JM Bullion
Lear Capital
Min. Investment
$0
$5,000 / $10,000 $50,000 for cash purchases / $10,000 for gold IRA
Established
2011
1997
Storage Fees
0.5% – 1% Varies by account, usually 0.5% – 1% . Estimated annual fee.
$200 Also, there is an annual maintenance fee of $200. Estimated annual fee.
Coin & Bar Selection
Wide bullion focus, few collectibles
Bullion + rare/numismatic coins
Payment Methods
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Pricing Transparency
Live prices shown on site
Must call for pricing
Best For
Flexible, self-directed buyers
Hands-on IRA support & service
Our Rating
(4.3/5)
(4.7/5)
Read Review
Read Review

JM Bullion vs. Lear Capital: Which Has Better Ratings?

While JM Bullion maintains solid reviews across platforms, Lear Capital stands out with consistently higher customer satisfaction scores.

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Lear’s 4.9 rating on Trustpilot (vs. JM Bullion’s 4.3), plus a perfect 5.0 on Consumer Affairs, indicates exceptional client service. Lear also has an A+ BBB rating with a longer track record (since 1997), reinforcing its status as a trustworthy dealer. 

JM Bullion is no slouch, but Lear Capital clearly wins in terms of review volume and quality.

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JM Bullion vs Lear Capital: Who’s Better for Buying Gold?

Our winner: JM Bullion is our preferred choice for direct purchases, thanks to its website features, flexible payments, and user-friendly experience for buyers at all levels.

When it comes to buying physical precious metals like gold or silver, both JM Bullion and Lear Capital offer excellent product selections and secure delivery. But there are a few key differences that could influence your decision:

Where they’re both strong:

  • Product range: Both dealers offer a wide selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars.

  • Free shipping: Orders over $199 ship for free with full insurance.

  • Payment methods: Both accept credit cards, wire transfers, and checks.

  • Secure delivery: Discreet packaging and insured delivery ensure peace of mind.

Where JM Bullion stands out:

  • Flexible payment options: JM Bullion offers more variety, including PayPal and Bitcoin, which are not available through Lear Capital.

  • Online tools & user experience: Live charts, a market sentiment index, and AutoBuy make JM Bullion’s platform more interactive.

  • Buyback convenience: JM Bullion allows customers to sell back metals via a 24/7 self-service portal.

  • No minimum investment: Unlike Lear’s $15,000 minimum, JM Bullion caters better to small and first-time buyers.

buy certified gold coins, JM Bullion
Example of Certified gold coins (Screenshot from JM Bullion website)

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • Collector coin options: Lear offers rare and numismatic coins in addition to bullion.

  • Dedicated support: Every buyer gets a personal account executive—even for non-IRA purchases.

  • Price Match Guarantee: Lear promises to match better prices found elsewhere.

JM Bullion edges ahead with its more flexible purchase options, superior online experience, and accessibility to everyday investors.

Lear Capital buy 1 oz gold bar online
Example of 1 oz gold bar online, Lear Capital

JM Bullion vs Lear Capital: Who’s Better for Gold IRAs?

Our winner: Lear Capital is our preferred choice for precious metal IRAs due to its white-glove service, fee waivers, and fast processing.

Both JM Bullion and Lear Capital help customers set up Gold IRAs with third-party custodians, but Lear Capital offers a more streamlined and service-oriented process.

Where they’re both strong:

  • Custodian partnerships: Both work with trusted IRA custodians to help facilitate the setup.

  • IRA-eligible metals: Customers can choose from IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

  • Secure storage: Metals are stored in fully insured, IRS-approved vaults.

  • Educational support: Both offer guidance to help customers select appropriate metals.

how to transfer to Lear Capital IRA

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • All-in-one service: Lear handles everything—from paperwork to funding—making the process stress-free for beginners.

  • Personal account executive: Each client gets a dedicated expert who guides them throughout the IRA journey.

  • Fee waivers: Lear Capital waives storage and setup fees based on investment size (up to 3 years free for larger portfolios).

  • Fast setup: IRAs can be opened in one business day with fund transfers processed in under a week.

  • Storage clarity: Lear stores metals in Delaware Depository, a well-known facility with top-tier security.

Where JM Bullion stands out:

  • More global storage options: JM Bullion offers vault choices in Zurich, Singapore, and Toronto via TDS Vaults.

  • Investor-friendly tools: Live pricing, market sentiment trackers, and AutoBuy can help with IRA timing strategies.

  • Transparent fee structure: Setup, admin, and storage fees are clearly outlined.

While JM Bullion offers a more flexible platform with better digital tools, Lear Capital wins for those seeking hands-on service, speed, and value—especially for higher IRA investments.

IRA approved precious metals, JM Bullion

Final Verdict: Lear Capital vs JM Bullion

Lear Capital is ideal for investors seeking personalized support and a smooth IRA process. JM Bullion shines when it comes to convenience, digital tools, and flexible payments for direct metal buyers.

  • Ratings Winner: Lear Capital – Higher and more consistent reviews across all major platforms.

  • Best for Direct Purchase: JM Bullion – More flexible payment options, easier buying experience, and strong digital tools.

  • Best for Gold IRAs: Lear Capital – Full-service support, fee waivers, and quick setup make it our IRA choice.