List of Banks That Sell Silver Bars

Buying silver bars from a bank sounds blissfully simple—walk up to the counter, ask for a kilo bar, pay, and leave with a smile and some extra weight in your bag. In reality, it’s a patchwork. In some countries, banks do sell silver bars at selected branches or through dedicated precious-metals desks. In others, banks don’t sell physical bullion at all, but they may offer silver accounts, certificates, or ETFs. And even where banks sell bars, inventory and pricing can vary day-to-day.

This guide gives you a practical, up-to-date overview of which banks are known to sell silver bars, how to verify availability, what to expect on pricing and premiums, and smart alternatives if your local branch says, “Sorry, we don’t stock bullion.”

Quick Take: Do Banks Even Sell Silver Bars?

• United States: Large national banks generally do not sell physical silver bars at branches. Some regional or community banks occasionally offer coins/bars—often via special programs or third-party bullion partners.

• Canada: A number of major banks do sell bullion (including silver bars) through precious-metals desks or online order + pickup services.

• Europe: In countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, buying bullion at banks is common, though policies differ by branch.

• UK & Ireland: High-street banks typically don’t sell physical bullion over the counter; buyers use dealers or the national mint.

• Asia & Middle East: Mixed. Some countries (e.g., Singapore, South Korea) have banks with active retail bullion counters. The UAE has highly developed bullion markets via banks and bank-affiliated dealers.

Bottom line: Don’t assume your bank sells silver bars. Call first, ask for the precious-metals desk, and confirm product list, pricing, and ID requirements.

List of Banks That Sell (or Historically Sell) Silver Bars — By Region

Important: Offerings change by country, branch, and season. Treat the lists below as a starting point and always confirm directly with each bank’s precious-metals unit or your local branch manager.

United States

• Regional & Community Banks (varies)

  • A handful periodically sell silver bars (e.g., 10 oz, 1 kg) and silver coins through promotions or via affiliated bullion vendors.

  • Programs tend to be limited inventory and location-specific.

  • Action: Contact your bank’s corporate or wealth-management office. Ask: “Do you sell physical silver bars to retail clients? If so, which branches, which sizes (10 oz, 1 kg), and which refiner brands?”

Why most big U.S. banks don’t sell physical bullion: logistics (shipping, vaulting, insurance), compliance workload (KYC/AML), thin margins, and a preference to channel customers into ETFs, certificates, or IRAs via partners.

Canada

• TD Bank (TD Precious Metals) — Known retail bullion platform with silver bars (various sizes) and coins; options for in-branch pickup or delivery within Canada.

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) — Precious-metals services often include silver bars via metals desk and select branches.

• Scotiabank — Historically active in retail bullion; current offerings vary, so call and verify bar availability.

• BMO / CIBC — May provide bullion through wealth channels or partners; branch-level availability differs by province.

United Kingdom & Ireland

• High-street banks (Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, HSBC UK, etc.) — Generally do not sell physical silver bars at branches.

• Work-around: Buy from The Royal Mint (not a bank) or from established UK bullion dealers. Banks may refer you to these channels.

Switzerland

• UBS — Longstanding precious-metals desks; silver bars commonly available in multiple sizes, especially at larger branches or by order.

• Credit Suisse (now part of UBS group) — The Credit Suisse brand remains iconic on bars; verify access through UBS channels post-integration.

• Cantonal Banks (varies) — Some sell silver bars (from LBMA-approved refiners) at main branches; call ahead to confirm sizes and stock.

Germany

• ReiseBank — Well-known currency/bullion specialist with branches in major cities and transport hubs; sells silver bars and coins over the counter.

• Sparkasse / Volksbank (selected branches) — Some regional networks sell bullion; common SKUs include LBMA-approved silver bars (10 oz, 250 g, 1 kg).

• Deutsche Bank / Commerzbank — Retail bullion access varies; many clients are directed to affiliated dealers.

Austria

• Erste Bank / Sparkassen (select locations) — Often sell Austrian Mint products; silver Philharmonics and bars from recognized refiners.

• Raiffeisen (select branches) — Similar model; availability differs by region.

• Note: Austrian Mint operates retail counters (not a bank) and supplies many banks/dealers.

France, Italy, Spain, Benelux

• Bank-counter bullion is less common. Private-bank or wealth units may source silver bars upon request via partners.

