Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB), Benefits, Investment & Tax

Published on 18 September 2025 by
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government-backed securities linked to the market price of gold. They provide a safe and convenient alternative to holding physical gold. Investors pay cash to buy the bonds and receive the equivalent value of gold in cash at maturity. In addition, SGBs pay a fixed interest of 2.5% per year, credited semi-annually. Understanding SGBs is important for banking and finance exams as questions on investment schemes and government securities are frequently asked.

What are Sovereign Gold Bonds?

SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. Each bond represents a specific quantity of gold, and the value of the bond fluctuates with the market price of gold. Investors pay cash to purchase the bonds, and at maturity, they receive the market value of gold in cash. Bonds can be held in paper form, in RBI books, or in demat accounts. Demat form bonds can also be traded on stock exchanges, providing liquidity. SGBs eliminate storage risks, theft, and purity concerns associated with physical gold.

  • Government-backed: Issued by RBI on behalf of the Government of India, ensuring complete safety.
  • Interest income: Fixed 2.5% per annum credited semi-annually, unlike physical gold.
  • Tradable: Bonds in demat form can be sold on stock exchanges.
  • No storage worries: Investors do not need lockers or safes.
  • No purity issues: Eliminates concerns about jewelry purity.
  • Cost-effective: No making charges or additional fees.
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Benefits of SGBs

SGBs are safer and more convenient than physical gold. Investors benefit from capital appreciation, fixed interest, and tradability. Storage concerns and making charges are eliminated. Bonds are government-backed and provide a cost-effective way to invest in gold while earning interest.

  • Safety: No risk of theft or fraud compared to physical gold.
  • Fixed interest: 2.5% per annum credited semi-annually.
  • Capital appreciation: Redemption value depends on gold market price.
  • No storage concerns: Eliminates locker or storage costs.
  • Tradable: Bonds in demat form can be sold on exchanges.
  • Cost savings: Avoids making charges and purity issues.

Who Can Invest in SGBs?

SGBs are open to both individuals and institutions. They allow joint holdings, minors can invest through guardians, and residents changing status to non-residents can continue holding the bonds.

  • Individuals: Residents of India as defined under FEMA 1999.
  • HUFs: Hindu Undivided Families can invest under family accounts.
  • Institutions: Trusts, universities, and charitable organizations are eligible.
  • Joint holdings: Two or more people can invest together.
  • Minors: Guardians can apply on behalf of minors.
  • Non-residents: Investors who change their status can continue holding the bonds.

Investment Limits and Denominations

SGBs are issued in multiples of one gram of gold. The minimum investment is one gram. Maximum limits vary by type of investor and are calculated per fiscal year. These limits ensure fair distribution of the bonds among investors.

  • Minimum investment: One gram per bond.
  • Maximum for individuals: 4 kg per fiscal year.
  • Maximum for HUFs: 4 kg per fiscal year.
  • Maximum for trusts/institutions: 20 kg per fiscal year.
  • Family members: Each member can invest separately up to 4 kg.
  • Secondary market: Limits include bonds purchased from both initial issuance and secondary market.
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Interest and Payment

SGBs provide dual benefits: interest income plus potential gains from gold price appreciation. Interest is credited semi-annually while the principal and final interest are paid at maturity.

  • Fixed interest: 2.5% per annum on the initial investment.
  • Semi-annual credit: Interest credited every six months to the bank account.
  • Principal repayment: Paid at maturity along with final interest.
  • Additional income: Interest complements gold price gains.
  • No reinvestment required: Interest is automatically credited.
  • Transparent payments: Direct deposit to bank account.

Issue Price and Redemption

The issue price of SGBs is based on the average market price of gold for the last three business days before subscription. Online applicants get a discount of ₹50 per gram. Redemption occurs in cash at current gold prices, directly credited to the investor’s bank account.

  • Price calculation: Average of 999 purity gold price over last 3 business days.
  • Online discount: ₹50 per gram for digital applications.
  • Redemption: Cash payment based on prevailing gold rates.
  • Automatic credit: Proceeds credited to the investor’s bank account.
  • No market risk during holding: Investors are guaranteed gold value at redemption.
  • Transparent pricing: Prices published by RBI and India Bullion & Jewellers Association.

