How to Buy Palladium Bars: The 1 oz Standard Explained

If you’re wondering how to buy palladium bars, you’re not alone. Palladium is one of the most volatile — and misunderstood — precious metals on the planet. From $500/oz in 2016 to $3,000/oz in 2022, then crashing back to $950/oz in 2025, palladium’s wild ride has left many investors confused. But for those who understand its industrial roots and speculative potential, the 1 oz palladium bar remains the global standard — offering the perfect blend of liquidity, affordability, and purity. At Metal Bullion, we’ve helped thousands of buyers navigate the palladium market. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to buy palladium bars — from choosing the right brand and purity to storage, premiums, and resale strategies.

You’ll discover:

• Why the 1 oz size is the global standard for palladium bars
• Which brands and refiners to trust — generic, PAMP, or government mints
• How premiums work — and how to avoid overpaying
• Top product picks — like the 1 oz Palladium Bar and Platinum Maple Leaf (as a hedge)
• How to store, verify, and resell your palladium for maximum value

Let’s turn you into a palladium bar expert — so you can buy with confidence.

Why the 1 oz Size Is the Global Standard for Palladium Bars

The 1 oz palladium bar isn’t arbitrary — it’s the sweet spot for global liquidity, affordability, and recognition.

Key Advantages of 1 oz Palladium Bars:

• Liquidity: Every dealer, pawn shop, and refinery worldwide recognizes and buys 1 oz bars. Easier to resell than 10 oz or 1 Kilo bars.
• Affordability: At ~$950/oz, it’s accessible to most investors — unlike 10 oz ($9,500) or 1 Kilo ($30,000+) bars.
• Purity Standard: .9995 fine palladium — the global benchmark for investment-grade metal.
• IRA Eligibility: 1 oz bars from LBMA-approved refiners qualify for Self-Directed IRAs. → Should You Add Palladium to Your IRA?

Example: The 1 oz Palladium Bar is the most traded size globally — perfect for stacking, trading, or hedging.

How to Buy Palladium Bars: Step-by-Step for 2025

Follow this simple checklist to buy palladium bars safely and smartly.

Step 1: Choose Your Brand — Generic, PAMP, or Government

Not all palladium bars are created equal. Here’s how to choose:

• Generic Bars: Lowest premiums (3–5% over spot). Ideal for cost-focused investors. → 1 oz Palladium Bar
• PAMP Suisse or Valcambi: Higher premiums (8–12%) but trusted globally. Sealed assay cards add value.
• Government Coins: Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf (if available) — higher premiums but collectible upside.

Pro Tip: For pure investment, stick to generic bars. For collectibility or gifting, consider branded or government options.

Step 2: Verify Purity and Weight

All investment-grade palladium bars must be .9995 fine (99.95% pure). Verify:

• Stamping: Look for “.9995 FINE PALLADIUM 1 TROY OZ” or equivalent.
• Weight: Must be exactly 31.103 grams. Use a 0.01g precision scale.
• Refiner Mark: Reputable refiners include Heraeus, PAMP, Valcambi, or Johnson Matthey.

Step 3: Compare Premiums — Spot + Markup

Premiums vary wildly. Here’s the 2025 breakdown:

• Generic 1 oz Palladium Bar: 3–5% over spot
• PAMP Suisse 1 oz Palladium Bar: 8–12% over spot
• Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf: 15–25% over spot (if available)

Example: Palladium spot: $950/oz

• Generic Bar: $978–$997
• PAMP Bar: $1,026–$1,064
• Maple Leaf: $1,092–$1,187

Smart Move: Buy generic bars for stacking. Only pay premiums for brands if you value collectibility or plan to resell to collectors.

Step 4: Choose a Reputable Dealer

Never buy palladium bars from eBay, Facebook, or unknown websites. Stick to A+ BBB-rated dealers like Metal Bullion.

Red Flags:

• No physical address or phone number
• “Too good to be true” pricing (20% under spot = fake)
• No return policy or buyback guarantee

Step 5: Store Securely — Don’t Skip This

Palladium is dense, valuable, and easily stolen. Store it right:

• Home Safe: Bolted to floor or wall. UL TL-15 rating or higher.
• Anti-Tarnish Bags: Palladium tarnishes less than silver — but still use silica gel for long-term storage.
• Original Packaging: Keep in assay card or plastic sleeve. Never touch with bare hands.

→ How to Store Precious Metals at Home

Top 5 Palladium Bars to Buy in 2025

1. 1 Oz Palladium Bar (Generic)
   1 Oz Palladium Bar
   Why: Lowest premiums, pure industrial play. Perfect for stacking or speculation.
2. 1 oz PAMP Suisse Palladium Bar (If Available)
   Why: Sealed assay card, globally trusted. Ideal for collectors or those prioritizing authenticity.
3. 5 oz Palladium Bar (Generic)
   Why: Lower premium per ounce. For serious stackers with higher budgets. (Check Metal Bullion for availability)
4. 1/10 oz Palladium Bar (Generic)
   Why: Affordable entry point (~$95). Great for gifting or micro-stacking. (Check Metal Bullion for availability)
5. 1 Ounce Palladium Maple Leaf Coin (If Available)
   Why: Government-minted, beautiful, collectible. Higher premiums — only buy if you value design and rarity.

How to Resell Palladium Bars for Top Dollar

When it’s time to sell, follow these rules:

1. Sell Back to Original Dealer: Metal Bullion offers competitive buyback rates on sealed or verified bars.
2. Use Online Buyers: APMEX, JM Bullion pay fair rates for 1 oz bars.
3. Avoid Local Pawn Shops: They often pay 10–20% below spot.
4. Keep Documentation: Hold receipts and weight verification. Photograph each bar.

Buyback Premiums (2025):

• Sealed Generic Bar: Spot minus 3–5%
• Loose Generic Bar: Spot minus 5–8%
• PAMP Suisse Bar: Spot minus 2–4% (due to brand recognition)

Palladium Bars vs Coins: Which Is Better for You?

Winner for Most Investors: Bars. Lower premiums, higher metal per dollar.

What Experts Say About Buying Palladium Bars in 2025

• Sprott Asset Management: “Palladium is a momentum metal. Buy 1 oz bars for liquidity — but hedge with platinum.”
• Kitco: “Generic 1 oz palladium bars offer the best value for short-term traders and stackers.” (kitco.com)
• World Platinum Investment Council: “Every 1% shift from palladium to platinum removes 200,000 oz of palladium demand. Buy bars only if you believe in a short-term rebound.” (platinumgroupmetals.org)

Buy Palladium Bars: Your 2025 Checklist

Before you buy, run through this checklist:

• ✅ Is the bar .9995 fine palladium? (Required