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Lear Capital is one of the longest-operating precious metals companies serving American retirement savers through self-directed IRAs.
Founded in 1997, the company focuses on physical gold and silver ownership, with services centered on Precious Metals IRAs and direct metals purchases.
As interest in self-directed retirement accounts has grown, particularly among Americans seeking alternatives to traditional paper-based assets, companies like Lear Capital have become increasingly visible and in-demand.
Precious Metals IRAs allow retirement savers to hold physical bullion within a tax-advantaged account, but the process involves custodians, storage requirements, and strict IRS rules that may be unfamiliar to first-time buyers.
This review takes a comprehensive, fact-based look at Lear Capital. We'll examines the company’s background, IRA process, pricing transparency, minimum requirements, storage arrangements, customer experience, and third-party reputation.
The goal is to help readers determine whether Lear Capital is the right choice for your retirement planning needs.
Company Background and Leadership
Lear Capital was founded in 1997 by Kevin DeMeritt and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. With more than two decades of continuous operation, the company ranks among the longer-standing firms in the U.S. precious metals industry, where dealer turnover is common.
Kevin DeMeritt, founder of Lear Capital
Over the years, Lear Capital has developed a national presence through advertising and a service model centered on guided consultations.
While some precious metals dealers focus primarily on transactional bullion sales, Lear Capital positions itself as a full-service provider, offering both Precious Metals IRAs and direct gold and silver purchases.
Longevity carries particular relevance in the self-directed IRA space. Firms that have operated through multiple market cycles often develop more established compliance procedures and operational infrastructure.
Lear Capital has remained active through the dot-com downturn of the early 2000s, the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-era monetary expansion, and the inflationary environment that followed.
A long operating history does not automatically make a company the right fit for every retirement saver, but it does provide useful context when evaluating experience and stability.
Lear Capital’s Role in the Self-Directed IRA Landscape
Self-directed IRAs differ from traditional brokerage IRAs in that they allow retirement savers to hold alternative assets, including physical precious metals. Because these assets cannot be custodied by standard brokerage firms, specialized custodians and experienced dealers are required.
Lear Capital operates within this framework as the metals dealer and process coordinator. The company works primarily with Equity Trust, a nationally recognized self-directed IRA custodian, to help retirement savers establish accounts that comply with IRS regulations. Lear Capital then facilitates the purchase of approved metals and coordinates insured storage at IRS-approved depositories.
This structure places Lear Capital among providers that emphasize guidance and process management rather than purely self-service transactions. For retirement savers new to self-directed IRAs, this approach can reduce administrative complexity. More experienced SDIRA holders, however, may find the process more hands-on than necessary.
Precious Metals Offered
Lear Capital offers a range of precious metals products designed to meet IRS requirements for self-directed IRAs, as well as options for buyers purchasing metals for direct delivery.
Gold
Gold offerings typically include IRS-approved bullion coins and bars that meet required purity standards, along with widely recognized sovereign-minted coins. The company also offers select premium or collectible gold coins that are purchased outside of retirement accounts.
For Precious Metals IRAs, only bullion products that meet IRS fineness requirements are eligible. Collectible or numismatic coins generally do not qualify, even when made of gold.
Because Lear Capital offers both IRA-eligible and non-IRA products, retirement savers should clearly distinguish between the two during the selection process.
Related: Diversify Your Retirement Savings with Physical Gold & Silver
Silver
Silver plays a central role in Lear Capital’s offerings, particularly for retirement savers seeking a lower entry point than gold. Available products generally include IRA-eligible silver bullion coins and bars, as well as silver products available for direct purchase and delivery.
Silver can experience greater price volatility than gold, but it is often used as a complementary holding within a Precious Metals IRA rather than a standalone allocation.
Other Metals
Lear Capital also offers platinum and palladium in limited cases. These metals are less commonly used in retirement accounts and tend to appeal to buyers with more specialized diversification goals.
Related: Best Gold & Silver Dealers for Retirement Savers
Important note: Before making any precious metals purchase, it is wise to compare pricing across two or more dealers and understand the current spot price of the metal.
For retirement accounts, lower-premium bullion products that track spot prices more closely are generally more appropriate than higher-priced specialty items.
Precious Metals IRAs are designed for long-term retirement planning, not speculation.
Premium or collectible metals typically do not belong in a retirement account, particularly for those who are new to physical metals or unfamiliar with how pricing and premiums work.
