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Investing » Goldco vs. Lear Capital: Which Is Best For Gold IRA Investing?

Goldco vs. Lear Capital: Which Is Best For Gold IRA Investing?

Compare Goldco vs Lear Capital for gold IRAs and direct purchases. See who wins for ratings, pricing, product range, and investor perks.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. We do not provide personalized investment recommendations or act as financial advisors.

Goldco
Lear Capital
Min. Investment
$15,000 / $25,000 $15,000 for cash purchases / $25,000 for gold IRA
$5,000 / $10,000 $50,000 for cash purchases / $10,000 for gold IRA
Established
2006
1997
Storage Fees
$100 – $150 Non-Segregated: $100 | Segregated: $150 per year . Estimated annual fee.
$200 Also, there is an annual maintenance fee of $200. Estimated annual fee.
Coin & Bar Selection
Focused, IRA-approved coins & bars
Wider variety, includes rare coins
Payment Methods
Bank wire, check, credit card
Wire, check, credit card,
Pricing Transparency
No live prices listed
Yes, prices shown on site
Best For
Gold IRAs with buyback security
Direct purchases and rare coin buyers
Our Rating
(4.7/5)
(4.7/5)
Read Review
Read Review

Lear Capital vs. Goldco: Who Has the Better Reputation?

Winner: Both

Both Goldco and Lear Capital receive excellent ratings across multiple platforms.

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
4.8 (1,573 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 2011
Consumer Affairs
4.8 (1,688 reviews)
Google Reviews
4.9 (2,579 reviews)

Lear Capital leads among Consumer Affairs ratings, while Google's review rating is higher for Goldco.

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
4.9 (2,561 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 1997
Consumer Affairs
5 (1,436 reviews)
Google Reviews
4.7 (404 reviews)

Buying Gold and Silver: Who Comes Out on Top?

Our preferred choice for direct gold and silver purchases is Lear Capital, thanks to its broader metal selection, price match policy, and flexible payment methods.

Where they’re both strong:

  • Product Selection: Both dealers offer gold and silver coins and bars. Lear Capital includes platinum and palladium for direct sale, while Goldco does not.

  • Secure Storage: While both offer guidance, Lear Capital includes insured shipping on all qualifying purchases.

  • Customer Service: Both companies receive strong reviews for phone and email support.

  • Flexible Payments: Goldco and Lear Capital both accept credit cards, wire transfers, and retirement rollovers.

buy gold and silver, Lear Capital
Buy gold and silver, Lear Capital

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • Broader Selection: Lear Capital allows direct purchase of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium — Goldco is limited to gold and silver only.

  • Numismatic Coins: Lear Capital includes rare, graded, and pre-1933 gold coins, catering to both investors and collectors.

  • Price Match Guarantee: Lear Capital promises to match lower prices from competitors, offering confidence in pricing.

  • Shipping Benefits: Lear Capital provides insured shipping on all orders, with no clear minimums disclosed.

Where Goldco stands out:

  • Buyback Program: Goldco’s formal buyback guarantee ensures you can sell metals back at top market value, especially after three years.

  • Simplicity: Goldco’s streamlined product lineup helps newer investors avoid decision paralysis.

While Goldco is excellent for IRA-focused investors who may later sell, Lear Capital offers more flexibility, better collector options, and strong pricing protections, making it our choice for direct purchases.

1oz gold american eafle proof, Goldco

Gold IRAs: Lear Capital or Goldco?

Our preferred choice for gold and silver IRAs is Goldco, due to its long-standing reputation, formal buyback program, and lower annual fees.

Both Goldco and Lear Capital are top-tier providers when it comes to setting up a precious metals IRA, and each brings significant strengths to the table.

Where they’re both strong:

  • IRA Setup Support: Both firms offer rollover assistance from 401(k)s and traditional IRAs into gold and silver IRAs.

  • Secure Storage: Each uses IRS-approved depositories like the Delaware Depository with full insurance.

  • Educational Resources: Lear and Goldco both provide guides, articles, and personalized consultation to help investors navigate precious metals IRAs.

Goldco buyback
Goldco buyback guarantee (Screenshot from Goldco)

Where Goldco stands out:

  • Buyback Guarantee: Goldco offers a formal buyback program, including a highest-price guarantee after three years—Lear does not.

  • Lower Annual Fees: Goldco’s annual maintenance and storage fees ($80 + $100–$150) are lower than Lear’s ($200 + $200).

  • More IRA-Focused: Goldco's entire platform is designed around retirement investing, whereas Lear has a more balanced direct/IRA structure.

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • Metal Variety: Lear allows platinum and palladium in IRAs; Goldco only supports gold and silver.

  • Price Match Guarantee: While not IRA-specific, Lear’s pricing policy is favorable across the board.

  • Faster Setup: Lear advertises IRA setups within one business day and funds transferred within five.

Despite Lear’s strong offering, Goldco’s focused IRA expertise, lower fees, and formal buyback assurance make it our preferred choice for gold and silver retirement accounts.

how to transfer to Lear Capital IRA

Final Verdict: Lear Capital vs. Goldco

Goldco wins for IRA services and overall reputation, while Lear Capital takes the lead for direct purchases with its metal variety and pricing policy.

  • Ratings Winner: Both have high rating score & volume, and buyback trust.
  • Direct Purchase Winner: Lear Capital – Better selection, collector coins, and price match guarantee
  • IRA Winner: Goldco – Lower fees and a formal buyback program tip the scales
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.