The Best Bitcoin IRA Companies for 2024

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Best Bitcoin IRA Companies

The Best Bitcoin IRAs For 2024

Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are a great way to provide future financial security. However, as global markets become increasingly volatile, some investors are looking to diversify their IRAs with alternative assets, including Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Because Bitcoin is a digital rather than tangible asset, cryptocurrency IRAs require specialized management, greater protection of sensitive data, and deep expertise in cryptocurrency trading. We researched nearly a dozen and chose the best Bitcoin IRAs based on expertise, security, experience, fees, and more.

The Best Bitcoin IRA Companies for 2024

Best Rates and Fees : iTrustCapital


iTrustCapital

iTrustCapital

  • Account Minimum: $1,000
  • Transaction Fees: 1% per transaction
  • Insurance Protection: Up to the maximum permitted by FDIC

Receive a $100 reward when you create and fund an account with iTrustCapital.

Why We Chose It

iTrustCapital makes it easy for both novice and expert investors to start a Bitcoin IRA with expert consultants and transparent pricing, making it our choice for the best rates and fees in Bitcoin IRAs.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Low account and trading fees

  • $1,000 minimum investment

  • 24/7 trading

Cons
  • No financial advisors on staff

Overview

Founded in 2018, iTrustCapital lets individuals buy and trade cryptocurrencies, silver, and gold in real time through their retirement accounts. The company has the lowest service and trade fees we’ve come across, placing it in the top spot for best rates and fees.

iTrustCapital offers some of the most affordable trading and investing fees. Though paying up to 15% per transaction to trade cryptocurrencies is not uncommon, iTrustCapital charges just 1% per transaction. There is no monthly fee, and clients are charged no initial purchase fees, broker fees, or scaling based on the size of their assets.

iTrustCapital allows clients to trade in 34 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, and EOS any time of day or night using its 24-hour transaction service. There is only a $1,000 minimum to start an account and a $30 trade minimum. iTrustCapital also lets its clients diversify their IRA portfolios with gold and silver while enjoying the low fees.

On Feb 16, 2023, iTrustCapital announced its strategic partnership with a third-party Qualified Custodian, Fortress Trust Company for the custody of its assets including cryptocurrencies and precious metals like Gold and Silver. Deposits are insured as per the maximum limit permitted by the FDIC.

Best Digital Asset Insurance : Bitcoin IRA


Bitcoin IRA

 Bitcoin IRA

  • Account Minimum: $3,000
  • Security Encryption: 256-bit SSL
  • Insurance Protection: Up to $700 million

New customer? Sign up today and earn a $125 reward upon funding your account.

Why We Chose It

Bitcoin IRA is a full-service Bitcoin IRA provider offering 24/7 trading, secure cold storage for digital assets, and $700 million of insurance protection.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Easy setup and trading

  • Secure offline digital asset storage

  • Digital assets insured up to $700 million

Cons
  • High setup and maintenance fees

Overview

Established in 2016, Bitcoin IRA is the first and largest cryptocurrency IRA company that lets individuals invest in cryptocurrency with their retirement accounts. The platform’s easy account setup and management, 24/7 real-time trading, and military-grade security features are at the core of the offering.

Bitcoin IRA makes it easy to create an IRA account and digital wallet in just a few minutes using its app or web dashboard. When funds are transferred to an account, users can begin trading within three to five days and can buy, sell, and trade online any time of day or night.

Bitcoin IRA supports trading 60+ types of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and Litecoin. Although the minimum to open a standard account is $3,000, the company offers a Saver IRA that requires an initial deposit of $100 with a recurring investment of $100 per month through a linked bank account.

Bitcoin IRA also takes security seriously. The platform offers 256-bit encrypted SSL trading, stores digital assets offline in separate cold storage accounts, and insures its digital assets up to $700 million.

Bitcoin IRA charges a custodian fee, a security fee, and a one-time service fee, but it requires potential investors to contact a customer service representative for specific numbers.

