Lear Capital Reviews, Complaints, Ratings (2025)
| Avg Rating | 4.9/5 |
| Min Investment | $10,000 |
| Fees | $305 and $225 each subsequent year |
| Metals | Gold, Silver, Platinum |
| Custodian Partners | Equity Trust Company |
| Storage | Delaware Depository (DDSC) |
| Storage Type | Segregated & non-segregated |
| Buyback Program | Yes |
| Promotions | Free Gold IRA setup and storage up to 3 years; $500 bonus on new accounts (terms apply) |
Lear Capital review of 2025, rated 4.9/5 stars on average, Focus on the User details this Gold IRA company's pros/cons, how their service works, fees & promos, storage options, top customer reviews/complaints, and more.
Should You Choose Lear Capital?
Pros
- Long Standing Reputation: Their long track record results in over three thousand reviews, one of the largest amount in the industry.
- Oldest Gold IRA Company in Our List: This company was founded in 1997, showcasing how long they've done business in Gold IRAs.
- Price Match Guarantee: A price match guarantee ensures you can get the best deal as long as you compare the prices of different Gold IRA companies.
Cons
- Lack of Fee Transparency: Information on Lear Capital's fees are limited, making it tougher for investors to compare Gold IRA companies.
- Limited Promotional Offer: The promotion for new Gold IRAs, while beneficial, is not the best we've seen across all Gold IRA companies.
- Not Dedicated Solely to Gold IRAs: Lear Capital provides broader precious metals investment services, other than Gold IRAs.
Who Is It Best For?
Lear Capital is best for investors who want brand-name custody and storage, backed by decades of doing business in Gold IRAs. The price match and 24-hour risk-free purchase window adds further value to their service.
What is Lear Capital?
Lear Capital is a Gold IRA company in Los Angeles, California, founded in 1997 by Kevin DeMeritt. They specialize in Gold, Silver, and Platinum Individual Retirement Accounts, alongside a large collection of precious metals available for investment for Americans. Lear Capital helps customers through IRA transfers featuring real-time online pricing, for a positive customer experience.
Lear Capital Gold IRA
Lear Capital's Gold IRA, Focus on the User lists account fees, storage options, minimum investment requirements, sold metal products, and current promotions.
Fees
Lear Capital states their fees to open a Gold IRA are $305 for the first year, and $225 each subsequent year contingent on electronic statements and non-segregated storage. Because they do not publish a line-item fee list, confirm with an account representative before investing, separating dealer, custodian, and depository components.
Storage
Lear Capital offers segregated and non-segregated (commingled) storage options for Gold IRAs.
Partnered Depositories
Lear Capital stores client Gold IRAs at Delaware Depository (DDSC) in Wilmington, Delaware.
Minimum Investment
The minimum investment required to open a Gold IRA with Lear Capital is $10,000. This minimum is lower than most competitors.
Eligible Metals & Products
Lear Capital offers a wide range of physical precious metals including gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars. Their collection of precious metal products is large, with some IRA-approved and non-IRA approved products available for investment. IRA eligible products Lear Capital sells includes:
- American Gold Eagle Coin (all sizes)
- Gold Kilo Bars
- Gold Buffalo Coins
- American Eagle Silver Coins
- Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins
- Platinum American Eagle
It's important to note not all of their products are allowed in a Precious Metals IRA. Make sure to speak with one of Lear Capital's specialists to see their eligible products for retirement. They also feature premium coins when deciding what to include in IRA accounts.
Promotions
Lear Capital runs a promotion waiving setup and storage account fees based on the amount your invest for up to 3 years. However it only applies to limited mintage coins included in a Gold IRA. The tiered list of fee waivers is broken down as follows:
- >$10k: $50 set-up fee covered
- $25k - $50k: First year fees free. Reimbursement check sent after first month in storage.
- $50k - $75k: First + Second year fees free
- $75k+: First + Second + Third year fees free
Opening an account with Lear Capital also features a $500 signup bonus that can be used to fund the account or cover fees. Lear Capital also has a Price Advantage Guarantee promising transparency with no hidden fees and a fully disclosed gold and silver IRA setup process. And promotes a 24-hour purchase guarantee for new Gold and Silver IRAs.
Lear Capital Reputation & Ratings
Lear Capital Reviews
Top reviews from real customers of Lear Capital highlighting a helpful support staff for new investors, with clear guidance and recommendations.
