Introduction
Cryptocurrency has evolved from a fringe digital asset into a mainstream financial instrument, captivating both retail and institutional investors. As Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies continue to gain prominence, investors are seeking trusted platforms to enter the market. Fidelity Investments, a longstanding and reputable brokerage firm with a legacy of managing trillions of dollars in assets, has naturally drawn attention. One pressing question remains: Can you buy crypto on Fidelity?
This comprehensive article explores Fidelity’s approach to cryptocurrency, the available services, investment vehicles, regulatory concerns, comparisons with other platforms, and how both retail and institutional investors can access crypto via Fidelity.
1. Understanding Fidelity’s Position in the Financial Market
1.1 What Is Fidelity?
Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest financial services corporations. It offers retirement services, wealth management, mutual funds, brokerage services, and more. Fidelity is renowned for its investor-friendly tools, low fees, and broad range of investment products.
1.2 Fidelity’s History with Emerging Technologies
Fidelity has a strong track record of embracing innovation. It launched Fidelity Labs to experiment with emerging tech, including blockchain and cryptocurrency. In recent years, Fidelity has moved steadily toward becoming a serious player in the crypto investment space—albeit with a conservative, long-term approach.
2. Can You Directly Buy Crypto on Fidelity?
2.1 Retail Investors: Limited Direct Options
As of 2025, Fidelity does not allow retail investors to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum directly through its core brokerage platform. This means that if you log into your Fidelity brokerage account expecting to purchase crypto the same way you’d buy stocks or ETFs, you’ll be disappointed.
However, that doesn’t mean Fidelity ignores crypto altogether. It offers several crypto-related products and services that serve both retail and institutional clients.
2.2 Fidelity Crypto Platform (For Retail Investors)
In 2022, Fidelity launched Fidelity Crypto, a new platform developed in partnership with Fidelity Digital Assets. This platform allows individual investors to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) with no commission fees, although a spread (about 1%) is charged per trade.
Key features of Fidelity Crypto include:
-
Buy and sell BTC and ETH directly
-
Secure custody through Fidelity Digital Assets
-
Minimum investment as low as $1
-
Integrated with the Fidelity mobile app
To access Fidelity Crypto, users must sign up through the Fidelity mobile app. The service is currently available to U.S. residents in most states, although there may be restrictions depending on local crypto regulations.
3. Fidelity Digital Assets: For Institutional Investors
3.1 Overview
Launched in 2018, Fidelity Digital Assets (FDA) is Fidelity’s dedicated crypto subsidiary. It focuses on institutional-grade services, including custody and trade execution for Bitcoin and other digital assets. FDA was one of the first traditional financial institutions to build a robust infrastructure for crypto, positioning itself as a bridge between Wall Street and the blockchain world.
3.2 Services Offered
Fidelity Digital Assets provides:
-
Secure cold storage custody
-
24/7 trading access
-
Institutional client support
-
Compliance with U.S. regulations
FDA supports Bitcoin and began adding Ethereum in recent years. Institutions such as hedge funds, family offices, RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors), and pensions are typical clients.
3.3 Why Institutions Choose Fidelity
Fidelity offers the credibility, security, and infrastructure needed for large-scale crypto investments. Compared to startups or new exchanges, Fidelity’s trusted name and regulatory compliance make it an attractive partner for traditional investors entering crypto.
4. Crypto Exposure via Fidelity Investment Products
Even if you can’t buy all cryptocurrencies directly through Fidelity’s main platform, you can still gain crypto exposure through:
4.1 Crypto ETFs and Mutual Funds
Fidelity offers access to crypto-themed ETFs that track companies in the blockchain and crypto industry. These include:
-
Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDIG)
-
Fidelity Metaverse ETF (FMET)
Although these ETFs don’t directly hold crypto, they invest in firms like Coinbase, Block (formerly Square), and NVIDIA—companies driving the crypto economy.
4.2 Bitcoin Spot ETFs
Fidelity was one of the first firms to file for a spot Bitcoin ETF. In 2024, the SEC approved several such ETFs, including Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC).
These ETFs:
-
Hold actual Bitcoin in custody
-
Trade on stock exchanges like regular ETFs
-
Provide retail and institutional investors a regulated, accessible way to invest in Bitcoin
You can buy these ETFs via your Fidelity brokerage account, offering a straightforward way to gain Bitcoin exposure without managing private keys or digital wallets.
