Augusta Precious Metals Wins
With a rating of 4.9/5 and A+ BBB rating, Augusta Precious Metals edges out Lear Capital (4.5/5). As our #1 overall pick, they offer the best combination of service, fees, and customer satisfaction.
Get Started with Augusta Precious MetalsSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Augusta Precious Metals #1 Rated | Lear Capital |
|---|---|---|
Our Rating | 4.9 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Minimum Investment | $50,000 | $25,000 |
| Setup Fee | Free | $100 |
| Annual Fee | $180 | $200 |
| Storage Fee | $100 | $180 |
| Metals Offered | GoldSilver | GoldSilverPlatinumPalladium |
| Founded | 2012 | 1997 |
| Customer Reviews | 1,847 | 1,523 |
| Best For | Investors who value education, transparency, and personalized service over rock-bottom minimums | Experienced investors who value longevity and real-time market data |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Pros & Cons Comparison
Augusta Precious Metals#1
Pros
- Lifetime customer support with dedicated agent
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Free one-on-one web conference education
- Price match guarantee
- No pushy sales tactics - education first approach
- A+ BBB rating with zero complaints
Cons
- Higher minimum investment ($50,000)
- Limited to gold and silver only
- No platinum or palladium options
Lear Capital
Pros
- Longest track record (since 1997)
- Price advantage guarantee
- Real-time precious metals pricing
- 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee
- Free investor guide and market updates
Cons
- Higher fees overall
- Some complaints about aggressive sales
- Lawsuit history (settled)
Company Overviews
Augusta Precious Metals
#1 PickAugusta Precious Metals stands out in the Gold IRA industry for their education-first approach. Unlike many competitors, they focus on helping you understand precious metals investing before making any decisions. Every client gets a dedicated account manager for life, and their transparent pricing means no surprises down the road.
Lear Capital
Lear Capital is one of the oldest precious metals dealers in the country, operating since 1997. They offer comprehensive market research and real-time pricing tools for informed investing.
The Bottom Line
Look, you didn't work 30 years to hand your savings over to a company that might let you down. Based on complaint history, customer service track record, and how they treat people with real money on the line, Augusta Precious Metals edges ahead (4.9/5 rating). That said, your situation matters:
Investors who value education, transparency, and personalized service over rock-bottom minimums
Experienced investors who value longevity and real-time market data