What the record shows
Short answer. A state attorney general found undisclosed commissions of up to 33 percent and secured $6 million. The company then reorganised in Chapter 11 and is still trading, which is a different situation from a dealer that shut down.
$6 million, over commissions of up to 33 percent
New York Attorney General Letitia James resolved a case against Lear Capital and founder Kevin DeMeritt for $6 million. The allegation was that Lear failed to disclose commissions of up to 33 percent to investors, described as including many elderly residents of Western New York. Lear agreed to clear fee disclosure, a 24-hour cancellation window on retirement transactions, better complaint tracking and staff training. A consent order resolves a case; it is not an admission that every allegation was proven.
Source: ag.ny.gov press release
"What is the total commission on this order, as a dollar figure and a percentage, in writing before I pay?"
Ask it before you pay and get the answer in writing. A dealer who answers plainly has told you more than any rating could, and one who will not has told you something too. Every enforcement action we have documented is collected in our enforcement dossier.
Checked 1 August 2026. We do not publish star ratings, BBB complaint counts or Trustpilot scores, because those move and a figure without a date is worse than none. Look those up at the source.
You've worked 30+ years building your retirement. Now you're researching companies, doing your homework. That's exactly what you should do. Let's give you the straight story on Lear Capital.
Founded in 1997, Lear Capital has been around 25+ years, they're not going to disappear overnight. They've had some regulatory issues in the past (we cover that here), but they addressed them and keep going. Their main selling point is the "price lock guarantee", once you agree to buy, the price is locked, no surprises.
Reviewers describe the same experience in their own accounts.
Lear Capital Highlights
- 25+ years in business
- A+ BBB rating
- Price lock guarantee
- Real-time pricing tools
Lear Capital: Pros & Cons
The Good
- 25+ years in business (founded 1997)
- Price lock guarantee protects your purchase
- A+ BBB rating
- Real-time pricing tools
- Wide selection of coins and bars
- Strong industry reputation
The Bad
- Higher fees than many competitors
- Some BBB complaints in recent years
- Aggressive sales approach reported by some
- Minimum may vary by product
Lear Capital Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Setup Fee | $50-$100 |
| Annual Custodian Fee | $75-$100 |
| Annual Storage Fee | $100-$180 |
| Total Annual | $225-$280 |
Final Verdict - Established But Be Aware
Lear Capital works best for folks who want an established company that's survived multiple market crashes. Their price lock guarantee means no surprises on pricing. That said, their sales team can be persistent, if you're the type who hates being called, be ready to set boundaries.
The price lock is the feature most often cited in Lear's favour. Ask precisely what it locks, for how long, and what happens if you cancel inside the window, because those terms vary between dealers and they are what decide whether the lock is worth anything at all.
Our position
Best for working folks who want an established company with 25+ years of history.
Get Free Info KitLear Capital FAQs
Is Lear Capital legitimate?
Yes, Lear Capital is a legitimate A+ BBB-rated company with over 25 years of history.
What is the price lock guarantee?
The price lock guarantee locks in your purchase price for a set period, protecting you from price increases during the transaction process.