Best Crypto IRAs in 2026
The surge in demand from people looking to add cryptocurrency to their retirement portfolio means there are plenty of crypto IRA providers to pick from, but here are some of the best crypto IRAs to research.
The 6 best crypto IRAs overview
| Provider | Cryptocurrencies available | Fees | Minimum initial deposit | Types of IRAs offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity | 4 (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Litecoin) | 1% spread trading fee, no monthly fees | $0 | Traditional, Roth, & Rollover |
| iTrustCapital | 90 | 1% transaction fee, no monthly fee | $1,000 | Traditional, Roth, & SEP |
| BitcoinIRA | 80+ | 2% trading fee, 0.08% monthly fee | $1,000 | Traditional & Roth |
| Swan Bitcoin | Bitcoin | 1% on buys and sells, 0.02% (or minimum of $20) monthly fee | $0 | Traditional & Roth |
| Alto IRA | 250+ | 1% transaction fee, no monthly fee | $10 | Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE & Rollover |
| BitIRA | 17 | 5% purchase fee, no sell fees | $5,000 | Traditional, Roth, SEP & SIMPLE |
What are the best crypto IRAs?
Fidelity
Fidelity is one of the largest asset managers offering a number of services, including retirement funds. You can choose from Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRA options, which support just four cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Litecoin. Unlike other crypto IRA providers, Fidelity’s 1% transaction fee is spread, meaning it is included in the ask or bid price of the sale. This can result in investors selling at a lower rate or buying at a higher price than market value.
Fidelity at a glance...
Key features
No monthly fees and a $0 initial deposit
1% spread trading fee
Supports Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Custody handled by Fidelity Digital Assets. The majority of crypto is held in offline wallets, but they also maintain online wallets for more timely processing.
No staking support
Fidelity chatbot available 24/7, customer support chat available during business hours, or support available by phone.
iTrustCapital
iTrustCapital was founded in 2018 and is a California-based fintech company that has surpassed $10 billion in crypto transactions through IRAs. They offer a wide range of cryptocurrency support (90) and gold and silver trading within their IRAs. You can choose a Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA with iTrustCapital, and open your account with an initial deposit of $1,000. However, to make additional contributions to your account, iTrustCapital charges $500.
iTrustCapital at a glance...
Key features
1% trading fee and no monthly fees
$1,000 initial deposit
Supports 90 cryptocurrencies
Custody handled by Fortis Bank, with digital asset storage from Coinbase Custody, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Fireblocks for offline storage
Providers undergo security and financial audits by external firms.
Supports staking activity
Access to a help center, and users can submit a help request or receive support via phone.
BitcoinIRA
BitcoinIRA is one of the largest crypto IRA providers known for its user-friendly interface. Despite the name, Bitcoin isn’t the only crypto you can invest in. There are more than 80+ cryptocurrencies available, from the top ten cryptocurrencies to lesser-known altcoins, depending on how much you want to diversify your investments. As well as this, the company also offers BitcoinIRA Earn, where users can loan their IRA funds to earn interest. However, its 2% trading fee and 0.08% monthly fee make it a more expensive choice.
BitcoinIRA at a glance...
Key features
2% trading fee and 0.08% monthly fee
$1,000 initial deposit
Supports 80+ cryptocurrencies
Custody with BitGo includes secure cold-wallet storage for 100% of user funds and generous insurance coverage.
Supports staking activity
Access to a help center and knowledge base, assisted onboarding, and phone and email support.
Swan Bitcoin
Swan Bitcoin is a highly-rated, user-friendly platform. Unlike all the other crypto IRAs in this list, Swan Bitcoin only offers Bitcoin, so for investors looking to diversify into other cryptocurrencies, it may not be the ideal choice. It also charges a 0.02% or $20 minimum monthly fee, which can make it a more expensive choice, especially considering its limited cryptocurrency support. However, unlike many other providers, Swan Bitcoin does not require an initial minimum deposit to open an IRA account, so it's a great option for those just starting to save.
Swan Bitcoin at a glance...
Key features
1% trading fee and 0.02% monthly fee
No minimum initial deposit
Bitcoin-only platform
Custody with Equity Trust, offering secure storage
No staking support
Support through help request submissions online, and phone support is available during business hours.
