In Germany, precious metal dealers must identify buyers from a transaction value of 2,000 euros. Below that, buying discreetly is possible — but never anonymously: an invoice, shipping and bookkeeping always generate data. Being straight about that saves you unpleasant surprises at the checkout.
Precious metal dealers count as obliged entities under anti-money-laundering law. Above certain amounts they must establish and document the buyer's identity. The limits differ considerably from country to country.
The value relates to the transaction, not to the individual product. Two bars at 1,200 euros each in one order cross the German threshold together.
With crypto payments, the payment provider also runs its own checks. That is separate from our identification and relates to the transaction, not to you as a person.
You will find offers online promising anonymous gold. For a dealer based in Germany that is legally impossible — and risky for you: circumventing identification can, in the worst case, cost you the purchase and trigger a report.
What a reputable dealer can offer is consistent data minimisation: no bank details, no customer account, no tracking, neutral packaging with nothing indicating the contents or the sender — and automatic deletion of your delivery address three months after completion. That is exactly how we work.
Deliberately splitting an order into several smaller purchases (“smurfing”) does not remove the obligation either. Transactions that are recognisably connected are added together.
Up to 2,000 euros we need only the details required for the invoice and insured delivery. Above the threshold we also ask for proof of identity — by video identification or an ID upload, done in a few minutes. After that the order proceeds like any other.
The data is stored only for as long as the law requires, and used for that purpose alone.
In Germany, from a transaction value of 2,000 euros. In Austria the limit is 10,000 euros, in Switzerland 15,000 francs. Each is based on national anti-money-laundering law.
Not from a dealer bound by anti-money-laundering law. Below the threshold the purchase can be discreet, but data is always generated for the invoice and shipping. Treat offers promising complete anonymity with scepticism.
No. Transactions that are recognisably connected are added together. Splitting deliberately to avoid the identification requirement is not permitted.
A report is filed only where there are concrete grounds for suspicion, regardless of the payment route. A regular crypto payment is subject to the same rules as a bank transfer.
Legal position as at July 2026. General information, not legal advice. Thresholds and obligations can change.