The Forbes Advisor research team measured candidates against 25 distinct criteria, ranging from custodian flexibility and account minimums to coin availability and transaction fee structures. To qualify for the final list, firms were required to maintain at least an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Out of the initial pool, Lear Capital emerged as the longest-serving entity, underscored by a consumer sentiment score of 8.3 out of 10.

Beyond its tenure, the company distinguishes itself through a price-match guarantee and a comprehensive offering of all four IRS-approved precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. John Ohanesian, President and CEO of Lear Capital, noted that this recognition validates the firm's focus on consistency and reliability for investors transitioning retirement savings into physical assets. Since its inception in 1997, the company has facilitated over $3 billion in total precious metals transactions.