Best 5 Bitcoin & Crypto IRAs for July 2024: Which Wins?
Bitcoin and crypto IRAs have exploded in popularity. This guide breaks down the most popular options in July of 2024 and will help you pick the best one for your goals and situation.
Consider a Bitcoin or crypto individual retirement account (IRA). The rising demand for self-directed, tax-advantaged Bitcoin and crypto IRAs has given way to many specialized companies helping investors add Bitcoin and crypto assets to their retirement portfolios.
In this article, we’ll explore the best 5 companies that offer Bitcoin and crypto IRAs, their main features, fees, security measures, and overall reputation in July of 2024.
You’ll also get valuable insights and best practices to align your financial goals and preferences with the Bitcoin or crypto IRA provider and product that best aligns with your financial goals.
Bitcoin IRA vs. Crypto IRA
A crypto IRA is a type of individual retirement account that allows you to invest in altcoins (non-Bitcoin) as part of your retirement savings strategy.
Altcoins refer to alternative cryptocurrencies — any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. These digital asset are often funded through presale token agreements and usually don’t have clear legal definitions.
When investing in any crypto IRA product, understand that the development team typically retains a guaranteed token stake at launch, similar to how an initial public offering (IPO) operates in the traditional stock market.
Swan Bitcoin is a leading Bitcoin-only IRA provider, founded in 2019 and based in Los Angeles, California. The platform is designed to simplify investing in Bitcoin for long-term retirement savings, making it accessible even to those new to cryptocurrency.
Swan Bitcoin Pros
Bitcoin Focus: Exclusively supports Bitcoin, reducing complexity and focusing on what many consider the most reliable cryptocurrency.
Easy Setup: Streamlined onboarding process that can be completed in just one business day.
No Minimum Balance: Allows investors to start with any amount, making it accessible to a wide range of investors.
Tax Advantages: Bitcoin IRAs held in regulated trust accounts offer tax advantages, potentially increasing the long-term benefits.
High Ratings: Strong ratings across Trustpilot and mobile app platforms indicate high customer satisfaction.
Swan Bitcoin Cons
Limited Investment Options: Only offers Bitcoin, which might not appeal to those looking to diversify with other cryptocurrencies.
Geographical Availability: While available in all 50 U.S. states, international customers must contact Swan directly, which may complicate access for some.
Fees
Zero Fees Next $10k: Enjoy zero fees on your first $10,000 of Bitcoin buys (or your next $10,000 for existing clients). No time limit, applies to single buys, recurring buys, and IRA buys.
Trading Fees: 0.99% for buy and sell transactions, charged directly from IRA funds.
Other Fees: No hidden fees; all management fees are transparently calculated and disclosed.
Custody Provider
Provider: BitGo Trust Company, a well-regarded U.S.-chartered trust that enhances security and compliance.
Trustpilot Rating:4.6/5 from over 1k reviews, reflecting positive user experiences.
Recent Developments
Swan Vault: Newly launched service offering self-custody solutions with features like secure key backup and inheritance planning, tailored for high-net-worth individuals.
Feedback: Customers appreciate the security features but may find the service limited to Bitcoin restrictive.
Unique Solutions Offered by Unchained Capital
Provides a highly secure, Bitcoin-only IRA, using advanced security measures like collaborative custody and multi-signature cold storage, catering to clients who prioritize Bitcoin security in their retirement planning.
Service Expansion
Recently raised $60 million to expand financial self-custody services Unchained Capital Blog
Low Entry Barrier: A low account minimum of just $10, making it accessible to a wide range of investors.
Wide Range of Options: Offers over 200 cryptocurrencies, catering to diverse investment preferences.
High User Ratings: Excellent ratings on Trustpilot and the Apple App Store reflect strong customer satisfaction.
FDIC Insurance: The FDIC insures cash held in accounts up to $250,000, providing an extra layer of security for fiat currency deposits.
