Credit Suisse Gold Bars: Full Review & Comparison (2026 Update)

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The Credit Suisse Gold Bar has long been one of the most popular and recognizable gold bars in the world.
Even though Credit Suisse no longer exists as a standalone bank after its 2023 acquisition by UBS,
Credit Suisse-branded bars still trade globally because their value comes from the gold content
and the refinery authentication, not the health of the former bank.

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Review Highlights (Quick Facts)

• Manufacturer: Valcambi SA (LBMA-accredited Swiss refinery)
• Purity: Typically .9999 fine gold (24k)
• Weights: 1g to 1kg, plus select troy-ounce formats
• Authentication: Unique serial number + assay card/certificate (often sealed)
• Liquidity: Strong global recognition, especially when assay packaging is intact
• Premiums: Often slightly higher than generic bars due to brand recognition (especially small sizes)
• Branding note: UBS ownership means future Credit Suisse branding is not guaranteed

Who Actually Makes Credit Suisse Gold Bars?

This is the #1 thing people misunderstand: Credit Suisse did not manufacture gold bars. Authentic Credit Suisse-branded bars are produced by Valcambi SA, an LBMA-accredited Swiss refinery. Credit Suisse historically served as a major financial brand and distribution channel, while the refinery handled the metallurgy, assaying, serializing, and certification.

Since UBS acquired Credit Suisse in 2023, the bank is no longer a standalone institution. That said, existing Credit Suisse bars remain investment-grade bullion and continue to be bought and sold worldwide. If UBS eventually sunsets the branding, it may affect “new production” availability, but it does not erase the bullion value of existing bars.

For official background on the 2023 acquisition, you can read UBS’s announcement here: UBS press release on the Credit Suisse acquisition.

Development, History, and Introduction

Credit Suisse was initially established to aid in the construction of Switzerland’s railway system as a public works project. Through the first several decades of its existence, the “Swiss Credit Institution” (as it was then called) evolved and became an integral part of Switzerland’s development.

The company is credited with aiding in the creation of the Swiss currency (the Swiss Franc), funding Swiss entrepreneurs, and helping develop the reputation of Swiss banking. The first Credit Suisse Gold Bars were made available to world markets in 1979. Credit Suisse Gold Bars have been produced since 1979 by Valcambi, one of Switzerland's most respected refiners. Since 2003, Valcambi SA has been the sole manufacturing partner for authentic Credit Suisse bars.

In the early 2020s, Credit Suisse faced escalating financial and reputational challenges, culminating in a 2023 rescue acquisition by UBS. The key investor takeaway is simple: the bullion value of a Credit Suisse bar is not tied to the bank’s survival. It is tied to the gold content, the assay, and the global gold market.

Credit Suisse Gold Bars Physical Characteristics

Gold Bar Design

The design of the Credit Suisse Gold Bar is distinct and instantly recognizable. The bars are thin rectangles with smoothed edges and minimal “flash.” The front is stamped with key information including weight, fineness, and a unique serial number. On a 1-gram bar, you’ll commonly see text like 1 g., FINE GOLD, 999.9.

Under the main markings, you may see the French words ESSAYEUR FONDEUR, referring to the assayer-refiner stamp. The reverse side often features a repeating pattern of the Credit Suisse logo.

Practical tip: resale value is typically strongest when the bar remains sealed in its original assay packaging, with the serial number visible and matching the certificate/card.

Gold Bar Specifications

Credit Suisse Gold Bars are typically .9999 fine gold (99.99%), qualifying as 24-karat. Bars are commonly found in metric denominations, though some are in troy ounces.

Common sizes include 1g, 2.5g, 5g, 10g, 20g, 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1kg. Some lines also exist in 1 oz, 10 oz, and other specialty formats like tolas.

Pricing, Premiums, and What You’re Really Paying For

Gold bars are not legal tender, but they have a major advantage for investors: they usually carry lower premiums than bullion coins, especially in larger sizes. In general, the market price of a bar is influenced by the spot price of gold, production costs, shipping/insurance, and dealer markup.

That said, brand recognition can add a modest premium. Credit Suisse bars often command slightly higher premiums than generic bars of the same weight, particularly for smaller sizes (like 1g, 5g, 10g) where fabrication and packaging costs make up a bigger percentage of the purchase.

