Help Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about bank auction gold in India — for individuals, traders, jewellers and showrooms.

HomeFAQ
43
Total FAQs
9
Categories
50+
Partner Banks
24/7
Online Support

No questions matched your search.

Clear search to view all FAQs
About eGoldTiger 5 questions
General What is eGoldTiger.com?

eGoldTiger.com is India's dedicated platform for bank gold auction listings. We aggregate auction opportunities from banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions across the country — so you don't have to track each institution separately.

We are a product of e-Procurement Technologies Limited, the same company behind AuctionTiger — a trusted name in e-procurement with clients including SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and over 50 other major institutions.

General What does eGoldTiger offer?
  • Auction listings — live, upcoming, and physical auctions from 50+ banks and NBFCs across India
  • Live gold/silver prices — real-time commodity rates to help you compare auction prices vs market
  • Premium alerts — WhatsApp and Email notifications the moment new auctions go live
  • State & city filters — browse auctions near you or in any location across India
  • eGold Verified Auctions — a curated list of auctions which are conducted by AuctionTiger across our platforms
General What is an "eGold Verified Auction"?

eGold Verified Auctions are listings where the selling institution has provided us with additional documentation — such as lot descriptions, estimated weights, and auction terms — which we have reviewed before publishing.

This does not mean eGoldTiger guarantees the gold's purity or weight. It means the auction listing is more detailed and complete than standard listings, giving you more information to bid with confidence.

General What is the difference between an online auction and a physical auction?

Online / Live auctions — Bidding happens digitally through the institution's auction portal. You can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

Physical / Offline auctions — Bidding happens in person at the bank branch on the auction date. You or your authorised representative must be physically present to submit bids.

eGoldTiger lists both types. Check the auction details page carefully — it will specify whether attendance is required.

General How do I contact eGoldTiger support?

You can reach our team through the following channels:

For auction-specific queries (e.g. inspection, payment, collection), contact the conducting bank or NBFC directly — their details are on each auction listing page.

How Auctions Work 6 questions
General What is a bank gold auction and why does it happen?

When a borrower pledges gold jewellery as collateral for a loan and fails to repay, the bank or NBFC is legally entitled to recover its dues by auctioning that gold. This is a regulated process governed by RBI guidelines.

These are not stolen items. The gold has been pledged willingly as loan security, and the auction happens only after due notices are sent to the borrower.

Because banks want to recover their loan amount quickly, auction prices are often set at or near the base value of the gold — which can be lower than retail jewellery prices.
General What is the step-by-step process from registration to receiving gold?
1
Register on eGoldTiger — create a free account with your email and KYC documents.
2
Browse auctions — filter by state, bank, or city and review lot details.
3
Pay EMD & bid — submit earnest money and participate through the institution's auction portal.
4
Win & pay — complete payment within the deadline stated in the auction notice.
5
Collect gold — visit the branch with ID and payment receipt to collect your lot.
General Can I actually make money buying bank auction gold? Is it cheaper than the market?

Many buyers do find auction gold priced below retail — because banks price lots based on the loan value they need to recover, not on making a retail profit. However, the final price depends on bidding competition.

Key factors that affect your profitability:

  • How many other bidders are competing on that lot
  • The purity of the gold (22K vs 18K makes a significant difference)
  • Current market price on auction day
  • Any making charges embedded in jewellery that you cannot recover when melting
  • GST, transport, and any refining costs if you plan to melt the gold
Tip: Compare the base auction price against the current Market Price shown on eGoldTiger before bidding. A 5–8% discount to market is realistic in low-competition auctions; heavily marketed lots can go above market.
General Why might a winning bid still be rejected? What happens then?

A winning bid may be rejected by the institution in a few situations:

  • Your bid did not meet the reserve price set by the institution
  • The borrower repaid their loan before the auction was finalised
  • A legal challenge or court order was placed on the gold
  • The institution decided to withdraw the lot for internal reasons

If your bid is rejected, your EMD will be refunded in full. Contact the conducting institution for a written confirmation and refund timeline.

