Investing in gold in 2026: Complete guide with 5 regulated platforms to trade from anywhere

Gold continues to be one of the most sought-after assets for investors looking to protect their wealth. Over the past five decades, this precious metal has experienced extraordinary growth: rising from $35 per ounce in 1975 to reach all-time highs above $4,600 in January 2026. This 128-fold increase reflects the importance of this commodity in modern portfolios. Since the beginning of 2024 alone, gold prices have increased by over 120%, breaking record after record.

The 5 Best Platforms to Trade Gold in 2026

To invest in gold safely and efficiently, it is essential to select regulated and trustworthy brokers. The following five options hold licenses from internationally recognized regulatory bodies, ensuring both fund protection and operational transparency.

Tickmill: Robust regulation and competitive spreads

Main features:

• Available assets: Gold
• Commission: Variable spreads depending on account type
• Withdrawals: No platform charges
• Minimum deposit: 100 USD
• Inactivity fee: 10 USD monthly after 12 months

Founded in 2014, Tickmill has established its position in the market thanks to low costs and licenses from FCA, FSA, and CySEC. With over 785,000 active accounts, it offers a wide range of financial instruments. Its strength lies in security and asset diversity, although its platforms require a learning curve for new users.

Key advantages:

• Triple regulatory protection guaranteed
• Access to multiple instrument types
• Periodic promotional offers
• Flexible account options with different fees
• Compatibility with MetaTrader and WebTrader

Mitrade: Accessibility and ultra-low minimum deposit

Main features:

• Available assets: Gold and other commodities
• Commission: 0 commissions, reduced spreads
• Withdrawals: 1 free per month; 5 USD additional
• Minimum deposit: 20 USD
• Inactivity fee: None

Mitrade, based in Melbourne, Australia, stands out as a regulated broker by ASIC, CIMA, and FSC. With just 20 USD to start, it is the most accessible option on the market. Although relatively new in Spanish-speaking markets, it has over 5 million global users, demonstrating its reliability and strength.

Key advantages:

• Flexible leverage from 1x to 100x for gold trading
• Multiple deposit methods: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and transfers
• Intuitive interface, ideal for beginners
• Free demo account with no risk
• Multi-asset trading: stocks, currencies, cryptocurrencies, and metals

AvaTrade: Analytical tools and futures trading

Main features:

• Available assets: Spot gold and futures
• Commission: No commissions, low spreads
• Withdrawals: No platform charges (possible bank fees)
• Minimum deposit: 100 USD
• Inactivity fee: 10 USD monthly after 2 months of inactivity

Founded in 2006, AvaTrade serves over 400,000 users with advanced analytical tools and market news access. It allows trading both in spot markets and gold futures contracts. It is particularly suitable for traders holding long-term positions, considering its inactivity policies.

Key advantages:

• Technical analysis and access to current economic information
• Simultaneous spot and futures trading
• Global presence with regulation in multiple jurisdictions
• Compatibility with MT4 and proprietary platform

eToro: Social trading and diversification

Main features:

• Available assets: Gold futures
• Commission: No commissions, low spreads
• Withdrawals: 5 USD
• Minimum deposit: 100 USD
• Inactivity fee: 10 USD monthly after 12 months

Founded in 2007, eToro is a global leader with over 30 million users. Its hallmark feature is CopyTrader™, a tool that allows automatic replication of successful traders’ operations. With over 5,000 assets and nearly 100 cryptocurrencies, it offers extensive investment possibilities.

Key advantages:

• Social trading tools to learn from experts
• Simplified interface suitable for new investors
• Active community focused on shared education
• Free demo account

TIOmarkets: Maximum leverage and FCA regulation

Main features:

• Available assets: Gold
• Commission: Variable depending on account type
• Withdrawals: 0 USD
• MetaTrader as main platform
• Leverage: Unlimited

Established in 2019, TIOmarkets has quickly positioned itself as a competitive alternative. Regulated by the UK’s FCA, one of the most respected authorities, it offers unlimited leverage to maximize exposure. Its learning curve is steeper, especially for beginners.

