Yes, Fidelity lets you buy Bitcoin, but only through specific accounts and with limits

Fidelity offers Bitcoin purchases through two routes: a Bitcoin Investment Product (a fund you can buy inside most Fidelity brokerage accounts) and Fidelity Crypto (a separate platform where you can hold actual Bitcoin). Which one you use depends on your account type and how much control you want over your holdings.

The Bitcoin Investment Product is the simpler path for most people. You buy it like any other fund inside your existing Fidelity brokerage account — no separate sign-up, no new platform to learn. Fidelity holds the Bitcoin for you. The Crypto platform is different: you create a separate account, fund it, and hold Bitcoin directly in a digital wallet that Fidelity manages on your behalf.

Neither route lets you buy Bitcoin through a Fidelity retirement account like an IRA or 401(k). Fidelity does not currently offer Bitcoin as an investment option inside those accounts, though this may change.

Key Takeaways

  • Fidelity's Bitcoin Investment Product works inside your regular brokerage account and requires no separate process or platform.
  • Fidelity Crypto is a separate account where you hold actual Bitcoin and can transfer it out to other wallets if you choose.
  • You cannot buy Bitcoin inside a Fidelity IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account at this time.
  • The Bitcoin Investment Product charges an expense ratio (an annual fee); Fidelity Crypto charges per-transaction fees instead.
  • Both routes require you to already have a Fidelity brokerage account or to open one first.

Buying Bitcoin through the Fidelity Bitcoin Investment Product

The Bitcoin Investment Product is a fund that holds Bitcoin on your behalf. You buy shares of it the same way you buy shares of any mutual fund or ETF inside your Fidelity account. You do not need to do anything special to set up — if you have a Fidelity brokerage account, you can search for the product by name and place an order.

The main advantage is simplicity. You do not manage a separate wallet, you do not worry about security keys, and you can sell when ready during market hours. The trade-off is that you do not own the Bitcoin directly — Fidelity does, and you own a share of their holding. You also pay an annual expense ratio (a percentage fee charged yearly), which varies depending on which version of the product you buy.

This route works inside taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs, and traditional IRAs, though Fidelity's rules on which account types can hold it may vary. Check your specific account type on Fidelity's website or call their customer service line to confirm.

Buying and holding Bitcoin through Fidelity Crypto

Fidelity Crypto is a separate platform where you can buy, sell, and hold actual Bitcoin. You create a distinct account, fund it (usually by transferring money from your Fidelity brokerage account), and then place orders. The Bitcoin sits in a digital wallet that Fidelity manages — you do not hold the private keys yourself, but Fidelity does not hold your Bitcoin in a shared pool the way they do with the Investment Product.

The main advantage of Fidelity Crypto is that you own the Bitcoin directly and can transfer it out to another wallet or exchange if you choose. You also avoid the annual expense ratio. The trade-off is that you pay a per-transaction fee each time you buy or sell, and you need to manage a separate account and login.

Fidelity Crypto is not available inside retirement accounts. It is only for taxable brokerage accounts. You must already have a Fidelity brokerage account to open a Fidelity Crypto account — you cannot use Crypto as your only Fidelity product.

Fees and costs for each route

The Bitcoin Investment Product charges an expense ratio — a yearly fee expressed as a percentage of what you own. The exact rate depends on which version of the product you buy. This fee is deducted automatically from your holdings each year and is disclosed in the product's prospectus, which you can read on Fidelity's website.

Fidelity Crypto charges a per-transaction fee instead. You pay a flat amount or a percentage of your order each time you buy or sell Bitcoin. These fees are shown to you before you confirm the order. There is no annual fee for holding Bitcoin on the platform.

Both routes also expose you to Bitcoin's price movement — if the price drops, your holdings lose value. This is not a fee, but it is a real cost to understand before you invest.