5. Crypto Custody and Security at Fidelity
Security is a top concern when it comes to crypto investing. Fidelity addresses this with a high level of professionalism:
5.1 Cold Storage Solutions
Fidelity Digital Assets stores crypto in cold storage—offline environments less vulnerable to hacking. Their systems incorporate:
-
Air-gapped devices
-
Multi-signature authorization
-
Redundant geographic storage
-
Institutional-grade cybersecurity
5.2 Compliance and Regulation
Fidelity complies with:
-
SEC regulations
-
FINRA guidelines
-
State-specific licensing for digital asset services
It’s also registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with FinCEN, reflecting its commitment to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) standards.
6. How to Get Started with Fidelity Crypto
If you’re a retail investor curious about entering the crypto market via Fidelity, here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Create a Fidelity Account
You’ll need a standard Fidelity brokerage account to get started. You can open one online with your personal details and bank info.
Step 2: Download the Fidelity App
Fidelity Crypto is only available via the mobile app. Once installed, navigate to the “Crypto” section to enroll.
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification
You’ll need to provide personal identification for KYC compliance. This usually includes your SSN, driver’s license, and proof of address.
Step 4: Fund Your Account
Transfer funds from your bank account to your Fidelity account. You can then convert dollars into Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Step 5: Buy and Hold Crypto
You can now trade BTC or ETH directly. Fidelity holds the crypto on your behalf in secure custody, but you cannot yet withdraw it to an external wallet.
7. Comparing Fidelity with Other Crypto Platforms
Feature | Fidelity Crypto | Coinbase | Robinhood | Binance US |
---|---|---|---|---|
Direct Crypto Access | BTC, ETH only | 100+ coins | Limited coins | 100+ coins |
Fees | ~1% spread | ~1.5% average | Zero (spread applies) | 0.1% or less |
Custody Type | Cold storage | Hot/cold hybrid | No withdrawal | Hot/cold hybrid |
Withdrawals | Not yet supported | Yes | Limited | Yes |
User Type | Conservative investors | General retail | Beginner-friendly | Advanced traders |
Fidelity is a great choice for risk-averse investors who want secure, regulated access to crypto without venturing into volatile exchanges. However, for broader crypto functionality—such as altcoin trading or wallet transfers—Coinbase or Binance might be more suitable.
8. Pros and Cons of Buying Crypto on Fidelity
Pros
-
Trusted institution with decades of financial expertise
-
Secure storage through Fidelity Digital Assets
-
Integrated experience for existing Fidelity users
-
Spot Bitcoin ETF available for brokerage users
-
Regulatory compliance reduces risk
Cons
-
Limited crypto options (BTC and ETH only)
-
No withdrawals to external wallets
-
Mobile-only crypto access
-
Spread fees may be higher than some exchanges
-
Slow adoption compared to crypto-native platforms
9. The Future of Crypto at Fidelity
Fidelity continues to expand its presence in the digital asset space. Industry insiders predict the company may:
-
Add support for more cryptocurrencies
-
Enable wallet withdrawals
-
Launch new digital asset ETFs
-
Expand services to more U.S. states and global markets
-
Improve integration between traditional and digital assets
Fidelity’s measured approach to crypto reflects its long-term strategy. Rather than chasing hype, it focuses on creating secure, compliant, and scalable solutions for its vast client base.
Conclusion
So, can you buy crypto on Fidelity? Yes—but with some limitations. Retail investors can buy Bitcoin and Ethereum through the Fidelity mobile app, while institutional clients have access to deeper services via Fidelity Digital Assets. Additionally, Fidelity offers crypto-themed ETFs and one of the first approved spot Bitcoin ETFs.
While Fidelity may not be the go-to platform for altcoin enthusiasts or frequent traders, it serves as a reliable and secure entry point into the crypto market for conservative investors. With expanding services and increasing crypto adoption, Fidelity is poised to become a significant player in the digital asset investment world.
Can You Buy Crypto on Fidelity Next Part
Introduction
Cryptocurrency has gone from a tech curiosity to a mainstream financial asset class in just over a decade. Today, millions of investors seek exposure to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. But as the demand grows, so does the need for safe, trusted platforms. This is where Fidelity Investments enters the conversation. Fidelity, one of the largest and most respected investment firms in the world, has taken a unique stance on cryptocurrency. So, the key question remains: Can you buy crypto on Fidelity?
This article will explore Fidelity’s involvement in crypto, its offerings for retail and institutional investors, available products, and how it stacks up against other platforms. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned investor, this in-depth analysis will give you a complete picture.
