Provider Comparison · Fees Verified · June 2026
Lear Capital vs Goldco: Lear publishes a more detailed fee breakdown — $50 application + $30 wire + $125 maintenance + $110–$160 storage. Goldco’s FAQ states ~$50 setup + $80 management + $100–$150 storage. The numbers are close, so the decision usually turns on dealer spread, rollover process quality, and buyback terms.
| Fee item | Lear Capital | Goldco |
|---|---|---|
| Application/setup fee (one time) | $50 | ~$50 |
| Wire transfer fee | $30 | Not detailed in FAQ |
| Annual maintenance fee | $125 | ~$80 |
| Annual storage fee | $110–$160 | ~$100–$150 |
| Year 1 total estimate (from Lear FAQ) | $315 | ~$230–$280 est. |
| Year 2+ estimate (from Lear FAQ) | $235 | ~$180–$230 est. |
| Minimum investment | $10,000 | FAQ states $5,000+ |
Lear’s higher maintenance fee ($125 vs Goldco’s estimated $80) looks like a clear disadvantage — but Goldco’s FAQ expectations are not a fee guarantee. Ask Goldco for the actual custodian fee schedule for your account type before assuming the lower number is real.
The IRS 60-day rollover rule is one of the most common traps for gold IRA buyers who do not verify the process upfront. If you take a distribution from an IRA and intend to roll it over to another IRA, the IRS generally requires the funds to be deposited in the new account within 60 days. Miss that window without a qualifying exception, and:
A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer avoids the 60-day clock entirely. Ask both Lear Capital and Goldco whether your transfer will be a direct transfer or an indirect rollover, and what the estimated timeline is. Do not rely on verbal assurances.
Both Lear Capital and Goldco must work within the same IRS framework. A Gold IRA is a self-directed IRA using an IRS-approved custodian, with metals held in an approved depository. The account structure, eligible metals, and custody requirements are the same regardless of which dealer you use.
The two failure points:
The fee table above shows a $45 annual maintenance fee difference (Lear at $125 vs Goldco FAQ estimate of $80). Over 10 years, that is $450. Meanwhile, a 1% difference in dealer spread on a $50,000 account is $500 — paid once, at purchase.
To compare Lear vs Goldco on spread, ask both:
Before choosing Lear Capital or Goldco, confirm all of the following in writing from both:
Lear Capital's fee transparency page (accessed 2026-06-13) states: $10,000 minimum contribution, $50 one-time IRA application fee, $30 wire fee, $125 annual maintenance, and $110–$160 storage. Lear's FAQ also states a first-year fee of $315 and $235 in subsequent years under its fee structure. These figures are for the arrangement described on that page — your actual costs depend on the specific custodian and storage arrangement.
Goldco's Gold IRA FAQ (accessed 2026-06-13) states expected fees of about $50 setup, $80 annual management, and $100–$150 annual storage. These are Goldco FAQ-stated expectations, not guaranteed fixed charges. Actual costs depend on the custodian, storage type, and account setup.
Fixed fees matter more on smaller accounts. At $10,000 (Lear's minimum), a $125 maintenance fee represents 1.25% of the account per year before storage and any dealer spread. On a $100,000 account, it is 0.125%. Goldco's $80 management expectation would be proportionally lower at any account size, but actual fees depend on the custodian chosen. Get the custodian fee schedule for both in writing.
If you take a distribution from an IRA and intend to roll it over, the IRS requires the funds to be deposited in the new IRA within 60 days unless you qualify for a waiver or exception (IRS Publication 590-B). A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer avoids the 60-day window. When comparing Lear Capital vs Goldco, ask each company whether they complete your transfer directly or whether you take temporary possession — the 60-day rule has significant tax consequences if it is violated.
Confirm in writing from both: (1) custodian name + fee schedule, (2) depository + storage type + storage fee, (3) premium/spread over spot for the exact metals being offered, (4) any first-year waiver terms and conditions, (5) buyback policy and pricing basis, and (6) whether the rollover will be a direct transfer or indirect rollover.