• Most retail investors use dealers or national mints where applicable.

Poland & Central/Eastern Europe

• Select banks (mostly in large cities) may sell silver bars or facilitate purchases through affiliates. Dealer networks can be robust where banks don’t stock bars.

Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)

• Physical bullion over the counter is not the norm at bank branches; customers typically use dealers. Some private banks can arrange purchases.

Middle East

• UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) — Banks like Emirates NBD have offered precious-metal products; physical silver bars are widely available via bank-affiliated dealers and reputable shops (e.g., in the Gold Souk). Confirm delivery/pickup rules and buyback terms.

• Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait — Select banks and finance houses may sell bullion or facilitate orders; branch policies vary.

India

• Large banks (e.g., ICICI, HDFC, Axis) historically sold gold coins; direct sale of silver bars is inconsistent and shaped by evolving policy.

• Many retail buyers use jewelers, national mints, or government schemes for exposure. Always call your local branch to check.

Singapore

• UOB (United Overseas Bank) — A standout retail bullion desk; sells silver bars (various sizes) at flagship counters and via order.

• DBS / OCBC — Offer precious-metals products; direct bar availability can be limited or routed via partners.

South Korea

• Major banks (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, NH NongHyup) have sold small silver bars and coins at counters or gold desks. Availability can pause during demand surges—call first.

Japan

• Large city banks typically don’t sell silver bars over the counter. Clients use major refiners/dealers (Tanaka Kikinzoku, Mitsubishi Materials) or bank-affiliated channels.

Australia & New Zealand

• Big four Aussie banks generally don’t retail silver bars at branches. Buyers use the Perth Mint (not a bank) and accredited dealers.

• In New Zealand, banks may help via wealth units, but most physical purchases go through dealers.

How to Confirm and Buy From a Bank (Without Wasting Your Day)

Call the right desk: Ask for precious-metals, bullion services, or treasury/wealth. Tellers often won’t have the answers.

Copy-and-use script:

“Hi, I’m a retail client. Do you sell physical silver bars directly to customers? If yes, which sizes (10 oz, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg), which refiners/brands (e.g., PAMP, Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus), current premium over spot, and do you buy back? Can I reserve inventory, and what ID/payment methods are accepted?”

Verify these specifics:

• SKUs & sizes: 10 oz, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 100 oz (where legal), cast vs. minted bars.

• Brand & certification: LBMA-approved refiners; assay cards and serial numbers for larger bars.

• Premiums & fees: Over spot price; any handling, shipping, or storage costs.

• Buyback policy: Spread to spot, testing procedures, payout timing.

• Logistics: On-hand vs. special order; pickup location; insured shipment options.

• Compliance: KYC/AML documentation, daily cash limits, reporting thresholds.

Pros and Cons of Buying Silver Bars From a Bank

Advantages

• Provenance: Banks source from recognized LBMA/refiner networks.

• Security & paperwork: Formal invoices, KYC, and clean audit trails.

• Integrated services: Some banks offer allocated storage and a standing buyback.

Drawbacks

• Selection: Fewer SKUs vs. specialized dealers.

• Premiums: Sometimes higher due to overhead and lower volume.

• Rigidity: Appointments, cutoff times, strict ID/payment rules.

• Availability volatility: Programs and inventory can change quickly.

Banks vs. Dealers vs. Mints — What’s Best for You?

Tip: If your bank carries just 10 oz and 1 kg bars, that’s still a perfectly fine core stack. For exotic sizes or ultra-low premiums, compare with two or three top dealers.

What Silver Bar Sizes Should You Consider?

• 10 oz bars — The “daily driver.” Good liquidity, moderate premiums, easy to sell in increments.

• 1 kg bars (32.15 oz) — Popular globally; often a nice premium-to-flexibility balance.

• 100 oz bars — Lower premiums per ounce, but large ticket size and sometimes slower resale.

• 250 g / 500 g bars — European favorites; handy for stepping in smaller increments.

• Cast vs. Minted — Minted bars look sleek and include assay cards; cast bars carry a classic look and can be slightly cheaper.

Always keep invoices, assay cards, and photos of serial numbers (for larger bars). Store digital backups of receipts.

How Banks Price Silver (Know Your Numbers)

• Spot Price: Live global price per troy ounce.