Cons of Alto Crypto IRA
Mixed Reviews on Google Play: Lower ratings on the Google Play Store indicate user dissatisfaction, particularly with the app’s functionality on Android devices.
Legal Uncertainties: The SEC has recently sued major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase over cryptocurrencies included in Alto’s offerings, which might affect the stability or availability of these assets.
Fees
Trading Fee: 1% on all trades.
Account Fees: Options between $10 monthly or $100 annually, with two months free on the annual plan.
Positive Feedback: Users appreciate the low investment threshold, variety of cryptocurrency options, and the overall user experience.
Negative Feedback: Some concerns about app functionality on Android devices are highlighted by lower ratings on Google Play.
Unique Solutions Offered by Alto Crypto IRA
Alto leverages partnerships with leading exchanges like Coinbase for asset security, combining a broad array of cryptocurrency choices with robust security measures to offer a comprehensive IRA product that includes traditional, Roth, and SEP IRA options.
Recent Developments
Faced with regulatory challenges as the SEC scrutinizes the crypto market, including some assets offered by Alto, which could have implications for investors. SEC Lawsuit Information
Wide Range of Options: Offers over 60 cryptocurrencies, providing diverse investment choices.
Versatile Account Types: It supports various IRA types, including traditional, Roth, SEP, and even a Saver IRA, catering to different retirement planning needs.
High Customer Satisfaction: Solid ratings on Trustpilot and mobile app stores indicate good user satisfaction overall.
Cons of BitcoinIRA
High Fees: Charges a 2% trading fee, a 5.99% initial setup fee, and a 0.08% monthly maintenance fee, higher than many competitors.
Legal Concerns: Faces potential risks from ongoing SEC scrutiny regarding the cryptocurrencies it offers, similar to other platforms.
Fees
Initial Setup Fee: 5.99%.
Trading Fee: 2% on transactions.
Monthly Fee: 0.08% with a $100 minimum. More on Fees
Feedback: There are generally positive reviews praising the variety of crypto options and user-friendly platform, though some mention high fees as a downside.
Unique Solutions Offered by BitcoinIRA
Besides offering traditional crypto IRAs, BitcoinIRA has introduced a Saver IRA for those seeking regular, smaller contributions to their retirement savings with cryptocurrency.
Recent Developments
The platform is under the same regulatory scrutiny affecting much of the crypto industry, with recent SEC actions highlighting the risks associated with including certain altcoins in their offerings. SEC Lawsuit Information
Feedback: Limited feedback makes it difficult to assess customer experiences fully.
Unique Solutions Offered by Coin IRA
Coin IRA allows investors to include digital and tangible assets (cryptocurrencies and precious metals) in their retirement accounts, providing a balanced approach to asset diversification.
Recent Developments
The platform faces regulatory challenges similar to those of other crypto services, with recent SEC actions potentially affecting the cryptocurrencies offered. SEC Lawsuit Information
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Swan Bitcoin has made buying and owning Bitcoin a breeze. Swan offers an easy and safe way to profit from Bitcoin as a long-term investment.
Swan removes the complexity and confusion surrounding Bitcoin IRA investing and is accessible to a broader audience for low fees.
Bitcoin IRA options
Swan is Bitcoin-only. Unlike the other crypto IRA providers on this list, Swan DOES NOT offer any altcoin crypto IRAs, Bitcoin Cash or other Bitcoin hard fork investment products.
Swan Bitcoin IRAs are held in a legal, regulated trust account maintained by a qualified custodian authorized to manage assets on clients' behalf.
Custody provider
Swan Bitcoin holds Bitcoin in a custodial legal trust account with registered and regulated U.S.-chartered trust BitGo. It’s one of the best providers allowing U.S. residents or taxpayers to hold Bitcoin in a self-directed, tax-advantaged way.
Swan Bitcoin is available in all 50 U.S. states and most international countries. For international clients, please contact Swan’s advisors at ira@swanbitcoin.com to learn more.
