Investing in gold can add diversification and create a different growth source for your portfolio. Most investors understand this, but what types of gold assets should we include in our investment portfolio? Let’s have a look at one popular option for Canadians which is: TD gold bars. In this article, we’ll explore what they are and how to hold them tax-efficiently. We’ll also compare TD gold bars with more popular and well known options such as the PAMP, Credit Suisse or Johnson Matthey Gold Bars

What Are TD Gold Bars?

TD Bank sells and has sold various types of gold bars throughout the years. However, not all the gold bars they sell are considered “TD gold bars”. The distinction comes from the TD logo on the reverse side of the gold bar. Gold bars are minted by reputable mints but not all of them are impressed with the TD symbol.

There have been various weights and sizes of TD gold bars minted, from as small as 5 grams to 10 ounces. Various minters have been involved, all LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) certified. Some examples include the 1-ounce Johnson Matthey, 0.9999 pure gold bar, or the 10-ounce Valcambi, 0.9999 pure gold bar.

Recent TD gold bars

¼-Ounce Valcambi

The most recent TD gold bar is from 2024, in the shape of a ¼-ounce bar minted by Valcambi. The bar was produced in 0.9999 pure gold with the TD emblem on the front, the weight, percentage of gold, the assay stamp, and a serial number.

Source TD Bank

The reverse side shows the TD logo covering the whole surface. 

Source TD Bank 

10-Ounce Valcambi 

This TD gold bar is also from 2024 and produced by Valcambi also. Valcambi is an accredited refiner by the LBMA. The obverse of the bar has the TD emblem, its weight, the assay stamp, and a serial number. 

Source TRBbullion

The reverse of the TD gold bar has the same pattern as the smaller ¼-ounce version, with the TD logo covering the full surface.

Source: TRBbullion

Are TD Gold Bars Worth The Investment?

There are various ways to look at this question. From the point of view of buying physical gold, we would say that these bars are worth it. Are they better than more popular gold bars like PAMP, Johnson Matthey or Credit Suisse? Probably not due these brands being way more popular and recgonized worldwide, which makes them easier to sell.

Either way, buying a TD gold bar is a good way to diversify your portfolio. Gold has various properties that can protect your investment portfolio when the traditional stock and bond markets roil.

Gold can absorb the shock from a stock market crisis because its value is independent, or uncorrelated, to stocks and bonds. Gold also tends to perform well in times of recession often outpacing the growth of the broad stock market.

However, there is also another aspect to look at when considering TD gold bars. Some of these bars are relatively old and have collector value. Their production is limited and in time, and some of these bars have seen greater demand. Because of their rarity, their price can be higher than a similar gold bar without the TD emblem.

Can You Add TD Gold Bars to Your RRSP/TFSA?

If gold bars meet the Canada Revenue Agency requirements for qualifying precious metals, yes you can add TD gold bars to both your RRSP and TFSA. For gold bars to qualify, they must be considered as bullion. Bullion means that the value of the bars must be entirely, or substantially, attributable to the market value of the underlying precious metal.

The gold bars must be produced by a refiner that is accredited by the London Bullion Market Association. They must also carry the assay stamp certifying the purity, weight of gold, and the refiner. The bullion bars must also be stored and reported according to Revenue Canada regulations. 

Considerations to Make Before Investing in TD Gold Bars

 Think about what your goals are when you start saving, you may be close to retirement or just starting out. RRSPs are mainly for saving for retirement, but they can also be used to buy a home or continue your education. You can make withdrawals for these purposes tax-free by following the correct procedure.

How much do you have in savings already? Does your employer offer an employer-sponsored RRSP? Do you have children? Are you managing a self-directed account? You can sit down with a financial advisor to establish your risk tolerance and your financial goals. These aspects are fundamental to making the best choices for your investments.

You must also decide how much gold to own in your RRSP. How much will depend on factors such as age, tolerance for risk, and the other investments you already own. Owning gold is not so much about price appreciation, although it is also important. 

Owning gold is more about portfolio protection. The price of gold has little to negative correlation with stocks. We know that stock markets are volatile and prone to heavy price corrections. Holding gold can reduce the negative effects of stock market adjustments.

Setting Up an Account

Once you have made your decision you can decide where you will open your account. Shop around to compare commissions and fees. Some companies will drop annual fees for accounts with a minimum balance above $25,000. 

If you have more than one account already open, you may want to consolidate them into one account. Consolidation will allow you to easily check the performance of your investments and lower your overall fees. 

You may be thinking of holding gold ETFs or certificates of gold. Some brokerages offer free ETF or mutual fund trades. If you are looking to buy US stocks check if they allow you to hold US and Canadian dollars in the same account. Also, important if you want to buy gold certificates as they trade in US dollars.

Some gold brokerage houses that offer gold bullion for RRSPs may pool your bullion together with that of other investors. Pooling means your gold is stored together with the gold of the same characteristics from other accounts.

Bottom Line

Holding gold in your portfolio brings diversification benefits, and acts as a last resort store of wealth, should there be a total economic collapse. You can add the tax advantages of RRSPs or TFSAs to hold your gold for improved long-term growth.

Setting up your RRSP may seem overwhelming at first, so getting the correct information is essential. You can find out more about how to set up your gold RRSP in our free guide.