Lear Capital Review
One of the oldest precious metals dealers in the U.S. (since 1997) with $3B+ in transactions and a 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee.
By Michael Hewitt, Founder & Editor-in-Chief. Rates last checked September 7, 2026.
Our verdict
Lear went through Chapter 11 in 2022 after state investigations into its fee disclosures and paid a $6M New York settlement, so read every fee line. Storage and admin run $315 the first year and $235 after, on a $10,000 minimum. The 24-hour cancellation window and fee-free buyback help, but buyback prices sit below retail ask.
Skip it if a history of fee-disclosure investigations rules a dealer out for you, or you want online self-service.
About Lear Capital
One of the oldest precious metals dealers in the U.S. (since 1997) with $3B+ in transactions and a 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee. Lear Capital is offered by Lear Capital, Inc. Our editorial rating is 4.3 out of 5.
Best for: Investors who want a long-established dealer with a risk-free cancellation window.
Editorial grade: B+ (composite score 79/100).
Highlights
- Operating since 1997 with over $3 billion in precious metals transactions
- 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee on new Gold and Silver IRAs
- Price Advantage Guarantee with flat-rate storage pricing
What we like
- A+ BBB rating and 4.7 Excellent on Trustpilot (2,700+ reviews)
- 24-hour no-questions cancellation window after invoicing (rare)
- Fee-free buyback program and flat-rate storage that does not rise as holdings grow
Where it falls short
- Went through Subchapter V Chapter 11 in 2022 after state investigations into fee-disclosure practices; paid a $6M New York settlement
- Buyback prices are below retail ask, so metals must appreciate before liquidation profits
- Phone-driven sales process with limited online self-service
Fees, minimums, and rates
Monthly fee: $315 first year, $235/year after (storage + admin). Minimum to open: $10,000. Rates and fees last checked on September 7, 2026.
How we reviewed it
This is a desk review: we have not opened an account with Lear Capital, Inc.. It is built from Lear Capital, Inc.'s published rates, fee schedule and terms and from the public complaint record, and compared with the other products in the Gold IRA shortlist. The rubric is the same for every brand.
Similar products to compare
Read our full editorial methodology for how we review products.