Platinum is a rare precious metal valued for its industrial uses, jewelry, and investment potential. With supply deficits and rising demand, analysts expect platinum prices to remain strong into 2025.
Today’s platinum price: $1,213.20
But is platinum investing right for you? This guide explains how to buy platinum, the best ways to invest, and key risks to consider before adding it to your portfolio.
Table of Contents
What is platinum investing?
Investing in platinum involves buying:
- Physical platinum (coins, bars, rounds)
- Platinum-backed securities (ETFs, mining stocks)
- Futures or options contracts
Like gold or silver, platinum can diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation, but it’s more volatile due to its industrial demand, especially in automotive manufacturing.
If you’re interested in commodity exposure, platinum, or other commodities, I recommend discussing your options with a financial advisor. They will develop solutions based on your long-term goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
Is platinum a good investment in 2025?
Platinum prices rose from around $900 per ounce in March 2024 to more than $1,200 per ounce by mid-2025, and analysts forecast continued growth due to supply deficits. However, it remains best for long-term investors seeking diversification rather than quick gains.
Best ways to buy platinum
| Option | Best for |
| Buy platinum from a dealer | Owning physical platinum |
| Platinum IRA | Retirement savings and a tax break |
| Platinum ETFs | Those who don’t want to store physical platinum |
| Mining stocks | Benefiting from the metal industry as a whole |
| Platinum futures or options | Advanced investors with a high risk tolerance |
Physical platinum
Best for: Owning tangible assets
- How it works: Buy from reputable dealers (online or local) and store securely at home or in depositories.
- Consider: Insurance costs, secure storage needs, and potential counterfeiting risks.
Recommended dealers: American Hartford Gold is our team’s top-rated choice, but we think all three below are excellent options to buy platinum.
These companies also offer top-tier precious metal IRAs with access to platinum, so you can invest and get tax advantages if you prefer.
Platinum IRA
Best for: Retirement savings with tax advantages
- How it works: Use a self-directed IRA custodian to buy IRS-approved platinum (99.95% purity) stored in an approved depository.
- Consider: Annual custodian fees and storage fees.
Get started: See our list of the top precious metals IRA companies to find custodians offering platinum investments.
Platinum ETFs
Best for: Easy trading without storing metal
- How it works: Buy shares in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold physical platinum, such as GraniteShares Platinum Trust or Sprott Physical Platinum and Palladium Trust.
- Consider: Limited North American options compared to gold and silver ETFs.
ETFs are a great way to get exposure to platinum and other commodities. They’re liquid and easy to get into and out of.
Mining stocks
Best for: Exposure to the platinum industry
- How it works: Buy shares of companies mining platinum (e.g., Anglo American Platinum, Impala Platinum Holdings).
- Consider: Returns depend on company performance, not just platinum prices.
Futures and options
Best for: Advanced investors comfortable with high risk
- How it works: Commit to buying platinum at a future date (futures) or secure the right but not the obligation to buy (options).
- Consider: Complex structures, high risk, and potential for significant losses.
Leave futures and options to institutional investing pros unless you fully understand the risks.
How to buy platinum step by step
- Research current prices. Check spot prices before buying to assess dealer markups.
- Decide how much to invest. Limit precious metals to no more than 20% of your portfolio for diversification.
- Choose your method. Select from physical platinum, ETFs, mining stocks, or an IRA.
- Open an account. For ETFs, mining stocks, or futures, open a brokerage account. For IRAs, find a custodian.
- Buy and store securely. Complete your purchase and ensure safe storage or account management.
Pros and cons of platinum investing
Pros
-
Tangible asset with industrial demand and investment value
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Potential price growth due to supply deficits
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Hedge against inflation and currency devaluation
Cons
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Physical storage and insurance costs
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Limited product availability compared to gold and silver
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Higher risk of counterfeiting if buying from non-accredited dealers
FAQ
Is platinum better than gold or silver for investment?
Platinum can outperform gold during periods of industrial demand growth but is more volatile. Most investors hold gold as their primary precious metal with platinum for diversification.
Today’s gold price: $3,345.20
Today’s silver price: $36.57
Today’s platinum price: $1,213.20
Where can I buy platinum safely?
Buy from reputable online bullion dealers, national mints, or accredited local dealers. Always check reviews, pricing transparency, and buyback policies.
Should I hold platinum long-term?
Yes, platinum investing is generally a long-term strategy. Short-term price swings can be sharp, but it tends to retain or grow value over extended periods.
Final thoughts
| Option | Best for |
| Buy platinum from a dealer | Owning physical platinum |
| Platinum IRA | Retirement savings and a tax break |
| Platinum ETFs | Those who don’t want to store physical platinum |
| Mining stocks | Benefiting from the metal industry as a whole |
| Platinum futures or options | Advanced investors with a high risk tolerance |
Platinum can be a valuable addition to your portfolio if you understand its risks and buy through secure, reputable channels. Whether you choose physical platinum, ETFs, or mining stocks, align your investments with your goals and risk tolerance.
About our contributors
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Written by Maryalene LaPonsieMaryalene LaPonsie has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, including 15 years specializing in education, healthcare, and personal finance topics. She graduated from Western Michigan University, where she studied political science and international business. She resides in West Michigan.
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Reviewed by Catherine Valega, CFP®, CAIA®Catherine Valega, CFP®, CAIA®, founded Green Bee Advisory LLC to help women, philanthropists, investors, and small businesses build, manage, and preserve their financial resources. She's been practicing financial planning for more than 20 years.