Best for
Fee-schedule-conscious entry investors
Account minimum $10,000
External link to the company's own website.
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
- Founded
- 1997
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, California
- BBB rating
- A+ · accredited
- 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).
Standout features
- ✦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
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment for Lear Capital?
Lear Capital lists a stated account minimum of $10,000. Minimums and offers can change, so confirm the current figure directly with the company before opening an account.
Is Lear Capital BBB accredited?
Lear Capital holds a A+ BBB rating and is BBB-accredited as of our last review (2026-06). Always verify the current rating on BBB.org.
What metals and storage does Lear Capital offer?
Lear Capital offers Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium and works with depository partners including Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS). 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.
Sources
Profile compiled from publicly available information, last reviewed 2026-06. Ratings are our independent editorial opinion, not user reviews.
- 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
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.