Augusta Precious Metals vs. Lear Capital: Which Gold IRA Company Is Right for You? #106

Disclosure: This site may earn a commission from partner links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This comparison is based on publicly available information, including public records, and is not personal experience with either company. Always verify current terms directly with each company. This is educational content, not financial advice.

Augusta and Lear Capital differ in size, history and approach. Lear is one of the older companies in the industry, while Augusta is newer and emphasizes a structured, education-first process. This comparison covers the basics and the public record on both sides, so you can ask the right questions before you choose.

1. Minimum investment

• Augusta: $50,000
• Lear Capital: about $10,000, as reported (confirm directly)

Lower entry point: Lear Capital.

2. Time in business

• Augusta: operating since 2012
• Lear Capital: founded in 1997, so nearly three decades

Longer track record: Lear Capital.

3. Education and support

• Augusta: a one-on-one web conference with an education specialist
• Lear Capital: ask what guidance and educational resources it provides before you commit

Result: Augusta’s process is more formalized, based on public descriptions.

4. Fees

Both companies’ fee structures should be requested in writing for your account size. Do not assume either is cheaper without comparing actual dollar amounts, including the dealer premium over spot price.

Result: cannot be called from public information.

5. Public regulatory record

A company’s regulatory history is a legitimate thing to research before moving retirement savings. Here is what the public record shows for Lear Capital:

• In 2021, the New York Attorney General sued Lear Capital, and the matter was resolved with a $6 million settlement. The Attorney General’s office described it as ending deceptive business practices (New York AG press release).
• The Los Angeles City Attorney reached a separate $2.75 million settlement.
• These settlements were reached without Lear admitting wrongdoing.
• Lear filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022. A plan confirmed in June 2023 included $5.5 million in contributions from Lear’s principal and led to payouts to customers in multiple states.
• State regulators described their concerns as including misleading marketing and undisclosed fees. Officials from 24 states argued that the bankruptcy filing was meant to evade state investigations.

Settlements are not findings of guilt, and Lear’s current practices may differ from those described in older actions. Ask Lear for its current fee disclosures in writing.

For Augusta, check the BBB complaint history, your state securities regulator and public court records yourself. Do not rely on any single source, including this article.

6. Ratings

Augusta displays an A+ BBB rating and a 4.9-star average on BBB (as of October 2026). For Lear, check bbb.org and Google for the current rating and complaint history. Ratings change, so check each platform yourself.

What to ask any company

• Can you send the complete fee schedule in writing?
• What premium over spot price will I pay on the products I’m considering?
• What are the buyback terms, and are any fees charged?
• Has the company or its principals been the subject of regulatory action, and where can I read about it?

The bottom line

Lear Capital offers a lower minimum and a longer operating history, but its public regulatory record is a serious factor to weigh. Augusta’s higher minimum and structured education process suit investors with larger balances. Compare written fee schedules and research the record of any company before you send retirement funds.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lear Capital a scam? Public records show regulatory settlements and a bankruptcy proceeding that was resolved with a confirmed plan. Whether those matter to you is a personal judgment. Read the sources and ask Lear about current practices.

Did Lear admit wrongdoing? The settlements described above were reached without an admission of wrongdoing.

Is Augusta’s minimum higher than Lear’s? Yes. Augusta lists $50,000, while Lear’s reported minimum is lower. Confirm both directly.

How do I check a company’s regulatory history? Search your state securities regulator’s site, state attorney general announcements, the BBB complaint log and court records.

Which company is better? It depends on your balance, how much guidance you want and how you weigh each company’s record. Request information and written fee schedules from both.