RBI’s Sovereign Gold Bonds scheme opens today — price, how to apply, and more

• The RBI has opened the latest tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds for subscription.
• The issue price has been fixed at ₹5,000 per gram of gold and a discount of ₹50 can be availed by applying online.
• The last day for subscription is January 1, 2021.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened the latest tranche of Sovereign Gold Bonds for subscription from today. The RBI has fixed the issue price under this scheme at ₹5,000 per gram of gold. Additionally, investors who apply online and make payment using a digital mode will be eligible for a ₹50 discount and can apply at ₹4,950 per gram.

The RBI’s Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGBs) is a safe option to invest your surplus money.

What is the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are government securities that are denominated in the form of grams of gold. It is similar to buying gold without taking its physical delivery.

SGBs are issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the Government of India.

How to apply for the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

Investors can apply for SGBs either by using the form provided by the issuing banks, designated post offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India or RBI’s website. Additionally, investors can also apply online by visiting the website of the bank.

What documents do I need to apply for SGBs?

The investor needs any one of the following KYC documents to invest in SGB -

Proof of identity (Aadhaar card/PAN or TAN/Passport/Voter ID card)

Who can invest in SGB?

The Foreign Exchange Management Act of 1999 (FEMA) has formulated the eligibility criteria for investing in SGB. As per this, Indian residents, associations, trusts, HUFs, universities and charitable institutions are eligible for investing in SGB.

While minors cannot hold SGBs directly, their parents or guardians can hold SGBs on behalf of them.

What is the maturity period of SGBs?

SGBs come with a maturity period of 8 years.

However, investors can redeem SGBs after 5 years, but this will be considered as a premature withdrawal.

What are the minimum and maximum investment limits for investment?

The SGBs are issued in denominations of 1 gram and in multiples thereof. The maximum limit is 4kg for individuals, 4kg for HUF and 20kg for trusts and similar entities notified by the government. An investor can buy 4kg / 20kg of SGB every year.

What are the benefits of applying for the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?

Buying a SGB is better than buying physical gold due to multiple factors, which are:

• You are assured of getting the market value of physical gold at the time of redeeming SGB.
• The risk associated with storing physical gold is eliminated by SGB as SGBs are held in demat form.
• Making charges and risk of lower purity are both eliminated.

Who is authorized to sell SGBs?

The SGBs are sold through branches or offices of nationalized banks, scheduled private banks, scheduled foreign banks, designated post offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India, authorized stock exchanges and their agents.

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