Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are one of the easiest and safest ways to invest in gold without physical storage hassles. Issued by the RBI, they can be subscribed through banks, post offices, RBI Retail Direct, and broker apps like Zerodha or Groww.
This guide explains the buying process step-by-step, eligibility rules, and how online investors can enjoy a ₹50/gram discount compared to offline buyers.
Buying SGBs via Banks (Online & Offline)
Offline Method (Bank Branches)
- Visit an authorized bank branch (SBI, ICICI, HDFC, Axis, etc.).
- Fill out the SGB application form with details like PAN, Aadhaar, bank account.
- Pay via cheque, demand draft, or electronic transfer.
- Collect a receipt — the bonds are issued in your name or demat account.
Online Method (NetBanking)
- Log in to your NetBanking account.
- Go to the “Investments” or “e-Services” section.
- Select Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme.
- Enter the quantity (grams of gold) and complete payment via NEFT, debit, or UPI.
- Bonds are credited to your demat account or provided as a certificate.
Pro Tip: Online bank applications usually get a ₹50/gram discount on the issue price.
Buying SGBs via Broker Apps
Popular broker apps like Zerodha, Groww, HDFC Securities, ICICI Direct, Kotak Securities offer direct subscription.
Steps in Broker Apps
- Log in to your broker app (Zerodha, Groww, etc.).
- Go to “IPO” or “Bonds” section.
- Choose the SGB tranche open for subscription.
- Enter quantity in grams.
- Pay via UPI mandate or linked bank account.
- On issue date, bonds get credited to your demat account.
Broker apps simplify the process and are popular with younger investors who prefer UPI-based payments.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Who can invest?
- Resident individuals, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable institutions.
- Documents needed:
- PAN card (mandatory), Aadhaar, bank account, demat (optional).
- Limits:
- Min: 1 gram, Max: 4 kg per individual/HUF per year (20 kg for trusts).
Banks vs Broker Apps
| Feature | Banks | Broker Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Branch + NetBanking | Mobile app (IPO/Bonds section) |
| Payment | Cheque, DD, NEFT, UPI | UPI mandate, netbanking |
| Allotment | Certificate/Demat | Demat only |
| Discount | ₹50/gram (online) | ₹50/gram (all subscriptions) |
What to Do if No Fresh Issues Are Available
- Buy older SGBs on NSE/BSE secondary market.
- Monitor RBI’s notifications for future tranches.
- Consider Gold ETFs or Digital Gold if you need instant liquidity.
Whether you choose banks or broker apps, subscribing to SGBs is simple and safe. Online methods not only save time but also offer a ₹50/gram discount. With their unique tax benefits and government backing, SGBs remain one of the most attractive gold investment avenues in India.
Compare & Plan Your Gold Investments
Use our Investment Tools to compare SGBs, ETFs, and Digital Gold — or dive into the Complete SGB Guide.