How to set up each account type

For the Bitcoin Investment Product: Log into your Fidelity brokerage account, search for the Bitcoin Investment Product by name in the search bar, and place a buy order like you would for any other fund. You can buy as many or as few shares as you want (subject to any account minimums Fidelity sets). The order settles the same way as any other fund purchase.

For Fidelity Crypto: Log into your Fidelity brokerage account and navigate to the Crypto section. You will see an option to open a Fidelity Crypto account. Follow the prompts to set it up. Once it is open, you can transfer money from your Fidelity brokerage account into Crypto and then place buy orders. The process takes a few minutes, and you can start trading the same day in most cases.

If you do not have a Fidelity brokerage account yet, you will need to open one first. Fidelity's website walks you through the process, which takes about 10 minutes and requires basic personal information and a Social Security number.

Restrictions and things to know before you buy

Fidelity does not let you buy Bitcoin inside retirement accounts. If you want Bitcoin exposure in an IRA or 401(k), the Bitcoin Investment Product may work in some cases, but check with Fidelity first — rules vary by account type and change over time.

Fidelity Crypto is only available to U.S. residents and is not open in all states. Check Fidelity's website to see if it is available where you live.

Both routes require you to have a Fidelity brokerage account. You cannot buy Bitcoin through Fidelity without one. If you have a 401(k) through your employer and Fidelity is the custodian, that does not automatically give you a personal brokerage account — you will need to open one separately.

Bitcoin is volatile. Its price can swing sharply in short periods. Only invest money you can afford to lose, and understand that Fidelity's role is to hold and execute your trades — they do not advise you on whether Bitcoin is a good investment for your situation.

Bitcoin Investment Product vs. Fidelity Crypto: Which should you choose

Choose the Bitcoin Investment Product if you want simplicity, do not plan to transfer Bitcoin elsewhere, and are comfortable paying an annual fee. This is the right choice for most people who want Bitcoin exposure without managing a separate account or worrying about wallet security.

Choose Fidelity Crypto if you want to own Bitcoin directly, plan to transfer it to another wallet or exchange someday, or want to avoid annual fees and only pay per transaction. This is the choice for people who are comfortable with a separate platform and want full ownership of their Bitcoin.

You can also use both. Some people buy the Investment Product for long-term holding and use Fidelity Crypto for active trading. There is no rule against having both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Bitcoin inside my Fidelity 401(k) or IRA?

Not at this time. Fidelity does not currently offer Bitcoin as an investment option inside retirement accounts. You can only buy Bitcoin through a taxable brokerage account using either the Bitcoin Investment Product or Fidelity Crypto. This may change in the future, so check Fidelity's website or call them if you want to know about updates.

What is the difference between owning the Bitcoin Investment Product and owning Bitcoin through Fidelity Crypto?

With the Investment Product, Fidelity holds the Bitcoin and you own a share of their fund — similar to owning a mutual fund. With Fidelity Crypto, you own the Bitcoin directly (though Fidelity manages the wallet). The Investment Product is simpler but charges an annual fee; Fidelity Crypto charges per-transaction fees and lets you transfer Bitcoin out.

Can I transfer Bitcoin out of Fidelity Crypto to another exchange or wallet?

Yes. Fidelity Crypto lets you withdraw Bitcoin to an external wallet or exchange. You cannot transfer Bitcoin out of the Bitcoin Investment Product — it stays in Fidelity's fund structure. If you think you might want to move your Bitcoin elsewhere someday, Fidelity Crypto is the better choice.

How long does it take to buy Bitcoin on Fidelity?

Once your account is set up, you can place a buy order when ready. The order executes during market hours (Bitcoin trades 24/7, but Fidelity's trading interface has set hours). Settlement typically takes one to two business days, though you see the Bitcoin in your account right away.

Is there a minimum amount I have to invest in Bitcoin through Fidelity?

Fidelity does not publish a universal minimum, but most brokerage accounts have no minimum for fund purchases. Check the Bitcoin Investment Product's prospectus or Fidelity Crypto's terms for any specific minimums tied to those products.