Costco has changed the gold-buying game, making precious metal ownership more accessible than ever. The warehouse retailer started selling 24-karat gold bars in June of 2023, later adding silver coins and eventually platinum bars to the mix.
Among its bullion offerings, Costco’s 1-ounce gold bars have been a standout success. In April 2024, a Wells Fargo report estimated that gold bar sales were generating up to $200 million in monthly revenue.
Demand has been so strong that keeping the bars in stock has been a challenge. A Bloomberg survey in October 2024 found that 77% of 101 Costco stores across 46 states were sold out, even though many had received new inventory just weeks earlier.
Most recently, in May 2025, Costco tightened its purchase limits, capping members at two 1-ounce gold bars per 24-hour period.
The Millennial Gold Rush
For centuries, people have turned to gold to protect their wealth during periods of inflation and economic uncertainty. But today we’re seeing something new: an influx of millennials who view gold even more favorably than older generations.
According to State Street’s 2024 Gold ETF Impact Study, millennials have been the biggest gold buyers for the past two years. And as of last December, they had nearly doubled their gold allocations in just 15 months. More than 60% of millennials now include gold in their portfolios – far more than the 35% of Gen X and 20% of baby boomers who invest in gold.
The online financial product comparison and education platform LendEDU conducted an interesting survey this year exploring what motivates different generations to buy gold (and what might hold them back). Their findings show that motivators vary by age group: while baby boomers primarily view gold as a hedge, millennials tend to appreciate it more as a portfolio diversifier.
Regardless of the reasons behind the buying, gold investment is booming. The metal’s record-breaking price surges have stirred excitement among investors, both seasoned and new.
Gold’s Big Surge in 2025
2025 has been an extraordinary year for gold. Prices have risen more than 50% since January, recently surpassing the $4,000-per-ounce mark for the first time in early October. And the rally may not be over yet. In their 2026 gold price forecast, Goldman Sachs predicts that prices could climb to $4,900, or potentially even higher, by the end of next year!
Buying Costco Gold Bars
The gold bars sold at Costco are primarily manufactured by two well-known refineries: MKS PAMP and Rand Refinery, each of which are certified by the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association). MKS PAMP bars come with digital certificates, whereas Rand Refinery bars have serial numbers.
Bars are available in several different sizes, including 1-ounce, 10-ounce and 50-gram options. One of the most popular products is the Lady Fortuna 1-ounce bar, featuring the Roman goddess of prosperity.
For first-time gold buyers, Costco has the appeal of familiarity and ease. Rather than opening an account and buying gold shares, investors can simply order online or even buy gold in person at select stores.
Flipping Costco Gold for a Profit
Shoppers across the country are eager to capitalize on soaring gold prices, and many early Costco gold buyers are now looking to sell – if they haven’t already. But while buying gold bars has become more convenient than ever, selling bullion at a fair price is a different story. Many Costco gold holders are now wondering how they can sell their gold without leaving money on the table.
Costco doesn’t buy back or accept returns on gold bars, and many gold-buying businesses pay far below the market price. Most cash-for-gold operations aim to buy gold cheaply and then resell it at a steep markup, making it difficult for sellers to fully benefit from gold’s appreciation since the time of their initial purchase.
Where is the Best Place to Sell Costco Gold Bars?
In order to maximize your returns when you’re ready to sell your gold, look no further than Garfield Refining. While we’re primarily known for buying scrap gold in the form of jewelry and dental material, we also purchase (and sell) gold and silver bullion!
Unlike most online gold-buying businesses who act as intermediaries, Garfield offers both the convenience of an online buyer and the high payout percentage of a gold refinery. We value your gold based on current market prices.
As an established refinery with over a century of experience, Garfield makes selling precious metals simple. We pride ourselves on transparency, a smooth and secure transaction process, fast turnaround times and the highest possible payouts. We’re also known for our award-winning customer service!
How to Sell Costco Gold
Garfield’s process is quick, easy and secure. When you’re ready to sell your gold, simply visit our website, fill out our form, and we’ll send you a fully-insured, prepaid shipping label. You’ll get a confirmation email when we receive your shipment, and you can call us anytime with questions about your material or the refining process – our customer service team in Philadelphia is always friendly and knowledgeable.
Once we receive your gold, you’ll get paid within just a few business days. We offer several payment options including cash, check and ACH.
Why Garfield Refining?
With over 133 years in business and more than a million satisfied customers, Garfield has built an unparalleled reputation as North America’s premier precious metals refinery. We’ll get you the most for your gold, silver, platinum and/or palladium. Whether you’re looking to sell a Costco gold bar, bullion of any kind, jewelry, or even a dental crown, we’re here to help.
Ready to sell your gold bullion? Download a free shipping label today!
Written by
Allie BowmanAllie Bowman is the Content Lead at Garfield Refining, where she translates more than 130 years of precious metals expertise into clear, accurate, and practical content for individual sellers, dental professionals, jewelers, and collectors. A Dean's List graduate of the University of Delaware's Media Communication program, Allie has built her career around making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Her experience spans nutrition science, lifestyle magazine publishing, and precious metals refining, giving her a unique ability to transform technical information into engaging, trustworthy content. At Garfield, Allie brings editorial rigor and subject-matter expertise to every piece she produces. She works closely with Garfield's refining specialists and senior leadership to ensure that technical topics - from karat markings and assay methods to precious metals markets and spot price mechanics - are explained with both accuracy and clarity. Since joining Garfield's marketing team, Allie has written extensively on precious metals refining, dental scrap recovery, gold and silver bullion, estate and inherited jewelry, and industry-specific topics for dental and jewelry professionals. All content is reviewed by Garfield's leadership team prior to publication, ensuring it reflects the company's standards for accuracy, transparency, and industry expertise.
Reviewed by
Morgan KerrisseyMorgan Kerrissey is the President of Garfield Refining, one of North America's most longstanding and trusted precious metals refineries. For over two decades, Morgan has built his career at the intersection of commodities markets, metallurgy, and precious metals — earning a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable voices in the refining industry. Morgan joined Garfield in 2008, bringing rigorous operational discipline to a company built on exacting standards since 1892. Named President in 2014, he has guided Garfield through volatile gold, silver, and palladium markets, while modernizing its workforce and technologies and diversifying its metal supply chains. Under his leadership, Garfield has expanded its refining capabilities across the full lifecycle of precious metals recovery, entered new markets, and expanded services while maintaining the same customer forward approach that has made Garfield a mainstay for more than a century. From hedging strategy to daily refinery operations, Morgan commands high levels of technical depth and market fluency. Morgan grew up outside Boston, graduated from Harvard University, and has lived with his family in Philadelphia, PA for almost 20 years.