Lear Capital Reviews (2025): Is It the Best Gold IRA & Silver IRA Company?

Introduction

Investing in precious metals like gold and silver is a proven strategy to hedge against inflation, economic downturns, and currency devaluation. Lear Capital is one of the most well-known Gold IRA and precious metals dealers in the U.S., with over 25 years of experience, $3 billion in transactions, and an A+ BBB rating.

But is Lear Capital the right choice for your retirement savings? This in-depth review covers:
✅ Company background & reputation
✅ Gold IRA services & fees
✅ Pricing & buyback policies
✅ Customer reviews & complaints
✅ Alternatives to consider

By the end, you’ll know whether Lear Capital is trustworthy or if another company (like Augusta Precious Metals or Goldco) is a better fit.

---

1. What Is Lear Capital

Founded: 1997
Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
CEO: Kevin DeMeritt
Specialization: Gold & Silver IRAs, precious metals investing
BBB Rating: A+ (4.9/5 stars)
Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (1,000+ reviews)

Lear Capital helps investors diversify retirement accounts (IRA, 401k rollovers) with physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. They also sell bullion for direct purchase.

Why Invest in a Gold IRA?

• Hedge against inflation (gold historically outperforms fiat currencies).
• Portfolio diversification (reduces stock market risk).
• Tax advantages (tax-deferred or tax-free growth in a Self-Directed IRA).

---

2. Lear Capital Gold IRA Services

A. Precious Metals Offered

MetalFormPurityGoldCoins (American Eagle, Buffalo) & Bars99.5%+SilverCoins (American Eagle, Canadian Maple) & Bars99.9%+PlatinumCoins (American Eagle) & Bars99.95%+PalladiumBars99.95%+

✅ IRS-approved metals only (meets IRA compliance).
✅ Competitive pricing (low premiums over spot price).

B. Gold IRA Process

1. Open an IRA – Free setup with a custodian (Lear Capital partners with New Direction Trust Company).
2. Fund Your Account – Rollover from an existing IRA/401k or deposit cash.
3. Select Metals – Choose IRS-approved gold/silver.
4. Secure Storage – Metals stored in Brinks or Delaware Depository (fully insured).

C. Fees Breakdown

Fee TypeCostAccount Setup$0 (waived for first-year)Annual Maintenance$200 (covers storage & admin)Storage Fee150/year(non−segregated)or150/year(non−segregated)or225/year (segregated)Wire Transfer$25 per outgoing wire

❌ Hidden Fees? No, but some competitors (like Augusta Precious Metals) offer lower storage fees.

---

3. Lear Capital vs. Competitors

FeatureLear CapitalAugusta Precious MetalsGoldcoBBB RatingA+A+A+Minimum Investment$5,000$50,000$25,000IRA Fees$200/year$100/year$175/yearBuyback PolicyYes (price match)YesYesFree Gold Guide?✅✅✅

Best for:

• Lear Capital → Small investors ($5k minimum).
• Augusta → High-net-worth individuals ($50k+).
• Goldco → Balanced pricing & reputation.

---

4. Customer Reviews & Complaints

Positive Feedback (4.8/5 Avg.)

✔ Transparent pricing (no bait-and-switch).
✔ Excellent customer service (dedicated reps).
✔ Fast delivery & secure storage.

Negative Complaints (Few, but Notable)

❌ High-pressure sales tactics (some reports).
❌ Storage fees higher than competitors.

BBB & Trustpilot Ratings:

• BBB: 4.9/5 (50+ reviews)
• Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (1,000+ reviews)

---

5. Final Verdict: Is Lear Capital Legit

Who Should Use Lear Capital?

✔ First-time gold IRA investors (low minimum).
✔ Those wanting a trusted, long-standing dealer.

Better Alternatives?

• Augusta Precious Metals → Best for high-net-worth investors.
• Goldco → Best all-around pricing & service.

👉 Visit Lear Capital’s Website for Free Gold IRA Kit

---

6. Lear Capital FAQ

Conclusion: Should You Invest with Lear Capital?

Lear Capital is a reputable, well-established gold IRA company ideal for small to mid-sized investors. While it has slightly higher fees than Augusta or Goldco, its low minimum investment and strong track record make it a solid choice.

Before investing, compare:
🔹 Augusta Precious Metals (best for high-net-worth).
🔹 Goldco (best balance of fees & service).

📌 Get a FREE Gold IRA Guide from Lear Capital