American Hartford Gold and Lear Capital open the same kind of account holding the same metal, so the difference between them is what they charge and what they will tell you before you commit. The figures below add the setup fee and 10 years of administration and storage together, using published or third-party fee figures for each company as checked on April 17, 2026.
What each charges in fees over 10 years
| Charge | American Hartford Gold | Lear Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | $0 | $280 |
| Yearly storage, commingled | $125 | $100 |
| 10 years of administration and storage | $2,250 | $3,000 |
| 10-year fees | $2,250 | $3,280 |
Over 10 years American Hartford Gold costs $1,030 less than Lear Capital in fees. These are list fees before any waiver, and several dealers waive fees on larger rollovers.
These totals cover fees only, because the markup on the metal is quoted per order, and it is usually the largest single cost, so get it from each dealer in writing before you choose.
Run your own holding period through the fee calculator, and add the markup each dealer quotes you once you have it in writing.
What this comparison leaves out
Fees are the only dimension here. The regulator record, the complaint history and the buyback terms are not compiled for either company, and a cheaper account with worse conduct is not the better one.
Both companies' figures are from third-party reporting. Read the full records on the American Hartford Gold page and the Lear Capital page.
Sources
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Fee figures for American Hartford Gold
Setup, administration and storage fees.
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Setup, administration and storage fees.