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Why Smart Retirees Are Buying Gold at Costco

Gold prices are soaring in 2026 and retirees are buying bullion at the retailer.

By Jordan Major

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Feb. 23, 2026

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Gold continues to remain a popular hedge, with market volatility lingering, geopolitical tensions simmering, and inflation still a concern for many households. As a result, retirees are once again looking for ways to protect what they've built. One unexpected place they're turning? Costco.

Yes, the same warehouse retailer known for bulk groceries and $1.50 hot dogs is also selling investment-grade gold bars. It's an unusual combination, but for retirees looking to preserve wealth and maintain a stress-free retirement, the convenience, pricing, and cash-back rewards are hard to ignore.

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Costco's role in the gold boom

Costco has quietly become one of the more talked-about places to buy physical gold. The company sells one-ounce, 24-karat gold bars (99.99% pure) from reputable refiners, such as PAMP Suisse and Rand Refinery.

Because Costco operates on a low-margin business model, its premium over spot has been competitive with major online bullion dealers. That difference can matter when buying high-value bullion.

Another advantage is trust. Costco has built a reputation for quality control and customer satisfaction. Retirees who may be hesitant to purchase gold online from unfamiliar dealers can find added confidence in a well-known retailer such as Costco.

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When did Costco start selling gold bars?

Costco first began selling one-ounce, 24-karat gold bars in August 2023, when the spot price of gold was trading roughly between $1,890 and $1,950 per ounce. If the bars were priced at just 2% above spot, buyers would have paid just under $2,000 per bar at launch.

With gold now trading near the $5,000 level, the value of that same ounce has risen dramatically since 2023.

In practical terms, someone who purchased a bar just under $2,000 would now be sitting on a gain of over 150%, based on recent spot prices. That estimate doesn't account for resale spreads or dealer premiums, but it highlights how significantly gold has appreciated over the past two and a half years.

Why retirees are adding gold to their portfolios

Retirees typically shift from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation. That means reducing exposure to assets that can swing wildly in value and increasing exposure to holdings that can provide stability.

Gold fits into that framework for several reasons. It is tangible, globally recognized, and not tied to the earnings performance of a single company. It also carries no default risk, unlike bonds or dividend-paying stocks.

Financial planners often suggest modest allocations to gold, typically in the range of 5% to 10% of a diversified portfolio, depending on risk tolerance. Those concerned about market drawdowns or currency risk may find that even a small allocation offers both psychological reassurance and portfolio balance.

Where gold stands in 2026

As of mid-February, gold prices remain near historic highs after briefly reaching a nominal all-time high above $5,500 at the end of January. The metal has surged over 70% in the last year as investors sought safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty and shifting interest rate expectations.

Over the long term, gold has served as a hedge during periods of inflation and market stress. While it doesn't generate dividends like stocks or interest like bonds, the yellow metal has historically preserved purchasing power during turbulent cycles. That kind of stability tends to appeal to investors who prioritize capital preservation over aggressive growth.

Gold's recent performance has reinforced its role as a portfolio diversifier. When equities experience volatility, gold often moves independently, helping smooth overall portfolio returns.

The 2% advantage retirees are noticing

The math becomes even more interesting for Costco members. Executive members earn 2% back annually on qualifying purchases. If the purchase is made with the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, buyers can earn an additional 2% cash back. That means up to 4% back in rewards on gold purchases, eliminating the premium altogether.

On a $5,000 one-ounce gold bar, that could translate into as much as $200 in rewards, effectively lowering the net cost. For households already paying for an Executive membership and using the Costco Visa, those rebates can narrow the premium gap compared with traditional bullion dealers.

Past performance vs. realistic expectations

While gold has delivered strong returns over the past year, retirees should remember that it does not always move in a straight line. Gold can experience multi-year periods of flat or declining prices.

Unlike dividend stocks, gold does not produce income. Its value comes purely from price appreciation. That makes it best suited as a complementary asset rather than a primary driver of retirement income.

The goal for most retirees is not to chase short-term gains, but to reduce overall portfolio risk. In that context, gold's value lies in diversification rather than explosive growth.

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Bottom line

Smart retirees aren't buying gold at Costco because it's trendy. They're doing it because it can serve a purpose in a diversified retirement portfolio.

With gold near historic highs in early 2026, steady long-term demand, and Costco offering competitive pricing plus potential cash-back rewards, the warehouse retailer has become an unlikely but practical destination for bullion buyers.

Gold won't replace dividend stocks or bonds, but for retirees focused on protecting wealth and reducing volatility, picking up a bar at Costco may be one of the more strategic money moves for senior benefits in today's market.

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