Where to buy, and what to check
| Where | Good for | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Jeweller | Jewellery; also coins and bars | BIS hallmark and HUID, making charges, the buyback and exchange policy |
| Bank | Coins | Many banks sell coins but don't buy them back. Ask before you buy |
| Online stores and apps | Coins and bars delivered home | Hallmark, the seller's name, delivery insurance, the return policy |
At any shop
- Hallmark: the BIS logo, purity (for example 22K916) and a 6-digit HUID. Check the HUID in the BIS Care app.
- Itemised bill: the gold weight, any stone weight, the rate per gram, making charges and GST, each on its own line.
- Buyback terms: what the shop deducts when you sell back or exchange.
Paying: cards, UPI and cash
- Cash: a seller can't accept ₹2 lakh or more in cash for one purchase.
- PAN: needed for a purchase over ₹2 lakh.
- Credit cards: many cards exclude jewellery and gold from rewards, cap them, or don't offer EMI on it, and some shops add a fee for card payments. Check your card's terms and ask the shop before you pay.
- Card EMI: if offered, GST of 18% applies to the interest. See the credit card EMI calculator.
- UPI and bank transfer: usually no fee. A large payment may hit your app's daily limit.
Keep the bill
When you sell, your gain is the sale value minus what you paid, and the bill is your proof. See how gold is taxed when you sell.
Common questions
Where is the best place to buy gold coins?
Jewellers, banks and online sellers all sell coins. Check the hallmark, and ask about buyback: many banks sell coins but don't buy them back.
Can I buy gold with cash?
Below ₹2 lakh for one purchase. A seller can't accept ₹2 lakh or more in cash.
Do I need PAN to buy gold?
Yes, for a purchase over ₹2 lakh.
Do credit cards give rewards on gold?
Many cards exclude or cap rewards on jewellery and gold. Check your card's terms before buying.
Two ways to sort this
Do it yourself
- Choose where to buy and ask about buyback before paying.
- Check the hallmark and HUID in the BIS Care app.
- Pay by UPI, card or transfer, with PAN over ₹2 lakh.
- Keep the itemised bill.
Let an expert do it
We work out the tax when you sell or exchange gold, and report it.
The first chat is freeWork it out for yourself
- Gold tax: Tax when you sell or exchange gold jewellery, coins or digital gold.
- Credit card EMI: The real cost of converting a purchase to EMI.
- SGB vs digital gold: Gold bonds or digital gold, after tax.
Selling old gold to buy new? See the tax.
Open the gold tax calculatorSources
- Sale of gold jewellery without the 6-digit HUID not permitted after 31 March 2023, Press Information Bureau
- Hallmarking: FAQs for consumers, Bureau of Indian Standards
- Tax rules for salaried individuals, AY 2026-27, Income Tax Department
This guide explains the rules in general. For your own situation, .