# Best Apps to Invest in Gold in India: Regulated Options vs Digital Gold Author: Savitri Bobde Author URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/author/savitri-bobde/ Published: 2026-10-30 Category: Start Investing Category URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/category/start-investing/ Meta Title: Best Apps to Invest in Gold in India Meta Description: Compare the best apps to invest in gold in India. Gold ETFs, gold funds, SGBs, EGRs and digital gold, with SEBI's caution and NRI rules. Tags: Gold Tag URLs: Gold (https://getbelong.com/blog/tag/gold/) URL: https://getbelong.com/blog/apps-to-invest-in-gold/ Picture a mother in Kochi calling her daughter in Dubai. "I bought gold on my phone. Is it real gold?" It is a fair question. Gold now sits inside payment apps, broker apps, jeweller apps and fund apps. They all show a gold price and a "buy" button. But they are not the same product, and they are not regulated the same way. At [Belong](https://getbelong.com/), we help Indian families think through gold every festive season. This guide compares the best apps to invest in gold in India. It starts with the one distinction that matters most: regulated or unregulated. ## Start Here: SEBI's Caution on Digital Gold On 8 November 2025, SEBI issued a [caution to the public on digital gold](https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/nov-2025/caution-to-public-regarding-dealing-in-digital-gold-_97676.html). As [reported by Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/amp/markets/news/sebi-warns-against-investing-in-digital-gold-says-it-may-contain-risks-125110801211_1.html), SEBI said digital gold is neither a notified security nor a regulated commodity derivative. So it sits outside SEBI's oversight. SEBI flagged counterparty and operational risks. It also said investor protections for SEBI-regulated securities do not apply. SEBI then named the regulated alternatives. These are gold ETFs from mutual funds, exchange-traded commodity derivatives and Electronic Gold Receipts. That one statement is the best filter for choosing a gold app. **Tip:** Before buying gold on any app, ask one question. "Is this product regulated by SEBI or RBI?" If the app cannot answer clearly, step back. ## The Six Ways to Own Gold Through an App Gold product Who regulates it What you actually own Gold ETFs SEBI, as mutual fund units Units backed by physical gold held by the fund Gold mutual funds SEBI Units of a fund that invests in gold ETFs Sovereign Gold Bonds Issued by RBI for the Government A government bond linked to gold prices Electronic Gold Receipts SEBI framework, exchange traded A receipt against gold in a registered vault Gold futures on MCX SEBI, as commodity derivatives A leveraged contract, not gold itself Digital gold Not regulated by SEBI A claim on gold held by a private provider Apps are simply doors to these products. Choose the product first, then the app. ## Our Top List: Best Apps for Gold Investing Rank App Best for 1 Groww Regulated gold options in one simple app 2 Zerodha Kite and Coin Gold ETFs, gold funds and SGBs on the exchange 3 Any broker app with your demat Gold ETFs and SGBs alongside your stocks 4 Mutual fund apps and AMC websites Gold fund SIPs without a demat account 5 Broker apps offering EGRs Exchange-traded receipts backed by vaulted gold 6 Digital gold apps Small, convenient purchases, with clear caution We ranked these on regulation first, then cost transparency, ease of use and how easily you can exit. ## The Apps, Compared ### 1\. Groww Groww's [gold page](https://groww.in/gold) lists gold ETFs, gold mutual funds, gold futures on MCX and Sovereign Gold Bonds. The page states that Groww offers only SEBI-regulated gold options. It also says Groww does not list unregulated gold products. **Who it suits:** First-time gold investors who want regulated choices in one simple screen. **How it compares:** Few apps state their stance on digital gold this clearly. That clarity is the main reason it ranks first. ### 2\. Zerodha Kite and Coin Zerodha lets you buy gold ETFs on Kite like shares. Gold fund of funds are available on Coin, such as the [Tata Gold ETF Fund of Fund](https://coin.zerodha.com/mf/fund/INF277KA1869/tata-gold-etf-fund-of-fund-direct-growth). Zerodha's [SGB support page](https://support.zerodha.com/category/console/portfolio/console-holdings/articles/what-are-sgbs) states SGBs are listed and can be sold in the secondary market like stocks. It also warns that liquidity may be an issue. SGBs can also be pledged as [collateral](https://getbelong.com/blog/collateral-meaning/) for margin, if they are on Zerodha's [approved pledge list](https://support.zerodha.com/category/console/portfolio/pledging/articles/pledge-sgb). **Who it suits:** Investors who already use Zerodha and want gold inside the same demat. **How it compares:** More control than Groww, with a slightly steeper learning curve. ### 3\. Your Existing Broker App Most Indian broker apps let you buy gold ETFs and listed SGBs through your demat