Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
Apr 01, 2023

Lear Capital Review 2024

Jeremy Biberdorf
By: Jeremy Biberdorf
Apr 01, 2023

Disclosure

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means we earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase a product through our links.
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4.6/5

4.6 rating based on 5 ratings

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In a nutshell: Lear Capital is a precious metals company that offers physical gold (such as gold bullion & gold coins), silver, and other physical metals for sale.

However, the main draw of this company is its precious metals investment option, which allows investors to open & build a self-directed individual retirement account with every precious metals purchase.

Of course, Lear Capital isn’t the only company offering this type of precious metals investing service within the precious metals industry. What makes them different (and are they worth investing with)? Find out in the Lear Capital review below!

Service TypeFees Promotion
Precious metals companyShipping for Orders
Gold: $24 + $1/1k
Silver: $24 + $13/1k
Precious Metals IRAs
Precious Metals IRAs Yearly fee: $280 (first year only), $200
Free Investor Kit

Lear Capital is best for…

Investors who want to diversify their portfolio using a combination of precious metal coins and bullion. Unlike more aggressive types of investments (such as stocks), precious metal IRAs offer more stability and less volatility.

This means that while the price of gold—and therefore, your investments in gold—is unlikely to skyrocket, you’ll likely see consistent gains over time.

This approach makes Lear Capital’s services ideal for the type of person with long-term investment goals, such as those planning for retirement.

Beyond its IRA services, Lear Capital also sells precious metals directly to consumers (just like other online precious metals markets).

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Offers self-directed IRAs
  • Straightforward pricing
  • Sells numismatic coins
Cons
  • Some items marked “Called for Pricing”
  • $7,500 minimum investment
  • Limited selection

What is Lear Capital?

Lear Capital is a precious metal investment company that was founded in 1997. Although the company offers a range of precious metals for sale, it specializes in helping investors prepare for retirement via its “Lear Advantage IRA.”

This offer allows investors to create a tax-advantaged investment account that consists of gold bullion, silver coins, and other precious metal purchases they make using the service.

External Lear Capital Reviews & Ratings

SiteRating
Benzinga5
Consumer Affairs4.9 from 1,270 reviews
Trustpilot4.8 from 1,581 reviews
LendEDU4.7
Retirement Living4.5

Here are some reviews from traders who have experienced the platform firsthand:

“Instant Funding was great and I will definitely be using them again. The platform was easy to use and container service was very helpful answering all the questions I had. I highly recommend Instant Funding and I’m si glad I found them.”
“1.Great customer service.
2.Very knowledge people.
3.Very organized.
4.Clear instructions on exactly how everything is going to happen and very clear details and then the follow up is precise as well.”
“There are companies that grab your business and then move on…not so with Lear Capital. They continue to give five star service every time I have called, which is why I have had a long time business relationship with this company. They are courteous, knowledgeable, and prompt. Morrey Wasserman has kept me informed and, I believe, has gone out of his way to help in all business transactions. Thank you, Mr. Wasserman.”
“My Lear representatives were very professional and guided me smoothly through the process of transitioning my IRAs into precious metals accounts. It could not have been easier. They kept me informed on the progress every step of the way. I am so glad to have made this move.”

Features

Next, let’s take a look at the various services offered by Lear Capital. These can easily be split into two main categories: Direct Purchases & Investment Services.

Direct Purchases

Those interested in purchasing physical gold, silver, or platinum can do so via Lear Capital. Depending on the product, pricing may be listed online or one may need to call for pricing.

Investment Services

Lear Capital offers the Lear Advantage IRA, which is a self-directed IRA. Interested parties can start the interview process by filling out the “Open a New IRA Account” form on the website.

From here, they will be contacted by a Lear Capital representative, who will walk them through the process of setting up and funding their new IRA. The account can be funded via new precious metals purchases, or via rollover from an existing retirement account.

If desired, cash contributions can also be made to the account. However, these will earn a low interest (likely lower than the return you’d earn by investing them).

Once the account is active, investors will have 24/7 access to their portfolio’s performance and financial statements, as well as relevant market charts. Investors also have the option of having quarterly statements mailed to their homes.

Any precious metals invested into the account will—upon order confirmation—be sent to and stored at the Delaware Depository. Securely stored and insured, investments enjoy 100% insurance coverage via Lloyds of London.

Pricing & Plans

Pricing for this company is fairly straightforward. For standalone orders, shipping costs $24 plus any additional fees($1/thousand for gold and $13/thousand for silver). These orders are fully insured and require a signature upon delivery.

For their IRA services, Lear Capital charges $280 for the first year, and $200 every year after. This pricing includes insurance costs, storage fees, 24/7 account access, and quarterly statements.

Limitations

Lear Capital shares the same limitations as other precious metals companies offering IRA services. Investments are subject to market conditions, are limited by IRA account restrictions (such as withdrawal fees/requirements), and lack liquidity.

Also, since the purchases are sent directly to storage, the investor won’t have access to their gold until they decide to withdraw it. For investors who want precious metals they can touch, Lear Capital offers direct purchases.

However, if liquidity is the issue, then investors should seek alternative investment options—such as gold stocks—instead.

Is Lear Capital Right for You?

Lear Capital is a good option for investors who prefer financial security over the potential for massive gains. Like other types of investment accounts, creating an IRA via Lear Capital will subject your account to certain restrictions while also offering benefits at the same time.

Although it offers access to a reliable customer care team, storage solutions, and a comprehensive insurance policy for a single annual fee, Lear Capital isn’t a good option for investors who require liquidity.

However, for those who have a more long-term goal in mind, Lear Capital is a great option. Whether you’re interested in making a one-off precious metals purchase or intrigued by their IRA services, you can see their latest offerings by clicking here!