General Is there a minimum bid amount? Can I buy small quantities like 10g?

Lot sizes vary significantly by auction. Some auctions list individual ornaments (10–50g), while others bundle multiple pieces into larger lots (100g–1kg+).

The minimum bid is typically the base/reserve price set by the institution, which is usually calculated from the current gold rate × net weight × purity factor. There is no platform-wide minimum set by eGoldTiger.

Check the lot details on each auction listing page. Smaller lots are more common in NBFC auctions and are well-suited for individual buyers.
General Can I bid on auctions outside my city or state?

Yes. For online auctions, you can participate from anywhere in India. For physical auctions, you or an authorised representative must attend in person at the bank branch.

If you send a representative, they typically need:

  • A notarised power of attorney (POA) in your name
  • A copy of your PAN card and address proof
  • Their own valid photo ID

Specific documentation requirements vary by institution — verify with them before the auction date.

Eligibility & Signup 4 questions
General Who is eligible to participate in bank gold auctions?

Any Indian resident or registered business entity can participate, subject to:

  • Being at least 18 years of age
  • Holding a valid PAN card (mandatory for all buyers)
  • Providing valid address proof (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
  • Having a valid bank account for EMD and payment transactions
  • Businesses must additionally submit a GST certificate and company registration documents

Eligibility requirements may vary by institution — always check the specific auction notice.

General How do I register on eGoldTiger?
1
Go to egoldtiger.com and click Sign Up.
2
Fill in your name, email, mobile, state, and city details.
3
Verify your email and complete your profile.
4
Browse auctions and upgrade to a premium plan if you need alerts or portal access.
General What documents do I need to participate?

For individuals:

  • PAN card (mandatory)
  • Aadhaar card / Passport / Voter ID (address proof)
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Bank account details (for EMD refund)

For businesses (jewellers, traders, showrooms):

  • All of the above for the authorised signatory
  • GST registration certificate
  • Company PAN card
  • Certificate of incorporation / Partnership deed
  • Board resolution or authorisation letter (for companies)
Document requirements vary by auction. Always check the specific auction notice from the institution — some require notarised copies.
General Can I participate from my mobile phone?

Yes, eGoldTiger is fully mobile-responsive. You can browse listings, set alerts, and manage your account from any smartphone browser.

For bidding in online auctions, access is through the conducting institution's portal, which may have its own mobile compatibility. We recommend using a stable internet connection during live bidding to avoid missed bids.

EMD & Payments 5 questions
General What is the EMD (Earnest Money Deposit) and is it refundable?

The Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is a security amount paid to register your intent to bid. Commonly a fixed amount as security deposit or 10% of the lot's base price, though this varies by institution.

Refund rules:

  • If you do not win the auction — your EMD is refunded in full after the auction closes
  • If you win but fail to pay — your EMD is forfeited and you may be blacklisted from future auctions
  • If your bid is rejected by the institution — your EMD is refunded in full

Refund timelines depend on the institution — typically 5–10 working days. Submit a written request to the institution if a refund is delayed.

General What payment methods are accepted?

Payment methods are determined by the conducting institution, not eGoldTiger. Most institutions accept:

  • NEFT / RTGS — most commonly accepted for large amounts
  • Demand Draft (DD) — widely accepted, especially for physical auctions
  • Online payment portal — some institutions provide a dedicated payment link

Cash payments are generally not accepted for auction gold purchases due to regulatory limits. UPI may be accepted for EMD deposits at some institutions but verify before relying on it.

Always check the specific auction notice for accepted payment modes, bank account details, and deadlines before transferring any funds.
General When must I pay and when can I collect the gold?
  • Bid approval — typically within 2 working days of the auction closing
  • Payment deadline — usually specified in the auction notice (commonly 2–3 days after approval)
  • Collection — after full payment is confirmed, visit the branch with payment receipt and photo ID

Missing the payment deadline can result in bid cancellation and EMD forfeiture — so plan your finances before bidding.

General What happens if I win but don't complete payment?

