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How to Buy Silver: 4 Ways to Invest
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How to Buy Silver: 4 Ways to Invest
It’s not as valuable as gold, but silver does have many applications.
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Expertise Cryptocurrency investing alternative assets taxesAndy Rosen is a former NerdWallet writer who covered taxes, cryptocurrency investing and alternative assets. He has more than 15 years of experience as a reporter and editor covering business, government, law enforcement and the intersection between money and ideas. In these roles, Andy has seen cryptocurrency develop from an experimental dark-web technology into an accepted part of the global financial system. He is based in Boston.
Andy Rosen is a former NerdWallet writer who covered taxes, cryptocurrency investing and alternative assets. He has more than 15 years of experience as a reporter and editor covering business, government, law enforcement and the intersection between money and ideas. In these roles, Andy has seen cryptocurrency develop from an experimental dark-web technology into an accepted part of the global financial system. He is based in Boston. Published in Lead Writer/Spokesperson + more + more
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19 years of experience Expertise Retirement planning investment management investment accountsArielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for nearly 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Arielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for nearly 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Published in Head of Content, Investing & Taxes + more + moreSilver is one of the most popular investment options in the world of precious metals. While silver doesn't approach the value of gold by weight, it has many industrial applications in fields such as electronics.
Silver is one of the most popular investment options in the world of precious metals. While silver doesn't approach the value of gold by weight, it has many industrial applications in fields such as electronics.Silver is often used as a way for buyers to diversify both their commodity holdings and their portfolios in general.
Silver is often used as a way for buyers to diversify both their commodity holdings and their portfolios in general.There are a handful of ways to invest in silver — including purchasing it through a broker, acquiring and storing the physical metal yourself and buying into funds that invest in silver. Another option is owning stock in companies involved in the mining and production of silver.
There are a handful of ways to invest in silver — including purchasing it through a broker, acquiring and storing the physical metal yourself and buying into funds that invest in silver. Another option is owning stock in companies involved in the mining and production of silver.Brokerage firms
Brokerage firms
Brokerage firmson Charles Schwab's website
on E*TRADE's website
on Vanguard's website
on Fidelity's website
Is silver a good investment?
Is silver a good investment?Silver’s strength as an investment depends on the role it plays in your portfolio.
Silver’s strength as an investment depends on the role it plays in your portfolio.Supply and demand can ebb and flow in the market for silver, its price movements don't always track that of the broader economy.
Supply and demand can ebb and flow in the market for silver, its price movements don't always track that of the broader economy.Some investors own silver as a way to diversify away from stocks — many of the reasons cited for investing in silver are similar to the case for investing in gold.
Some investors own silver as a way to diversify away from stocks — many of the reasons cited for investing in silver are similar to the case for investing in gold .The argument goes something like this: Because of silver’s inherent scarcity and the need for the material in applications such as electronics, the precious metal may retain value even under economic conditions such as a recession in which stocks and other investments suffer.
The argument goes something like this: Because of silver’s inherent scarcity and the need for the material in applications such as electronics, the precious metal may retain value even under economic conditions such as a recession in which stocks and other investments suffer.Of course, that argument isn't a sure thing. Silver may or may not make sense for your portfolio, depending on your investment needs and your outlook on the state of the economy.
Of course, that argument isn't a sure thing. Silver may or may not make sense for your portfolio, depending on your investment needs and your outlook on the state of the economy.4 ways to invest in silver
4 ways to invest in silver1. Physical silver
1. Physical silverThe most basic way to invest in silver is to buy it in its physical form. Just like with gold, a bar of silver is called bullion. Owning physical silver may do away with some of the complexities involved with other methods of investing in silver, but keep in mind that you’ll have to come up with a plan to ship it, store it and secure it.
The most basic way to invest in silver is to buy it in its physical form. Just like with gold, a bar of silver is called bullion. Owning physical silver may do away with some of the complexities involved with other methods of investing in silver, but keep in mind that you’ll have to come up with a plan to ship it, store it and secure it.Investors who buy physical silver tend to keep it simple, using bullion bars or government-minted coins. While silver jewelry or housewares may be beautiful (and hold some value), there are complications to using them as an investment. For one, there is some subjectivity in how to value the craftsmanship of items created from silver. In addition, silver is a soft metal, so manufacturers may add other materials such as copper to harden it for everyday use.
