American Hartford Gold Wins
With a rating of 4.8/5 and A+ BBB rating, American Hartford Gold edges out Lear Capital (4.5/5).
Get Started with American Hartford GoldSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Lear Capital | American Hartford Gold |
|---|---|---|
Our Rating | 4.5 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 |
BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Minimum Investment | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Setup Fee | $100 | Free |
| Annual Fee | $200 | $180 |
| Storage Fee | $180 | $150 |
| Metals Offered | GoldSilverPlatinumPalladium | GoldSilverPlatinum |
| Founded | 1997 | 2015 |
| Customer Reviews | 1,523 | 2,156 |
| Best For | Experienced investors who value longevity and real-time market data | Investors with smaller portfolios who want promotional bonuses and fast setup |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Looking for a third option? Augusta Precious Metals is our #1 rated Gold IRA company for 2026.
Pros & Cons Comparison
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)
American Hartford Gold
Pros
- Lower minimum investment ($10,000)
- Up to $10,000 in free silver on qualified purchases
- Fast account setup process
- Buyback program with competitive rates
- Celebrity endorsements (Bill O'Reilly)
Cons
- Aggressive marketing tactics
- Some reports of high-pressure sales
- Fee structure not always transparent upfront
Company Overviews
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.
American Hartford Gold
American Hartford Gold has grown rapidly to become one of the largest Gold IRA providers in the country. Known for their promotional offers including free silver, they offer a lower barrier to entry than many competitors.
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, American Hartford Gold edges ahead (4.8/5 rating). That said, your situation matters:
Experienced investors who value longevity and real-time market data
Investors with smaller portfolios who want promotional bonuses and fast setup