Some Swan Private clients can also use Solo 401k, a Checkbook IRA LLC, or IRA financial trust options. A SEP IRA is a retirement account designed for long-term savings.
If you believe in the long-term potential of Bitcoin and are comfortable with its volatility, holding it in a tax-advantaged retirement account like a SEP IRA could allow you to benefit from any future appreciation while deferring taxes on gains until withdrawal.
Pricing and fees
Setting up a Bitcoin IRA with Swan is easy. The IRA onboarding can be completed in just one business day. The account opening and transfer process is very streamlined and straightforward, with no minimum balance requirements and low fees.
** Per IRS regulations, Swan’s fees for buy and sell transactions are 0.99% and funded from IRA funds. All management fees are calculated monthly outside of the IRA balance.
Recent developments
Swan recently launched Swan Vault, a seamless self-custody solution:
Best-in-class user experience for secure self-custody.
Secure key backup to minimize the risk of loss.
Concierge onboarding available.
Inheritance planning for Swan Private clients.
Built on Bitcoin Core and Specter, a fully open-source stack.
We advocate a long-time horizon investment planning strategy with a Bitcoin-only approach. Take control of your financial future and join the Bitcoin revolution today with Swan Bitcoin IRA.
2. Unchained Capital
Best for Secure and Encrypted IRA Investments
Account Minimum: $6,000 Investment Options: Bitcoin-only Fees: 0.5%, plus a $995 setup fee Custody Provider: Solera National Bank Trustpilot Rating: 3.2/5 from 2 reviews Apple App Store: None Google Play Store: None
Unchained Capital is a leading financial services company offering Bitcoin-focused solutions, particularly an innovative Bitcoin-only IRA.
Unchained Capital doesn’t offer Bitcoin Cash or other hard fork products.
Utilizes a multi-signature cold storage vault option.
This leverages a fundamental feature of Bitcoin technology that enables multiple parties to jointly oversee private keys and distribute control over Bitcoin holdings among themselves, Unchained Capital, or other financial institutions.
Pricing and fees
Unchained Capital offers great IRA features, but its pricing structure isn’t the best.
Alto Crypto IRA is another popular crypto IRA offering options for Roth, SEP, traditional Bitcoin and crypto IRAs.
Pricing and fees
1% trade fee.
$50 account closure fee.
$25 outbound wire transfer fee
Investors choose between a $10/month or an annual $100 account fee (including two free months).
Alto Crypto customers rely on Coinbase to secure their digital assets and retirement fund accounts. All cash held by Alto Crypto for the benefit of your IRA is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for up to $250,000.
Recently, the SEC filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase. In the suit, the SEC names at least (67) alternative cryptocurrencies it believes are unregistered securities—many of these tokens are included in Alto’s Crypto IRA products.
Check out our in-depth Alto Crypto IRA review here.
BitcoinIRA introduced a self-directed cryptocurrency IRA in 2019. Besides a BitcoinIRA and Bitcoin 401k, it offers a Roth Bitcoin IRA, various crypto IRAs, and a Saver IRA selection to suit different investment preferences. It also offers IRA rollovers for Roth, SEP, Employer Plan 401(k)s and new or existing Traditional IRAs.
Pricing and fees
If you’re looking to invest in a Saver IRA, BitcoinIRA might be worth considering. However, it has some several downsides, most notably exorbitant fees, including:
Domestic Wire (Outgoing): $35 International Wire (Outgoing): $50 Check: $35 Cashier’s Check: $50 ACH: $35 Late Fee: $25/month Overnight Mail: $35 Roth Conversion or Recharacterization: $100 Stop Payment, Return Check/Wire: $50 In-Kind Transfer (Outgoing): 1% Partial Termination: $150 (50% or more of Account) Complete Termination: $300
*Fees are subject to change with 30 days' written notice. (1) Minimum Monthly Fee for all accounts $20 per month. (2) Insurance may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available. (3) Security may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available. (4) Recharacterizations may only be in cash. Roth conversions may not be recharacterized.
