A guide to the apps, websites and gadgets behind modern gold trading

Our phones rarely leave our hands or our pockets, handling everything from banking to shopping, and they’re increasingly being used for gold buying and selling as well.

The gold buying and selling industry is modernising, and we’ve been looking at how tech is making the process more secure and more convenient. 

In this article, we’ve pulled together examples of apps, websites and tools that can play a role in the process. From live price trackers and valuation calculators to hallmark checkers, storage solutions, scam detectors  – even digital scales and testing gadgets –  these are the kinds of resources buyers and sellers often use to stay informed and feel more confident.

Important: This is information only. It is not financial advice or a recommendation. Always do your own research and seek independent advice before making financial decisions.

1. Gold price tracking apps and sites

As we know gold prices fluctuate according to demand, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, the US dollar and investor mood, among other things. Tracking whether gold prices are rising or falling can help buyers and sellers better understand the market before making decisions.

Metals Daily (website)

• What it is: A market news and data service dedicated to precious metals
• How it helps: Metals Daily is built specifically for gold and other precious metals. You get live pricing, market updates and news headlines in one feed, without distractions from other asset classes. At a glance you can see the latest prices for gold, silver, platinum and palladium, plus whether they’re moving up or down. Prices are shown in dollars and major currencies like pounds, euros, rupees and yuan, so you know the value wherever you are. You’ll also spot options to view gold in ounces, grams or even 10 grams in markets like India. It combines this live pricing with industry headlines, so you can see the bigger picture.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Anyone who wants a specialist source dedicated to gold and precious metals.

Investing.com (app + website)

• What it is: A global finance platform with a strong commodities section.
• How it helps: Investing.com lets you track gold alongside currencies, stocks, crypto and bonds. It has interactive charts, news and an economic calendar, so you can see both the live price and the bigger forces driving it. If you’re buying or selling gold, it will help with spotting patterns and timing trades.
• Best for: Investors who want to see how gold moves in the wider market.
• Cost: The free version has ads. A monthly subscription costs between $8.99-34.99 for an ad-free experience, advanced stock research and analysis tools, AI-powered stock picking and customisable stock metrics.
• Best for: Metals Daily zooms in on gold; Investing.com zooms out to show gold in context.

TradingView (app + website)

• What it is: A charting and analysis platform popular with traders across markets.
• How it helps: TradingView is more than a simple price feed as you can set custom alerts, overlay technical indicators and use detailed charts to track trends over time. It means as a gold buyer or seller you can get precise signals on when to act. Unlike Investing.com, which balances gold against a full market dashboard, TradingView is for people who want to drill down into charts and technical detail.
• Cost: Free basic plan, with paid tiers starting at around £13/month for advanced features.
• Best for: Buyers and sellers who want deeper analysis, not headline numbers.

2. Valuation calculators

Before you start plugging numbers into online tools, remember: here at Gold Bank we offer a free valuation service. You’ll get an expert check based on weight, purity and today’s live price. That means a clear valuation based on today’s live price, with no obligation to proceed. We’re highly rated on Trustpilot and the price we offer is locked in until your specified delivery or collection.

Still, if you want a rough estimate first, there are independent calculators online which can give you a ballpark figure. They’re useful for quick checks, but treat them as guides, not final answers.

GoldCalc (website)

• Website: goldcalc.com
• What it is: A simple online calculator for estimating the value of gold, silver and platinum items.
• How it helps: Enter the weight and purity of your item and GoldCalc gives you an instant estimate based on live market prices. It’s a quick way to sense-check whether an offer you’ve had is fair. Unlike storage or selling platforms, it’s purely about calculation, so there’s no sales push.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Anyone wanting a no-frills estimate before approaching a buyer.

US Gold Bureau Calculator (website)

• Website: usgoldbureau.com/calculator
• What it is: A tool from the US Gold Bureau which calculates values for jewellery, coins and bullion.
• How it helps: It works much like GoldCalc, but the difference is its focus on US conventions and formats. That makes it handy as a second reference point, especially if you want to see how values compare internationally.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Sellers who want to cross-check valuations from more than one source.

