A GUIDE TO CANADIAN REGISTERED ACCOUNTS
Physical gold and silver in a TFSA or RRSP.
Understand eligible bullion, the account differences, and the questions to ask before you move money.
Reviewed October 29, 2026 · General information
THE STARTING POINT
Can you hold bullion in a registered account?
Yes. Certain gold and silver bullion can qualify for Canadian registered plans, subject to CRA rules and your account provider’s requirements.
Eligibility involves more than purity. CRA rules include conditions on the coin or bar, its producer and how the plan acquires it. A collectible coin or a retail bullion purchase is not automatically eligible.
Before purchasing, have the registered account provider confirm the exact product, purchase channel and custody arrangements. Ask how storage, insurance, trading and account fees apply.
Read CRA’s qualified-investment rulesSAME METAL. DIFFERENT ACCOUNT RULES.
TFSA and RRSP at a glance
The account changes the tax treatment. It does not remove bullion’s price risk or the costs of owning it.
| Feature | TFSA | RRSP |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | Made with after-tax money; not tax deductible. | Deductible contributions may reduce taxable income, within your available deduction limit. |
| While funds stay in the plan | Investment income and gains are generally tax-free. | Investment income is generally sheltered from tax while it remains in the plan. |
| Withdrawals | Generally tax-free. Withdrawn amounts are added back to contribution room on January 1 of the next year. | Generally taxable. Withholding tax may apply; it is not necessarily the final tax owed. |
| Before adding money | Calculate available room using your own records across all TFSAs. CRA information can lag. | Check your latest CRA assessment and your contribution records for your available room and deduction limit. |
Your residency, account type and transaction can affect the rules. Confirm your circumstances with a qualified tax adviser.
MOVING AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
Arrange the transfer before moving the money.
For a TFSA-to-TFSA move, ask the receiving financial institution to arrange a direct transfer. Withdrawing the money yourself and depositing it into another TFSA counts as a new contribution and can cause an over-contribution.
CRA treats a direct RRSP-to-RRSP transfer as a transfer, rather than a withdrawal. Ask the receiving provider to confirm the process, which holdings it accepts, and any fees before you proceed.
CRA: transferring between TFSAsBEFORE YOU BUY
Questions worth asking
Can I keep registered bullion at home?
Registered bullion must follow the plan’s ownership and custody arrangements. Do not treat home delivery of a retail order as a registered purchase. Confirm any proposed withdrawal or delivery with the provider before acting.
Can I add gold or silver I already own?
Do not assume existing bullion can be contributed. The provider must assess the product, acquisition requirements and any contribution or tax consequences before agreeing to accept it.
Does a registered account make bullion risk-free?
No. Metal prices can fall, and physical bullion does not pay interest or dividends. Purchase premiums, selling spreads and ongoing fees affect your result. Consider how it fits your wider finances.
Which account should I choose?
The right fit depends on your contribution room, tax position, time horizon and withdrawal needs. Delta Harbour can explain its bullion process; a qualified financial or tax adviser can help assess your personal situation.
Can I withdraw from an RRSP before age 71?
CRA says funds in a non-locked-in RRSP can be withdrawn at any time, though withdrawals are generally taxable. Locked-in plans and specific withdrawal programs have different rules. Check with your issuer before withdrawing.
FROM RESEARCH TO THE NEXT STEP
Explore registered bullion with Delta Harbour.
See the account process, or book a conversation about the practical steps.
Sources and further reading
- CRA: qualified investments, including gold and silver
- CRA: how a TFSA works
- CRA: calculate TFSA contribution room
- CRA: TFSA withdrawals
- CRA: TFSA transfers
- CRA: RRSP overview
- CRA: RRSP withdrawals
This guide provides general education, not personalized investment, legal or tax advice. Rules and provider requirements can change. Consult the current CRA guidance and your account provider before making a contribution, transfer or withdrawal.
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