Lear Capital review
Lear Capital publishes its custody fees plainly, which we value. But self-reliance means clear eyes: its documented regulatory and bankruptcy history is part of the record, and any saver should weigh that alongside the published schedule before moving retirement funds.
Our editorial score
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.
External link to the company's official website.
At a glance
- Account minimum
- $10,000
- BBB rating
- A+ (accredited)
- Founded
- 1997
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, California
- Metals offered
- Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
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).
What we like
- ▸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
Worth weighing
- ▸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
Standout features
- ◆Publicly published flat-rate fee schedule
- ◆Flat storage pricing regardless of account growth
- ◆Low $10,000 minimum
- ◆Long operating history (since 1997)
Partners
- Storage / depositories
- Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS)
- IRA custodians
- Equity Trust, STRATA Trust
Lear Capital: common questions
What is the minimum to open an account with Lear Capital?+
Lear Capital lists a stated account minimum of $10,000. Minimums can change and may vary by account type, so confirm the current figure directly before committing.
Is Lear Capital BBB accredited?+
Lear Capital holds a BBB rating of A+ and is BBB accredited. A BBB rating reflects the Better Business Bureau's assessment, not a guarantee of investment outcomes.
Where does Lear Capital store IRA metals?+
IRA metals are held at IRS-approved depositories. Lear Capital works with Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS). Home storage of IRA metals is not permitted under current IRS guidance.
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
Facts last reviewed 2026-06. 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.