Key advantages:

• FCA regulation of the highest standard
• Unlimited leverage for aggressive positions
• Variety of account types
• Operations via MetaTrader

Four Different Ways to Invest in Gold in 2026

There are multiple ways to gain exposure to gold. Each modality presents different characteristics, risks, and benefits.

Option 1: Contracts for Difference (CFDs)

CFDs are agreements between investor and broker where the difference between opening and closing prices is exchanged. You never own the physical asset; you only speculate on its price movement. This is the most recommended route for beginner traders and investors with limited capital (less than 1,000 USD).

Advantages:

• Immediate and straightforward access
• Low initial capital required
• Leverage available to amplify gains
• Ability to go long (speculate on rises) and short (profit from declines)

Disadvantages:

• Higher leverage = higher risk
• No tangible asset ownership
• Requires active monitoring

Option 2: Mining and Processing Stocks

Companies involved in gold extraction and processing offer indirect exposure to the metal. When you buy these stocks, your profitability depends on the gold price and the operational efficiency of the company. Deep financial analysis of balance sheets and business prospects is necessary.

Notable examples:

• Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (WPM)
• Dundee Precious Metals Inc (DPM.TO)
• DRDGold Limited (DRD)

Advantages:

• Potential for additional dividends
• Exposure to growth-specific sectors
• Flexibility to invest in selected companies

Disadvantages:

• Requires detailed financial analysis
• Sensitive to operational and managerial factors
• Additional stock risk beyond commodity risk

Option 3: Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

An ETF pools multiple assets and is traded on major exchanges. There are funds that track the price of gold directly or invest in related companies, offering automatic and instant diversification.

Popular options:

• SPDR Gold Shares
• iShares Gold Trust
• SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust

Advantages:

• Immediate diversification in a single investment
• High liquidity in main markets
• Easy access to the gold ecosystem
• Reduces individual risk

Disadvantages:

• Limited freedom in individual movements
• Management fees
• Expenses that erode returns
• No direct control over underlying assets

Option 4: Physical Gold

Investing in bars, coins, or gold jewelry provides tangibility and direct ownership of the asset. While accessible, it is the riskiest and least liquid option.

Advantages:

• Physical and tangible possession
• Intrinsic value remains constant
• Not dependent on financial institutions
• Safe during severe economic crises

Disadvantages:

• High risk of theft or loss
• Significant storage and insurance costs
• Low liquidity, difficulty selling quickly
• Higher tax burden on gains

Risk and Benefit Analysis: Should You Invest in Gold?

Like any asset, gold presents both opportunities and limitations that investors must carefully evaluate.

Why Invest in Gold

Safe haven in turbulence: Gold acts as a “safe asset.” During financial crises (like 2008-2012, when it rose over 100%), it provides protection while other assets decline.

Inflation hedge: When inflation rises and the dollar loses purchasing power, gold tends to appreciate, preserving your real wealth.

Portfolio diversification: Adding gold reduces overall risk. Since it behaves differently from stocks and bonds, it protects against varied market conditions.

Risks to consider

Limited profitability: Gold is not particularly volatile nor does it generate high returns compared to stocks or cryptocurrencies. This means potential missed opportunities.

Operational costs: Owning, transporting, storing, and insuring physical gold significantly increases total investment costs.

Tax burden: Selling physical gold with gains incurs taxes on each transaction. In many jurisdictions, this burden exceeds that of forex, stocks, or ETFs trading.

Final Recommendations Based on Your Profile

Choosing the right platform depends on your specific priorities:

Very tight budget: Mitrade offers the lowest minimum deposit (20 USD) and zero commissions.

Futures trading: eToro and AvaTrade provide access to futures contracts in addition to spot markets.

Maximum leverage: TIOmarkets allows unlimited leverage, though with proportional risk.

Regulation and reliability: Tickmill combines triple regulation (FCA, FSA, CySEC) with competitive spreads.

Remember: regardless of your platform choice, prudent risk management is essential to navigate gold market volatility and cycles.