For bargain-hunting shoppers, Costco has long been a go-to destination for affordable food and high-value finds. The warehouse retail giant still sells its hot dog and soda combo for $1.50, a price that has remained unchanged since it was introduced in the mid-1980s. But not everything at Costco holds its price like the hot dog deal does. A prime example: Costco's gold bars.
In late 2023, Costco began selling 1-ounce gold bars. At the time, two products were listed: the Swiss PAMP Lady Fortuna Veriscan gold bar and the Rand Refinery bar, priced at $1,979.99 and $1,949.99, respectively. Despite the hefty price tags, both bars quickly became hot sellers. Fast forward to today, and little has changed except the price. As of September 11, 2026, the Swiss PAMP 1-ounce gold bar is priced at $4,459.99, a 125% increase. Based on gold price website data, international spot gold was around $4,300 per ounce at the time of writing. The difference comes from the additional service fees Costco charges. However, Costco members can enjoy a 2% cashback reward on this purchase, which, based on mid-September market conditions, would return $89.20.
Soaring gold prices align with the broader trend in the gold market. Gold saw a strong rally in 2025, with prices pulling back in early 2026. Now, the precious metal has stabilized once again, and for bullish investors, the time to enter may have arrived. Even more surprising is the robust market demand, which has prompted the platform to introduce purchase restrictions. Costco's website states: each member is limited per transaction, with a maximum of 4 gold bar products per 24-hour period.
Why are investors rushing to buy gold?
Gold has long been viewed as a tool for preserving purchasing power. Unlike fiat currency, central banks cannot arbitrarily print gold. Limited supply, coupled with a long-standing consensus of value, gives gold its strong wealth-preservation properties. Gold is also a classic safe-haven asset. It is not tied to any country, currency, or economy. Whenever economic turbulence or geopolitical uncertainty arises, investors flood into the gold market, pushing prices higher. In an ideal scenario, when stocks and bonds face shocks and other portfolio holdings decline, gold prices can remain stable or even rise against the trend.
Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, has also emphasized that gold is essential for making a portfolio resilient to risk. Dalio said in an interview: "Most people's portfolios are underallocated to gold. When a crisis comes, gold is a very effective diversifier." Dalio isn't the only one bullish on gold. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, has also stated that gold prices could "easily go to $5,000, or even $10,000." But note, gold is a physical asset, and its investment logic differs fundamentally from stocks and bonds.
How to invest in gold
Although Costco has set purchase limits on gold bars, many precious metals dealers sell coins and bars without such restrictions. But be sure to watch for premiums: dealers, including Costco, typically price their products above spot gold prices. Also factor in storage costs when considering an investment. You can use a gold IRA to combine the recession-resistant properties of precious metals with the tax advantages of an IRA. Newport Gold's flexible plans even offer up to three years of free storage to reduce upfront costs. You can also roll over an existing IRA or 401(k) into a precious metals IRA without taxes or penalties. Newport Gold also provides convenient liquidation channels, supporting investors to sell holdings as needed, along with storage services. Completing qualifying purchases also allows you to receive related benefits and silver products.
However, gold is not the only diversification tool against inflation. Other alternative assets can also be included in a portfolio, and some can even generate passive income.
Time-tested income-generating asset classes
Gold isn't the only asset for preserving purchasing power; real estate is also a powerful tool. During inflationary periods, as construction materials, labor, and land costs rise, property values tend to increase. Meanwhile, rental income also rises, providing landlords with cash flow that can hedge against inflation. Over the past five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index has risen more than 50%, reflecting strong housing demand against tight supply.
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