Alto IRA
Alto IRA is partnered with Coinbase, giving it the most extensive cryptocurrency support with over 250 available assets for trading. This partnership also means that transaction fees match those of Coinbase Exchange, at a 1% flat rate, and custody of user funds is handled by Coinbase Custody, which is SOC 1 and 2 certified. Their low initial deposit of $10 also makes this a good choice for those just beginning to save. However, digital assets can be extremely volatile, so it is important for investors to understand the risks associated with trading different cryptocurrencies in their IRA.
Alto IRA at a glance...
Key features
1% trading fee and no monthly fees
$10 initial deposit
Partnered and fully integrated with Coinbase
Supports 250+ cryptocurrencies
Custody handled by Coinbase Custody and NM Trust (FDIC-backed) for USD.
No staking support
Access to a help center for self-service how-to guides, and customer support available through phone or by submitting a form.
BitIRA
BitIRA was established in 2017 and offers excellent security for digital assets, secured with insurance protection by Equity Trust. BitIRA offers the most crypto IRA options, including Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE, which gives investors more flexibility to choose the right fit for their retirement plan. However, despite the no sell fee, BitIRA charges a 5% purchase fee, which makes it one of the most expensive trading fees on the market, as well as requiring a $5,000 initial deposit to open an account.
BitIRA at a glance...
Key features
5% purchase fee, no sell fee
$5,000 minimum deposit
Supports 17 cryptocurrencies
Custody with Equity Trust. Cold storage using Hardware Security Modules, multi-encryption encoding, and anti-tampering verification.
Supports staking
Access to their full-service support staff to help with the process of setting up your IRA.
How this list was built
We’ve reviewed the top providers available to crypto investors in the USA, focusing on those that are legally able to operate in the US and offer strong security, product versatility, and asset range. The providers are not ranked from best to worst as each offers unique strengths, but for easier navigation, we’ve listed them by traffic volume as a proxy for popularity. All are reputable providers, but as with any investment, always DYOR before investing.
Types of crypto IRAs
There are several types of crypto IRAs available, each with its own tax advantages depending on your investment goals and retirement strategy.
Crypto Traditional IRA
A crypto Traditional IRA allows investors to contribute to the IRA with pre-tax income. This account is tax-deferred, meaning your investments can grow within your retirement account and you only pay tax when you begin making withdrawals. This is a popular choice as it allows tax-deferred, crypto investment opportunities whilst saving for your future.
Crypto Roth IRA
Within a Crypto Roth IRA, your investments are made with after-tax income. In return, qualified withdrawals made during retirement are generally tax-free, including any gains generated from your crypto investments. This IRA can provide valuable, long-term tax benefits.
SEP Crypto IRAs and SIMPLE Crypto IRAs
These IRAs are aimed at self-employed individuals and small business owners. Their main draw is that they allow significantly higher contributions than Traditional and Roth IRAs. Although SEP and SIMPLE Crypto IRAs usually come with higher fees, depending on the provider.
Can I buy crypto in a standard Roth IRA?
You cannot directly buy crypto in a standard Roth IRA offered by a traditional brokerage. However, you can still gain exposure to crypto by investing in crypto ETFs. With a crypto ETF, you do not directly own any cryptocurrency; an issuer handles the underlying cryptocurrency, and you buy a share. This can be a great option if you're looking to diversify your investments without having to manage crypto wallets yourself.
Are crypto IRAs tax-efficient?
Crpyto IRAs are considered tax efficient because they are tax-deferred. This allows investors to store funds and trade within a crypto IRA without immediately paying Capital Gains Tax. However, once funds are withdrawn, they are then subject to tax.
Crypto Roth IRAs are a completely tax-free option, as contributions made to these accounts are made with after-tax dollars. So, even when withdrawn (during retirement), the funds remain tax-free.
For more information, we have a guide on crypto IRA tax, which explores the tax treatment of crypto IRAs and how they can be used for tax advantages.
Pros and cons of a crypto IRA
Crypto IRAs offer several advantages for investors, but it's also important to understand that they can come with some risks.