Failure to complete payment after a winning bid typically results in:

  • Bid cancellation — the lot goes back for re-auction
  • Full EMD forfeiture — your security deposit is not returned
  • Blacklisting — you may be barred from future auctions by that institution
  • Legal liability — in some cases, institutions reserve the right to take further action under auction terms
Only bid on lots you are genuinely prepared and funded to purchase. Never bid on multiple lots simultaneously unless you have confirmed funds for all of them.
General Will I receive a receipt or invoice for my purchase?

Yes. The conducting institution (bank or NBFC) will issue you a payment receipt and a sale confirmation letter upon completion. This document is important — keep it safely as:

  • Proof of purchase and legal ownership
  • Required for resale or melting at refineries
  • Required for GST input tax credit claims (if applicable)
  • May be requested by jewellers or banks if you pledge the gold again

Note: The institution issues the document, not eGoldTiger. If you need a GST-compliant tax invoice, check with the institution before bidding — not all institutions issue GST invoices for gold auctions.

Gold Purity & Quality 5 questions
General Is bank auction gold genuine? Could it be stolen or disputed?

Bank auction gold is pledged collateral — it was deposited voluntarily by borrowers as security for gold loans. Auctions are conducted under RBI-regulated processes with proper notice to the original owner.

However, as with any "as-is" transaction:

  • The original owner may occasionally dispute the sale — especially if they claim the notice was not received
  • Rarely, a court may issue a stay order on an auction lot post-sale

To reduce risk: buy from well-known institutions (major banks and NBFCs), check for a clean auction notice, and retain all purchase documents permanently.

General Is purity or weight guaranteed? Is the gold BIS hallmarked?

Auction gold is sold on an "AS-IS-WHERE-IS" basis — meaning the bank sells the gold exactly as it was pledged, without any warranty on purity, weight, or condition.

In plain terms: you buy what you see. The selling institution makes no quality guarantee.

  • Purity is typically stated as "estimated" based on the original loan assessment
  • BIS hallmarking is not guaranteed — older jewellery may predate hallmarking requirements
  • Net weight vs gross weight can differ — gross includes stones and non-gold components
  • Returns and exchanges are generally not accepted after collection
Always inspect the gold before bidding if the institution permits it. If you cannot inspect, factor in a purity risk buffer when deciding your maximum bid price.
General Can I inspect the gold before bidding?

Inspection policies vary by institution. Many banks and NBFCs do allow a supervised inspection period before the auction date — check the auction notice for a specified inspection date and time.

During inspection:

  • You may view and handle the items under supervision
  • Some institutions keep items sealed; you may only view from outside the packet
  • Report any discrepancy between the listing and the actual item immediately — before making any payment

If no inspection is offered, that is a risk you must weigh before bidding.

General What types of gold items are available in auctions?

The vast majority of bank auction gold consists of pledged jewellery — necklaces, bangles, rings, earrings, chains, and assorted ornaments — because gold loans in India are almost exclusively jewellery-backed.

  • Common purities: 22K, 18K, and occasionally lower karatages
  • Lot weights: Can range from under 10g to several hundred grams depending on the institution
  • Bars/coins: Occasionally listed, particularly from banks — but rare
  • Mixed lots: Many auctions bundle multiple pieces into a single lot

eGoldTiger shows gross weight, net weight, and estimated purity where provided by the institution. Item photos may or may not be available depending on the seller.

General Can I search for a specific type of jewellery (e.g. necklace, bangle)?

You can filter auctions by location and institution. Item descriptions depend on what the selling institution provides — some give detailed item lists, others list only weight and purity.

