BuildingIRAWealthFree Guide

Editorial Review

Lear Capital review

Researching Lear Capital for your retirement plan? We've gathered the verifiable facts — fees, minimums, storage, and reputation — alongside our honest editorial take, so you can decide whether it fits the role gold should play in a diversified portfolio.

3.9 / 5 editorial

Lear Capital is a long-established Los Angeles dealer (since 1997) with an A+ BBB rating, a $10,000 minimum, and a transparently published custody fee schedule. Prospective buyers should weigh that against its well-documented regulatory and financial history, including a 2022 Chapter 11 filing and multistate investor-refund settlements.

Best for: Fee-schedule-conscious entry investors

Account minimum

$10,000

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Link to the company's official site. We are not compensated by this firm.

The facts at a glance

Founded

1997

Headquarters

Los Angeles, California

BBB rating

A+ · Accredited

Metals offered

Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium

Custodian partners

Equity Trust, STRATA Trust

Storage partners

Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS)

Fees

Publishes a flat-rate schedule: first year about $315 (non-segregated) or $365 (segregated) — roughly $50 application, $30 wire, $125 maintenance, and $110/$160 storage — then about $235/$285 recurring. These are custody/storage fees only; dealer coin markups are separate. Note: Lear's pricing on some collector coins was the subject of regulatory action (see cons).

What stands out

Editorial pros

  • ＋Unusually transparent, publicly posted flat-rate fee schedule
  • ＋Low $10,000 minimum with predictable flat storage pricing
  • ＋Long track record (since 1997) with a full range of IRS-approved metals
  • ＋Insured, top-tier depository options

Editorial cons

  • －Documented regulatory and financial history: a 2021 New York AG settlement, a 2022 Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and a 2023 multistate investor-refund resolution
  • －Dealer coin markups are separate from the published custody fees and have historically been high on some collector coins
  • －Has faced repeated criticism over sales tactics around moving retirement funds into metals

Ratings are our independent editorial opinion, not user reviews. Pros and cons are our fair editorial opinion based on public sources.

Lear Capital — common questions

What is the minimum investment for Lear Capital?+

Lear Capital lists a stated account minimum of $10,000. Minimums can change, so confirm the current figure directly with the company before opening an account.

What fees does Lear Capital charge?+

Publishes a flat-rate schedule: first year about $315 (non-segregated) or $365 (segregated) — roughly $50 application, $30 wire, $125 maintenance, and $110/$160 storage — then about $235/$285 recurring. These are custody/storage fees only; dealer coin markups are separate. Note: Lear's pricing on some collector coins was the subject of regulatory action (see cons).

Which metals can I hold with Lear Capital?+

Lear Capital offers IRS-approved Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium for precious-metals IRAs. Eligibility for any specific coin or bar is confirmed by your custodian and dealer before purchase.

Where does Lear Capital store IRA metals?+

IRA metals are held at an IRS-approved depository — never at home. Lear Capital works with Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS).

Sources & last reviewed

Facts in this profile were last reviewed in 2026-06. Compiled from public sources including:

This content is for general education only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Investing in precious metals carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
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