Lear Capital Review
Overview
Founded in 1997, Lear Capital is one of the more established precious metals firms in the industry. The company offers gold, silver, and platinum products, with a focus on helping investors set up self-directed IRAs. Lear Capital highlights its real-time pricing tools and market updates, giving customers transparency on costs and trends. The firm also has a strong history in direct bullion sales, making it attractive for both IRA investors and those looking for physical metals. With a $7,500 minimum for cash purchases and around $25,000 for IRAs, Lear appeals to mid-to-large investors looking for experience and variety.
Why We Like
- Reputation & Experience: Founded in 1997, Lear Capital has decades of experience in the precious metals industry and has served thousands of investors nationwide.
- Wide Product Selection: The company offers gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars for both IRAs and direct purchases.
- Educational Tools: Lear provides real-time pricing, free investor kits, and market updates to help customers make informed decisions.
- IRA Services: Specializes in gold and silver IRAs, with dedicated representatives to guide investors through rollovers and account setup.
- Buyback Program: Offers a straightforward repurchase option, giving clients added liquidity if they choose to sell their holdings.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Established Company – In business since 1997, giving it a long track record in the precious metals market.
- Wide Product Selection – Offers gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars for both IRAs and direct purchase.
- Buyback Program – Offers a repurchase option for customers looking to sell their metals back.
- Experience in Bullion Sales – Not just an IRA provider — also a resource for those wanting physical metals outright.
Cons
- Higher IRA Minimum – Precious metals IRAs typically require at least $25,000, which may deter smaller investors.
- Limited Metals – Does not offer palladium (only gold, silver, and platinum).
- Potential Markups – Premiums on certain coins can be higher than competitors.
Terms and Fees
Lear Capital requires a $7,500 minimum for cash purchases and around a $25,000 minimum for precious metals IRAs, making it accessible to both direct buyers and retirement investors. The company works with preferred custodians and IRS-approved depositories for account setup and storage. Typical costs include a $50 one-time setup fee, a $30 wire fee, and an annual maintenance fee of about $80. Storage fees are generally $100 for non-segregated or $150 for segregated storage per year. While Lear is upfront about many costs, some details — such as premiums on specific coins — are not published online and can vary, so investors must confirm pricing with a representative.
Setup, annual, and depository fees depend on the custodian and the company where the metals are stored. Costs are subject to change and are an estimate. Always check with the company for current fees.
Minimum IRA Investment: | $25,000 |
|---|---|
Metals Available: | gold, silver |
Custodian Setup Fees: | $50 |
Wire Fees: | $30 |
Maintenance Fees: | $80 |
Depository Storage Fee: | $100-$150/year |
Alternatives
Gold IRA Companies | |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit | $25,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 |
Metals Available | gold, silver, platinum, palladium | gold, silver, platinum, palladium | gold, silver |
Final Verdict
Lear Capital is a long-established precious metals firm with nearly three decades of experience, making it a trusted option for both retirement investors and direct bullion buyers. Its wide product selection, strong educational resources, and real-time pricing tools give customers transparency and confidence when diversifying into gold, silver, and platinum. The $7,500 cash minimum appeals to smaller buyers, while IRA investors benefit from experienced guidance and secure storage options. However, premiums on certain products can be higher than those of competitors, and not all fee details are fully available online. Overall, Lear is best suited for investors who want a seasoned provider with a broad range of offerings and don’t mind working directly with representatives to confirm final costs.
Facts & Figures
- Legal Name: Lear Capital, Inc
- Year Founded: 1997
- Headquarters: 1990 S. Bundy Dr., Ste 650, Los Angeles, CA 90025
- CEO: John Ohanesian
- Stock Ticker: N/A (private company)
- Trustpilot Rating: 4.9
- BBB Rating: A+