5. Coin IRA
Best for Precious Metal IRA Investments
Account Minimum: $20,000 self-directed IRA account, $3,500 non-IRA account Investment Options: 16 cryptocurrencies, 3 precious metal options Fees: One-time $50 setup fee, $80 annual maintenance fee, $100 storage fee. Custody Provider: Fireblocks Trustpilot Rating: 3.7/5 from 1 review Apple App Store: None Google Play Store: None
Coin IRA was founded in 2017 by Goldco, a well-known Gold IRA company. Its primary aim was to meet the increasing demand from valued customers who wanted to include Bitcoin and other crypto alternative assets in their retirement accounts. Coin IRA offers to transfer existing IRA funds or make a contribution.
It can also rollover existing 401k, 457, 403(b), TSP, pension, and more. It offers 16 altcoin options. It also allows investors to purchase fractional precious metal accounts.
Pricing and fees
1.25% on buy trades.
1% on sell orders.
2.25% on assisted transactions.
Investors pay a $10 minimum trade amount but no monthly or storage fees.
The SEC filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase. In the suit, the SEC names at least (67) alternative cryptocurrencies it believes are unregistered securities — many of these tokens are included in CoinIRA’s product.
Why invest in a Bitcoin or crypto IRA?
Bitcoin and crypto IRAs offer tax benefits, investment flexibility, and the potential for compound growth. They complement other retirement savings like 401(k)s or pensions and are popular, low-risk investments for several reasons.
Diversification Achieve a well-rounded investment portfolio by allocating funds across diverse assets such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Unrealized loss control Minimize the risk of substantial losses ensuring that potential gains in one area offset potential losses in another.
Regulatory protection IRAs are subject to government regulations, providing investors with a layer of security. These regulations maintain the integrity and fairness of the retirement savings system.
Long-term investment horizon IRAs facilitate long-term savings, typically requiring a minimum holding period of several years. This helps investors minimize the impact of short-term market volatility on their retirement savings.
Tax benefits Bitcoin and crypto IRAs offer distinct tax benefits that reduce the overall risk of financial loss. Traditional IRAs provide tax-deferred growth, allowing investments to grow without immediate tax obligations. Roth IRAs permit tax-free withdrawals during retirement, offering valuable protection against future tax uncertainties.
Why invest in a Bitcoin-only IRA > crypto IRA?
First-time Bitcoin investors often decide to put their money in proxy-Bitcoin investments like Grayscale (GBTC) or BITO shares, Marathon Holdings, and RIOT Blockchain mining stock, or publicly traded stocks like MicroStrategy (MSTR), Coinbase (COIN), Tesla (TSLA), and Square (S.Q.).
While these are great starting points for many, buying Bitcoin and owning the private keys is the best way to invest in the crypto network. Investing in a Bitcoin-only IRA like Swan Bitcoin IRA gives you peace of mind that your investment is securely stored and managed.
As the regulatory landscape shifts, it’s wise for investors to consider safeguarding their holdings by moving them from Coinbase into secure cold storage. Unlike alternative cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin was launched without a pre-sale, and the core development team cannot directly control the direction of the protocol alone.
While some have characterized Bitcoin as a Ponzi scheme, if you spend enough time studying the properties of the network, you’ll come to understand why Bitcoin is not a Ponzi.
What to look for in a crypto IRA provider
Consider the following features to integrate cryptocurrencies into your retirement plan for a safe, reliable, and efficient crypto IRA experience.
Robust security Given the vulnerability of digital assets to hacking and theft, you should choose a Bitcoin or crypto IRA provider that prioritizes strict security measures.
Transparent and reasonable fees Carefully review and compare the crypto IRA fees charged by different custodians and providers. Watch out for hidden or excessive fees that can eat away your returns over time.
Custodian reputation Research the custodian’s reputation when entrusting your crypto IRA assets to a custodian. Ensure they have a trustworthy track record and are well-regarded within the industry.
