How to Hold Gold and Silver in Your Registered Accounts
When Canadians think about investing through their RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) or TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account), the usual suspects come to mind: stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. But did you know that you can also hold precious metals like gold and silver in these accounts?
That’s right—qualified bullion can be part of your long-term, tax-advantaged financial plan. Here’s everything you need to know about holding precious metals in a Canadian RRSP or TFSA—and how AU Bullion can help you get started.
Why Add Precious Metals to Your RRSP or TFSA?
Precious metals like gold and silver offer unique benefits that traditional assets can’t always match:
- Inflation hedge – Gold has historically maintained its purchasing power when fiat currencies decline.
- Portfolio diversification – Metals move independently from stock markets, helping to balance risk.
- Wealth preservation – Physical assets offer a safety net during times of economic instability.
By holding them in a tax-sheltered account, you also gain an added edge: your investment grows tax-free in a TFSA or tax-deferred in an RRSP.
What Kind of Precious Metals Qualify?
Not all bullion products are eligible. The Canadian government has strict guidelines on what can be held inside a registered account.
To qualify, your metals must be:
- Investment-grade: Gold and silver must be 99.5% purity or higher; platinum and palladium must be 99%+ purity
- Produced by approved refiners: Includes mints like the Royal Canadian Mint, PAMP Suisse, Asahi Refining, and others
- Stored in an approved depository: The bullion must be held by a CRA-approved custodian, not kept at home
Examples of eligible bullion products:
How It Works: Steps to Hold Bullion in Your RRSP or TFSA
Open a Self-Directed RRSP or TFSA
This type of account gives you more control and allows for alternative investments like bullion.
Work with an Approved Bullion Dealer and Custodian
AU Bullion partners with custodians and storage facilities that meet CRA guidelines. We’ll help you connect the dots.
Select Your Bullion Products
Choose from a wide range of eligible gold and silver bars and coins that suit your budget and investment goals.
Purchase and Store
Once you purchase, your metals are securely stored at a designated vault. You retain full ownership, without having to worry about storage or insurance.
Why Canadians Are Doing This Now
With rising inflation, volatile markets, and a weak Canadian dollar, more investors are looking to hedge their retirement savings and protect their purchasing power over the long term.
Precious metals offer stability, and holding them in a tax-efficient account multiplies their value.
AU Bullion Can Help You Get Started
At AU Bullion, we make it simple to invest in gold and silver through your RRSP or TFSA. From eligible product selection to connecting you with a trusted custodian, we walk you through the entire process. We proudly serve investors across Canada, with retail locations in Vancouver and Brampton, and we offer nationwide shipping and storage solutions.
Final Thoughts
Adding gold or silver to your RRSP or TFSA isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. These timeless assets offer peace of mind, especially when paired with the tax benefits of Canadian registered accounts. Want to diversify your retirement plan with real value? Reach out to AU Bullion today and ask how we can help you hold gold and silver in your RRSP or TFSA.