For buyers looking for specific ornament types, we recommend:

  • Enabling WhatsApp/Email alerts so you hear about new listings immediately
  • Checking eGold Verified Auctions, which tend to have more detailed descriptions
  • Contacting the institution directly after spotting a lot that matches your interest
Premium Plans 4 questions
General What are the premium plans and how much do they cost?

eGoldTiger offers four premium plans. All prices are exclusive of 18% GST. All plans are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • Gold Kickstart — ₹1,000 + GST (7-day access)
  • Portal Access — ₹15,000 + GST
  • Gold Alerts — ₹15,000 + GST (WhatsApp/Email alerts)
  • Super Gold Combo — ₹27,000 + GST (full access bundle)
General Which plan is right for me?
  • First-time buyer / just exploring → Gold Kickstart (₹1,000)
  • Individual buyer, self-paced → Portal Access (₹15,000)
  • Active buyer who doesn't want to miss new listings → Gold Alerts (₹15,000)
  • Jeweller, trader, or showroom owner buying regularly → Super Gold Combo (₹27,000)
General Do I need a premium plan to view auction listings?

Basic auction listings are viewable on eGoldTiger after free registration. A premium plan unlocks deeper access — the auction portal (for bidding participation), real-time alerts, and full nationwide listing access.

Free registered users can browse, search, and shortlist auctions. Premium members get early notifications and direct access to auction bidding systems.

General Are premium plans refundable? Can I transfer them?

All premium plans are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased. Please evaluate your requirements carefully before upgrading.

If you have a specific concern, contact us at egold@auctiontiger.net before purchasing.

Advanced Buying 10 questions
New Can I melt the auction gold? Are there any restrictions on what I do with it after purchase?

Once you have legally purchased the gold and hold the sale documents from the bank/NBFC, there are generally no restrictions on what you do with the physical gold — melting, refining, and manufacturing are all permitted.

However, keep these points in mind:

  • Retain your purchase documents (bank receipt, sale letter) permanently — refineries and BIS testing centres will ask for proof of legal acquisition
  • If melting, factor in the making charges embedded in jewellery — you recover only the pure gold value, not the design value
  • Stones (diamonds, gemstones) in jewellery lots are often sold along with the gold — their value is typically not reflected in the base price
New What purities of gold are typically available? Can I test purity before bidding?

The most common purities in bank auction gold are 22 karat (91.6%) and 18 karat (75%), reflecting typical Indian jewellery. Some auctions may list lower karatages if the original pledge was for mixed ornaments.

On testing:

  • BIS hallmarking is not guaranteed on older jewellery
  • Always price your bid assuming a slight purity discount to compensate for uncertainty
As a jeweller, your expertise in visually assessing purity is a competitive advantage — use the inspection opportunity fully.
New Can I buy multiple lots or bid across multiple auctions simultaneously?

Yes — there is no restriction on bidding across multiple lots or multiple auctions, including auctions from different institutions or states. Many jewellers and traders use eGoldTiger's alert system to track opportunities nationwide.

Things to manage carefully when bidding in volume:

  • Each auction requires a separate EMD — ensure you have funds set aside for all active bids
  • Payment deadlines may overlap if you win multiple lots — plan your cash flow accordingly
  • Large buyers are recommended to take the Super Gold Combo plan for full access and early alerts
New Do I get a GST invoice from the bank? Can I claim input tax credit (ITC)?

This varies by institution. Banks and NBFCs selling pledged gold at auction are generally not required to charge GST on the sale of gold jewellery under certain conditions (as a creditor recovering a debt). However:

  • Some institutions do issue GST-compliant tax invoices — always ask in advance
  • ITC eligibility depends on whether the seller is a GST-registered supplier charging GST on the transaction
  • If GST is not charged by the bank, there is no ITC to claim on that purchase
Confirm GST invoice availability with the conducting institution before bidding. Consult your CA or tax advisor on ITC eligibility for your specific business structure.
New Are large lots (1kg+) available for wholesale jewellers?

Large-lot auctions do occur, particularly from:

  • Large NBFCs — they process high volumes of pledged gold and sometimes bundle into larger lots
  • Public sector banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda) — which may have accumulated larger stockpiles

However, such large lots are not guaranteed to be available at all times. Enabling the Gold Alerts plan or Super Gold Combo ensures you're notified the moment a large lot is listed — before others see it.

New Can I source finished jewellery for my showroom inventory through these auctions?

