We earn commissions from featured brands, which impact the order and presentation of listings
Advertising Disclosure

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.

Search
Investing » Money Metals Exchange vs. Lear Capital: Which Is Better For Gold Investors?

Money Metals Exchange vs. Lear Capital: Which Is Better For Gold Investors?

Compare Lear Capital vs Money Metals Exchange across ratings, fees, metals selection, IRAs, and direct gold and silver purchases.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Money Metals Exchange
Lear Capital
Min. Investment
$0
$5,000 / $10,000 $50,000 for cash purchases / $10,000 for gold IRA
Established
2010
1997
Storage Fees
0.39% – 0.59% $96 for assets up to $15,999
0.59% for assets between $16,000 and $99,000
0.49% for assets between $100,000 and $999,999
0.39% for assets over $1 million
$200 Also, there is an annual maintenance fee of $200. Estimated annual fee.
Coin & Bar Selection
Bullion + rare numismatics
Strong bullion focus + unique rounds and bars
Payment Methods
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Cards, PayPal, Wire, eCheck, Crypto
Pricing Transparency
Live pricing shown on website
Requires quote or rep contact
Best For
Budget buyers and auto investors
IRA-focused investors needing guidance
Our Rating
(4.2/5)
(4.7/5)
Read Review
Read Review

Lear Capital Earns Higher Trust From Investors

Lear Capital has a clear edge when it comes to customer ratings.

With a 4.9 on Trustpilot (2,500+ reviews) and a perfect 5 on Consumer Affairs, it consistently receives praise for its service, education, and account executive support.

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)

Money Metals, while generally well-reviewed, has a more mixed record with a 3.3 on Trustpilot and 4.4 with the BBB.

Platform
Rating
Trustpilot
3.3 (125 reviews)
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A+ | Accredited Since 2011 | 4.4 (143 reviews)
Consumer Affairs
4.7 (168 reviews)

Negative feedback for Money Metals often revolves around shipping delays, whereas Lear Capital’s main concern is a higher investment minimum. Overall, Lear Capital earns more trust across platforms.

Where to Buy Gold: Money Metals vs. Lear Capital

Our preferred choice for direct gold and silver purchases is Money Metals Exchange, mainly due to its pricing transparency, flexible payment methods, and monthly savings program.

Where they’re both strong:

  • Product Variety: Both offer gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in various forms including coins and bars.

  • Buyback Programs: Each has a structured buyback process, allowing investors to liquidate holdings when needed.

  • Payment Flexibility: Both dealers accept bank transfers, checks, credit cards, and even cryptocurrency.

platinum products, Money Metals Exchange

Where Money Metals Exchange stands out:

  • Monthly Savings Plan: Lets investors buy gradually with automatic payments and discounted pricing.

  • Transparent Pricing: Spot prices are visible in real-time, with clearly listed payment fees and storage costs.

  • Unique Product Options: Includes items like rhodium bars and novelty silver pieces (bullets, blocks).

  • Lower Minimum Purchase: No large investment required, making it accessible for small investors.

buy physical gold, Money Metals Exchange
Buy physical gold, Money Metals Exchange

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • Numismatic Coins: Offers rare and collectible coins beyond standard bullion, ideal for collectors.

  • Dedicated Account Executive: Personalized investment support and strategy guidance.

  • Free Insured Shipping: All qualifying orders ship at no cost and are fully insured.

While Lear Capital excels in service and collector options, Money Metals Exchange is more approachable for frequent or small-scale buyers who value affordability, automation, and transparent pricing.

buy 10 ounce gold bar, Lear Capital

Which Is Better for a Gold or Silver IRA?

Our preferred choice for precious metal IRAs is Lear Capital, thanks to its experience, storage security, and strong investor support system.

Both Lear Capital and Money Metals Exchange support Gold and Silver IRAs using IRS-approved custodians and vaults. However, several key differences set them apart:

Where both are strong:

  • IRA-Eligible Metals: Each offers a full range of approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

  • Secure Storage: Both use insured, IRS-approved depositories for retirement accounts.

