — if it looks too good to be true, it usually is
3. Delivery and Insurance
- Several dealers offer free insured UK purchase delivery; thresholds and storage withdrawals have separate terms
- Check dispatch estimates separately from delivery time after dispatch
- If you're buying in London, dealers like Sharps Pixley and Hatton Garden Metals offer walk-in collection
4. Storage Options
- The Royal Mint's Vault is fully allocated and independently audited
- BullionVault gold custody costs 0.12% p.a., subject to a $4 monthly minimum
- Gold.co.uk offers VAT-free silver storage; VAT becomes payable if you request delivery
VAT
- Gold: Investment gold is VAT-free (bars 99.5%+ pure, coins 90%+ pure)
- Silver: Subject to 20% VAT on all forms unless stored in a bonded vault
Capital Gains Tax
- UK Legal Tender Coins: Britannias and Sovereigns are CGT-exempt — you keep 100% of profits
- Everything else: Gold bars, Krugerrands, silver — subject to CGT on profits above your annual allowance
About This Guide
Independent Research: This comparison is based on publicly available information from dealer websites, Trustpilot profiles, and LBMA and BNTA membership directories. Sources are linked beneath each dealer. “Best for” descriptions are editorial suggestions, not a ranking by price or review score. Membership is distinct from approval of a particular bar or refiner.
How We Make Money: We may earn commission from qualifying referrals through affiliate links, including Hatton Garden Metals and BullionVault. This does not change the Trustpilot scores shown here.
Important: Prices, delivery terms, and stock availability change frequently. Always verify current details directly with the dealer before making a purchase. Gold can go down as well as up in value. This guide is for informational purposes and is not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gold dealer in the UK?
It depends on your priorities. BullionByPost offers online purchases with delivery or storage. The Royal Mint sells its own bullion and offers The Vault. Atkinsons offers allocated UK storage through Vaultor. Sharps Pixley and Hatton Garden Metals offer in-person buying in London. Compare the current total price, service terms and dated Trustpilot figures above.
Is it safe to buy gold online in the UK?
Check the dealer’s identity, official website, delivery insurance and terms before paying. LBMA or BNTA membership and customer reviews can inform your checks, but do not guarantee a transaction. The table distinguishes LBMA Full and Affiliate membership and membership held by a brand’s operator.
What are typical gold premiums over spot price?
Gold Britannias typically carry 3–6% over spot, Sovereigns 3–10% (commonly 5–6%), and 1oz gold bars 1–5%. Premiums are higher during strong demand periods. CGT-exempt coins like Britannias often provide better after-tax returns despite their higher premiums, especially for 5+ year holding periods.
Which UK gold dealers offer free delivery?
BullionByPost, Atkinsons, Sharps Pixley, Hatton Garden Metals, Physical Gold, Gold.co.uk, The Gold Bullion Company and ATS advertise free insured UK purchase delivery. Bleyer offers free UK delivery over £20. Chards charges from £3.50. The Royal Mint’s published delivery thresholds conflict, so confirm at checkout. Storage withdrawals have separate terms.
What does BNTA membership mean?
The British Numismatic Trade Association (founded 1973) requires members to follow a strict Code of Ethics covering authenticity, transparency and fair dealing. BNTA actively combats forgery and theft, and provides dispute resolution for customers. It's an important trust signal — current members in our guide are Atkinsons, ATS Bullion, and Physical Gold.
Should I buy gold coins or gold bars?
UK legal tender gold coins (Britannias and Sovereigns) are CGT-exempt, so you pay no Capital Gains Tax on profits. Gold bars have lower premiums (1–5% vs 3–6%) but are subject to CGT. For most UK investors, CGT-free coins provide better after-tax returns over 5+ year holding periods, despite their higher upfront premium.
What's the cheapest way to buy gold in the UK?
For physical gold, look for dealers offering free delivery and competitive premiums. BullionByPost offers free insured delivery with no minimum order. Atkinsons offers free insured UK delivery on purchases regardless of order value; delivery from storage is charged separately. BullionVault’s standard order-board commission starts at 0.5%, with lower rates for larger annual trading volumes. Gold custody costs 0.12% p.a., subject to a $4 monthly minimum. Physical withdrawals have separate fees and minimum quantities.
How do I store physical gold safely?
Options include home safes (ensure adequate home insurance), bank safety deposit boxes (£200–500/year), or allocated storage with dealers. The Royal Mint charges 1–2% plus VAT annually for physical bullion storage, depending on the product. BullionVault gold custody costs 0.12% p.a., subject to a $4 monthly minimum. Gold.co.uk provides VAT-free silver storage with Brink's. Atkinsons offers fully allocated, insured UK storage through Vaultor for eligible new purchases.
About the Author
Founder & Market Researcher
Taro has been actively investing in precious metals and financial markets for over 15 years. Frustrated by the lack of transparent, accurate gold pricing information in the UK, he built London Gold Exchange as a data-driven resource for fellow investors. The site combines real-time market data, verified dealer information from 190+ UK businesses, and insights drawn from years of hands-on experience in the gold market.
- ✓15+ years investing in precious metals & equities
- ✓Built verified database of 190+ UK gold dealers
- ✓Daily market data analysis and price tracking