Question 1

What can I buy from IBV Gold UK?

Accepted Answer

We sell CGT-exempt UK legal-tender bullion (Gold and Silver Britannias, Sovereigns), LBMA-accredited gold bars from 1g to 1kg, silver bars and coins, and platinum bars and coins.

Question 2

Is there a minimum order amount?

Accepted Answer

No. You can start with a single fractional coin or small bar. There's no minimum spend, so IBV Gold is just as suited to a first-time buyer or a gift purchase as it is to building a serious holding.

Question 3

How do I know the gold or silver I'm buying is genuine?

Accepted Answer

All our bars come from LBMA-accredited refiners (including Metalor), and our coins are official Royal Mint issues. Every product is sourced through verified supply chains and checked before it leaves our custody. Always be wary of "too good to be true" pricing from unverified sellers. A reputable dealer's price will always track closely to the live spot price plus a transparent premium.

Question 4

What's the difference between coins and bars?

Accepted Answer

Coins (Britannias, Sovereigns) are UK legal tender, often CGT-exempt, and tend to carry slightly higher premiums due to minting and design costs. Bars are priced closer to the pure metal value and are typically the most cost-efficient way to buy in bulk, but (aside from certain exceptions) don't carry the same tax advantages as legal-tender coins.

Question 5

Can I visit IBV Gold in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our flagship studio is in Mayfair, London, where you can view products, place orders and speak to a specialist directly. We're also part of a wider group with branches across Dubai and South Africa.

Question 6

Do I need investment experience to buy from you?

Accepted Answer

No. Our team talks buyers through the basics: spot price, premiums, purity, storage options. If you're weighing gold against other assets, we're happy to explain the fundamentals, though we can't provide regulated financial advice (see the Trust, Company & Support section below).

Question 7

How is the price of gold/silver/platinum determined?

Accepted Answer

Prices track the live global spot price (set via the twice-daily LBMA Gold Fix and continuous market trading), plus a dealer premium that covers minting, refining, insurance, and handling. Our prices update in real time on the site.

Question 8

Do you charge commission?

Accepted Answer

We don't charge a separate commission fee. Like all bullion dealers, our margin sits in the difference between our buy and sell price (the "spread") — this is fully visible in the price you're quoted, with no hidden fees added.

Question 9

Do you accept debit card payments online?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't currently offer online debit card payment or a card payment gateway. All orders are secured via bank transfer.

Question 10

How do I pay for my order?

Accepted Answer

Once you place an order, you'll need to complete a bank transfer within 15 minutes to confirm and secure your order at the quoted price. One of our consultants will also call you shortly after you place your order to guide you through the payment and confirm the details.

Question 11

Why do I need to pay within 15 minutes?

Accepted Answer

Gold, silver and platinum prices move throughout the trading day, so the 15-minute window locks in the price you were quoted. If the transfer isn't completed within this window, the price may need to be reconfirmed with your consultant before the order proceeds.

Question 12

Will someone talk me through my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a consultant will call every customer after checkout to confirm order details, walk through the bank transfer, and answer any questions before your order is finalised.

Question 13

Why do coins cost more than the "gold price" I see in the news?

Accepted Answer

News-quoted gold prices are the raw spot price for large wholesale bars. Retail coins and small bars carry a premium for minting, verification, insurance and secure logistics — this is standard across every reputable dealer, not specific to IBV Gold.

Question 14

Do I pay VAT on gold?

Accepted Answer

No. Investment-grade gold (bars ≥99.5% purity, and Royal Mint bullion coins such as Britannias and Sovereigns) is VAT-exempt under UK law. This is one of the main reasons investors favour gold over other metals.

Question 15

Do I pay VAT on silver or platinum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Silver and platinum bullion (bars and coins) are subject to the standard 20% VAT rate, as they don't qualify for the "investment gold" exemption HMRC applies to gold.

Question 16

Which products are exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT)?

Accepted Answer

Gold and Silver Britannias and Sovereigns are UK legal tender and are exempt from CGT for UK residents, regardless of the size of the gain. This exemption doesn't apply to gold bars or non-UK coins (e.g. Krugerrands, Maples, Eagles), which are subject to CGT on gains above your annual allowance.

Question 17

So Britannias and Sovereigns are both CGT-free AND VAT-free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this "double exemption" is why they're the most popular choice for UK investors wanting maximum tax efficiency. You pay no VAT going in, and no CGT on any gain coming out.

Question 18

Are gold bars tax-free too?

Accepted Answer

Gold bars are VAT-free (as investment-grade gold) but are not CGT-exempt, since they aren't legal tender. Gains on bars above your annual CGT allowance may be taxable.

Question 19

Can IBV Gold give me tax advice?

Accepted Answer

We can explain how VAT and CGT apply to bullion products generally, but we're not a licensed tax adviser. For advice specific to your personal circumstances, please speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser.

Question 20

Do you deliver UK-wide?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. IBV Gold UK does not offer nationwide delivery at this time — all orders must be collected in person from our London studio.

Question 21

Where do I collect my order?

