How to Open a Gold IRA
A step-by-step-process
Curious about how to open a Gold IRA or how a Gold IRA works?
Here's a simple breakdown of the process with Lear Capital and our preferred IRA custodian, Equity Trust Company:
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Initiate the Transfer
Funds are moved from your current (or "resigning") IRA custodian to your new self-directed Gold IRA account at Equity Trust Company.
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Funds Received & Account Funded
Once Equity Trust receives the transfer, they deposit the funds into your newly opened Gold IRA account. Your dedicated Lear Capital representative will keep you informed of the progress.
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Purchase Precious Metals
With the funds now in place, Lear Capital helps you purchase the physical gold and/or silver of your choice. These metals are shipped with insurance directly to a secure IRS-approved storage facility—the Delaware Depository.
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Storage Confirmation
After receiving the metals, the Delaware Depository notifies Equity Trust Company that your assets are safely stored. Again, your Lear Capital representative will keep you up to date.
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IRA Verification
Equity Trust Company verifies that the transfer and storage are complete and compliant.
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Ongoing Custodian Management
As your Gold IRA custodian, Equity Trust Company manages reporting and compliance, ensuring your precious metals IRA stays in good standing.
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Access Your IRA Anytime
You can view and manage your Gold IRA holdings 24/7 through Equity Trust’s online portal.
Secure, Insured, and Always Yours
When you open a Gold IRA through Lear Capital and store your metals with Delaware Depository Service Company (DDSC), you’re guaranteed full ownership, unlimited storage, and easy access, all backed by world-class security.
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Fast, Direct Delivery
Need access to your metals? You can request physical delivery anytime. DDSC will ship them straight to your doorstep, fully insured.
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One Low Annual Fee
Your Gold IRA includes unlimited storage under one simple annual fee—no extra charges for adding more gold or silver.
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Fully Insured, Fully Allocated
Your metals are protected by a $1 billion "all-risk" policy underwritten by London Underwriters. Whether in the vault or in transit, your assets are 100% insured until you sign for them.
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You Hold the Title
DDSC stores 100% of the metals in your account—fully allocated and always in your name. You’re the rightful owner, not a creditor or a number in a pool.
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Visit Your Gold in Person
Want to see your metals? With an appointment and segregated storage, you can visit the DDSC vault and inspect your holdings in a private viewing room.
Knowing how a Gold IRA works means understanding not just how to open one, but how secure and accessible your assets will be. With Lear Capital, your metals are always within reach, physically and financially.
Flexible Distribution Options When
You’re Ready to Retire
One of the key benefits of opening a Gold IRA is the flexibility it offers when it’s time to take distributions. Once you reach age 59½, you can begin withdrawing from your Gold IRA without incurring early withdrawal penalties. Whether you're planning ahead or nearing retirement, understanding how a Gold IRA works gives you more control over your financial future.
You have two distribution options:
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Cash Distribution
If you prefer to convert your physical metals into spendable funds, Lear Capital can help you liquidate all or a portion of your holdings. You’ll then receive the proceeds via a secure bank wire or check in U.S. dollars.
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In-Kind Metals Distribution
Prefer to hold on to your gold or silver? You can elect to receive your metals directly. Lear Capital will ship your coins or bars to you, fully insured until the moment you sign for them. Unlike traditional paper assets, your metals remain in your possession—and may continue to appreciate over time.
Why Lear Capital Is
The Trust Name in Gold IRAs
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Our dedicated IRA department brings
over 50 years
of combined experience. -
Partnered with a custodian who has
more than 50 years
in the industry. -
Our trusted depository has provided secure storage
for 26 years. -
Thousands of 5-star reviews
across platforms like BBB, Trustpilot, Consumer Affairs, Google, and Retirement Living. -
Trusted by
over 100,000 customers. -
Proud members of prominent industry associations, including:
