09 Jan
09Jan

As a traditional symbol of wealth, gold offers stability during turbulent economic times, and its price often rises during market volatility. If you're considering gold investment in Singapore, you'll want to be aware of UOB gold prices.

UOB stands out by providing a wide range of options, including its gold savings accounts and, uniquely among Singaporean banks, the ability to purchase physical gold bullion (bars, coins) and gold certificates. Importantly, UOB’s physical gold also qualifies for GST exemption under the Investment Precious Metals (IPM) scheme.

Note that secure and reliable storage is just as vital as the purchase itself for physical gold. Without proper protection, your investment remains vulnerable.

Understanding your storage options is a crucial component of responsible gold ownership. If you'd like to explore UOB gold prices and understand how to protect your assets, read on to find out more.

Current UOB Gold Prices (Updated!)

UOB regularly updates its gold prices to reflect prevailing market rates and international gold prices. Below are the latest gold prices for UOB’s gold products:

Rates as of 8 January 2024

DescriptionCurrencyUnitUOB Sells
UOB Buys
ARGOR CAST BARSGD100 GM11750.0011614.00
ARGOR Heraeus Lunar BarSGD10 GM1253.001159.00
ARGOR Heraeus Lunar BarSGD1 OZ3732.003610.00
CAST BARSSGD1 KILOBAR116814.00116153.00
GOLD CERTIFICATESGD1 KILOCERT116814.00116153.00
GOLD SAVINGS A/CSGD1 GM116.98116.15
GOLD BULLION COINSSGD1 OZ3705.003612.00
GOLD BULLION COINSSGD1/2 OZ1893.001805.00
GOLD BULLION COINSSGD1/4 OZ959.00902.00
GOLD BULLION COINSSGD1/10 OZ408.00360.00
GOLD BULLION COINSSGD1/20 OZ(GNC,SLC &GML)229.00179.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD100 GM11775.0011614.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD50 GM5926.005806.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD20 GM2403.002321.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD10 GM1232.001159.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD5 GM639.00578.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD2.5 GM341.00288.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD
1 GM145.00113.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD1 OZ3711.003610.00
PAMP GOLD BARSSGD1/2 OZ1865.001804.00
SILVER PASSBOOK ACCOUNTSGD1 OZ41.4840.60
UOB Lunar BarSGD1 OZ3757.003610.00

For the latest updates, or to find out more about UOB's gold savings account and silver savings account, visit UOB’s official Gold and Silver Page.

The Importance of Secure Gold Storage

Gold is a precious investment that should never be handled carelessly. Unlike digital or paper assets, if you buy physical gold such as gold bars, gold bullion coins, and gold certificates, it must be carefully stored and secured to maintain its value and liquidity, or risk being stolen or damaged. Most importantly, the proper storage of physical gold can simplify the resale process for you.

Many dealers, such as UOB, have strict requirements* for selling back physical gold bars. In fact, UOB’s policy states that customers may only sell back physical gold if:

  • The original seal and packaging of the physical gold remain intact; and
  • The proof of purchase (i.e. UOB invoice) is presented

*as of 8 January 2025

Risks of Inadequate Gold Storage

1. Theft and Loss: Storing physical gold at home can expose it to risks such as theft or misplacement. Even with home safes, the risk of a targeted burglary remains a concern—two men were arrested after allegedly burgling two landed properties in Buona Vista and Holland, stealing over S$1.5 million worth of valuables, including cash and luxury items.

2. Environmental Damage: Physical gold bars must be stored in a controlled environment to avoid exposure to humidity, extreme temperatures, or other factors that may degrade their packaging or appearance.

3. Resale Complications: Failure to meet institutional resale criteria, such as damaged packaging or missing documentation, can lead to reduced value or refusal of buyback from trusted dealers like UOB.

Comparing Storage Options

Home Safe vs Safe Deposit Box Service

The two most common storage methods for physical gold include home storage and private safe deposit box services. Not sure which would suit you best? Here’s a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision. 

Home Storage

Home storage simply refers to securing your gold in personal safes installed within your home. These safes can range in design and functionality, and offer varying levels of security.

Pros
Details
Simplicity
Home safes are straightforward to use, requiring no complex procedures or bank visits. They are easy to install and operate, allowing for quick access to stored items
Convenience
Home safes provide 24/7 access, enabling users to retrieve their items anytime without the limitations of bank hours. This is particularly useful in emergencies or when immediate access is needed.
Cons
Details
Security Limitations
Home safes may not offer the same level of professional security as private vaults, which typically feature 24-hour CCTV surveillance and security personnel. This makes them more vulnerable to theft and unauthorised access compared to professionally managed safe deposit boxes.
Fire Protection Deficiencies
Many home safes lack advanced fire protection systems, which can jeopardise the safety of the contents during a fire. Meanwhile, commercial vaults are usually designed and equipped with professional fire protection systems with alarm and monitoring systems directly linked to 24-hour external monitoring services.
Lack of Automated Security Features
Basic home safes may be battery-operated and may not have more sophisticated features such as alarm systems when the safe door is not locked after a certain duration of time or when forced open.