Gold Price Live Calculator (app)

• Website: goldpricelive.com
• What it is: A mobile app which combines live gold prices with a built-in calculator.
• How it helps: Unlike the two web-based tools, this one lives on your phone. Being more mobile friendly means you can calculate a value on the spot as long as you have signal.
• Cost: Free with ads.
• Best for: Sellers who want quick, portable checks without digging through market charts.

3. Hallmark checking tools

Hallmarks are the quickest way to confirm if gold is genuine and what carat it is. In the UK, anything over 1g must legally carry a hallmark from an Assay Office. These apps and websites make spotting and checking these marks much easier.

Assay Office London – Hallmark Checker (website)

• Website: assayofficelondon.co.uk
• What it is: The official site for the London Assay Office, with a searchable hallmark database.
• How it helps: Type in a sponsor’s mark or symbol and the checker confirms whether it’s registered. This is the official record, giving buyers and sellers confidence they’re checking against the source itself.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Sellers and buyers who want to verify authenticity directly from the source.

Birmingham Assay Office – Dealer Notice App (app)

• Website: theassayoffice.co.uk
• What it is: An app from the Birmingham Assay Office that explains hallmarking rules and shows official dealer notices.
• How it helps: It helps buyers and sellers understand what a hallmark should look like and what each symbol means. Instead of just checking marks, it educates you on the law and the symbols.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Anyone new to gold who wants a pocket guide to hallmarking rules.

4. Secure selling platforms

Selling gold online has a reputation for being risky, but technology has changed that. Platforms now offer insured shipping, tracking and transparent payments to give you peace of mind.

Gold Bank (website + something coming soon)

• Website: goldbank.co.uk
• What it is: A modern UK platform for selling gold securely online.
• How it helps: Gold Bank offers a fully insured home collection service, tamper-proof packaging and real-time parcel tracking from your door to the vault. Payments are fast and transparent, with every step supported by verified Trustpilot reviews. Gold Bank focuses on convenience and security, offering an alternative to visiting high street buyers.
• Cost: Free to use, with no hidden fees taken off your payment.
• Best for: Sellers who want a safe, convenient and fully digital way to sell gold to an established UK brand.

Royal Mint Bullion (website)

• Website: bullionbypost.co.uk/royal-mint-bullion
• What it is: The Royal Mint’s official platform for buying and selling gold and silver.
• How it helps: You can buy and sell bullion directly through the Mint with the credibility that comes from using the UK’s official mint.
• Cost: Free account, with trading fees applied per transaction.
• Best for: Sellers and buyers who value dealing with the UK’s official mint for maximum credibility.

5. Digital wallets for gold-backed assets

Gold isn’t only traded as bars or jewellery anymore and these are just some of the new platforms which let you hold digital money backed by physical gold, so you can save or even spend it like cash.

Glint (app)

• Website: glintpay.com
• What it is: A payment app which lets you buy, store and spend physical gold using a debit card.
• How it helps: Every balance is backed by allocated gold in a vault and you can spend it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It allows gold to be spent like currency rather than simply stored as an asset.
• Cost: Free to download, small fees on transactions and storage.
• Best for: People who want to spend gold like money while holding it as an asset.

TallyMoney (app + account)

• Website: tallymoney.com
• What it is: A UK current account where the balance is held in physical gold instead of pounds.
• How it helps: Your account balance rises and falls with the gold price but you can use it like a normal bank account with a debit card. Unlike Glint, which focuses on global spending, TallyMoney presents itself as a UK-focused account structure that works differently to a traditional bank account.
• Cost: Free to open, with small daily account fees.
• Best for: UK savers who want everyday banking tied to gold rather than fiat currency.

Aurus (website + app)

• Website: aurus.io
• What it is: A blockchain platform issuing tokens backed by gold, silver and platinum.
• How it helps: Each token represents ownership of physical gold stored in secure vaults and they can be traded on crypto exchanges. Its USP is flexibility as you can hold, transfer or trade gold instantly like a cryptocurrency.
• Cost: Free wallet, network fees apply when trading or transferring.
• Best for: Tech-savvy investors who want the liquidity of crypto with the security of gold backing.