  • Customer Support: Teams assist with setup, rollovers, and IRA funding.

Where Lear Capital stands out:

  • Experience: In operation since 1997, Lear has a longer track record and specializes in retirement-focused investing.

  • Storage Facility: Uses the Delaware Depository with 24/7 monitoring and full insurance.

  • Fee Structure: While fees exist, they’re transparent—and large investments get waived fees for up to three years.

  • Account Support: Each investor gets a dedicated account executive to handle everything from rollovers to asset selection.

  • Faster Setup: Accounts are typically created in one business day, with fund transfers completed within five.

Lear Capital precious metals IRA
Lear Capital precious metals IRA (Screenshot from Lear Capital)

Where Money Metals falls short:

  • Fewer Custodian Options: Mostly recommends one custodian (New Direction Trust Company).

  • No Published IRA Fees: Lack of clarity around ongoing administrative fees could be a concern for some investors.

  • Limited Service Tools: No dedicated mobile app or advanced IRA tools.

For long-term retirement investors, Lear Capital offers a smoother and more reliable experience, especially if you’re rolling over a large IRA or want a guided, hands-off approach.

self directed gold IRA on Money Metals Exchange

Final Verdict: Money Metals vs. Goldco

Overall, we recommend Money Metals Exchange for buyers seeking flexibility and affordability, while Lear Capital is better suited for serious retirement investors who value support and structure.

  • Ratings Winner: Lear Capital — backed by thousands of high reviews and long-standing customer trust.
  • Best for Direct Purchase: Money Metals Exchange — thanks to its flexible savings plan and accessible pricing.
  • Best for IRA: Lear Capital — with its end-to-end retirement support and fee waivers for large accounts.
Top Offers From Our Partners

empower logo

Personal Finance & Investing Tools
Budgeting, goal planning, net worth, cash flow, tax minimizing, personalized portfolio construction, tracking and adjustments
Talk to Financial Advisors

acorns-logo

Smart Portfolios by Experts
Cash Account with 1.00% – 3.00% APY

Promotion:
$5 Sign up, add $5 or more to your personal portfolio, and Stash give you a $5 bonus to start.
Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
Coinbase Wallet
Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

Buy and Sell Crypto witH IRA
Buy and Sell Gold & Silver with IRA
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

empower logo

Personal Finance & Investing Tools
Budgeting, goal planning, net worth, cash flow, tax minimizing, personalized portfolio construction, tracking and adjustments
Talk to Financial Advisors

acorns-logo

Smart Portfolios by Experts
Cash Account with 1.00% – 3.00% APY

Promotion:
$5 Sign up, add $5 or more to your personal portfolio, and Stash give you a $5 bonus to start.
Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
Coinbase Wallet
Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

Buy and Sell Crypto witH IRA
Buy and Sell Gold & Silver with IRA
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Search
Best Investing Brokers
Top Offers From Our Partners

empower logo

Personal Finance & Investing Tools
Budgeting, goal planning, net worth, cash flow, tax minimizing, personalized portfolio construction, tracking and adjustments
Talk to Financial Advisors

acorns-logo

Smart Portfolios by Experts
Cash Account with 1.00% – 3.00% APY

Promotion:
$5 Sign up, add $5 or more to your personal portfolio, and Stash give you a $5 bonus to start. 
Investing, Banking & Retirement Options

Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies
Supports a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many altcoins.
Coinbase Wallet
Provides a non-custodial wallet where users have control over their private keys, supports a wide range of crypto assets and decentralized applications (DApps).

Buy and Sell Crypto witH IRA
Buy and Sell Gold & Silver with IRA
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

#1 In Investing

Our Newsletter

Access investment tips, expert investment strategies, key market updates, and exclusive opportunities to grow your wealth

This website is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).

This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.