Premature Redemption and Tradability

The tenure of SGBs is 8 years, but early redemption is allowed after the fifth year on coupon payment dates. Bonds held in demat form can be traded on stock exchanges. Partial redemption is possible in multiples of one gram.

  • Early redemption: Allowed after 5 years on coupon dates.
  • Demat trading: Bonds in demat form can be sold on stock exchanges.
  • Partial redemption: Can redeem in multiples of 1 gram.
  • Transferable: Bonds can be transferred to other eligible investors.
  • Flexible investment: Provides liquidity without waiting for maturity.
  • Planning tool: Useful for managing short-term cash requirements.

Using SGBs as Collateral

SGBs can be pledged for loans from banks or financial institutions. Loan-to-value ratios are similar to ordinary gold loans. Banks approve loans based on their policies, providing access to emergency funds without selling the bonds.

  • Collateral: Can be pledged like physical gold for loans.
  • Loan-to-value ratio: Same as ordinary gold loans prescribed by RBI.
  • Bank discretion: Approval depends on bank policies.
  • Emergency liquidity: Access to funds in urgent situations.
  • Investment remains intact: No need to sell bonds.
  • Personal and business loans: Can be used for both types of loans.

Tax Benefits

SGBs are tax-efficient. Interest earned is taxable, but capital gains on redemption are exempt for individuals. Transfers attract indexation benefits for long-term capital gains. No TDS is deducted on interest or redemption proceeds.

  • Interest taxable: Paid according to Income Tax rules.
  • Capital gains: Exempt for individuals on redemption.
  • Indexation benefit: Applicable on transfers to reduce tax liability.
  • No TDS: Investors receive full interest and redemption proceeds.
  • Encourages long-term holding: Tax benefits align with 8-year tenure.
  • More beneficial than physical gold: Physical gold attracts capital gains tax.

Customer Support and Nomination

SGBs can be purchased through banks, post offices, SHCIL offices, or stock exchanges. Investors can nominate beneficiaries and update their details anytime. RBI provides dedicated support for queries.

  • Purchase channels: Banks, post offices, SHCIL, and stock exchanges.
  • Nomination facility: Investors can nominate a beneficiary for the bond.
  • Update facility: Change bank account, email, or address easily.
  • Customer support: RBI provides a dedicated email for queries.
  • Online application: Digital applications with discounted price available.
  • Assured allotment: Eligible investors receive bond allotment on time.

FAQs

1. Can minors invest in SGBs?
Yes, minors can invest through a guardian. The guardian must apply on behalf of the minor and manage all related transactions until the minor becomes an adult.

2. Can SGBs be held in demat form?
Yes, SGBs can be held in demat accounts. This allows easier trading on stock exchanges and reduces the risk of physical loss.

3. Are SGBs tradable on stock exchanges?
Yes, SGBs held in demat form can be traded on stock exchanges. This provides liquidity, and partial or full transfer is possible to other eligible investors.

4. What is the tenure of SGBs and can they be redeemed early?
The tenure is 8 years. Early redemption is allowed after the fifth year on coupon payment dates. Partial redemption is also permitted in multiples of one gram.

5. Can SGBs be used as collateral for loans?
Yes, SGBs can be pledged with banks, financial institutions, or NBFCs. Loan-to-value ratios are similar to ordinary gold loans, but approval depends on the bank’s policies.

6. Are there tax benefits for investing in SGBs?
Interest on SGBs is taxable as per income tax rules. However, capital gains on redemption are tax-free for individuals. Transfers attract indexation benefits for long-term capital gains.

7. What is the issue price of SGBs?
The issue price is based on the average market price of 999 purity gold for the last three business days before subscription. Online applications get a ₹50 per gram discount.

8. How is the interest paid on SGBs?
Interest is fixed at 2.5% per annum and credited semi-annually to the investor’s bank account. The final interest along with principal is paid at maturity.

9. Who can invest in SGBs?
Residents of India, HUFs, trusts, universities, and charitable organizations are eligible. Joint holdings and minor investments through guardians are allowed.

10. How is the redemption amount calculated?
At maturity, redemption proceeds are in cash based on the market price of gold for the previous three business days. Interest is added separately and credited to the investor’s bank account.