Best for Security : BitIRA


BitIRA

BitIRA

  • Account Minimum: $5,000
  • Security Options: Offline physical keys kept by armed guards and computer specialists in grade-5 nuclear bunkers
  • Number of Cryptocurrencies Supported: 15+
Why We Chose It

BitIRA offers Bitcoin IRAs with end-to-end insurance coverage for digital assets and true offline cold storage of private keys, placing it in the top position as the best for security.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Digital assets are kept in guarded offline storage

  • End-to-end insurance coverage for digital assets

  • Multi-encryption encoding for transactions

Cons
  • Must open accounts with a digital currency specialist

Overview

Though only established in 2017, BitIRA has made a name for itself by offering the highest levels of security for both cryptocurrency transactions and storage, backed by end-to-end insurance coverage, making it our choice as the best for security.

BitIRA uses multi-encryption encoding for transactions to keep them secure while they’re most vulnerable online. When completed, transactions are moved to physical keys kept offline inside grade-5 nuclear bunkers protected by armed guards and computer security specialists 24/7. 

BitIRA is so confident in its security measures that it covers all digital assets "end-to-end," meaning that your crypto is insured from transit to storage. Your crypto is insured against hacking or theft, internal theft or embezzlement, damage, or physical loss.

BitIRA requires a minimum investment amount of $5,000 to start an IRA and requires customers to work with a digital currency specialist to open an account. The company allows clients to invest and trade in multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin.

BitIRA doesn’t list its fees on its website.

Best for Self-Directed Investments : Equity Trust


Equity Trust

 Equity Trust

  • Number of Cryptocurrencies Supported: 8
  • Annual Administration Fees: $225 to $2,250 (depending on account size)
  • Account Setup Fee: $50
Why We Chose It

Equity Trust has been managing self-directed IRAs for over 40 years with both traditional and alternative investments and no transaction fees, placing it in our top spot as the best for self-directed investments.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Over 40 years of experience in self-directed IRAs

  • Supports traditional and alternative investments

  • No transaction fees

Cons
  • High administration fees

  • Must open accounts with a representative

Overview

As a financial services company established in 1974, Equity Trust branched into self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) in 1983. The company’s extensive expertise in traditional and alternative investments, no transaction fees, and personal guidance make it our top choice as the best for self-directed investments.

Clients will need to speak to a representative directly in order to start an Equity Trust SDIRA. When an account is open, clients can trade in up to nine cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, with no fees and a one-day settlement.

Equity Trust also takes security seriously, employing over six security features, including multi-factor authentication, multi-encryption, and secure cold storage. The company also offers end-to-end insurance on its digital assets.

Equity Trust offers its clients access to SDIRA specialists who can help them manage their accounts as well as educational tools to help them understand their investment options. The company also offers a dashboard to its clients for handling transactions, requiring them to issue directions to an account specialist to invest funds from their accounts.

The company charges annual administration fees between $225 to $2,250 depending on the size of the account as well as a $50 setup fee.

Best Investor Experience : Coin IRA


Best Bitcoin IRA Companies

Best Bitcoin IRA Companies

  • Cryptocurrency Account Minimum: $5,000
  • Account Setup Fee: $0
  • Security Options: Off-balance-sheet cold storage
  • Cryptocurrencies Supported: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more
Why We Chose It

Coin IRA provides education on the process of establishing and funding accounts and offers low fees, placing it first for the best investor experience.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Low fees

Cons
  • No longer offers varied wallet options

  • No cryptocurrency consultants are available

Overview

Coin IRA was founded in 2017. Its low fees and customer education make it our choice for the best investor experience.

Coin IRA helps individuals get started with its free "How to Add Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies to a Crypto IRA" resource, which educates readers on the investment benefits of cryptocurrency IRAs, how to convert existing retirement accounts to invest in cryptocurrencies, and more. From there, the company offers specialized cryptocurrency retirement experts who can walk customers through the process of setting up an account.