Crypto IRA pros
Tax efficiency: Defer taxes or make tax-free withdrawals
Long-term investment potential: Maximise compound growth over time
Security: Some Crypto IRA providers can offer protection via insurance and secure custody solutions
Portfolio diversification: A way to invest in assets outside traditional stocks
Crypto IRA cons
Volatility: Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and prices can fluctuate significantly over short periods of time
Fees: Compared to standard retirement accounts, Crypto IRAs can sometimes have higher fees
Contribution limits: There is a contribution limit of $7,500 per year for individuals under 50 years old, with a $1,100 catch-up for over 50s ($8,600 total)
Withdrawal limits: In Traditional and Roth Crypto IRAs, you are unable to withdraw until you are 59 ½ years of age. Early withdrawals can result in a 10% penalty fee.
Are crypto IRAs safe?
Custodians secure and store investor funds from crypto IRAs. This means that security varies depending on the custodian and their storage method. For example, a custodian who stores the majority of funds offline is more secure. It’s important you do your own research to ensure the provider and custodians are following best security practices. It’s also crucial to remember that any investment in crypto can be considered high-risk due to market volatility.
How to choose the best crypto IRA provider
Many crypto IRA providers will charge a fee for account closures, and the IRS charges a 10% penality for early withdrawals. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly research a provider before opening a crypto IRA account. Here are a few areas to research before choosing:
Account type
See which IRA account types the provider offers. Most will have Traditional and Roth accounts, and others will provide more options and flexibility through SEP or SIMPLE accounts.
Supported assets and staking activity
It’s important to find out if the platform supports the cryptocurrencies you wish to trade or eventually expand into. This also applies to staking activity. Not all crypto IRA providers will support staking, and some only offer it for a number of assets, so ensure the account you choose supports the kind of activity you wish to use your IRA for.
Security and custody
The IRS requires crypto IRAs to have a custodian. This means a third-party will be in charge of storing and securing your funds. Consider:
Regulated and secure custodians: Check that the custodian is regulated and undergoes security audits. Custodians who largely store investor funds offline in cold wallets are more secure, as they eliminate the risk of online hacking and phishing attempts.
Off-balance sheets: Providers that hold assets on off-balance sheets add an extra layer of security.
Fee structure
Different providers have different fee structures. There’s a range of fees that could be applied to your crypto IRA account, from setup fees to transaction fees and monthly or annual maintenance fees. Choosing platforms that are transparent about their fee structure can help you avoid hidden costs.
User interface and support
Crypto IRAs are long-term, so it’s important to find a provider with a user-friendly interface you understand and continued customer support should any issues arise.
Reviews: Check platforms such as TrustPilot to read first-hand customer experience with the provider, their support availability, and interactions with customer support.
Support: See which support channels the providers offer, whether this is a knowledge base for self-guided help, a way to speak to an actual human rather than just a bot, or 24/7 support options.
How to invest in a crypto IRA
If you’re looking to invest in a crypto IRA, follow these steps:
Choose your crypto IRA provider: Compare your options before making a decision. When you choose a provider to open an account with, you will likely fill out an application and go through KYC.
Fund your account: This could be through a 401(k) or rollover from an existing IRA. Remember, some providers require initial deposits.
Trade: You can use the funds in your IRA to purchase cryptocurrency or ETFs.
FAQs
How much are crypto IRA trading fees?
Crypto IRA trading fees vary based on the provider, but they typically range from 1-5% per transaction. It’s important to note that some platforms offer a flat rate, while others offer a spread fee.
Flat rates are transparent as they are fixed and charged on the total volume of a trade (i.e., 1% trading fee on a $100 trade is $1). A spread trading fee is included in the price of the trade, making it a hidden fee that can cause investors to purchase at a higher price or sell at a lower price than market value.
What are the crypto IRA early withdrawal rules?
Crypto IRA early withdrawals are classified as withdrawals made before age 59 ½, for which the IRS charges a 10% penalty, on top of ordinary Capital Gains Tax. This can even apply to Roth IRAs, although they may avoid penalties, funds can still be taxed as income when withdrawn early.
Are crypto IRAs a good idea?
Crypto IRAs can be a high-risk investment, as with any crypto investment, due to market volatility and the impossibility of being able to predict market changes in the future.
Crypto IRAs can be a good option for investors looking to diversify their portfolio or set up their retirement plan. Just remember that the price of your assets could appreciate or depreciate over time, should the market go that way.
