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.
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.
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.
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.
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