6. Storage and vault services 

If you’re holding larger amounts of gold, safe storage is as important as the purchase itself. Modern vaulting services combine physical security with digital access, so you can see and manage your holdings at any time.

The Royal Mint – DigiGold (website)

• Website: royalmint.com/digigold
• What it is: A service from the UK’s Royal Mint which allows you to buy fractions of gold stored in its high-security vaults.
• How it helps: Instead of taking delivery, your gold is held at the Mint and tracked digitally in your account. This service stores gold at the UK’s official mint, which carries government-backed credibility.
• Cost: Storage fees apply, calculated as a percentage of holdings.
• Best for: Buyers who want maximum credibility and don’t need physical delivery.

Brinks Global Services (website)

• Website: brinks.com
• What it is: A professional security and logistics company offering bullion storage.
• How it helps: Brinks specialises in secure transport and vaulting for banks, governments and investors. The difference is scale; you’re using the same infrastructure trusted by institutions worldwide.
• Cost: Pricing on request, typically for larger holdings.
• Best for: High-net-worth individuals or businesses storing significant quantities of gold.

7. Scales and gold testing gadgets

When you’re dealing with physical gold, having the right tools at home can save you time and protect you from being short-changed. Digital scales and testing kits give you an extra layer of confidence before you head to a buyer.

AWS digital pocket scale (device)

• Website: amazon.co.uk (search: AWS Digital Pocket Scale)
• What it is: A compact digital scale which measures in grams with precision up to 0.01g.
• How it helps: Lets you weigh jewellery or coins accurately at home so you know exactly how much gold you’re working with. Ditch the kitchen scales – tiny weight differences can mean big value differences when it comes to gold.
• Cost: Around £15 – £25.
• Best for: Sellers who want to double-check weights before selling.

Sigma Metalytics PRO Mini (device + app add-on)

• Website: sigmametalytics.com / trustimetrix.com
• What it is: A compact precious metal verifier that tests gold and silver purity non-destructively, and connects with iOS, Android or PC via its app.
• How it helps: It lets you test coins and bars through plastic or card cases, measure specific gravity automatically, and get verified purity readings on your phone or PC. This means you can keep digital records of each test, check authenticity wherever you are and avoid carrying bulky tools or risking damage with harsh tests.
• Cost: High cost device (around USD 1,949 for the PRO Mini) plus app is free; pricing varies with additional accessories.
• Best for: Collectors, serious sellers or investors who want precise, app-connected verification and archival of results.

Gold Acid Test Kit (kit)

• Website: Widely available at cookson-clal.co.uk or similar suppliers
• What it is: A traditional test kit using acids of different strengths to identify carat purity.
• How it helps: By scratching a small sample on a test stone and applying acid, you can see how the metal reacts. It’s less precise than electronic testers, but can still provide a basic indication for quick checks. The trade-off is it can leave minor marks, so it’s better for scrap gold than fine jewellery.
• Cost: Around £10 – £20.
• Best for: Hobbyists or small-scale sellers who want an affordable way to check purity.

8. Marketplaces and auction apps

Online marketplaces have opened new routes for buying and selling gold. From specialist auctions to general platforms with authenticity guarantees, these services make it easier to reach buyers and sellers beyond your local high street.

eBay (app + website)

• Website: ebay.co.uk
• What it is: A global marketplace where individuals and businesses can buy and sell gold jewellery, coins and bullion.
• How it helps: eBay offers seller ratings, buyer protection and an authentication guarantee on certain categories. Feedback scores and buyer protection features are designed to reduce some of the risks associated with peer-to-peer sales.
• Cost: Free to browse; listing and selling fees apply.
• Best for: Sellers who want access to a huge market of buyers, and buyers who want competitive pricing with safeguards.

