Lear Capital Review: Reputable Gold Dealer?

Lear Capital has been a leader in the precious metals industry since 1997, helping customers diversify their portfolios with gold and silver.

As one of the most established Gold IRA dealers in the U.S., Lear Capital offers a streamlined process for acquiring bullion, premium coins, and setting up a Gold IRA.

But how does Lear Capital compare to other gold dealers? 

In this review, we take an in-depth look at Lear Capital’s history, reviews, pricing, products, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you.

History & Company Background

Lear Capital was founded in 1997 with a mission to help customers secure their financial future with physical precious metals. Over the years, Lear Capital has built a reputation as a trusted dealer in the industry by providing transparent pricing, educational resources, and a wide selection of gold and silver bullion options.

The company has expanded its services beyond simply selling precious metals. Lear Capital assists customers in setting up self-directed IRAs that allow them to purchase gold and silver as part of their retirement strategy.

Their educational materials and expert account representatives help guide customers through the process, ensuring they understand the benefits and potential risks of buying precious metals with retirement savings.

Executive Leadership

• Kevin DeMeritt (Founder & Chairman) – With a background in international banking and precious metals, DeMeritt has helped thousands of customers hedge against market volatility.
• John Ohanesian (CEO) – A business transformation expert with experience scaling companies, including his tenure as CEO of Bosley, Inc.

Lear Capital is a PCGS Authorized Dealer and a member of the Precious Metals Association (PMA). Since opening their doors in 1997, the precious metals dealer has completed more than $3 Billion in customer transactions and served more than 90,000 customers across the United States.

Lear Capital's Online Review Profile

Lear Capital has built a strong reputation over 25+ years with numerous positive customer reviews.

• BBB (Better Business Bureau): A+ rating
• Business Consumer Alliance (BCA): AAA rating
• TrustLink: 4.5/5 stars
• Trustpilot: 4.9/5 stars (based on 2,500+ customer reviews)

What Customers Like

Customers appreciate Lear Capital’s transparent pricing and competitive rates, which are clearly listed on the company’s website. Many customers also highlight the personalized service, as each customer is assigned a dedicated account representative who helps guide them through the process. 

The ability to make informed purchases with clear pricing is a major plus, as many competitors do not provide public pricing information.

Another strong point is the secure and streamlined ordering process, making it easy to purchase gold and silver. Many reviews also praise Lear Capital for its fast transaction speeds, ensuring quick delivery of precious metals and timely updates on market conditions.

Customers also appreciate the educational materials that Lear Capital provides, helping them better understand the precious metals market before making a financial commitment.

Lear Capital Complaints

Some customers have reported slow response times, particularly during periods of high demand. While Lear Capital generally provides strong customer service, occasional delays in communication have been noted. 

Additionally, while Lear Capital does list its pricing online, we could not easily find custodial or storage fees on their website. We had to get on the phone to get this information.

Related: How to Diversify Your Savings with Physical Gold & Silver (Tax-Free)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transparent Pricing – Prices are publicly listed, unlike many competitors, making it easier for customers to make informed decisions.
• Well-Established Company – With over 25 years in business, Lear Capital has built a solid reputation in the industry.
• E-commerce Shopping – The ability to purchase metals directly online is a convenient feature for customers who prefer digital transactions.
• Incentives for New Customers – Lear Capital offers a variety of perks, including free IRA setup, free storage for select coins, a price match guarantee, and a 24-hour risk-free purchase policy.

Cons

• E-commerce Interface Could Improve – While Lear Capital offers an online shopping experience, some customers have found the platform to be less user-friendly compared to competitors.
• Limited Storage Perks – Free storage benefits only apply to limited mintage coins, meaning customers in standard bullion must pay for storage separately.

>> Visit Lear Capital's website for more information

Products & Services

Lear Capital specializes in Gold and Silver IRAs, as well as direct purchases of bullion and rare coins. The company’s primary focus is helping customers protect their wealth by diversifying into physical precious metals.

Gold & Silver IRAs

Gold and Silver IRAs allow customers to hold physical precious metals in a tax-advantaged retirement account. Unlike traditional IRAs that hold paper assets, a Gold IRA enables customers to own real gold and silver, providing a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

Lear Capital facilitates the rollover process for customers transitioning from 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement accounts into a self-directed IRA backed by precious metals.

Lear Capital works with reputable custodians and depositories to ensure that customer investments are securely stored and IRS-compliant. Customers benefit from a straightforward setup process, access to dedicated account representatives, and real-time updates on the precious metals market.

Whether you’re looking to safeguard retirement savings or diversify beyond traditional investments, a Gold IRA through Lear Capital offers a tangible asset with long-term value.

IRA-Eligible Bars & Coins

Here are just a few of the more popular gold and silver products that customers can secure through Lear Capital: 

Lear Capital also has various sizes of gold, silver, and platinum bullion bars from reputable mints.

Related: How to Buy Gold & Silver Tax Free with Your 401(k)

IRA Fees & Pricing on Metals

Lear Capital’s pricing includes unique incentives and discounts for qualified purchases.

IRA Fee Breakdown

• $25K - $50K: First-year IRA fees covered.
• $50K - $75K: First and second-year fees covered.
• $75K+: First three years of IRA fees covered.
• $10K+ Minimum Purchase: $50 setup fee covered.

Comparing Common Bullion vs. Limited Mintage Coins

• Common Bullion (Low-Cost): Closer to spot price, lower premiums.
• Limited Mintage Coins (High-Premium): Higher cost, but potential numismatic value.

In my personal opinion, customers should stick with common bullion when buying precious metals for an IRA. Price shop with two or more dealers to ensure that you're paying a low and fair premium for your bullion bars and coins.

Lear Capital Competitors

It's always smart to compare companies to ensure the best pricing on your gold and silver. It's also a good idea to compare promotions and any other incentives that Gold IRA companies are offering.  Some companies worth comparing include:

• GoldenCrest Metals: A newer company, GoldenCrest is offering unique incentives to build their customer base ($10,000 minimum for IRAs)
• Birch Gold Group: Established in 2003, Birch Gold is one of the most recognized names in Gold IRAs ($10,000 minimum for IRAs)
• Goldco: Another well established Gold IRA dealer, Goldco just recently dropped their account minimums, removing any barrier for Americans to get started with a precious metals IRA

Final Verdict: Is Lear Capital Worth It?

Lear Capital is a solid choice for those looking for a well-established Gold IRA provider with transparent pricing and strong customer service.

Best For:

• Customers who want a trusted Gold IRA provider with a long track record
• Those who appreciate pricing transparency
• First-time buyers looking for free IRA setup and storage perks

Not Ideal For:

• Customers who want a more modern e-commerce experience

If you’re looking for a reputable precious metals dealer with a strong history and solid customer support, Lear Capital is worth considering.