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Lear Capital

4.9 Stars (18 Reviews)
Updated: January 19, 2023
By: Dr. Steven Rydin
Dr. Steven Rydin
Director of Product
As the former director of product, Steven oversaw Retirement Living’s product and marketing efforts for four years. His digital marketing expertise helped launch senior-focused buyer’s guides and a wide range of products surrounding finance, insurance, healthcare, and lifestyle. Steven holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree from George Fox University.
Director of Product
Edited By: Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith
Sr. Content Manager
As Retirement Living’s senior content manager, Jeff oversees the product and publishing of all retirement, investing, and consumer wellness content on the site. His extensive expertise in brand messaging and creating data-driven stories helps position Retirement Living as a top authority for senior content and community resources.
Sr. Content Manager

Lear Capital has been a household name in precious metals IRAs for over 25 years. The company has conducted more than $3 billion in transactions, easily making them a top pick by consumers for precious metal investments. After taking a deeper look into Lear Capital, we found a company that guarantees its clients smooth transactions, a no-fee buy-back program, and professional staff to help consumers fully understand the transaction and answer any questions. All things considered, Lear Capital gets our "Great Service" award.

Lear Capital Logo

Editorial Breakdown

Customer Care 4.1 Stars
Price 4.8 Stars
Reliability 4.5 Stars
Ease of Purchase 4.5 Stars

Overall Rating 4.5 Stars

Bottom Line

Lear Capital's educational resources are great for new gold IRA clients. Customers of all types will appreciate personalized service and their solid track record in guiding smart transactions.

Lear Capital Gold IRA Review

We contacted Lear Capital to request a gold IRA investor kit and learned firsthand how hard the company works to educate its customers about Gold IRAs. The kit and the website provide comprehensive resources for customers to review and learn.

So how does Lear Capital compare to other Gold IRA companies? Among competitors, Lear Capital stands out for its commitment to customer service. They’ll assign you a dedicated account member to establish your account and guide you through the process.

Lear Capital Investments

Lear Capital encourages customers to invest in precious metals by purchasing gold, silver, and other precious metal coins compliant with IRS guidelines for IRAs. While other companies can help you invest in a gold IRA, Lear Capital doubles down on satisfaction and service by assigning every customer a specialist to help guide them through the investment process.

Pros

  • 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee
  • Timely transactions and fast shipping
  • Assigns a personal Lear representative to every customer
  • Access to free Lear Learning Center

Cons

  • Charges a modest annual fee for self-directed IRAs
  • Minimum purchase requirement

Gold and other precious metal IRAs are an investment and carry risk. Beware of claims that customers can make a lot of money in these or any investment with little risk, as you can lose money with any investment, and past performance does not guarantee future performance results. Consumers should also clearly understand the fees associated with any investment before agreeing to invest.


Starting a Lear Capital IRA

To invest with Lear Capital, you need to start an IRA Precious Metals Account, which you can do through Lear Capital’s in-house Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Processing Department. After opening an account, the company will work with your current IRA to roll over IRA funds.

Next, Lear Capital will assign a personal representative to guide you through choosing the right gold IRA. The website clearly describes purchase options (including pictures); however, coin prices are displayed in real-time and will change throughout the day. Customers have 10 minutes to complete their order and check out at the advertised price before it updates to its current price.

lear capital coins

Photo: Lear Capital homepage

After purchase, customers can wire the money over the phone to Lear Capital or mail in a check. Because it takes about two weeks for a check to be processed, Lear Capital suggests wiring the money over the phone, which takes about a week to process. Once the coins are purchased, the consumer signs the Shipping and Transaction Agreement to ship the coins to the consumer or place them in the secure depository.

Lear Capital Costs

Lear Capital charges a one-time payment of $280 for the first year for set up and maintenance and $200 annually for some self-directed IRAs—though these fees fluctuate based on the purchase amount. For example, those who invest at least $75,000 enjoy no fees on their first, second, or third-year storage and setup. All fees include storage, insurance, and 24/7 account access online.

Pricing for individual gold, silver and platinum products varies over time, but Lear Capital promises pricing transparency. Your specialist will quote all fees and taxes before final purchase—and provide a price match guarantee.