Yes — many showroom owners and retailers buy auction jewellery for resale or display. Since the gold is "as-is" and not manufactured for retail, the pieces often include traditional or handcrafted jewellery that has resale value as-is.

Key considerations for retail resale:

  • You must have the bank's sale documentation — buyers will ask where the jewellery came from
  • Pieces without BIS hallmarking cannot be sold "as new" under HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) rules — you may need to get them hallmarked separately
  • Condition of the jewellery varies — auction gold may show signs of wear
Pre-owned gold jewellery is a growing retail category. Many buyers prefer antique and pre-owned pieces — auction gold can be a strong inventory source for the right format of business.
New Are branded jewellery items ever listed in auctions?

Occasionally, yes. Branded jewellery items are sometimes pledged as loan collateral and can appear in auction lots. However, they are not identified by brand in auction notices — they are listed by weight, purity, and description only.

The only way to identify branded items is through physical inspection before bidding. This is another reason why the inspection visit is valuable for showroom buyers.

New Can my staff bid on behalf of my business?

Yes, with the right documentation. For physical auctions, a staff member can represent your business with:

  • A notarised power of attorney (POA) or authorisation letter on company letterhead signed by the authorised signatory
  • Their own photo ID and your business's KYC documents

For online auctions, the account registered with the institution must be in the business's name. Staff access depends on the institution's portal access policies.

Verify the exact requirements with each institution before the auction date.

New Is there a business or enterprise account for high-volume buyers?

eGoldTiger currently offers individual premium plans up to the Super Gold Combo. For high-volume buyers — showrooms, jewellery chains, or bulk traders — enterprise or partnership arrangements may be available.

Contact our team directly to discuss your requirements:

New Can I list gold for auction on eGoldTiger as a seller?

eGoldTiger works with banks, NBFCs, and approved financial institutions as listing partners.

If you represent a financial institution or NBFC interested in listing your gold auctions on eGoldTiger, contact us at egold@auctiontiger.net to discuss onboarding.

Trust & Safety 2 questions
General Is it safe to buy gold through eGoldTiger? How is my money protected?

eGoldTiger is a listing and notification platform — we do not hold or receive your auction payments. All payments go directly to the conducting bank or NBFC, which are regulated financial institutions.

To protect yourself:

  • Only pay to bank account details listed in the official auction notice from the institution
  • Never transfer funds to individuals or unofficial accounts
  • Verify the auction notice is genuine by calling the bank branch directly before paying
  • Do not share your eGoldTiger login credentials with anyone
eGoldTiger will never ask you to transfer payment to us for an auction. If you receive such a request, contact us immediately at egold@auctiontiger.net.
General How is my personal data and KYC information handled?

Your personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. eGoldTiger is a product of e-Procurement Technologies Limited — a company that manages sensitive procurement data for over 50 major institutions including public sector banks and government entities.

For the full details on data storage, usage, and your rights, please review our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

GST & Tax 2 questions
General Is GST applicable on auction gold purchases?

GST treatment on bank auction gold depends on the nature of the transaction and the institution:

  • When a bank sells pledged gold as a creditor recovering dues, it may not attract GST in all cases — as it is not a "supply" in the standard commercial sense
  • When an NBFC or non-banking entity sells gold, GST at 3% (on gold value) may apply
  • Making charges on jewellery attract 5% GST when billed separately
GST rules on gold auctions are complex and institution-specific. Always confirm tax treatment with the institution before bidding, and consult your CA for advice on your specific situation. eGoldTiger does not provide tax advice.
General Does GST apply to eGoldTiger's premium plans?

Yes. All eGoldTiger premium plans are subject to 18% GST on the plan price. For example:

  • Gold Kickstart: ₹1,000 + ₹180 GST = ₹1,180 total
  • Portal Access / Gold Alerts: ₹15,000 + ₹2,700 GST = ₹17,700 total
  • Super Gold Combo: ₹27,000 + ₹4,860 GST = ₹31,860 total

A GST invoice is issued upon purchase for business buyers who need to claim ITC on the service fee.