How to buy silver on Fidelity: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing how to buy silver on Fidelity is a vital skill for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with precious metals. Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest brokerage firms, provides multiple pathways for retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to silver. Whether you are interested in holding physical coins or trading silver-linked securities, the platform offers a robust infrastructure to manage these commodity assets alongside traditional stocks and bonds.

1. Introduction to Silver Investing on Fidelity

Silver has long been regarded as both an industrial commodity and a store of value. Investors often turn to silver as a hedge against inflation or during periods of currency devaluation. Through Fidelity, users can access the silver market via diverse instruments, ranging from physical bullion to paper-based assets like Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Using a reputable brokerage like Fidelity ensures that your silver investments are integrated into your broader financial ecosystem, allowing for easier tracking and tax reporting.

2. Methods of Investing in Silver

When exploring how to buy silver on Fidelity, you will find four primary methods, each suited to different risk tolerances and storage preferences.

2.1 Physical Silver Bullion and Coins

Fidelity allows investors to purchase physical silver through its precious metals desk. Available products typically include Silver American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and 100-ounce silver bars. Unlike buying stocks, purchasing physical silver involves the delivery or secure storage of tangible assets. This method is preferred by those who want direct ownership of the metal without counterparty risk.

2.2 Silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

For those who want to profit from silver's price movements without the hassle of storage, silver ETFs are an excellent option. For example, the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) tracks the spot price of silver and can be traded just like a stock on the Fidelity platform. These funds are highly liquid and can be bought or sold during standard market hours.

2.3 Silver Mining Stocks

Investing in silver mining companies provides leveraged exposure to the metal's price. When the price of silver rises, mining companies often see increased profit margins, which can lead to significant stock price appreciation. Popular options available on Fidelity include Pan American Silver and Wheaton Precious Metals.

2.4 Mutual Funds and Natural Resource Funds

Fidelity offers diversified mutual funds, such as the Fidelity Global Natural Resources Fund, which hold positions in various commodity-related companies. These funds provide a professionally managed way to gain exposure to silver as part of a broader natural resources strategy, reducing the risk associated with individual mining stocks.

3. Account Requirements and Trading Process

3.1 Eligible Account Types

You can buy silver-related securities (ETFs and stocks) in standard brokerage accounts, IRAs, and Roth IRAs. However, if you intend to hold physical silver in a retirement account, it must meet specific IRS fineness requirements (at least .999 pure). Fidelity provides specialized Precious Metal IRAs to facilitate this, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

3.2 Placing an Order

The process for how to buy silver on Fidelity depends on the asset type. ETFs and mining stocks can be purchased directly through the Fidelity website or mobile app by entering the ticker symbol and placing a market or limit order. Conversely, purchasing physical bullion usually requires a phone call to a Fidelity representative at their precious metals desk to confirm real-time pricing and availability.

3.3 Investment Minimums and Trading Hours

Physical silver purchases at Fidelity generally require a minimum investment of $2,500 for non-retirement accounts, though this may be lower for IRAs. Trading hours for physical metals are typically restricted to 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET, whereas silver ETFs follow standard US exchange hours (9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET).

4. Fees and Storage

4.1 Transaction Fees and Markups

Fidelity charges a percentage-based commission on physical silver trades, which often decreases as the transaction volume increases. For silver ETFs and stocks, Fidelity offers $0 commission for online US stock trades. However, investors should be aware of the bid-ask spread and any markups applied to the spot price when buying physical coins or bars.

4.2 Storage and Custody Solutions

Physical silver purchased through Fidelity is typically stored in secure, third-party depositories like FideliTrade. These facilities provide insured storage, but investors must pay an annual storage fee, often based on the total value of the assets held. While investors can choose to take physical delivery, many prefer the security of professional vaulting.

5. Risks and Market Considerations

5.1 Volatility and Liquidity

As of early 2026, the silver market has experienced significant fluctuations. According to a Bloomberg report dated February 2026, spot silver has seen extreme volatility, at one point dropping nearly 10% before recovering. This volatility is often amplified by thinner liquidity compared to the gold market. In periods of high stress, market makers may widen spreads, making it more expensive to enter or exit positions. Investors should note that while silver ETFs offer high liquidity, physical bullion may take longer to liquidate at a fair market price.

5.2 Inflation Hedging and Diversification

Silver is often viewed as an inflation hedge. However, recent market shifts have seen institutional investors compare precious metals to digital assets. While some Fidelity fund managers remain bullish on the long-term trajectory of bullion, others, including strategists at major firms like JPMorgan, have suggested that Bitcoin may compete with gold and silver as a long-term risk hedge. For those interested in digital alternatives, exploring the Bitget platform can provide insights into how crypto assets compare to traditional commodities in a modern portfolio.

6. See Also

• Precious Metal IRAs
• Commodity Trading
• Bitget Wallet (for managing digital commodity-linked tokens)
• Gold Investing at Fidelity

Investing in silver through Fidelity offers a blend of traditional security and diverse market access. While the market can be volatile, understanding how to buy silver on Fidelity allows you to strategically position your assets. For those looking to explore the next generation of finance, consider how digital assets on platforms like Bitget might complement your commodity holdings.