Priority Gold vs Lear Capital. Which Is The Right Gold IRA For You?

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Last Updated on December 15, 2025

Choosing the right gold IRA provider is crucial for retirement security, fees, and investment flexibility.

Priority Gold and Lear Capital are both trusted providers, but they cater to different investor needs.

Priority Gold focuses on low-cost investing with flexible storage, while Lear Capital emphasizes guaranteed buyback, long-standing experience, and low minimums.

This comparison will examine their fees, minimum investments, metals selection, storage options, buyback programs, and customer support, giving you the insight needed to decide which provider best fits your retirement goals.

1. Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Priority Gold	Lear Capital
Founded	2001	1997
Minimum Investment	$5,000	$5,000
Fees	Transparent and competitive	Competitive and transparent
Metals Offered	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium	Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium
Buyback Policy	Market-aligned buyback	Guaranteed buyback program
BBB/Trustpilot Rating	A+ / 4.8	A+ / 4.7
Best For	Cost-conscious investors seeking flexible storage	Investors seeking guaranteed liquidity and long-standing experience

2. Company Background & Trust Signals

Priority Gold

Founded in 2018, Priority Gold is recognized for transparent fees, cost-efficient investing, and flexible storage options.

The company focuses on making gold IRA investing accessible to both beginners and experienced investors.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.8+

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

Priority Gold builds credibility through clarity, low-cost investing, and flexible storage choices.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital, established in 1997, is a long-standing provider with a reputation for guaranteed buyback programs, low minimums, and competitive pricing.

The company caters to investors who want reliability and predictable liquidity.

• BBB Rating: A+

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.7+

• Media Mentions: Featured in CNBC, Forbes, and Business Insider

Lear Capital’s credibility comes from experience, predictable buyback policies, and investor-friendly service.

3. Minimum Investment & Setup Process

Minimum Investment

• Priority Gold: Requires a minimum of ~$5,000, making it accessible for beginners and cost-conscious investors.

• Lear Capital: Also requires a minimum of ~$5,000, appealing to investors seeking low entry.

Setup Process

Priority Gold:

• Complete an online form or speak with a representative.

• Priority Gold coordinates with an IRS-approved custodian to open your IRA.

• Fund the account via rollover or transfer.

• Select IRS-approved metals.

• 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.

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

• Metals are securely stored or delivered as needed.

Who Each Appeals To:

• Priority Gold: Investors wanting low-cost investing with flexible storage.

• Lear Capital: Investors seeking guaranteed buyback and predictable liquidity.

4. Fees & Pricing Comparison

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers transparent and competitive fees, including:

• Account Setup Fee: Typically minimal or waived

• Annual Custodian & Storage Fees: Around $150 total

• No hidden costs, with metals priced at market value

The focus is on cost-efficient investing with flexibility.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides competitive, transparent fees, including:

• Account Setup Fee: Often waived

• Annual Fees: Around $150, covering custodian and storage

• No hidden fees; metals are market-priced

Lear emphasizes predictable costs and guaranteed buyback, appealing to investors seeking security and simplicity.

5. Custodian & Storage Options

Priority Gold

Priority Gold partners with IRS-approved custodians and provides storage in:

• Delaware Depository and other IRS-approved facilities

• Segregated storage options with full insurance

The company emphasizes flexibility, allowing investors to choose storage locations that fit their needs.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital works with IRS-approved custodians and offers:

• Segregated and non-segregated storage in secure, insured vaults

• Focus on ease of access and guaranteed compliance

Lear prioritizes predictable, secure storage for retirement investors.

6. Metals Selection & Flexibility

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers a range of IRS-approved metals suitable for IRAs, including:

• Gold: Coins and bars

• Silver: Coins and bars

• Platinum & Palladium: IRA-approved products

The focus is on cost-efficient bullion, avoiding high-premium collectible coins.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides IRA-compliant metals, including:

• Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium

• Market-priced bullion with predictable value

Both companies allow insured direct delivery for personal holdings outside of an IRA.

7. Buyback Program & Liquidity

Priority Gold

Priority Gold offers a market-aligned buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals efficiently at fair market value.

The process includes:

• Contacting Priority Gold support

• Receiving a competitive market offer

• Completing the transaction securely

This ensures liquidity for investors who may need to access funds or rebalance portfolios.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital provides a guaranteed buyback program, allowing investors to sell metals at market value anytime.

This predictable liquidity is particularly appealing to beginners or those seeking peace of mind.

8. Education & Customer Support

Priority Gold

Priority Gold provides clear, beginner-friendly guidance, including:

• Educational guides on gold IRAs and metals investing

• Step-by-step instructions for account setup and storage

• Responsive customer support for questions and assistance

Their approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of understanding, especially for new investors.

Lear Capital

Lear Capital offers support and educational resources:

• Guides on IRA compliance and metals selection

• Transparent explanations of fees and buyback process

• Responsive customer service to assist with account setup and investments

Lear focuses on straightforward guidance and predictable processes.

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

Priority Gold

• Competitive, low-cost fees

• Flexible, insured storage options

• IRS-approved metals for IRA investing

• Transparent and simple setup process

• Beginner-friendly

• Less emphasis on guaranteed buyback programs

• Limited specialty product options

Best For:

• Investors seeking low-cost, flexible storage and straightforward gold IRA investing.

Lear Capital

• Guaranteed buyback program for predictable liquidity

• Competitive, transparent fees

• IRS-approved metals and secure storage

• Low minimum investment (~$5,000)

• Long-standing, experienced provider

• Less focus on storage flexibility

• Fewer specialty product options

Best For:

• Investors looking for guaranteed buyback, low minimums, and reliable, long-term service.

10. Conclusion

Both Priority Gold and Lear Capital are reputable gold IRA providers, but they cater to different investor priorities.

Priority Gold is ideal for those seeking low-cost investing with flexible storage and straightforward setup, while Lear Capital appeals to investors who value guaranteed buyback, long-standing experience, and predictable liquidity.

11. FAQ