account. **Why it works:** No new account and no new app. Gold sits next to your shares in one statement. **What to check:** Brokerage, demat charges and the bid-ask spread on smaller gold ETFs. Thinly traded ETFs can cost more to buy and sell. ### 4\. Mutual Fund Apps and AMC Websites Gold mutual funds invest in gold ETFs for you. You do not need a demat account, and SIPs are easy to set up. Our guide on [gold ETFs vs gold mutual funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/gold-etf-vs-gold-mutual-funds/) compares the two in detail. For setting up regular investments, see our guide on [SIP investment funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/sip-investment-funds/). **Who it suits:** Investors who want automatic monthly gold buying without tracking market prices. **How it compares:** Simpler than ETFs, but the fund layer adds its own costs. Tax timelines also differ, as we explain below. ### 5\. Broker Apps Offering Electronic Gold Receipts EGRs are receipts issued against physical gold kept in SEBI-registered vaults. They trade on stock exchanges. As explained by [Angel One](https://www.angelone.in/news/market-updates/all-you-need-to-know-about-gold-egr), EGRs can be converted back into physical gold. GST applies at that point, and holders bear storage charges. **Who it suits:** Investors who want exchange-traded gold that can later become physical metal. **How it compares:** A promising regulated route, but newer than ETFs. Check trading activity in your broker app before you buy. ### 6\. Digital Gold Apps: Use With Care Payment apps and jewellers sell digital gold, often through providers like MMTC-PAMP. MMTC-PAMP's [guide to digital gold](https://www.mmtcpamp.com/blog/blog-detail/the-first-timer-s-guide-to-digital-gold-and-what-it-means-for-you) says each purchase is backed by physical gold in insured vaults. It also says buyers can take delivery as coins or bars. The page makes no statement about regulatory oversight. **The concern:** You depend on the provider's [solvency](https://getbelong.com/blog/solvency-meaning/), meaning its ability to meet its obligations. If a provider runs into trouble, SEBI's investor protections do not apply. **Who it might suit:** Small, occasional purchases where you plan to take delivery as jewellery or coins soon. **How it compares:** Very convenient, but the weakest on regulation of all the options here. **Tip:** If you already hold digital gold, keep invoices and account statements safe. Consider moving larger holdings into a regulated product over time. ## Side by Side: Which Gold Product Fits Which Goal Your goal Better fit Less suitable Long-term wealth protection Gold ETFs or listed SGBs Digital gold Monthly SIP without a demat Gold mutual funds Gold futures Jewellery in a few months Digital gold or physical purchase SGBs with long remaining tenure Exchange-traded physical backing Gold ETFs or EGRs Unregulated app products Short-term trading Not recommended for most investors Leveraged MCX futures without experience Futures are a different world. They are leveraged contracts, not gold you own. If you want to understand them, our [futures and options product page](https://getbelong.com/products/futures-and-options/) explains the basics. ## What Happened to Sovereign Gold Bonds? SGBs were many investors' favourite way to hold gold. They paid interest on top of gold price movements. The [RBI's SGB FAQs](https://www.rbi.org.in/commonman/english/scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=1658) state the bonds pay a fixed annual interest on the initial amount. They also state that capital gains on redemption are exempt for individuals. But new issues have been paused since February 2024. In a Rajya Sabha reply, as [reported by Business Today](https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/investment/story/why-no-new-sovereign-gold-bonds-govt-breaks-silence-on-pause-amid-soaring-gold-prices-485991-2025-07-23), the government cited a prudent debt management strategy. So today, SGBs are mainly bought on stock exchanges from existing holders. Prices there can differ from the gold price, and buyers may be few. Our guide comparing [gold ETFs and SGBs](https://getbelong.com/blog/gold-etf-vs-sovereign-gold-bonds/) explains the trade-offs. ## How Gold Is Taxed Across These Apps Tax treatment depends on the product, not the app. As per [HDFC Mutual Fund's taxation leaflet](https://files.hdfcfund.com/s3fs-public/Others/2024-08/Gold%20and%20Silver%20simplified%20taxation%20Leaflet%20(August%202024).pdf), gold ETFs held beyond a year are treated as long-term. Gold fund of funds need a longer holding period to qualify. Short-term gains on both are taxed at your slab rate. Long-term gains are taxed at a flat rate, without indexation. For SGBs, the RBI FAQs state capital gains on redemption are exempt for individuals. Interest is taxable. Rules change with budgets, so confirm current rates on the [Income Tax portal](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ais-faq) before you sell. NRIs