Coin IRA supports investment and trading in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. Assets are held in cold storage, off balance sheet, in the name of Equity Trust for the benefit of each specific account holder.

Coin IRA’s minimum investment is $5,000 to open a cryptocurrency IRA or $5,000 if funds are transferred from a non-IRA account. The company has confirmed there is no fee to set up the account, no annual or monthly maintenance fees, and no charge for insured cold storage for account holders’ digital assets.

Final Verdict 

As more firms allow their clients to add alternative assets like Bitcoin to their IRAs, understanding which ones offer the best expertise, security, and support can be tricky. In the end, companies with deep expertise in managing both traditional and digital assets are the ones who can future-proof their clients’ retirements.

Bitcoin IRA is the best for insuring digital assets, Coin IRA is our pick for the best investor experience, iTrustCapital wins for the best rates and fees, BitIRA aced the best for security category, while Equity Trust closes out our list as the best for self-directed investments.

Compare Providers

Company Why We Chose It Notable Features
iTrustCapital Best Rates and Fees No monthly service fee and 1% fee per transaction
Bitcoin IRA Best Overall Full-service Bitcoin IRA provider offering 24/7 trading
BitIRA Best for Security Guarded offline storage and full insurance coverage
Equity Trust Best for Self-Directed Investments More than 40 years of experience in self-directed IRAs
Coin IRA Best Investor Experience Cryptocurrency consultants and multiple storage options

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do Bitcoin IRAs Work?

    Individuals can diversify their IRAs with investments in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Because the IRS considers Bitcoin property, taxing it like stocks and bonds, account holders need custodians to manage their IRAs.

    Account holders can also trade cryptocurrency on their platforms and store their digital assets securely online or in off-site storage.  

  • How Should I Choose a Bitcoin IRA Company?

    Security and fees are two of the most important criteria for choosing a Bitcoin IRA company. Because cryptocurrency isn’t backed by any fiat currency, investors whose accounts get hacked risk losing everything. And many firms charge high fees, potentially cutting into the profitability of investments. It’s also important to choose a company with dedicated experience in managing IRAs and not just cryptocurrencies.

  • Are All Bitcoin IRA Companies Safe?

    Some would say that the uncertainty of cryptocurrency makes Bitcoin IRAs inherently risky. To this end, firms that offer multiple layers of transaction encoding and security features, a variety of cryptocurrency choices for investing, and offline cold storage can provide the most security.

  • What Are the Benefits of Bitcoin IRAs?

    The main advantage of Bitcoin IRAs is that they add diversification to retirement portfolios to both mitigate risk and maximize potential returns. Including digital currencies in some types of retirement accounts can also help investors avoid heavy capital gains taxes.

Methodology

We looked at nearly a dozen Bitcoin IRAs for this review. Our first consideration was to find companies with deep experience in managing IRAs as well as alternative assets like cryptocurrencies.

Security was also a major consideration. Because Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t backed by any bank or hard assets, a hacker can potentially wipe out an entire Bitcoin IRA. For that reason, we made sure to choose companies that provide state-of-the-art security features and high insurance coverage for their digital assets.

Finally, we included companies with low or reasonable fees because managing a Bitcoin IRA can be potentially much more expensive than managing most traditional retirement accounts.

The Best Bitcoin IRAs

Yuichiro Chino / Getty Images

Article Sources
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  1. ITrustCapital. "Buy and Sell Crypto, Gold, and Silver with Your IRA."

  2. ITrustCapital. "Frequently Asked Questions."

  3. ITrustCapital. "Is There a Minimum or Maximum per Transaction?"

  4. BitIRA. "The World's Most Secure Digital Currency IRA

  5. Coin IRA. "Experience the Simplicity and Security of the Coin IRA Cryptocurrency Trading Platform."