Lear Capital review
Editorial score
Best for
Fee-schedule-conscious entry investors
Account minimum
$10,000
Here is the smart-money read on Lear Capital — the facts that actually move the decision, scored on the same editorial yardstick we apply to every dealer: fee transparency, account minimum, storage and custodian partners, and verifiable reputation. No fabricated reviews, no hype. Just what a careful investor would check before wiring a dollar.
The bottom line
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.
The facts, verified
Compiled from public sources (official sites, BBB.org, finance publications) at our last review (2026-06). Where a fact is not publicly disclosed, we say so rather than guess.
- 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
- 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
- Publicly published flat-rate fee schedule
- Flat storage pricing regardless of account growth
- Low $10,000 minimum
- Long operating history (since 1997)
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
Visit Lear Capital
Confirm current fees, minimums and terms on the company's own site before acting.
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
Frequently asked
What is Lear Capital's account minimum?+
Lear Capital's stated account minimum is $10,000. Minimums can change, so confirm the current figure directly with the company before opening an account.
Is Lear Capital BBB-accredited?+
Lear Capital is BBB-accredited with a A+ BBB rating at our last review (2026-06). BBB ratings can change over time; verify the current rating on BBB.org.
Which metals and depositories does Lear Capital use?+
Lear Capital offers Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium for IRA purposes and stores metal with Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS). Custodian partners include Equity Trust, STRATA Trust.
Ratings are our independent editorial opinion, not user reviews.
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.