Understand what you own. And how you access it.

Names do not replace the agreement

Allocated, pool allocated and unallocated are useful starting labels, but contractual rights vary by provider and product. Ask whether you own specified bars, a share of a segregated pool, or a contractual metal entitlement. Do not assume that identical labels create identical legal rights.

Specific bars and pooled arrangements

The Perth Mint describes allocated bars with title attached to specific bars and a separate pool-allocated silver arrangement. ABC Bullion offers several storage formats, including serial-number-based Premium Storage. Read each provider’s actual agreement rather than treating these as interchangeable products.

Separate fees from the fee basis

Fees can be a percentage of value, a fixed amount per weight, a minimum charge or a combination. Our Holding Cost Lab compares a percentage-of-value scenario with a per-fine-ounce scenario. Its static reference value is an assumption: actual bills may change with valuation dates, prices, account tiers and product mix.

Check access, assurance and exit

Request the scope of insurance, exclusions, independent assurance, access rules and delivery or conversion fees. A statement that storage is insured is not a guarantee that every risk is covered. Ask how an ownership record would be treated if the provider failed.

Plan your records

Know which account statements and product records are supplied and how you can retrieve them. Ainslie describes portal access and year-end holdings records. Your own tax, trust or superannuation requirements need qualified advice; a low storage bill alone does not resolve them.

Questions for a provider

Primary references

• [C1] The Perth Mint — Gold and silver storage options
• [A2] ABC Bullion — Bullion storage
• [B2] Ainslie Bullion — Storage

Reviewed 7 November 2026. Questions and comparisons are independent editorial analysis. Provider terms can change.