Lear Capital Review
Thinking about Lear Capital? Before you take a salesman's word for anything, here's our straight, factual rundown — founded 1997, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with a $10,000 stated minimum. We rate it 3.8/5 in our independent editorial assessment. Below are the fees, custody partners, and the honest pros and cons.
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Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1997
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, California
- BBB Rating
- A+ (Accredited)
- Account Minimum
- $10,000
- Metals Offered
- Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
- Storage Partners
- Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS)
- Custodian Partners
- Equity Trust, STRATA Trust
- Best For
- Fee-schedule-conscious entry investors
Facts last reviewed 2026-06. Figures such as fees and minimums are approximate and subject to change — confirm directly with the company.
Fees & Pricing
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).
Standout Features
- Publicly published flat-rate fee schedule
- Flat storage pricing regardless of account growth
- Low $10,000 minimum
- Long operating history (since 1997)
Our Editorial Verdict
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.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment for Lear Capital?+
Lear Capital's stated account minimum is $10,000. Minimums can change, so confirm the current figure directly with the company.
Is Lear Capital BBB accredited?+
Lear Capital holds a A+ Better Business Bureau rating and is BBB-accredited as of our last review (2026-06). Always verify the current rating on BBB.org.
What metals does Lear Capital offer in an IRA?+
Lear Capital offers Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium for IRA accounts, stored with partners including Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS).
What does Lear Capital charge in 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).
Sources
- https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/los-angeles/profile/precious-metal-dealers/lear-capital-inc-1216-13059407
- https://www.learcapital.com/knowledgebase/gold-ira/gold-ira-fee-structure/
- https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/petition_6.17.2021.pdf
- https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/08/04/states-recoup-overcharges-for-investors-in-commodity-firm-bankruptcy
- https://news.bloomberglaw.com/bankruptcy-law/coin-dealer-lear-capital-files-bankruptcy-to-corral-legal-woes
Not Financial Advice. 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.
Ratings are our independent editorial opinion, not user reviews.