Fidelity Investments, a financial services giant with $5.9 trillion in assets under management, has introduced new retirement account options that enable U.S. investors to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies at a low cost. These specialized Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) allow users to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC) with a minimal 1% spread fee on transactions.
Available in three formats—a tax-deferred Traditional IRA and two Roth IRA variations, including one for rollovers—these accounts require no setup or maintenance fees. All crypto transactions within the accounts are executed and secured by Fidelity Digital Assets, the firm’s institutional-grade crypto division.
This move signals a notable shift in the accessibility of cryptocurrency within regulated retirement frameworks in the United States. It reflects a broader trend of growing institutional acceptance, underscored by corporate Bitcoin acquisitions and public listings of major crypto-focused firms like Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin.
Security remains a top priority for Fidelity. The company confirms that the majority of digital assets held in these IRAs are stored in cold storage—offline wallets that are not connected to the internet—to minimize exposure to hacking or unauthorized access.
Expanding Crypto Access in Retirement Planning
Although it has never been explicitly forbidden to include cryptocurrencies in self-directed IRAs, very few major providers have permitted direct purchases of digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Fidelity’s new offering represents a significant step toward mainstream adoption.
Prior to the introduction of these crypto-native IRA products, investors seeking retirement exposure to digital currencies had limited options. Some turned to Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds) approved in early 2024, which could be held in brokerage accounts depending on the provider.
Others opted for self-directed IRAs specializing in crypto, or used services from companies like BitIRA, which allow holders to include altcoins such as Litecoin in retirement portfolios under certain tax-advantaged structures.
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The Regulatory and Political Landscape
This move by Fidelity also aligns with a broader political push to make digital assets a more standard component of American retirement planning. On April 1, Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama announced the reintroduction of a bill aimed at enabling the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in 401(k) plans.
This proposed legislation seeks to limit the Department of Labor’s authority to restrict crypto inclusion in employer-sponsored retirement accounts. The renewed effort is seen by many as part of a wider policy shift supporting digital asset innovation in the U.S.
The growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in retirement accounts may provide investors with more choices to diversify their long-term savings. However, experts still caution that crypto remains a volatile asset class requiring careful consideration and risk assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of crypto can I hold in a Fidelity Crypto IRA?
You can buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC) in these accounts. Other cryptocurrencies are not currently supported.
Are there any fees for maintaining a Fidelity Crypto IRA?
There are no account opening or maintenance fees. However, a 1% spread fee is applied to the execution price of each cryptocurrency trade.
How does Fidelity secure the cryptocurrencies in these IRAs?
The majority of assets are held in cold storage—offline wallets that are not connected to the internet. This greatly reduces the risk of cyber theft.
Can I transfer an existing IRA into a Fidelity Crypto IRA?
Yes, one of the Roth IRA options is specifically designed for rollovers, allowing you to transfer funds from an eligible existing retirement account.
Is this type of retirement account suitable for everyone?
Crypto IRAs are best suited for investors who understand the risks of digital assets and wish to diversify their retirement holdings within a tax-advantaged structure.
How does this differ from holding a Bitcoin ETF in my IRA?
With a Fidelity Crypto IRA, you directly own the underlying cryptocurrency. With an ETF, you own shares of a fund that holds Bitcoin, which may involve different fees and tax implications.