The minimum investment at Lear Capital is $25,000; however, the website does not state whether that amount has increased today.

Lear Capital Distributions

Consumers buy precious metals because of their inherent time-honored value. Even when the economy performs poorly, precious metals can maintain—or appreciate—in value. In contrast, a conventional IRA may lose value if the economy plummets. For this reason, gold and other precious metal IRAs are considered a hedge against market risks.

As Lear explains, when you’re ready to retire and withdraw funds, a Precious Metals IRA can give you an option not found with regular retirement accounts: the ability to physically possess your metals to continue distribution. You also have the option to liquidate your account, though it will subject you to annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMD). For the tax implications and more information on Gold IRAs, read how to buy gold.

Required Minimum Distributions
IRA Balance Age Estimated Annual RMD
$10,000 72 $364.96
$75,000 72 $2,737.23
$150,000 72 $5,474.45
$200,000 72 $7,299.27

Lear Capital Complaints

Consumer reviews are positive overall, with clients praising their commitment to education before making any purchases. Lear has over 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot and has earned a 4.9 rating. The general theme in customer feedback is the ease of service and how thorough representatives are in explaining investment options to the customer. For the lesser-rated reviews, Lear Capital responded and resolved the issue in a timely manner.

Lear Capital FAQs

  • Does Lear Capital buy back coins?
    Lear Capital runs a no-fee buy-back program as part of its customer experience guarantee. If the consumer wants to sell back their coins at any point, they will offer to buy back the coins at the market price at the time of the buyback.

  • Where is Lear Capital gold stored?
    Gold is stored at the Delaware Depository IRS-approved depository vault. Lloyds of London has underwritten its comprehensive insurance policy, which protects your assets against physical loss or damage and Acts of God.

  • What are the typical Lear Capital fees?
    Each year the customer will be charged $200. This includes storage for the coins, insurance, quarterly financial statements, and 24/7 access to their account online. There are also commissions on the purchase of gold and storage fees.

  • What is a precious metals IRA?
    A precious metals IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical gold, silver, and platinum. The IRA is similar to traditional IRAs, but it has coins and bars instead of “traditional” stocks, bonds, or funds. The account holder must store the metals in their account with an IRS-approved custodian.

  • How does Lear Capital make money?
    Lear Capital makes money as a full-service precious metals dealer and offers. They also specialize in helping customers set up or rollover gold and silver self-directed IRAs. When you work with Lear, you work with a full-service account executive and all costs are included in the product price.

Conclusion

Lear Capital is a steadfast industry leader that values educating its customers and top-notch customer support. This is proven by the risk-free purchase guarantees, no-fee buy-back guarantee, and free setup and storage limited offer.


18 Lear Capital Reviews

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Featured Review

5 Stars

May 10 2023 4:59AM

Lear was super good about sending me the information, and answering my questions, They follow up with me and are very interested on helping me even after I have already invested $20,000 with them.

I am very conservative and am concerned about the taxes and how I was able to transfer my IRA money to Gold/Silver. It doesn't take much to irritate this 81 year old man and if I feel pressured I won't talk or get involved with you. That is why I am very satisfied with investing in Gold and Silver.

If I didn't like Lear, you would hear a lot more about them. So I have more IRA money to invest ,I feel it will also go to Lear. So take this for what it is, I am very satisfied with Lear. If something comes up I am not satisfied, oh they will be the first to hear. Ya, I'll be around another 20+ years, you I'm 81+. BILL **, Deposit, NY

William M.
Deposit, NY
Lear Capital
William, thank you for your kind words about our business! We are happy to hear that Armando has been helpful and professional in your investment process, and we are glad you received informative and timely communication from our team. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital!
5 Stars

May 15 2023 9:30PM

Peter guided me through the whole process and was very helpful in advising me of the different metals and prices. He was very knowledgeable and very professional. I would recommend him to anyone who is interested in buying gold and silver.

T. Gary B.
Bradenton, FL
Lear Capital
Gary, thank you for your kind review of Peter! We are happy that he was able to provide informative and responsive communication in your investment process, and we appreciate you taking the time to share. Thank you for choosing Lear Capital!
5 Stars

May 12 2023 9:24PM

Researched several Coin Companies online and on the phone. Spoke to Todd **. We knew NOTHING about owning gold or silver.

