Orion Metal Exchange vs Lear Capital. Which Is Right For You?

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Last Updated on December 15, 2025

Choosing the right gold IRA provider can significantly impact fees, metals selection, buyback options, and retirement security.

Orion Metal Exchange and Lear Capital are both reputable, but they cater to different investor priorities.

Orion Metal Exchange emphasizes guaranteed buyback and predictable liquidity, while Lear Capital focuses on long-standing experience, low minimums, and secure storage.

This comparison will explore their fees, minimum investments, metals offered, storage options, buyback programs, and customer support, helping investors determine which provider fits their retirement goals.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Orion Metal Exchange	Lear Capital
Founded	2017	1997
Minimum Investment	$5,000	$5,000
Fees	Competitive, transparent	Competitive, transparent
Metals Offered	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyback Policy	Guaranteed buyback program	Guaranteed buyback program
BBB/Trustpilot Rating	A+ / 4.8	A+ / 4.7
Best For	Investors seeking guaranteed liquidity and low minimums	Investors seeking guaranteed buyback and long-standing experience

2. Company Background & Trust Signals

Orion Metal Exchange

Founded in 2017, Orion Metal Exchange is known for guaranteed buyback programs, low minimums, and competitive pricing.

The company focuses on making gold IRA investing accessible and predictable.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+

• Media Mentions: Featured in retirement and investment-focused outlets

Orion’s credibility stems from transparent fees, guaranteed liquidity, and secure IRS-approved storage.

Lear Capital

Established in 1997, Lear Capital has decades of experience in gold and precious metals IRAs.

They focus on reliable service, long-term credibility, and guaranteed buyback programs.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.7+

• Media Mentions: Covered by CNBC, Forbes, and Business Insider

Lear’s trust is built on experience, predictable liquidity, and secure, IRS-approved storage.

3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process

Minimum Investment

• Orion Metal Exchange: Requires a minimum of ~$5,000, making it accessible to first-time investors.

• Lear Capital: Also requires a minimum of ~$5,000, appealing to both beginners and experienced investors.

Setup Process

Orion Metal Exchange:

• Complete an online request or contact a representative.

• Orion opens a self-directed IRA with an IRS-approved custodian.

• Fund the account via rollover or new contributions.

• Choose IRA-approved metals with guidance.

• Metals are securely stored in IRS-approved facilities.

Lear Capital:

• Contact Lear Capital online or by phone.

• Lear sets up a self-directed IRA with an IRS-approved custodian.

• Fund the account via rollover or new contributions.

• Select IRA-approved metals with guidance from Lear Capital.

• Metals are securely stored or shipped as needed.

Who Each Appeals To:

• Orion Metal Exchange: Investors seeking low minimums with guaranteed buyback.

• Lear Capital: Investors who value long-term credibility and secure, predictable investing.

4. Fees & Pricing Comparison

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange offers competitive and transparent fees, including:

• Account Setup Fee: Typically waived

• Annual Custodian & Storage Fees: Around $150

• No hidden costs, metals priced at market value

Orion focuses on predictable pricing and guaranteed buyback, appealing to cost-conscious investors.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides transparent, competitive fees, including:

• Account Setup Fee: Often waived

• Annual Custodian & Storage Fees: Around $150

• No hidden fees, metals are market-priced

Lear emphasizes long-term reliability and predictable costs, ideal for conservative investors.

Both providers are transparent. Orion emphasizes guaranteed liquidity and low minimums, while Lear Capital highlights long-term credibility and predictable pricing.

5. Custodian & Storage Options

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion partners with IRS-approved custodians and offers:

• Segregated and insured storage

• Secure, IRS-compliant depositories

The company prioritizes guaranteed security and predictable storage solutions.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital works with IRS-approved custodians and provides:

• Segregated and non-segregated storage in insured vaults

• Emphasis on long-term security and compliance

6. Metals Selection & Flexibility

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange offers a range of IRA-approved metals, including:

• Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium

• Market-priced bullion with predictable value

• Insured direct delivery available for personal holdings outside an IRA

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides IRA-compliant metals, including:

• Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium

• Secure, IRS-approved storage or delivery options

• Focus on reliability and predictable buyback

7. Buyback Program & Liquidity

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion Metal Exchange provides a guaranteed buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals at market value anytime.

This ensures predictable liquidity and peace of mind for both beginners and experienced investors.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital also offers a guaranteed buyback program, emphasizing long-term reliability and predictable pricing.

Metals can be sold easily, providing investors with flexibility and security.

8. Education & Customer Support

Orion Metal Exchange

Orion offers beginner-friendly educational resources and support, including:

• Guides on IRA compliance, metals selection, and account setup

• Transparent explanations of fees and buyback policies

• Responsive customer service for guidance throughout the investment process

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides educational support and experienced guidance, including:

• Step-by-step instructions for account setup and metals investing

• Clear explanations of fees, storage, and buyback programs

• Responsive support team with decades of experience

9. Pros & Cons and Who Each Company is Best For

Orion Metal Exchange

• Guaranteed buyback program for predictable liquidity

• Low minimum investment (~$5,000)

• IRS-approved metals for IRA investing

• Transparent fees and secure storage

• Beginner-friendly setup

• Fewer specialty product options

• Less focus on long-term track record compared to older companies

Best For:

• Investors seeking low-minimum investing with guaranteed buyback and predictable liquidity.

Lear Capital

• Guaranteed buyback program

• Long-standing provider with decades of experience

• IRS-approved metals and secure storage

• Transparent fees and predictable costs

• Low minimum investment (~$5,000)

• Less flexible storage options

• Fewer specialty products compared to some newer competitors

Best For:

• Investors who prioritize long-term credibility, secure storage, and predictable buyback.

10. Conclusion

Both Orion Metal Exchange and Lear Capital are trustworthy gold IRA providers, but they serve different investor priorities.

Orion Metal Exchange is best for those seeking low-minimum investing, guaranteed buyback, and predictable liquidity, while Lear Capital appeals to investors who value long-term experience, secure storage, and reliable service.

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