Catawiki (app + website)

• Website: catawiki.com
• What it is: An online auction platform for collectables, including gold coins, jewellery and bars.
• How it helps: Every item is reviewed by an in-house expert before going to auction, which cuts down the risk of counterfeits. Unlike eBay’s open listings, Catawiki focuses on curated auctions with reserve prices, designed to provide more confidence in the bidding process.
• Cost: Sellers pay a commission; buyers pay a small fee on winning bids.
• Best for: Collectors looking for rare or unique gold items, or sellers who want the credibility of expert-reviewed listings.

LiveAuctioneers (app + website)

• Website: liveauctioneers.com
• What it is: A platform connecting users to live auctions run by established auction houses worldwide.
• How it helps: Lets you bid remotely on gold coins, bars and jewellery as if you were in the auction room. It means you can join auctions at major houses without needing to attend in person.
• Cost: Free to register; buyer’s premiums apply on winning bids.
• Best for: Serious buyers who want access to international auctions without travelling.

9. Investment tracking tools

If you’re holding gold alongside other assets, it helps to see everything in one place. Tracking tools let you monitor the value of your gold over time, compare it to other investments and spot trends that affect your portfolio.

Delta Investment Tracker (app)

• Website: delta.app
• What it is: A portfolio tracking app covering stocks, crypto, ETFs and commodities like gold.
• How it helps: Lets you log gold holdings manually or by linking accounts and shows performance alongside your other investments. Its edge is the clean design and simple setup, which make it easier for beginners to use.
• Cost: Free basic plan, paid version (Delta PRO) from around £6/month.
• Best for: Casual investors who want an easy way to keep an eye on gold alongside shares or crypto.

Sharesight (website + app)

• Website: sharesight.com
• What it is: A portfolio management tool for tracking investments across multiple asset classes.
• How it helps: Tracks performance with real-time data, tax reporting and detailed analytics. Unlike Delta, which focuses on ease, Sharesight’s strength is depth — especially useful for investors who care about tax implications.
• Cost: Free for up to 10 holdings; paid plans start at around £6/month.
• Best for: More serious investors who want detailed reports, including capital gains and dividends.

Morningstar (website + app)

• Website: morningstar.com
• What it is: A global investment research platform with data on funds, stocks and commodities.
• How it helps: Provides market data, analyst ratings and performance charts, including for gold ETFs and funds. Morningstar is widely recognised as a major provider of investment research.
• Cost: Free basic access, premium subscriptions around £41/month.
• Best for: Investors who want authoritative analysis and research alongside tracking.

10. Scam-checking and due diligence tools

With gold, trust matters as much as price. Before you hand over money or send off jewellery, it pays to check who you’re dealing with. These tools provide information that can help you identify potential red flags and reduce the risk of scams.

Trustpilot (website + app)

• Website: trustpilot.com
• What it is: A global review platform where customers rate businesses.
• How it helps: Lets you see real feedback from other sellers and buyers before you use a company. Independent reviews can highlight other customers’ experiences and provide insight into a dealer or platform’s reputation.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Anyone checking the credibility of a buyer, seller or platform.

FCA Register (website)

• Website: register.fca.org.uk
• What it is: The Financial Conduct Authority’s official register of regulated firms.
• How it helps: If a platform claims to offer gold investments, you can search the register to confirm whether they’re authorised. Unlike review sites, this is a legal safeguard – if they’re not listed, that indicates the firm is not authorised by the FCA.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Investors considering gold-linked financial products.

Have I Been Scammed? Citizens Advice (website)

• Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
• What it is: A UK charity which provides advice on consumer issues including common scam tactics and reporting suspicious behaviour.
• How it helps: Provides guidance on whether an offer looks like a scam and where to report it. Citizens Advice’s guidance is written for the everyday consumer, not financial experts.
• Cost: Free.
• Best for: Sellers or buyers who feel unsure about an offer and want reassurance before acting.

Have we missed any which you use? Let us know. Remember, many buyers and sellers use a mix of these tools to stay informed and manage their decisions with greater confidence. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about how we can help you.