Todd was very patient, courteous, knowledgeable and explained everything in plain language that was very understandable. He did not pressure us, sent us a wonderful package to review, called to ask what questions we had and answered them all.

After a few days, we called Todd back and placed our order. The process was simple & easy. He had been in touch to see if there is anything else he can help us with. FANTASTIC employee and company.

Marion C.
Denton, TX
Lear Capital
Marion, thank you for your encouraging words about Todd! We are glad he was able to provide clear and knowledgeable information as you made investment decisions and helpful follow up communication. Thank you for choosing Lear Capital!
1 Star

March 21 2023 11:30PM

I was told by a trusted friend Lear capital was the best company to buy gold from. I assumed it was so. I have trouble hearing and was told they were charging a standard fee. Boy they charged me more than double the fee from a majority of reputable companies. I am considering a legal option for fraudulent fees they told me were normal. They are 2 1/2 times “ normal.

Butkley N.
Fillmore, CA
Lear Capital
Butkley, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are sorry that you are not happy with your transaction at this point. We have assigned your issue to a member of our team to follow up with you. Please don't ever hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-885-LEAR(5327) with any questions or concerns.
5 Stars

February 07 2023 8:29PM

Joe at Lear Capital is excellent in every way. Knowledge of metals. He is simply -the best! He explains his business and has a lot of common sense suggestions. Lear Capital is top and Joe’s team is perfect. I have recommended him in the past and would do so again. Fabulous!

Teresa S.
New York, NY
Lear Capital
Teresa, thank you for your kind recommendation of Joe! We are happy to hear you have had such positive experiences working with him, and we are grateful for you taking the time to share about our team. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital!
5 Stars

January 21 2023 8:54PM

I did my due diligence before I selected Lear Capital and Derek. I was looking for an industry leader, but not a pest. Derek was instrumental in assisting me in maximizing my purchasing power. His expertise and coaching allowed me to acquire a maximum of high end collector coins and a substantial start in bulk silver.

I will rely on his knowledge in all my future transactions. I hope you realize the quality of your employee and the great lengths he goes to to educate and make comfortable a “newbie” like me. Sincerely, William **.

William K.
Georgetown, KY
Lear Capital
William, thank you for taking the time to share your kind words about Derek and your experience with us. We are happy to hear that you had good communications with our team and that you feel satisfied with your investment. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital!
5 Stars

January 20 2023 8:36PM

Very easy process, purchased items arrived as promised. Good follow up to insure I was satisfied with service. Follow up after purchase has been totally satisfactory. I would recommend the company with the highest possible rating.

James P.
Mesquite, NV
Lear Capital
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, James! We appreciate your gracious words about the service you have received in the course of your investment. Thank you for choosing Lear Capital!
5 Stars

January 18 2023 12:40AM

Quick response! I got all that I asked for. Friendly and knowledgeable description on purchasing gold and silver!! I will be doing business with them again in the future!! No question they are a reputable company to deal with!!

James Bruce H.
Clinton, MO
Lear Capital
James, thank you for your kind words and positive review. We are happy to hear that you received helpful communication from our business. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital!
5 Stars

December 06 2022 2:19PM

My husband and I worked with Mike. Our experience was great in getting all of our questions answered. We were able to get exactly what we wanted.

The communication from the first phone call through receiving our shipment was greatly appreciated. There was never any long wait times on phone calls and in today’s world that was great too.

Susie H.
Greencastle, IN
Lear Capital
Susie, thank you for taking the time to share your kind review! We are glad to hear that Mike provided helpful information and communication throughout your transaction. We strive to provide excellent service and love hearing stories like yours. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital.
5 Stars

November 23 2022 2:48AM

I called to ask questions and find out information about buying Gold and Silver. All my questions were answered and I bought some of each. I got my shipments quickly and there was No confusion. Looking forward to buying MORE Soon. Al **

Al C.
Harpersville, AL
Lear Capital
Al, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are happy to hear that our team was able to provide you the information you desired and the helpful service you deserve. Thank you for choosing to partner with Lear Capital!