Lear Capital Review: How I Opened a Gold IRA in 2025 (Full Process & Comparison)
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my full experience opening a Gold IRA with Lear Capital. I’ve already worked with a couple other gold IRA companies — Goldco and Preserve Gold — so I had some expectations going in.
Lear Capital stood out to me for one main reason: they’ve been around for over 25 years and offer both IRA rollovers and direct precious metals purchases. Here’s how it went for me.
My Lear Capital Setup — Step-by-Step Walkthrough
| Step | What Happened |
|---|---|
 1. Requested the Guide | I signed up at Lear Capital’s site and got their free gold IRA kit. It included physical materials and a call from a rep. |
| 2. Consultation | A Lear representative called me to explain how gold IRAs work, including rollover rules, approved metals, and expected timelines. |
| 3. IRA Transfer | I rolled over a portion of my Roth IRA. Their team coordinated everything directly with my old custodian — zero tax or penalties. |
| 4. Metal Selection | Lear has a wide catalog. I chose American Gold Eagles and some Canadian Maple Leaf coins. All metals are IRS-approved. |
| 5. Depository Setup | My metals were stored in a secure IRS-approved vault. I received full documentation and statements. |
| 6. Follow-up | They provided quarterly updates and tax documents on schedule. Very organized team. |
Pros of Lear Capital
- 25+ years in business
- Large selection of IRS-approved coins and bars
- IRA rollovers and direct gold/silver purchases available
- Personalized help with every step
- Transparent pricing and secure storage options
- Educational materials and compliance-focused service
Cons to Consider
- Minimum investment required is typically $15,000
- Website could be more modern, but their offline service compensates for it
- Fees are fair but not the lowest in the industry
Lear Capital Compared to Other Providers
| Company | Lear Capital | Goldco | Preserve Gold | Augusta | Noble Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 1997 | 2006 | Recent | 2012 | 2016 |
| Minimum Investment | ~$15,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| IRA Setup Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Precious Metals Range | Wide | Medium | Medium | Focused | Moderate |
| Customer Service | High | High | Personalized | High | Moderate |
What stood out for me is that Lear Capital combines a long-standing reputation with flexible service — you can do both retirement accounts and non-IRA purchases, which isn't always offered by other providers.
️ Is Lear Capital Trustworthy?
Yes, Lear Capital has served thousands of clients over the years and holds solid ratings. While not every review is glowing (as with any large company), they’re compliant, established, and properly registered.
They provide:
- IRS-approved storage through trusted depositories
- Regular reporting and tax support
- IRA custodianship via preferred partners
- Clear fee structure and written disclosures
Should You Consider Lear Capital?
If you're looking for a well-established company with a wide selection of metals, support for both IRAs and cash purchases, and over two decades of experience — Lear Capital is a good choice.
Whether you’re rolling over an old 401(k) or starting a brand-new IRA, their process is efficient and customer-focused.
Request your Lear Capital Gold IRA Guide here
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