Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse is a long-recognized Swiss bullion brand best known for gold bars that circulate worldwide in the retail and institutional markets. Historically, Credit Suisse-branded bars were manufactured under contract by Valcambi SA in Switzerland, an LBMA Good Delivery refiner, and most carry the “CHI Essayeur Fondeur” hallmark, individual serial numbers, and tamper-evident assay packaging. For U.S. bullion buyers and coin collectors, Credit Suisse gold bars are valued for consistent .9999 fineness, liquidity, and broad dealer recognition. Availability today is driven largely by secondary-market supply; new issues have been limited following the 2023 integration of Credit Suisse into UBS. As with any physical bullion purchase, compare premiums across multiple dealers to identify the most cost-effective option.

Credit Suisse Highlights

• Swiss bullion brand with decades of market recognition among investors and dealers.
• Historically produced by Valcambi SA, an LBMA Good Delivery refiner in Switzerland.
• .9999 fine gold bars in a wide range of sizes; many examples are individually serialized.
• Assay card packaging with matching serial number and CHI Essayeur Fondeur hallmark on most pieces.
• Commonly accepted for trade and storage worldwide; strong secondary-market liquidity.
• IRA-eligible in the U.S. when bars meet IRS fineness and producer requirements.
• Platinum and palladium bars exist under the Credit Suisse brand; silver bars appear primarily as older, secondary-market items.
• Designs are typically minimalist: weight, fineness, brand, and serial on the obverse; repeating logo or plain reverse.
• Availability of new Credit Suisse-branded bars has tightened; most purchasing today is from existing dealer inventories.

Bullion and Product Lines

• Gold: The most familiar Credit Suisse products include 1 g, 2 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g, 1 oz, 50 g, 100 g, 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg bars (availability varies). Many smaller sizes are minted bars sealed in assay cards; larger weights may be cast bars with stamped marks.
• Platinum and Palladium: Select sizes, often 1 oz and fractional gram bars, exist and trade mainly through the secondary market.
• Silver: Credit Suisse-branded silver bars are less common and generally encountered as vintage secondary-market pieces (e.g., 10 oz or other sizes depending on era).
• Packaging and Security: Tamper-evident assay cards with matching serial numbers are standard on many gold issues; the CHI Essayeur Fondeur mark indicates Swiss assaying. Always validate weight, dimensions, and serial consistency.

Buying Considerations

• Premiums: Credit Suisse bars often carry competitive premiums for brand-name Swiss bullion; premiums vary by size, metal, condition, and market demand. Comparing dealer prices can help identify the lowest delivered cost.
• Authenticity: Look for intact assay packaging, matching serial numbers between bar and card, clear hallmarks, and expected weight and dimensions. When in doubt, use reputable dealers or third-party verification.
• Liquidity: The brand’s long history and standardized markings support resale across major markets; condition and completeness of packaging can affect buyback spreads.
• IRA Eligibility: Most .9999 gold bars from an LBMA-accredited manufacturer qualify; confirm details with your custodian before purchase.
• Supply: Since new Credit Suisse-branded output has been limited, availability tends to reflect secondary-market flows and dealer inventory cycles.

Credit Suisse FAQ

• Are Credit Suisse gold bars still being produced today? Production of newly minted Credit Suisse-branded bars has been limited after the UBS integration; most bars on the market are secondary-market items made by Valcambi in prior years.
• Who manufactured Credit Suisse bullion bars? Historically, Valcambi SA in Switzerland produced the bars under contract, and most pieces display the CHI Essayeur Fondeur hallmark and an individual serial number.
• What sizes are most common in the U.S. market? 1 oz, 10 g, 20 g, and 100 g gold bars are among the most frequently seen; availability depends on dealer stock and market conditions.
• Are Credit Suisse bars IRA-eligible? Credit Suisse .9999 gold bars produced by an LBMA Good Delivery refiner generally meet IRS fineness requirements; confirm eligibility with your IRA custodian.
• Do Credit Suisse silver bars exist? Yes, but they are less common and appear primarily as older, secondary-market bars; current, regular silver production under the Credit Suisse brand is not prevalent.
• How can I verify authenticity when buying? Check for intact tamper-evident packaging, verify matching serials, inspect hallmarks, and confirm weight and dimensions; consider dealer reputation and, when appropriate, professional testing.
• Why do some bars have different packaging or fonts? Design and packaging evolved over time; variations reflect production year, batch, and format (minted vs cast) while maintaining key identifiers like brand, fineness, and serial number.
• Do Credit Suisse bars carry a premium over generic bars? Often yes, due to brand recognition and standardized packaging, though market conditions and bar size significantly influence the premium; compare offers before purchasing.

Note: Information is provided for educational purposes. Bullion markets are dynamic; verify current availability, premiums, and eligibility with your dealer and custodian. The Credit Suisse website is credit-suisse.com, though bullion product availability is primarily determined by dealer inventories.

https://www.credit-suisse.com/