Tax implications Familiarize yourself with the tax implications before making investment decisions. For example, gains from Bitcoin investments held within an IRA may be subject to tax when you withdraw the funds.
Regulations Stay informed of new regulations or legal developments affecting your crypto IRA investment.
How to invest in a crypto IRA
Choose a reputable custodian that offers crypto IRA services.
Open an account by completing the necessary paperwork and meeting all the specific requirements.
Depositing funds in fiat currency or transferring existing cryptocurrencies from an external wallet.
Choose the investments you want from the options available from your custodian.
Actively monitor and manage your crypto IRA to optimize your returns over time.
What are the fees for crypto IRA trading?
The fees associated with crypto IRA trading can vary depending on the custodian and the specific services offered. The most common fees include:
Account setup fees.
Transaction fees for buying, selling, or transferring within the crypto IRA account.
Annual maintenance fees for ongoing account administration.
Is a crypto IRA tax-free?
Whether a crypto IRA is tax-free depends on your jurisdiction’s specific tax rules. In some cases, contributions to a crypto IRA may be tax deductible, similar to traditional IRAs.
Consult a tax or financial advisor familiar with your country’s tax laws to understand a crypto IRA’s tax implications.
Is a crypto IRA safe?
Reputable custodians use advanced security protocols like secure storage, encryption, and multi-factor authentication to protect your Bitcoin and crypto IRA assets. Some custodians offer insurance to protect against losses.
What about a SEP IRA instead of a Traditional or Roth?
A SEP IRA, or Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account, is a type of retirement savings account that allows small business owners and self-employed individuals to contribute to their own retirement savings and provide retirement benefits to their employees.
Here’s how a SEP IRA typically works:
Employee eligibility Employees must meet certain criteria to be eligible for participation. Typically, employees must be at least 21 years old, have worked for the employer in at least three of the last five years, and have received at least $600 in compensation for the year.
Employer contribution limits As the employer, you can contribute up to 25% of each eligible employee’s compensation, up to a maximum annual limit. The maximum limit changes annually based on IRS guidelines. The maximum employer contribution limit was $66,000 for the tax year 2024.
Tax benefits Contributions made by the employer to a SEP IRA are tax-deductible as a business expense. The contributions grow tax-deferred until withdrawn in retirement; at this point, they are subject to ordinary income tax rates. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may also be subject to a penalty.
Distribution rules Similar to traditional IRAs, distributions from a SEP IRA are required to begin by April 1 of the year following the year the account holder reaches age 72 (age 70½ if you reached 70½ before January 1, 2020). These distributions are called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and are subject to income tax.
Uniform contribution percentage If you choose to contribute for yourself, the same percentage of compensation you contribute for eligible employees must be contributed for yourself as the business owner.
If a SEP IRA isn’t for but you are interested in learning more about how a Backdoor ROTH works, see our review here.
Take control of your financial future with a Swan Bitcoin IRA. Learn more about our IRA product and invest with Swan.
This article is provided for educational purposes only, and cannot be relied upon as tax, accounting, legal, investment, or other advice. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Bitcoin is a young, volatile, risky asset, and sudden large and sustained drops in price may occur from time to time.
Swan makes no representations regarding the performance, tax consequences, or investment suitability of any structure described herein, and all such questions should be directed to a relevant advisor of your choice.
The Bitcoin Retirement Calculator is only intended to show the projected investment performance based on parameters set by you, and in using this tool, you acknowledge that the results generated by placing various parameters through this tool are only projections of hypothetical performance that may be useful in assisting you in deciding how best to potentially incorporate a Bitcoin allocation in your IRA.
Drew
Drew, a class of 2013 Bitcoiner, is a Research Analyst for Swan Bitcoin.
He has worked in institutional VC/PE, FinTech, and DLT consulting for over six years. He also brings over twelve years of experience working with national nonprofits and start-ups in education and software development in several leadership roles.
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