To track spot price and context, see our live gold price page.

Liquidity and Resale: Dealer Buybacks vs. Private Sales

Credit Suisse bars are often described as “highly liquid,” and that’s generally true. But liquidity can mean different things depending on how you sell:

• Selling to a major dealer: typically fast and straightforward, but you’ll receive a bid price below spot (the spread covers dealer risk and overhead).
• Selling privately: you may get closer to spot, but it’s slower and requires more caution around authenticity, payment method, and safety.
• Assay packaging matters: sealed bars with intact assay cards usually sell faster and for better pricing than loose bars.

If you want a deeper walkthrough of liquidation options, see our guide: how to sell gold and silver.

Credit Suisse vs. Other Popular Gold Bars

If you’re comparing options, here’s the quick “real world” difference between a few common choices:

• Credit Suisse (Valcambi-manufactured): excellent recognition, typically modest premiums, strong resale when assay is intact.
• PAMP Suisse: extremely popular, often higher premiums due to brand and packaging presentation, strong collector appeal in some lines.
• Perth Mint bars: widely recognized, premiums vary by region, sometimes easier to resell in certain markets.
• Generic LBMA bars: often the lowest premiums, great for investors focused purely on ounces, but branding may not carry the same consumer recognition.

For a broader list of investor-friendly bar brands, see: top gold bars for investors.

Where to Buy Credit Suisse Gold Bars (Top Dealers We Recommend)

If you’re buying a Credit Suisse gold bar, the main goal is simple: avoid counterfeits and buy from a dealer with a real track record. Below are 10 reputable dealers we’ve reviewed on Gold IRA Guide. If you’re also considering a gold IRA company, these are a good starting point for requesting pricing, comparing fees, and getting a free information kit.

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Our #1 ranked partner for 2026 is GoldenCrest Metals. If you’re comparing dealers or exploring a rollover, start by requesting their free kit.

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Tip: If you’re buying a bar for personal storage, prioritize dealers that offer assay-sealed bars and clear buyback policies. If you’re buying inside an IRA, confirm the dealer works smoothly with your custodian and an IRS-approved depository (learn more about IRA-approved metals and the rollover process).

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Investing in Credit Suisse Gold Bars Through an IRA

The IRS allows certain self-directed IRAs to hold specific precious metals bullion that meets purity rules. Credit Suisse-branded bars (manufactured by Valcambi) generally meet the purity threshold commonly referenced for gold bullion.

Important clarification: You may see minimum purchase amounts mentioned online (like $5,000 initial or $1,000 subsequent). Those are typically dealer or custodian policies, not an IRS requirement. The IRS rules focus on eligibility, custody, and storage requirements rather than forcing a specific minimum dollar purchase.

If you’re new to the concept, start here: complete Gold IRA guide.

For IRA-held metals, storage generally must be handled through an approved custodian and depository setup. Here are two helpful internal resources:

• top Gold IRA custodians
• Gold IRA rollover guide (step-by-step)

For an official IRS resource on rollovers and retirement distributions, you can also review IRS guidance here: IRS rollover guidance.

401(k) Considerations (Quick Reality Check)

Most employer-sponsored 401(k) plans do not allow you to hold physical bullion directly inside the plan. In practice, investors who want physical metals typically use a compliant rollover path to a self-directed IRA, then purchase eligible bullion through that IRA structure.

If you’re shopping providers, our rankings page can help you compare options quickly: best gold IRA companies.

Who Are Credit Suisse Gold Bars Best For?

• Long-term holders who want a widely recognized bar brand that is easy to resell later.
• Investors who value assay packaging and want simple authenticity signals (serial + certificate).
• People building a Gold IRA allocation who want eligible, investment-grade bullion and prefer bars over coins.
• Buyers who like brand recognition but don’t want to pay “collector premiums” associated with some premium product lines.

Not ideal for: investors who want the absolute lowest premium per ounce (a large generic bar may be cheaper), or buyers who tend to mishandle bullion (pure gold shows wear more easily, especially outside sealed packaging).

Before you buy any premium coins or “exclusive” products, read this first.

GoldenCrest’s kit helps you understand which products are commonly favored for long-term retirement holdings and how to avoid overpriced markups.

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Frequently Asked Questions