Investors who buy physical silver tend to keep it simple, using bullion bars or government-minted coins. While silver jewelry or housewares may be beautiful (and hold some value), there are complications to using them as an investment. For one, there is some subjectivity in how to value the craftsmanship of items created from silver. In addition, silver is a soft metal, so manufacturers may add other materials such as copper to harden it for everyday use.One of the easiest ways to buy physical silver is through a broker. These brokers can either store the silver for you or they can send it to you — though there may be some delivery fees for that.
One of the easiest ways to buy physical silver is through a broker. These brokers can either store the silver for you or they can send it to you — though there may be some delivery fees for that.2. Silver stocks
2. Silver stocksIf you’re looking to get exposure to silver without actually owning silver, you can consider buying stocks in companies whose fortunes are deeply tied to the market for the precious metal. If you pursue this route, remember that buying individual stocks in any sector can be risky because of individual circumstances that can affect any one company.
If you’re looking to get exposure to silver without actually owning silver, you can consider buying stocks in companies whose fortunes are deeply tied to the market for the precious metal. If you pursue this route, remember that buying individual stocks in any sector can be risky because of individual circumstances that can affect any one company.Say the market for silver takes off, for instance, but the company you’re backing has a production slowdown or a labor dispute — you may not be able to take full advantage of the positive market conditions. On the other hand, if the company you invest in is uniquely successful, you can see gains beyond those on the market in general.
Say the market for silver takes off, for instance, but the company you’re backing has a production slowdown or a labor dispute — you may not be able to take full advantage of the positive market conditions. On the other hand, if the company you invest in is uniquely successful, you can see gains beyond those on the market in general. Make sense of the markets with The Nerdy Investor A weekly wrap on what's moving markets, plus two monthly deep-dives on how to improve your investing, straight to your inbox. Subscribe for free3. Silver funds
3. Silver fundsAnother option for silver investors is to buy into a silver mutual fund, which is an entity that's set up to hold silver on behalf of investors. Some are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which means you can buy and hold them right in your brokerage account or potentially in your individual retirement account (IRA).
Another option for silver investors is to buy into a silver mutual fund, which is an entity that's set up to hold silver on behalf of investors. Some are exchange-traded funds (ETFs) , which means you can buy and hold them right in your brokerage account or potentially in your individual retirement account (IRA) .There may be some costs associated with silver funds. For instance, these funds typically charge management fees that you’ll want to evaluate before making a decision. And the tax considerations for commodity funds can be more complicated than with stock ownership, which rewards longer-term investors with lower capital gains tax rates
There may be some costs associated with silver funds. For instance, these funds typically charge management fees that you’ll want to evaluate before making a decision. And the tax considerations for commodity funds can be more complicated than with stock ownership, which rewards longer-term investors with lower capital gains tax rates Fidelity. Special rules for commodity ETFs. Accessed Dec 26, 2025. .» Read more: What are the best commodity ETFs?
» Read more: » Read more: What are the best commodity ETFs?4. Silver futures
4. Silver futuresAnother way to gain exposure to silver is through futures contracts, which are agreements to actually receive physical silver at a certain date. But just because you buy a silver future doesn’t mean you have to take delivery. They’re traded on commodity futures exchanges, where investors can buy and sell these agreements.
Another way to gain exposure to silver is through futures contracts, which are agreements to actually receive physical silver at a certain date. But just because you buy a silver future doesn’t mean you have to take delivery. They’re traded on commodity futures exchanges, where investors can buy and sell these agreements.Keep in mind that futures investing is an advanced-level form of trading. If you get in over your head, it’s possible to lose more than your initial investment. (See our top pick for brokers for futures trading.)
Keep in mind that futures investing is an advanced-level form of trading. If you get in over your head, it’s possible to lose more than your initial investment. ( See our top pick for brokers for futures trading .)How to buy silver stocks, mutual funds and ETFs
How to buy silver stocks, mutual funds and ETFsIf you choose to invest in silver stocks or funds, you have several options for how to carry out those purchases. It’s relatively simple if you already have a brokerage account: Log in, research the investment you want to buy and then pay for it. Learn about how to invest in stocks and how to invest in mutual funds.
