Introduction

The cryptocurrency market has matured dramatically since Bitcoin’s humble beginnings in 2009. What was once a fringe concept embraced by only the most daring investors is now a trillion-dollar industry. Digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are now part of mainstream conversations in investment circles. As the crypto space becomes more regulated and widely adopted, major financial institutions like Fidelity Investments have recognized its potential and started integrating crypto offerings into their services.

A common question that arises among both novice and experienced investors is: Can you trade crypto on Fidelity? The answer is yes, but it’s nuanced. Fidelity has adopted a hybrid approach that combines both traditional finance principles and innovative digital asset technologies to offer a secure and regulated gateway to cryptocurrency trading.

This article provides a comprehensive, 3000-word exploration of crypto trading on Fidelity. We’ll cover the evolution of Fidelity’s crypto services, the current features of its crypto trading platform, how to get started, the pros and cons, institutional offerings, and how Fidelity compares to traditional crypto exchanges.

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1. A Brief History of Fidelity’s Foray into Crypto

Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest asset management firms, with trillions of dollars under management and a strong presence in retirement, brokerage, and wealth management services. Given its scale and influence, any shift in Fidelity’s strategy signals a broader trend in the investment world.

Fidelity’s first serious move into crypto came in 2018 with the launch of Fidelity Digital Assets (FDA). Initially aimed at institutional investors, FDA offered custody solutions and trade execution services for large clients. This move was groundbreaking at the time, as very few traditional financial institutions were engaging with cryptocurrency in any meaningful way.

By 2022, Fidelity began expanding its services to include retail crypto trading, launching a platform specifically designed for individual investors. This retail platform, commonly referred to as Fidelity Crypto, allows eligible customers to buy and sell digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum through a secure, user-friendly interface.

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2. Can You Trade Crypto on Fidelity? The Short Answer

Yes, you can trade crypto on Fidelity, but as of 2025, the trading is currently limited to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). While Fidelity is expected to expand its cryptocurrency offerings in the future, these two assets are currently the only supported digital currencies for trading.

Fidelity offers crypto trading through its dedicated platform known as Fidelity Crypto, which is accessible via its mobile app and soon expected to be fully integrated into the web platform.

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3. Fidelity Crypto: A Retail-Friendly Trading Experience

Fidelity Crypto is designed with simplicity and security in mind. Unlike traditional crypto exchanges that may overwhelm beginners with advanced tools and dozens of coins, Fidelity offers a streamlined experience tailored for investors who prefer regulated environments and long-term holdings over speculative day trading.

Key Features of Fidelity Crypto:

• Supported Coins: Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)

• Minimum Investment: As low as $1

• Trade Types: Market orders only (limit and advanced orders not yet supported)

• Custody: Assets are stored with Fidelity Digital Assets

• Security: Multi-layer security and cold storage

• No Trading Fees: Fidelity does not currently charge a commission but includes a spread in the buy/sell price

The platform also offers real-time price tracking, portfolio performance analysis, and educational resources to help users make informed investment decisions.

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4. How to Start Trading Crypto on Fidelity

If you want to trade crypto using Fidelity, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open a Fidelity Brokerage Account

You must have an existing Fidelity brokerage account to use Fidelity Crypto. If you don’t have one, visit the Fidelity website or download the mobile app to sign up.

Step 2: Enroll in Fidelity Crypto

Once your brokerage account is set up, you can enroll in Fidelity Crypto directly from the app. The enrollment process involves accepting terms of service and going through an identity verification process (KYC compliance).

Step 3: Fund Your Account

Transfer money into your brokerage account via ACH transfer, bank wire, or linked bank account. Once your account is funded, you can move cash into your crypto balance within the app.

Step 4: Buy Bitcoin or Ethereum

Navigate to the “Crypto” section and select your desired cryptocurrency. Enter the dollar amount you wish to invest (starting from $1), review the transaction details, and place your order.

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5. Institutional Crypto Trading with Fidelity Digital Assets

For institutional clients, Fidelity Digital Assets (FDA) provides robust trading and custody infrastructure. FDA serves:

• Hedge Funds

• Family Offices

• Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)

• Corporations

Features of Fidelity Digital Assets:

• 24/7 Trade Execution

• Institutional-Grade Custody with Cold Storage

• Trade Settlement Services

• Market Research and Insights

• Regulatory Compliance

FDA’s success has attracted large-scale clients who demand a level of professionalism, transparency, and security that is often missing from standard crypto exchanges.