Accepted Answer

Orders are collected from our flagship studio in Mayfair, London. Your consultant will confirm collection details and timing when they call to finalise your order.

Question 22

Will delivery be available in future?

Accepted Answer

We're reviewing delivery options as we expand. For now, all purchases are collection-only — please check back or ask your consultant for the latest updates.

Question 23

How long until my order is ready to collect?

Accepted Answer

Once your bank transfer is confirmed, your consultant will let you know when your order is ready for collection at the studio.

Question 24

Why do you ask for ID?

Accepted Answer

As a UK bullion dealer, we're legally required to carry out due diligence under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations. This protects both our clients and the integrity of the precious metals market.

Question 25

What ID do I need for orders under £8,000?

Accepted Answer

For orders below £8,000, we only require proof of identification (e.g. passport or full UK driving licence).

Question 26

What ID do I need for orders over £8,000?

Accepted Answer

For orders of £8,000 and above, in addition to proof of identification we also require a bank statement and proof of address (dated within the last few months).

Question 27

What ID is acceptable?

Accepted Answer

Photo ID: passport or full UK driving licence. Proof of address: a recent bank statement, utility bill, or council tax statement. We don't accept credit card statements or mobile phone bills as proof of address.

Question 28

Do you carry out extra checks for business or high-value buyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, corporate/business purchases and higher-value transactions go through enhanced due diligence in line with HMRC and UK AML regulations.

Question 29

What do you do with my ID once submitted?

Accepted Answer

It's used solely to verify your identity in line with AML regulations and is handled by trained staff in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Question 30

Does IBV Gold buy back gold and silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we buy back LBMA-certified gold and silver bullion coins and bars, whether or not you originally purchased them from us.

Question 31

How does the buyback process work?

Accepted Answer

We quote you based on your bullion's weight and purity against the live metal price, verify authenticity via testing, agree a rate with you, and then arrange payment once your details are confirmed.

Question 32

What documents do I need to sell to you?

Accepted Answer

A copy of your passport, proof of residence (dated within the last 3 months), and your bank account details for payment. We may request further documentation depending on the transaction.

Question 33

How and when do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Payment is made by electronic bank transfer once the sale is agreed and your documentation is verified — timing depends on order value.

Question 34

Can I sell in person?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bring items into our London studio in person. For larger holdings, contact us to discuss the best option for your situation.

Question 35

Can IBV Gold store my bullion for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through our sister company IBV International Vaults, we offer secure safe deposit box storage in Mayfair, London, so you don't need to take your bullion home. Full details, box sizes and access arrangements are on our dedicated storage page.

Question 36

Is my storage allocated?

Accepted Answer

No, our vault storage is provided via individual safe deposit boxes rather than allocated bullion custody. Your items are held privately within your own box, but this is a safe-deposit model rather than an allocated/segregated metal custody account. Speak to our team if you'd like this explained in more detail against your specific needs.

Question 37

Is stored bullion insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every safe deposit box comes with complimentary insurance cover, and comprehensive additional insurance is available for higher-value holdings — our team can talk you through current cover levels and options for your box.

Question 38

How secure is the vault?

Accepted Answer

Our Mayfair facility combines traditional and modern high-security measures, including biometric access controls, CCTV monitoring, and private viewing suites for discreet deposits and withdrawals.

Question 39

How do I access or withdraw items from storage?

Accepted Answer

Access is by appointment, with photo ID required each visit. Your consultant or the vaults team will confirm exact notice periods and procedures when you set up your box.

Question 40

Can I store items other than gold and silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, safe deposit boxes can also hold other valuables such as jewellery, documents and other precious metals. See our storage page for full details.

Question 41

Is IBV Gold a legitimate, regulated dealer?

Accepted Answer

IBV Gold UK is a London-based precious metals dealer registered on Companies House as part of the wider IBV group (which also includes IBV International Vaults and IBV Wealth Club). Note: precious metals dealing itself is not an FCA-regulated activity in the UK (this is standard across the bullion industry). Our regulatory obligations sit primarily around anti-money laundering compliance, as outlined above.

Question 42

Where is IBV Gold UK based?

Accepted Answer

Our flagship studio is in Mayfair, London, and we're part of a wider group with branches across Dubai and South Africa.

Question 43

How can I contact IBV Gold UK?

Accepted Answer

Phone +44 20 3002 1311 or email infolondon@ibvgold.com. Our team can also be reached via the contact form on the website.

Question 44

Is IBV Gold part of a larger group?

Accepted Answer

IBV Gold is part of the IBV group, which also operates IBV International Vaults (safe deposit box and precious metals storage across multiple countries) and IBV Wealth Club.

Question 45

What if I have a complaint or issue with my order?

Accepted Answer

Contact our team directly by phone or email and we'll work to resolve it. For storage-specific issues, our IBV International Vaults team can also be looped in directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying Gold, Silver & Platinum — The Basics

Pricing & Payment

Tax: VAT & Capital Gains Tax (UK)

Collection

Identity Verification & Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Selling Your Gold & Silver Back to IBV

Storage

Trust, Company & Support