• Premium: The amount over spot for fabrication, distribution, and margin.

  • Smaller bars generally cost more premium per oz than big bars.

• Buyback Spread: The difference between the bank’s buy price and spot when you sell back.

• Taxes: Some countries levy VAT/GST on silver bars; others exempt investment-grade silver. Confirm with the bank and/or a tax professional.

Storage Options (Including What Banks May Offer)

• Allocated/Segregated Bank Vaulting: Bars held in your name, often with periodic audit/inventory statements. Fees billed annually.

• Safe-Deposit Box: Convenient but typically not insured by the bank; consider private insurance.

• Private Vaults: Independent vault providers with strong insurance and flexible access.

• Home Storage: Maximum control—but consider insurance, a serious safe, and discretion.

Ask your bank:

• Is storage allocated (specific bars) or pooled?

• What insurance is included?

• How do withdrawals and audits work?

• Are there minimums or lock-ups?

Red Flags — Anywhere You Buy

• Unbranded bars without assay or serial numbers (for larger sizes).

• Too-good-to-be-true premiums or pushy “today only” deals.

• No written invoice or unwillingness to document purity/brand.

• Vague buyback terms (“we’ll figure it out later”).

• Sellers who dodge questions about testing or verification procedures.

Banks usually avoid these issues—another reason people like buying from them when possible.

Regional Phone-Checklist (Copy/Paste, Then Call)

1. United States — Ask regional/community banks’ wealth/treasury units: “Do you sell physical silver bars (10 oz / 1 kg) at any branch?” If no, request preferred dealer referrals.

2. Canada — Compare TD Precious Metals, RBC, BMO, CIBC for bar sizes, premiums, and pickup/delivery logistics.

3. Switzerland — Call UBS metals desks and larger cantonal banks; ask about 1 kg and 100 oz stock and storage options.

4. Germany/Austria — Try ReiseBank and major city branches of Sparkasse/Erste/Raiffeisen; ask specifically for LBMA-approved bar brands and buyback spreads.

5. Singapore — Contact UOB’s bullion counter; compare with top private dealers for premiums and 1 kg availability.

6. UAE — Banks like Emirates NBD may offer bars or refer to affiliated dealers; get buyback rules and test fees in writing.

7. South Korea — Call KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, NH for small-bar availability and reservation policies.

8. UK/Ireland/Australia/NZ — Banks typically refer to mints/dealers. Plan to purchase via those channels; ask banks for recognized dealer lists.

FAQ — Banks That Sell Silver Bars

Q: Why doesn’t my big U.S. bank sell silver bars?
A: Logistics, compliance, and slim margins. Most steer clients to paper exposure, not physical.

Q: Are bank premiums higher than dealers’?
A: Often, yes—though not universally. Banks trade convenience and provenance for selection and price. Always compare.

Q: Can I buy at one bank and store elsewhere?
A: Usually yes, if the storage provider accepts third-party bars and your documentation is complete.

Q: Do banks sell silver coins too?
A: In many regions, yes. If they sell bars, they often stock popular coins as well.

Q: Can banks test bars I already own?
A: Some can (XRF, ultrasound) for a fee. Ask in advance about method, cost, and turnaround.

Prefer a Retirement Route Instead of Branch Hopping?

If your primary goal is long-term wealth preservation, a precious-metals IRA can be simpler than chasing branch inventory:

• Hold IRS-approved silver bars and coins inside a self-directed IRA with secure, audited storage.

• Enjoy tax advantages similar to other IRAs (traditional/Roth).

• Avoid the “Do you have stock today?” phone loop.

If you want a done-for-you experience with plain-English guidance, Goldco is a widely respected pick for precious-metals IRAs and rollovers.

Final Word

Finding a bank that sells silver bars is easy in some countries (Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore) and hit-or-miss in others (U.S., UK). Whether you buy from a bank, a mint, or an accredited dealer, the playbook is the same: verify inventory, understand premiums, clarify buyback, and decide on storage before you swipe your card or wire funds.

Use the regional lists and phone-checklists above to save time. And if you prefer to allocate through your retirement account, a reputable metals-IRA specialist like Goldco can handle the paperwork while you focus on the bigger picture—building a metal stack that sleeps well through market storms.

Choose your path, set your rules, and let time do the heavy lifting.