Lear Capital Review

Fast Facts

  • Lear Capital has moved over $3 billion in precious metals since 1997.

  • High customer ratings on Trustpilot and Google (4.8+/5), but a weak BBB score due to complaints about fees and transparency.

  • Offers Gold IRAs, physical metals, a 24-hour buyback guarantee, and free investor resources.

  • Major concerns include high spreads, unclear pricing, and pushy sales tactics.

Lear Capital Review: Is This Gold Dealer Worth Your Trust?

What Is Lear Capital?

Lear Capital is a precious metals dealer that focuses on Gold IRAs and direct delivery of gold and silver coins. Founded in 1997, the company has processed over $3 billion in transactions. Their pitch? Beat inflation and Wall Street's manipulation by putting your money into something real.

They offer a wide range of services: helping you roll over existing retirement accounts, setting up IRS-compliant Gold IRAs, and delivering metals to your door. On paper, it looks solid. But dig a little deeper and the picture gets complicated.

The Pros: What Lear Capital Does Well

High Customer Ratings (With a Caveat)

Lear Capital boasts 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and Google from thousands of reviews. That says a lot. Clients praise their account reps, quick IRA rollovers, and fast shipping. If you're new to gold, their team knows how to hold your hand through the process.

But don't stop reading here.

Educational Tools That Actually Educate

They give you free access to price alerts, downloadable guides, and even one-on-one consultations. For retirees and near-retirees looking to dodge another market crash, this kind of info is essential.

Real Customer Protections

Lear offers a 24-hour risk-free purchase period. Buy today, change your mind tomorrow—get a refund. They also promise a price match and a no-fee IRA setup if you invest $10,000 or more.

Bonus: they helped the FBI shut down a gold scam targeting retirees. That shows initiative and some real-world integrity.

The Cons: What You Need to Watch Out For

High Spreads and Hidden Fees

Here's where the shine fades. Multiple complaints point to large spreads—some as high as 30% to 38%. Translation: the moment you buy, your investment is worth significantly less.

Worse, these fees aren't always clearly disclosed upfront. That's not just bad business—it's a red flag.

BBB Complaints Tell a Different Story

Their Better Business Bureau score? About 2 out of 5 stars. Many complaints focus on pricing confusion, refund delays, and aggressive sales tactics. Lear settled a $5.5 million bankruptcy dispute in 2022, agreeing to improve transparency. Good step, but the damage to trust lingers.

Pushy Sales Tactics

Some users report feeling pressured to make large purchases fast, without clear cost breakdowns. For a generation that remembers the value of a handshake deal, that doesn't fly.

Fees and Pricing

  • IRA Setup: ~$280 for the first year, then ~$200/year.

  • Storage: Included in IRA costs.

  • Spreads: Can be extremely high—ask for a full quote in writing.

  • Shipping: Free on many orders, small fees on some silver deliveries.

This is where most of the trust issues come from. Get every dollar in writing before you sign.

Is Lear Capital a Scam?

No. Lear Capital is a legitimate, IRS-compliant dealer. But just because it's real doesn't mean it's ideal. The big concern is whether you're paying more than you're getting—and whether you know it.

Their past legal troubles and customer complaints point to a company that needs scrutiny. If you're sharp, ask the right questions, and refuse to be rushed, Lear Capital can still be a viable option.

Who Should Consider Lear Capital?

  • Retirees and pre-retirees who want a physical asset hedge against inflation.

  • Investors who value education and hand-holding over bargain-bin pricing.

  • Those willing to negotiate hard and get every fee documented upfront.

Final Verdict: Proceed With Eyes Open

Lear Capital checks a lot of boxes: experience, reputation, customer support, and protective features. But high fees and inconsistent transparency mean this isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it partner.

If you’re serious about protecting your retirement from inflation, market chaos, and government overreach, gold is smart. Lear Capital might be your vehicle—just be sure you’re the one in the driver’s seat.

What To Do Next

  • Ask Lear for a complete, written breakdown of all fees and spreads.

  • Compare quotes with Goldco, Augusta Precious Metals, and Birch Gold Group.

  • Read recent BBB and Trustpilot reviews—look at the patterns, not just the ratings.

FAQ

Is Lear Capital a safe company to invest with?

Lear Capital is legitimate and has been in business since 1997. They comply with IRS rules for Gold IRAs and have helped thousands of clients. That said, watch for high fees and get everything in writing.

What kind of precious metals does Lear Capital sell?

They offer gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—primarily as coins and bullion. Their focus is on gold and silver, especially for IRA use.

How do I set up a Gold IRA with Lear Capital?

They’ll help you open a self-directed IRA and coordinate with a custodian. You can roll over existing retirement funds or start fresh. Setup is free with a $10,000 minimum investment.

What fees should I expect?

Plan on ~$280 for the first year (setup, storage, insurance), and ~$200/year after. The bigger cost is the spread on metals—some report spreads up to 30%+, so demand full disclosure.

Can I get my money back if I change my mind?

Yes—there’s a 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee. But you’ll need to act fast and meet their terms.

What’s the company’s track record with complaints?

Trustpilot and Google reviews are excellent. But BBB complaints cite pricing issues and pushy sales. Lear resolved a $5.5M settlement and pledged better transparency.

How does Lear Capital compare to competitors?

Strong support and tools, but often higher fees than Goldco or Augusta. It’s best suited for cautious investors who prioritize education and service over the lowest cost.