Fidelity's cryptocurrency offerings

Yes, Fidelity offers cryptocurrency services, but not in the way many people expect. Fidelity does not let you buy and hold Bitcoin or Ethereum directly through a standard brokerage account the way you would buy stocks. Instead, Fidelity provides cryptocurrency exposure through specific products and accounts designed for different investor types.

The main routes are a dedicated crypto trading platform called Fidelity Crypto, a Bitcoin mutual fund, and cryptocurrency futures contracts. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want to own actual coins, get exposure without owning them directly, or trade actively.

Key Takeaways

  • Fidelity Crypto is a separate platform where you can buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum with a Fidelity account, but it requires a separate login and has its own fee structure.
  • The Fidelity Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) lets you own Bitcoin exposure through a mutual fund held in any Fidelity brokerage account without needing a crypto platform.
  • Fidelity also offers Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts through its standard brokerage platform for active traders.
  • Fidelity does not offer cryptocurrency in retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s through any of these routes.

Fidelity Crypto: the dedicated platform

Fidelity Crypto is a standalone platform separate from your regular Fidelity brokerage account. You can buy Bitcoin and Ethereum directly, hold them in a wallet, and transfer them out if you want. You need a Fidelity account to use it, but you log in through a different interface.

The platform charges a flat fee per transaction rather than a percentage. For example, a $100 Bitcoin purchase might cost $1 to $2 in fees depending on the order type. Fidelity does not charge custody fees or monthly account fees for holding crypto on the platform.

One practical limitation: Fidelity Crypto is available only to U.S. residents and does not currently support all states. Before opening an account, check whether your state is supported on the Fidelity Crypto website.

The Fidelity Bitcoin Fund for simpler ownership

If you want Bitcoin exposure without managing a separate crypto platform, the Fidelity Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) holds actual Bitcoin and trades like a mutual fund inside your regular Fidelity brokerage account. You buy shares the same way you buy any stock or fund, and you can hold it in a taxable account, IRA, or 401(k) if your plan allows it.

The fund charges an expense ratio—a yearly percentage fee taken from your holdings. This fee is lower than many crypto funds but higher than holding Bitcoin directly on Fidelity Crypto. The trade-off is simplicity: no separate platform, no wallet management, and the ability to hold it in retirement accounts.

The fund is custodied by Fidelity, meaning Fidelity holds the actual Bitcoin and you own shares representing your portion. This removes the need to secure your own private keys or worry about transferring coins.

Bitcoin and Ethereum futures for active traders

Fidelity's standard brokerage platform lets you trade Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts through your regular account. Futures are agreements to buy or sell Bitcoin at a set price on a future date. They do not give you ownership of the actual coins—they are bets on price movement.

Futures trading requires a margin account and carries higher risk than owning Bitcoin directly. You can lose more than you invest if the price moves sharply against you. This route is meant for experienced traders who understand leverage and are comfortable with daily price swings.

Cryptocurrency in retirement accounts

Fidelity does not offer direct cryptocurrency holdings in IRAs, Roth IRAs, or 401(k) plans through any of its crypto products. The Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) is an exception in some cases—some employer 401(k) plans allow it if the plan sponsor has added it as an investment option, but this is not standard.

If you want crypto exposure in a retirement account, your options are limited to what your plan sponsor has chosen to offer. Check your plan's investment menu or contact your plan administrator to see what is available.

Fees and how they compare

Fidelity Crypto charges per-transaction fees that typically range from 1% to 2% of the order size, depending on whether you place a market order or a limit order. There are no monthly or custody fees.

The Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) charges an annual expense ratio, which is a percentage of your holdings taken yearly. This is usually lower than the per-transaction cost of buying Bitcoin repeatedly on Fidelity Crypto, but higher than a single purchase.

Futures trading involves commissions per contract, which vary by contract size and order type. Margin accounts also charge interest on borrowed money if you use leverage.

How to get your free guide with Fidelity crypto

If you want to use Fidelity Crypto, log into your Fidelity account and look for the Crypto link in the navigation menu. You will be directed to set up a separate Fidelity Crypto account. The process takes a few minutes and requires identity verification.

If you prefer the Bitcoin Fund, search for FBTC in your Fidelity brokerage account the same way you would search for any stock or mutual fund. You can buy shares immediately if your account type allows it.

For futures, you will need to enable margin trading on your account and then access the futures platform through your Fidelity dashboard. This requires additional agreement to futures trading terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Bitcoin from another exchange to Fidelity Crypto?

Yes. Fidelity Crypto provides deposit addresses for Bitcoin and Ethereum. You can send coins from another exchange or wallet to your Fidelity Crypto address. Transfers typically take 10 minutes to a few hours depending on network congestion. Fidelity does not charge a deposit fee, but the sending exchange or wallet may.

Is my Bitcoin safe on Fidelity Crypto?

Fidelity Crypto stores the majority of customer Bitcoin in cold storage (offline vaults), which reduces hacking risk. Fidelity is a regulated broker-dealer and custodian, so your account is subject to regulatory oversight. However, cryptocurrency holdings are not covered by SIPC insurance the way stocks and cash are.

Can I buy fractional Bitcoin on Fidelity Crypto?

Yes. You can buy Bitcoin in smaller amounts than one full coin. For example, you can spend $50 and own 0.001 Bitcoin. The same per-transaction fee applies regardless of the size.

What is the difference between owning Bitcoin through FBTC and owning it on Fidelity Crypto?

FBTC is a fund you hold like a stock—simpler, works in retirement accounts, and no wallet management. Fidelity Crypto gives you direct ownership and the ability to transfer coins out. FBTC costs more in yearly fees; Fidelity Crypto costs more per transaction if you trade frequently.

Does Fidelity offer other cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Fidelity Crypto currently supports only Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Bitcoin Fund holds only Bitcoin. If you want exposure to other cryptocurrencies like Solana or Cardano, you would need to use a different platform.