FeaturedJosh Fishman was so very helpful with my first attempt to invest in precious metals. He informed me of pros and cons of various choices and moves yet respected my decisions. I feel comfortable talking to Josh and am grateful that I can contact him again with any questions or further moves. Thank you for a pleasant experience. Sally Betterton
Sally B. · USA · FeaturedLear Capital has been my 'go to' for all precious metal transactions. Their guidance and recommendations regarding the purchase of coins (in small and larger dominations) and, establishing a precious metal based IRA, have nearly doubled their value in a relatively short time. Thank you!!
J.D. Leppert · USA · FeaturedI called about getting a 401K transferred over to a self directed IRA. The customer service was excellent and everything was transferred and completed within 1 week from start to finish.
Carol Hogenkamp · USA · FeaturedMike is great to work with. Gives us options and always makes sure we have answers to questions, whether from him or applicable articles to review. Thank you Lear Capital and Mike for always going above and beyond.
Ken & Rachel · USA · FeaturedBrendan made this transaction very easy and explained everything. I asked he was extremely helpful I would recommend him to anyone.
Larry K · USA · FeaturedDaniel was extremely helpful in helping this first time buyer understand the advantages of coins in the diversification of my investments. He answered all my questions, some before I even asked, and communication with him was very easy.
Sharon W · USA · FeaturedI've never owned precious metals or even thought about acquiring some. But due to what I have been seeing on the news lately, I decided to look into them. I'm a bit old-fashioned, so I called several companies and spoke with a person. I asked questions until my heart was content. The representative at LC was patient and respectful. He wasn't pushy and even said to take my time and think about it if I needed to. I bought 100 1 oz silver coins and I'm planning to buy more from this company. The representative was constantly updating me by email and calling regarding our transaction. A+ Customer Service.
Jose M · USA · Lear Capital Complaints
Dissatisfied reviews of Lear Capital complained about the change in reps when dealing with their investments.
FeaturedMy usual rep, Armando Yee, had to leave to take care of family. Armando has always treated me as if I were special. The rep that took his place treated me as if he were selling socks.! If I had to deal with anyone other than Armando, I would deal with another company.
Arthur Garcia · USA · FeaturedIn 2020, Daniel Boston from LEAR CAPITAL somehow convinced me to buy 7200 1.5oz Canadian Silver Coins at the cost of $56.13 each totaling $404,000. These coins today dealers are seliing for approx $45. I have no way to break even. Not sure what Im going to do. DONT be STUPID inept like I was.
Chuck S · USA · Lawsuits & Regulatory Actions
All past cases involving Lear Capital have been resolved, with the most recent concluding in 2023. No new actions have been reported as of November 2025.
Is Lear Capital Legit?
Lear Capital is legit and not a scam, backed by a A+ BBB accreditation since 1997, AAA BCA rating, an average rating of 4.9 stars, and 3k+ reviews with high customer satisfaction. While they have had complaints in the past, the 31 logged issues through BBB are all resolved. With the added risk-free purchase guarantee, there is a layer of security and price transparency.
How to Open a Gold IRA With Lear Capital
To open a Gold IRA with Lear Capital, you will need to either request their investor kit, or speak with a specialist. Before you do that, don't forget to learn about how you can open a fee-free Gold IRA, detailed in .
FAQ
Lear Capital is generally seen as a reputable Gold IRA company with its high ratings across review platforms and thousands of positive online reviews. They hold 4.61/5 stars on Better Business Bureau, 5/5 stars on Business Consumer Alliance, 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot, and 4.5/5 stars on TrustLink. Focus on the User rates Lear Capital 4.9/5 stars as one of the top Gold IRA companies you can compare between when investing in a Gold IRA.
Lear Capital partners with custodian Equity Trust Company, and does not provide its own Gold IRA custodial services.
John Ohanesian is CEO of Lear Capital (appointed 2017), while the company was founded in 1997 by Kevin DeMeritt.
Lear Capital is located in Los Angeles, California, USA, providing its Gold IRA services. Lear Capitals' headquarters is listed below:
Company Address:
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 650
Los Angeles, CA 90025
United States
You can contact Lear by phone at (800) 576-9355, by email at CustomerCare@LearCapital.com, or through their website’s contact form to reach customer support.
Contact Details:
New Customers
(800) 576-9355
Existing Customers Phone (Customer Care)
(888) 496-0654
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM (PST)
Email: CustomerCare@LearCapital.com
Lear Capital has a state-by-state cancellation/refund policy that outlines specific rules per state. It also has a standard 24-hour cancellation period to all customers.
Lear Capital accepts bank wire transfers, but does not publicly disclose all payment options.
Lear Capital has a fee-free buyback program, but does not guarantee the buyback of precious metals.