In STARVAULT’s safe deposit service, there are multiple automated functions to ensure that the box is locked, secured, and kept private.
  • An alarm is triggered if the box is not locked properly before it is sent back to the secure vault.
  • The private viewing room automatically locks when the box is opened.
  • The box is stored in a custom-built steel-reinforced vault, where there is no human access.
  • There is a sophisticated alarm system in place that triggers when the door in the vault or private viewing room is forced open. 

Private Safe Deposit Box Services

Professional private safe deposit box services ensure high levels of security for your physical gold and other valuables. Most companies, such as CISCO, provide manual safe deposit box service, while companies like STARVAULT provide automated safe deposit box services.

Learn more about Automated vs Manual private safe deposit providers.

Pros
Details
Enhanced Security
Professional safe deposit boxes like STARVAULT often come with multi-layered protection, including 24-hour security personnel on-site and comprehensive CCTV surveillance. This level of security significantly reduces the risk of theft or unauthorized access compared to home safes.
Professional Fire Protection System
The commercial building that houses STARVAULT has a water sprinkler protection system to quickly attempt to put out any unlikely fires. The vault also has a gas suppression system which puts out the fire using a gas system instead of water, removing the risk of water damage to the stored items.
Round-the-Clock Monitoring
A dedicated team monitors the vault security round the clock, providing an extra layer of safety. This professional oversight ensures that any potential threats are addressed promptly, offering peace of mind that your valuables are well-protected at all times.
Cons
Details
Recurring CostsAnnual rental fees for safe deposit boxes can add to ongoing expenses and some providers may stipulate a minimum 1-year rental period. For STARVAULT, we have a minimum rental period of 1 month.
Limited Size Options
Typically, there are only a few box size options available, which may not accommodate larger items or collections.
Access Inconvenience
Users need to travel to the safe storage facilities to access their valuables. This can be inconvenient when immediate access is required.

Why Choose STARVAULT

STARVAULT Safe Deposit Box Services

Searching for a trusted safe deposit solution to store your physical gold? STARVAULT offers these exceptional features to give you peace of mind:

Convenience & Accessibility

  • Flexible Pricing Plans: Rent a safe deposit box immediately for as short as 1 month.
  • 24-Hour Access: Enjoy unparalleled flexibility, with around-the-clock access to your deposit box.
  • Bank-Independent Storage: You don’t need to be an account holder (personal banking or premium/priority banking) to get access to the bank’s safe deposit box services.

Professional Security & Protection

  • Multiple Layers of Security: A 5-step process—face recognition, card access, fingerprint, a PIN code, and physical key—is required before you can access your stored items. This ensures that nobody but yourself and your assigned users can access the BOX.
  • Custom-Built Steel Reinforced Concrete Vault: Housed in a custom-built, steel-reinforced concrete vault, our safe deposit boxes ensure maximum security for your valuables. This robust construction minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and physical attacks.
  • Professional Fire Protection Systems: Our facility is equipped with advanced fire protection measures, including a water sprinkler system for the entire building and a gas suppression system specifically designed for the vault to prevent the risk of water damage to stored valuables.

Operational Security

  • Manless Vault System: The vault operates without any staff or users present, ensuring that no one is near your stored items. This manless system enhances privacy and security, as the vault is closed and secured at all times.
  • One-Time Password (OTP) Verification: For critical functions such as moving a user out of their box or adding a new user, OTP verification is required. This ensures that only user authorized actions are taken regarding your box

Surveillance & Monitoring

  • 24-Hour CCTV Surveillance: Our storage area is also continuously monitored by CCTV cameras, strategically placed at every corner of the vault.
  • On-site Security: an on-site security guard is stationed at the building to assist in monitoring surveillance and emergencies. 
  • Nearby Police Station: The nearest police station is a mere five minutes away in case of emergencies.

Store Your Gold Safely With STARVAULT

STARVAULT Safe Deposit Box Provider

Investing in gold is a prudent way to diversify your portfolio and safeguard your wealth, especially during uncertain times. Whether you choose UOB’s gold savings account or physical gold bars, proper storage is essential to protect your investment.

STARVAULT offers the ideal safe deposit box service for storing physical gold bullion coins, silver, and even critical investment documents. With high-security features, flexible plans, and 24-hour access, it’s the perfect choice for safeguarding your assets.

Book a tour with STARVAULT today to secure your physical gold investments and ensure peace of mind.

Alternatively, you may get a quote here.