New Delhi . In India, gold is not just an investment but a symbol of emotions. From weddings to auspicious occasions, gold has been purchased in every household at some point or the other. But now times are changing. Traditional jewelery shops have now been replaced by mobile apps. Platforms like Paytm, PhonePe and Groww are now allowing people to invest in 24 carat gold for just Rs 10. Digital gold means gold that is bought online, but is actually kept in secure vaults by companies like MMTC-PAMP or SafeGold. That means your gold still exists, it’s just in a secure locker instead of in your home. It can be bought or sold at any time, and the money is transferred to the bank account instantly. In comparison, physical gold is still the first choice of Indians because it is available at hand and is immediately useful in times of need. However, it also has problems like making charges, checking purity and risk of theft. At the same time, digital gold, despite being convenient, does not yet come under the regulation of RBI or SEBI and has a limit of up to Rs 2 lakh. In terms of tax, both are similar, if sold within three years, the profit is added to your income, while after three years, 20% long term capital gains tax is levied. Digital gold is becoming an easy and safe option for small investors. But for those who think of wearing gold or keeping it at home, it would be better to use real gold. Sovereign gold bonds are also tax-free and reliable option for long-term investors.