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6. Is Fidelity a Good Place to Trade Crypto? Pros and Cons

Let’s evaluate whether Fidelity is a suitable platform for trading digital assets by analyzing the pros and cons:

Pros:

 Trusted Brand

With over 75 years in financial services, Fidelity brings credibility and reliability to the crypto space.

Regulated Environment

Fidelity operates under U.S. financial regulations, providing protection and oversight that many offshore crypto exchanges lack.

 Security

Crypto assets are stored securely through cold storage and multi-signature wallets, minimizing hacking risks.

 Educational Tools

Fidelity offers extensive crypto literacy resources, making it ideal for newcomers seeking guidance.

 No Commissions

While there’s a spread in the buy/sell price, Fidelity doesn’t charge separate trading fees, which can save money over time.

Cons:

 Limited Coin Selection

Only BTC and ETH are available. Investors looking to diversify into Solana, Cardano, or altcoins need to use other platforms.

 No Advanced Trading Tools

No margin trading, limit orders, or derivatives are currently supported.

 No Transfers to External Wallets (Yet)

Crypto cannot be sent from Fidelity to external wallets. Your assets are custodial, meaning Fidelity controls the private keys.

 Mobile-Only Experience (for now)

Most trading functions are currently only available through the Fidelity mobile app.

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7. Fidelity Crypto vs Traditional Crypto Exchanges

Let’s compare Fidelity’s crypto trading features with those of traditional crypto exchanges:

As seen above, Fidelity excels in security and compliance but lags behind in features and asset diversity compared to dedicated crypto exchanges.

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8. Is Fidelity Expanding Its Crypto Offerings?

Yes, Fidelity is actively exploring the expansion of its crypto services. Industry insiders and executives have hinted at plans to:

• Add support for additional cryptocurrencies

• Introduce web-based crypto trading

• Enable transfers to and from external wallets

• Launch crypto educational webinars and research publications

• Offer crypto ETFs and index funds for diversification

Fidelity’s approach has always been measured and conservative, but its long-term vision includes becoming a one-stop shop for both traditional and digital asset investors.

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9. Security and Insurance of Crypto on Fidelity

Security is a primary concern for crypto holders. Fidelity addresses this through:

• Cold Storage: Most assets are stored offline to prevent hacking.

• Multi-Signature Authorization: Transactions require multiple approvals.

• Insurance Coverage: Assets are insured against theft or cybersecurity breaches.

• Audits: Regular internal and external audits ensure compliance and transparency.

These measures make Fidelity one of the safest platforms for holding crypto in a custodial setting.

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10. Crypto and Retirement: Bitcoin in Fidelity 401(k) Plans

Another groundbreaking move by Fidelity was the inclusion of Bitcoin in 401(k) retirement plans. Employers that choose to enable this option allow employees to allocate a portion of their retirement savings to Bitcoin.

Key Benefits:

• Long-Term Exposure to Bitcoin’s growth

• Tax Advantages of 401(k) plans

• Integration with existing retirement accounts

While controversial, this feature marks a significant step in crypto’s institutional adoption.

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11. Educational Resources for New Crypto Traders

Fidelity offers a wealth of crypto education materials, including:

• Crypto 101 Guides

• Webinars and Events

• Market Reports

• Glossaries and FAQ Sections

These resources help demystify blockchain technology and empower users to make informed investment decisions.

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12. Final Thoughts: Should You Trade Crypto on Fidelity?

The ability to trade crypto on Fidelity is a welcome development for many investors. It bridges the gap between traditional finance and digital assets by offering a secure, regulated, and user-friendly platform for crypto trading.

If your crypto strategy involves:

• Long-term holding

• Investing in BTC or ETH

• Regulated environment

• Minimal fees

• Secure storage

Then Fidelity Crypto is an excellent option.

However, if you’re seeking:

• Access to a wide variety of altcoins

• Non-custodial control of your assets

• Staking, lending, or DeFi opportunities

• Advanced trading features like margin or futures

You may be better served using a dedicated cryptocurrency exchange alongside Fidelity for traditional investments.

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Conclusion

So, can you trade crypto on Fidelity? Yes, absolutely—but within limits. Fidelity’s crypto offerings are a powerful starting point for those new to digital assets or those who prefer working with a trusted financial institution. As Fidelity continues to expand its crypto infrastructure, the platform is likely to evolve into a robust hub for both traditional and digital asset management.

By blending the security of traditional finance with the innovation of blockchain technology, Fidelity is helping pave the way for a future where crypto and conventional investing live side by side—safely, smartly, and securely.