If you choose to invest in silver stocks or funds, you have several options for how to carry out those purchases. It’s relatively simple if you already have a brokerage account: Log in, research the investment you want to buy and then pay for it. Learn about how to invest in stocks and how to invest in mutual funds .» View our list of the best brokerage accounts
» View our list of the » View our list of the best brokerage accountsHow to buy physical silver
How to buy physical silverBuying physical silver involves a level of complexity that you might not find with other investments. If you want to keep it in your own custody, you’ll need to figure out how to store it, for instance. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to buy physical silver.
Buying physical silver involves a level of complexity that you might not find with other investments. If you want to keep it in your own custody, you’ll need to figure out how to store it, for instance. Here are the basic steps you’ll need to take to buy physical silver.Find a dealer you trust. Buying precious metals can carry the risk of scams if you’re not careful. You’ll want to make sure you work with a dealer whose background you know. Some brokerage services will sell precious metals, or your financial advisor may be able to direct you toward a dealer. If you’re evaluating a dealer on your own, you can use the National Futures Association’s Background Affiliation Status Information Center.
Find a dealer you trust. Find a dealer you trust. Buying precious metals can carry the risk of scams if you’re not careful. You’ll want to make sure you work with a dealer whose background you know. Some brokerage services will sell precious metals, or your financial advisor may be able to direct you toward a dealer. If you’re evaluating a dealer on your own, you can use the National Futures Association’s Background Affiliation Status Information Center .Watch out for fees. You'll not likely be able to buy silver at the commodity’s current spot price. Like most retailers, silver dealers mark up their prices so they can earn a profit. If you’re new to buying silver, consider getting a couple of quotes to see how the prices compare.
Watch out for fees. Watch out for fees. You'll not likely be able to buy silver at the commodity’s current spot price. Like most retailers, silver dealers mark up their prices so they can earn a profit. If you’re new to buying silver, consider getting a couple of quotes to see how the prices compare.Store your silver. Your silver’s no good to you if it gets lost or stolen. Your options for storing it include buying your own safe or using a bank’s safe deposit box.
Store your silver. Store your silver. Your silver’s no good to you if it gets lost or stolen. Your options for storing it include buying your own safe or using a bank’s safe deposit box.Consider buying insurance. Insurance is another cost, but it can help make sure your investment isn’t a total loss if something happens to your silver.
Consider buying insurance. Consider buying insurance. Insurance is another cost, but it can help make sure your investment isn’t a total loss if something happens to your silver.Does silver diversify your portfolio?
Does silver diversify your portfolio?Silver is one way to diversify your portfolio if you're heavy on traditional investments, such as stock in large companies. That said, it’s just one of many options available to investors looking to rethink their investment mix.
Silver is one way to diversify your portfolio if you're heavy on traditional investments, such as stock in large companies. That said, it’s just one of many options available to investors looking to rethink their investment mix.Overall, you’ll have to think about your portfolio and your investment goals specifically. It’s also very possible that neither of these precious metals has a place in your portfolio.
Overall, you’ll have to think about your portfolio and your investment goals specifically. It’s also very possible that neither of these precious metals has a place in your portfolio.If you believe in the stock market in general but want to diversify slightly, you may look to silver.
If you believe in the stock market in general but want to diversify slightly, you may look to silver.If you’re more concerned about the stock market overall, gold may be more attractive to you.
If you’re more concerned about the stock market overall, gold may be more attractive to you.Helpful resources
Helpful resources Best Financial Advisors Find a Financial Advisor Near You | NerdWallet How to Choose a Financial Advisor in 5 Steps 5 Best Wealth Management Services More like this Investment Basics Investing Real Estate & Alternative Investments How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost? Most financial advisors charge based on how much money they manage for you. Fees are typically 1% a year but can be lower. 2 By Andrea Coombes, Taryn Phaneuf Do You Need a Financial Advisor? 7 Ways to Tell You may need a financial advisor if you're facing big life changes, don't have financial goals, have complex compensation, high tax bills or for other reasons. Taryn Phaneuf How to Find Cheap or Free Financial Advice Quality financial advice is more accessible than ever — and much of it is free or inexpensive. Here's how to get it. June Sham 3 Steps to Prepare for Your First Financial Advisor Meeting Here's what think about and bring to your first meeting with a financial advisor. June Sham