should also read our guide to [tax on capital gains for NRIs](https://getbelong.com/blog/tax-on-capital-gains-for-nris/). Our [tax filing service](https://getbelong.com/services/tax-filing/) can help with the paperwork. ## A Mistake We See Every Festive Season Here is a pattern we see each Dhanteras and Diwali. A family buys small amounts of digital gold across three different apps. Gifts for children, an auspicious purchase, a festive offer. Two years later, nobody remembers which app holds what. One app has changed its gold partner. Another needs fresh KYC before you can sell. What happens if this is ignored? Gold sits scattered and forgotten, with no clear record for taxes or for the family. A single regulated product in a demat or a fund folio avoids most of this. Our guide on [warning signs a product may be mis-sold](https://getbelong.com/blog/warning-signs-an-nri-investment-product-may-be-mis-sold/) lists more red flags to watch for. ## How Much Gold Is Enough? Gold is a stabiliser, not a growth engine. It tends to hold value when [inflation](https://getbelong.com/blog/inflation-meaning/) rises or markets fall. Over long periods, equities have usually grown faster. Our guides on [gold vs equity investments](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/gold-vs-equity-investments/) and [comparing gold and stocks in India](https://getbelong.com/blog/compare-gold-and-stock-investment-india/) explain the balance. Many Indian households already hold a lot of gold as jewellery. Count it before you buy more on an app. If you prefer someone else to manage the mix, [multi-asset allocation funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/mutual-funds/multi-asset-allocation-funds/) hold gold alongside equity and debt. Our comparison of [bank FDs vs gold](https://getbelong.com/blog/bank-fd-vs-gold/) helps if you are deciding between safety options. For a complete overview, read our guide to [gold investment](https://getbelong.com/blog/gold-investment/). ## For NRIs: Different Rules Apply If you are working in Dubai or elsewhere abroad, your options change. **SGBs:** The RBI FAQs state only residents can invest in new SGBs. If you became an NRI after investing, you can keep holding until early redemption or maturity. Our guide to [SGBs for NRIs](https://getbelong.com/blog/sovereign-gold-bonds-everything-nris-need-to-know/) covers the details. **Gold ETFs and gold funds:** These are mutual fund products. NRIs can usually invest through an NRI demat or mutual fund account. Fund houses may restrict US and Canada based investors, so confirm before investing. **Physical gold:** Many Gulf NRIs buy gold locally. Our guides on [buying gold in the UAE](https://getbelong.com/blog/buy-gold-uae/) and the [UAE to India gold limit](https://getbelong.com/blog/uae-india-gold-limit/) explain the customs side. **Holding wealth in dollars:** Gold is not the only hedge against a weakening rupee. Our guide on [physical gold vs GIFT City funds](https://getbelong.com/blog/physical-gold-vs-gift-city-funds/) compares the two. Many NRIs also hold [USD fixed deposits](https://getbelong.com/products/usd-fixed-deposits/). You can compare options in our guide on [GIFT City FD vs FCNR vs NRO and NRE FDs](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-city-fd-vs-fcnr-vs-nro-and-nre-fds/). Our [NRI FD rates tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/nri-fd-rates/) helps you compare deposit rates across banks. ## For Resident Indians: Gold Is Not Your Only Global Hedge If your investments are entirely in India, gold is one way to hedge against a weaker rupee. It is not the only way. USD-denominated global funds offer exposure to the world economy, which gold cannot. Our guide on how to [invest in the USA from India](https://getbelong.com/blog/invest-in-usa-from-india/) explains the routes. GIFT City funds give resident Indians USD exposure as a simpler alternative to many LRS setups. You can browse them on our [GIFT City mutual funds tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/). Funds often reviewed include the [DSP Global Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/dsp-global-equity-fund/) and the [Edelweiss Greater China Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/edelweiss-greater-china-equity-fund/). NRIs wanting India exposure in USD may prefer the [Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/tata-india-dynamic-equity-fund/). Another option is the [Sundaram India Mid Cap Fund](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/sundaram-india-mid-cap-fund-gift/). You can invest through our [mutual funds product](https://getbelong.com/products/mutual-funds/). Larger investors can explore our [GIFT City AIF tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-alternative-investment-funds/). Our regulatory details are on our [licences page](https://getbelong.com/licenses/). **Tip:** Think of gold and global equity as partners, not rivals. One steadies the portfolio, the other grows it. ## Gold Within Your Wider Portfolio Gold