Legitimacy assessment · 2026
Is Lear Capital a Scam or Legit? An evidence-based review.
We assessed Lear Capital on the public record — BBB standing, depositories, fee transparency, and track record — and laid out the evidence so you can reach your own conclusion.
The facts
What the public record shows
Everything below is drawn from Lear Capital's own disclosures, the Better Business Bureau, and reputable finance publications — the sources are listed at the bottom of this page.
- Founded
- 1997
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, California
- BBB rating
- A+ · Accredited
- Account minimum
- $10,000
- Metals offered
- Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
- Depositories
- Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS)
- IRA custodians
- Equity Trust, STRATA Trust
- Best for
- Fee-schedule-conscious entry investors
Lear Capital is a long-established Los Angeles dealer (since 1997) with an A+ BBB rating, a $10,000 minimum, and a transparently published custody fee schedule. Prospective buyers should weigh that against its well-documented regulatory and financial history, including a 2022 Chapter 11 filing and multistate investor-refund settlements.
The evidence
Signs of legitimacy & points to weigh
Verified positives
- BBB-accredited with a A+ rating (verify on BBB.org).
- Operating track record since 1997 (roughly 29 years in business).
- Stores metal at IRS-approved depositories: Delaware Depository, Brink's, International Depository Services (IDS).
- Uses established IRA custodian partner(s): Equity Trust, STRATA Trust.
- Publishes or provides a transparent fee structure you can confirm in writing.
- Offers the full range of IRS-approved metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium).
Considerations to weigh
- Documented regulatory and financial history: a 2021 New York AG settlement, a 2022 Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and a 2023 multistate investor-refund resolution
- Dealer coin markups are separate from the published custody fees and have historically been high on some collector coins
- Has faced repeated criticism over sales tactics around moving retirement funds into metals
These are fair, balanced considerations — not accusations. Each reflects publicly documented facts or our editorial opinion.
On the record
Documented regulatory & financial history
In the interest of a complete, fair picture, Lear Capital's public record includes documented regulatory and financial matters. We report these neutrally, with the primary sources cited below, and we do not characterize the company as a “scam.” Read the sources and judge for yourself.
- Documented regulatory and financial history: a 2021 New York AG settlement, a 2022 Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and a 2023 multistate investor-refund resolution
Sourced from the primary documents and reporting listed in “Sources” below. Companies can and do resolve and move past such matters; check the current record.
Do it yourself
How to verify this yourself in 5 minutes
- 01Pull up the BBB profile for Lear Capital and confirm the A+ rating and accreditation status match what's claimed here.
- 02Ask which IRS-approved depository (Delaware Depository) will hold your metal, and whether it's segregated or commingled.
- 03Get the all-in price on a standard 1 oz bullion coin and compare it to the live spot price plus a reasonable premium.
- 04Search the company name alongside terms like “FTC,” “CFTC,” “state AG,” and “lawsuit” to see the current public record for yourself.
- 05Request the full fee schedule and buyback policy in writing before you commit a dollar.
Want the full method? See how to verify a gold dealer and, if something looks wrong, how to report a gold scam.
Our top-rated option
An alternative we rate highly
If you're comparing dealers, our featured partner is the option our editorial team rates highest.
Newmont Capital Group
Our top-rated featured partner: BBB A+ rated, transparent spot-based pricing, IRS-approved depository partners, and a no-obligation buyback commitment. Full details on newmontcapitalgroup.com.
- BBB A+ rating
- Transparent, spot-based pricing
- Delaware Depository, Brinks & Loomis storage
- No-obligation buyback commitment
- No-Fees-For-Life program on qualifying accounts
Sources
Sources we used
We compiled this assessment from the following public sources. Facts can change after our last review (2026-06); always confirm the current record.
Reader questions
Is Lear Capital legit? Your questions
Is Lear Capital a scam?
Is Lear Capital legit?
Where does Lear Capital store gold IRA metal?
What is Lear Capital's account minimum?
This assessment is the independent editorial opinion of the BakerGold Editorial Team, based on publicly available information cited above. It is not an accusation of wrongdoing, not a statement of fact about any undisclosed matter, and not personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. Facts can change — always verify a company's current standing yourself before you invest.
This content is for general education only and is not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Investing in precious metals carries risk, including loss of principal. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
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