Precious Metals IRA Process
The Precious Metals IRA process typically begins with opening a new self-directed IRA through Equity Trust. Equity Trust administers the account, handles IRS reporting, and ensures compliance with self-directed IRA regulations.
Lear Capital assists with the application process and coordinates communication between the retirement saver and the custodian. While the paperwork itself is straightforward, proper execution is important to avoid unintended tax consequences.
Once the account is established, funds are moved from an existing qualified retirement account through either a direct trustee-to-trustee transfer or a rollover, depending on the originating account. Funding timelines vary based on the releasing custodian.
After funds arrive, retirement savers select IRS-approved metals. Lear Capital facilitates the purchase and ensures that the selected products meet eligibility requirements before shipment to storage.
Pricing Transparency and Online Pricing
One area where Lear Capital differs from many precious metals dealers is pricing transparency. Unlike companies that require consumers to call for quotes, Lear Capital publishes real-time product pricing directly on its website.
This allows retirement savers and metals buyers to view live pricing, compare products, and monitor market movements independently.
Prices generally reflect the current market price of the metal along with product-specific premiums and dealer spreads. Final pricing is typically locked in when an order is placed.
Costs related to custodianship and storage are separate from metal pricing and are handled by third-party providers.
Minimums, Fees, and Promotions
For Precious Metals IRAs, Lear Capital generally requires a minimum account size of $10,000. This aligns with the company’s guided service model, which includes assistance with account setup, coordination with the custodian, and insured storage.
For direct cash purchases through the online store, the minimum order amount is $1,000.
IRA-related fees are charged primarily by third-party providers and typically include an account setup fee, annual custodial fees, and storage costs. Actual fees vary based on account options such as storage type and statement preferences.
Lear Capital periodically advertises promotions that may reduce or cover certain IRA-related fees for qualifying purchases. Because promotional terms can change and may apply only to specific products, written confirmation is recommended.
Storage, Security, and Insurance
Physical metals held within a Precious Metals IRA must be stored at an IRS-approved depository. Lear Capital commonly uses the Delaware Depository, a long-established facility specializing in precious metals storage.
The Delaware Depository offers high-security vaulting, independent auditing, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Metals are insured against theft, damage, or loss while in storage, and shipments are insured during transit.
Buyback Program and Liquidity
Lear Capital offers a buyback program that allows customers to sell eligible metals back to the company. Buyback pricing depends on market conditions and the specific products being sold.
Physical gold and silver are among the more liquid tangible assets, but they are not traded with the immediacy of securities. Buyback programs are best viewed as a convenience rather than a guaranteed exit price.
Visit Lear Capital to Learn More.
Customer Experience
Lear Capital operates using a guided, phone-based service model. Customers typically work with a metals representative for product selection and an IRA support team member for custodial coordination.
The company advertises a 24-hour order review period, allowing buyers time to confirm or cancel an order. A price match policy is also promoted, subject to eligibility and timing requirements.
Some customers report frequent follow-up communication, particularly when discussing premium products. Taking time to review options and compare providers can help manage expectations.
Online Reputation and Reviews
Lear Capital holds strong ratings across major review platforms. At the time of this writing, the company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.64-star average based on 110 reviews.
On Trustpilot, Lear Capital holds a 4.8-star rating based on 4,982 reviews. The Business Consumer Alliance assigns an AAA rating with a five-star average, and TrustLink reports a 4.5-star average based on 326 reviews.
Trustpilot review summary
Common praise includes knowledgeable representatives and clear guidance. Recurring criticisms relate to pricing clarity and follow-up frequency.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Lear Capital has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past related to sales practices and pricing disclosures. These matters date back several years and do not reflect ongoing actions. The company continues to operate nationwide under updated compliance practices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long operating history
- Real-time online pricing
- Partnership with Equity Trust
- Storage through Delaware Depository
- Buyback program and order review window
- Strong third-party ratings
Cons
- Higher minimums than some competitors
- Premium products may carry higher markups
- Guided model may not suit self-directed buyers
Final Verdict
Lear Capital remains a legitimate and established provider in the Precious Metals IRA space. Its transparency, experience, and structured support make it a viable option for retirement savers seeking guidance within a self-directed IRA.
As with any SDIRA decision, careful comparison, written documentation, and a clear understanding of costs and product eligibility remain essential.