works best as a small, steady slice of a larger plan. For the equity core, see our list of [best stocks](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-stocks/). IPO investors can explore our [IPO product](https://getbelong.com/products/ipo/) and our guide to the [GIFT City IPO](https://getbelong.com/blog/ipo/gift-city-ipo/). Gold often rises when markets are nervous. GIFT Nifty can show that mood early. Track it on our [live GIFT Nifty tool](https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-nifty/) and [weekly GIFT Nifty outlook](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-live-weekly/). For context, see our [GIFT Nifty historical data](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-historical-data/) and guide to [reading the GIFT Nifty chart](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-chart-explained/). Experienced investors can read our guide to [GIFT Nifty futures](https://getbelong.com/blog/gift-nifty-futures/). ## Gold, Loans and Credit Many families borrow against gold jewellery. Some lenders now also accept gold investments as security. Before taking any gold-backed loan, check your [CIBIL score](https://getbelong.com/blog/cibil-score/). NRIs planning property should read our guide to [NRI home loans](https://getbelong.com/blog/nri-home-loans/). If you are choosing a card for festive spending, compare our list of the [best credit cards in India](https://getbelong.com/blog/best-credit-cards-in-india/). ## Our Final Take The best app to invest in gold is the one that sells a regulated product clearly. For most investors, gold ETFs and gold mutual funds through Groww, Zerodha or your existing broker are the cleanest route. Listed SGBs still suit residents who can buy at sensible prices. EGRs are a regulated option worth watching. Digital gold is convenient. But SEBI has been clear that it sits outside its protections. Use it for small, short-term purchases, if at all. Want to talk it through with others? Join our investor community on the [Belong](https://getbelong.com/) app. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which is the best app to invest in gold in India? Groww is a strong choice because it lists only SEBI-regulated gold options. Zerodha suits investors who want gold ETFs and SGBs in the same demat. ### Is digital gold safe? SEBI has cautioned that digital gold is not regulated by it. It carries counterparty and operational risks, and SEBI's investor protections do not apply. ### Can I still buy Sovereign Gold Bonds? New issues have been paused since February 2024. Residents can buy existing SGBs on stock exchanges, though liquidity may be limited. ### Can NRIs invest in gold through Indian apps? NRIs cannot buy new SGBs, as per RBI. They can usually invest in gold ETFs and gold mutual funds through NRI accounts, subject to fund house rules. ### How are gold ETFs taxed? Gold ETFs held beyond a year are treated as long-term. Gold fund of funds need a longer holding period. Check current rates on the Income Tax portal. ## Sources - [SEBI caution to public regarding digital gold](https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/nov-2025/caution-to-public-regarding-dealing-in-digital-gold-_97676.html) - [Business Standard report on SEBI's digital gold caution](https://www.business-standard.com/amp/markets/news/sebi-warns-against-investing-in-digital-gold-says-it-may-contain-risks-125110801211_1.html) - [RBI FAQs on Sovereign Gold Bonds](https://www.rbi.org.in/commonman/english/scripts/FAQs.aspx?Id=1658) - [Business Today report on the SGB pause](https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/investment/story/why-no-new-sovereign-gold-bonds-govt-breaks-silence-on-pause-amid-soaring-gold-prices-485991-2025-07-23) - [HDFC Mutual Fund gold and silver taxation leaflet](https://files.hdfcfund.com/s3fs-public/Others/2024-08/Gold%20and%20Silver%20simplified%20taxation%20Leaflet%20(August%202024).pdf) - [Income Tax Department FAQs on AIS](https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/ais-faq) - [Groww gold page](https://groww.in/gold) - [Zerodha support page on SGBs](https://support.zerodha.com/category/console/portfolio/console-holdings/articles/what-are-sgbs) - [Zerodha support page on pledging SGBs](https://support.zerodha.com/category/console/portfolio/pledging/articles/pledge-sgb) - [Tata Gold ETF Fund of Fund on Zerodha Coin](https://coin.zerodha.com/mf/fund/INF277KA1869/tata-gold-etf-fund-of-fund-direct-growth) - [Angel One explainer on Electronic Gold Receipts](https://www.angelone.in/news/market-updates/all-you-need-to-know-about-gold-egr) - [MMTC-PAMP guide to digital gold](https://www.mmtcpamp.com/blog/blog-detail/the-first-timer-s-guide-to-digital-gold-and-what-it-means-for-you) ## Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Gold prices, product availability and tax rules change often. Please confirm details on each official website and consult a qualified advisor before investing. --- This blog is powered by Superblog. Visit https://superblog.ai to know more. ---