In recent years, cryptocurrency has moved from a fringe financial experiment to a recognized asset class, drawing attention from investors across the globe. As traditional financial institutions adapt to this digital revolution, one major question often arises: Is crypto available on Fidelity?
The short answer is yes—but with some important details and limitations. This article explores the full scope of Fidelity’s cryptocurrency offerings, how investors can access crypto through the platform, and what sets Fidelity apart in the evolving world of digital assets.
1. Fidelity and Cryptocurrency: An Evolving Relationship
Fidelity Investments, one of the largest and most trusted financial services companies in the world, has shown a clear and strategic interest in the crypto space. Unlike many of its traditional competitors, Fidelity has taken early and active steps toward embracing blockchain technology and digital currencies.
In 2018, Fidelity launched Fidelity Digital Assets (FDA)—a separate subsidiary designed to provide institutional-grade crypto services such as custody, trade execution, and research. Over time, this crypto division has expanded to include retail investor services, bringing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to a broader audience.
2. Can You Buy Crypto on Fidelity?
As of 2025, Fidelity does allow clients to buy, hold, and manage certain cryptocurrencies—most notably Bitcoin and Ethereum—directly through specific Fidelity accounts. However, the experience is more structured and secure than what you might find on a typical crypto exchange.
✅ Yes, You Can Buy Crypto on Fidelity—But with Conditions:
| Service | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) Trading | ✅ | Available through 401(k) and selected accounts |
| Ethereum (ETH) Trading | ✅ | Available through selected accounts |
| Altcoin Support (e.g., Solana, XRP, etc.) | ❌ | Not currently offered |
| Crypto Wallet Transfers | ❌ | External transfers are restricted |
| Crypto ETFs and Funds | ✅ | Indirect exposure via ETFs and trusts |
| Institutional Custody | ✅ | Through Fidelity Digital Assets |
So while Fidelity does offer crypto, the experience is designed to appeal to long-term investors who prioritize security and regulatory compliance over speculative trading.
3. Fidelity Digital Assets: For Institutions and High Net-Worth Clients
For professional investors, Fidelity Digital Assets provides an advanced platform that includes:
-
Secure custody of digital assets (primarily Bitcoin and Ethereum)
-
Institutional trading services
-
Blockchain analytics and research tools
-
OTC (over-the-counter) execution services
These offerings are tailored for hedge funds, family offices, financial advisors, and pension funds, allowing them to access crypto with institutional-grade infrastructure.
4. Fidelity Crypto for Retail Investors
Retail investors have also begun to enjoy direct access to crypto, thanks to features such as:
a. Fidelity Crypto Account (Pilot Program)
Fidelity launched a retail-focused crypto platform called “Fidelity Crypto” in 2022, initially in limited U.S. states. This platform allowed users to:
-
Buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum
-
Invest with as little as $1
-
Store crypto in Fidelity’s custodial wallet
-
Access educational resources about digital assets
While still rolling out nationally and internationally, Fidelity Crypto is expected to become a core offering for retail users by 2025.
5. Crypto in Fidelity 401(k) Plans
One of the most groundbreaking moves by Fidelity was allowing employers to include Bitcoin in 401(k) retirement plans. This made Fidelity the first major retirement provider in the U.S. to offer crypto in a workplace savings account.
Key features include:
-
Employees can allocate up to 20% of their retirement contributions to Bitcoin.
-
The crypto portion is held securely in Fidelity Digital Assets custody.
-
Daily valuation and portfolio integration with traditional retirement holdings.
This innovation opens up long-term, tax-advantaged crypto exposure for millions of Americans planning for retirement.
6. Indirect Crypto Exposure Through Fidelity
If direct crypto ownership isn’t the right fit for your strategy, Fidelity also offers indirect exposure through:
a. ETFs and Trusts
-
Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDIG): Invests in companies operating in the blockchain, crypto, and digital payment sectors.
-
Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC): Offers price-tracking exposure to Bitcoin.
-
ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO): Tracks Bitcoin futures contracts.
b. Crypto Stocks
Fidelity allows clients to invest in publicly traded companies with crypto exposure, including:
-
Coinbase (COIN) – A leading crypto exchange
-
MicroStrategy (MSTR) – Corporate Bitcoin investor
-
Block, Inc. (SQ) – Formerly Square, a payment tech firm with Bitcoin holdings
These options are available through Fidelity’s brokerage platform and can be managed alongside traditional equities.
7. Crypto Security and Custody at Fidelity
Security is one of Fidelity’s greatest strengths when it comes to crypto. Here’s how it protects investor assets:
-
Cold Storage: The majority of crypto holdings are stored offline.
-
Multi-layer Encryption: Strong cryptographic protections prevent unauthorized access.
-
24/7 Monitoring: Continuous system monitoring to detect threats or anomalies.
-
Regulatory Oversight: Fidelity works within U.S. regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance.
For investors worried about the risks of self-custody, Fidelity offers peace of mind through insured custodial services.
8. Advantages of Using Fidelity for Crypto
| Advantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Trusted Brand | Decades of experience in financial markets |
| Secure Custody | Cold storage and institutional-grade infrastructure |
| Integrated Accounts | View crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, and retirement savings |
| Retirement Access | Bitcoin allocations in 401(k) accounts |
| Educational Resources | In-depth crypto reports, tutorials, and market insights |
| Professional Platform for Institutions | Fidelity Digital Assets supports institutional investors |
9. Limitations to Consider
While Fidelity offers significant benefits, there are some important limitations:
-
Limited coin availability (only BTC and ETH for now)
-
No staking, DeFi, or yield farming
-
Restricted transfers (no withdrawals to personal wallets)
-
No margin trading or derivatives for crypto
For investors seeking full control or access to niche tokens, a dedicated crypto exchange may be more suitable.
10. Conclusion: Is Crypto Available on Fidelity?
Yes—crypto is absolutely available on Fidelity, though in a selective, secure, and highly regulated form. Whether you’re an institutional investor looking for custody services, a retail investor wanting to allocate Bitcoin to your 401(k), or someone interested in ETFs that track crypto companies, Fidelity offers several onramps into the digital asset space.
However, Fidelity’s crypto offerings are best suited for:
-
Long-term investors
-
Security-conscious individuals
-
Those integrating crypto into retirement or traditional portfolios
-
Institutions seeking professional-grade crypto solutions
As the world of crypto continues to mature, Fidelity remains one of the most credible, forward-thinking financial firms bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain future.