1. Fidelity Investments: A Legacy of Trust
1.1 What Is Fidelity?
Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments has built a reputation for providing reliable, customer-focused financial services. It manages over $11 trillion in assets and serves millions of investors worldwide. Services include retirement accounts, brokerage trading, mutual funds, wealth management, and now—crypto.
1.2 Embracing Innovation
Fidelity has always been forward-looking. It was one of the first major institutions to explore blockchain technology seriously. Through its research arm, Fidelity Center for Applied Technology (FCAT), the firm began experimenting with blockchain as early as 2014.
2. Can You Buy Crypto Directly Through Fidelity?
2.1 Retail Investors
As of 2025, Fidelity allows retail investors to buy Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly through a service called Fidelity Crypto. However, this is not part of the traditional Fidelity.com desktop experience. To access it, users must use the Fidelity mobile app and enroll in Fidelity Crypto.
Once enrolled, users can:
- Buy and sell BTC and ETH
- Invest as little as $1
- Trade 24/7
- Store assets securely through Fidelity Digital Assets
2.2 Fees and Costs
Fidelity charges no trading commissions on crypto transactions. However, there is a 1% spread applied to each trade. This is fairly standard in the industry but something to be aware of.
2.3 Limitations
While Fidelity Crypto is a significant step, it comes with some restrictions:
- Only Bitcoin and Ethereum are supported
- No ability to withdraw to external wallets (as of 2025)
- No support for altcoins or DeFi tokens
3. Fidelity Digital Assets: Institutional-Grade Solutions
3.1 What Is Fidelity Digital Assets?
Launched in 2018, Fidelity Digital Assets (FDA) caters to institutional investors. It offers custody, trade execution, and other back-end infrastructure services for managing digital assets. FDA represents Fidelity’s more robust foray into crypto, targeting hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers.
3.2 Services Offered
- Custody: Offline cold storage solutions
- Trade Execution: 24/7 order matching and liquidity sourcing
- Client Support: Institutional-grade assistance and compliance
3.3 Credibility and Compliance
FDA is registered with FinCEN and complies with U.S. AML and KYC regulations. It provides peace of mind for large investors entering the volatile world of crypto.
4. Crypto-Related Products on Fidelity
If you’re not ready to buy crypto directly, Fidelity offers other avenues to gain exposure:
4.1 Crypto and Blockchain ETFs
- Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDIG)
- Fidelity Metaverse ETF (FMET)
These ETFs don’t hold crypto directly but invest in companies operating in the crypto space, such as Coinbase, NVIDIA, and PayPal.
4.2 Spot Bitcoin ETF
In 2024, Fidelity successfully launched a Spot Bitcoin ETF: the Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC). This ETF holds actual Bitcoin, offering investors a regulated, exchange-traded product without the need for wallets or private keys.
You can buy FBTC directly through your standard Fidelity brokerage account.
5. How Secure Is Fidelity’s Crypto Infrastructure?
5.1 Custody and Storage
Fidelity uses industry-leading security measures:
- Cold Storage: Assets stored offline
- Multi-Signature Authorization: Prevents unauthorized access
- Geographic Redundancy: Assets are stored in multiple secure locations
5.2 Regulatory Adherence
Fidelity is compliant with U.S. regulations and regularly audits its systems. It also applies institutional-grade risk management protocols.
6. Getting Started with Fidelity Crypto
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create a Fidelity Account
- Visit Fidelity.com and sign up
- Download the Mobile App
- Fidelity Crypto is only accessible via mobile
- Enroll in Fidelity Crypto
- Navigate to the crypto section and enroll
- Verify Your Identity
- Complete KYC requirements
- Fund Your Account
- Transfer USD from a linked bank account
- Buy Crypto
- Start trading BTC and ETH
7. Fidelity vs. Other Crypto Platforms
Platform | Crypto Available | Fees | Wallet Withdrawals | Regulation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fidelity | BTC, ETH | ~1% spread | No | Highly regulated |
Coinbase | 100+ | ~1.5% | Yes | Regulated |
Robinhood | Limited | Zero (spread) | Limited | Regulated |
Binance.US | 100+ | Low (~0.1%) | Yes | Limited U.S. access |
Fidelity shines for security and compliance but lags in coin variety and withdrawal options.
8. Pros and Cons of Using Fidelity for Crypto
Pros
- Trusted, regulated financial institution
- Direct purchase of BTC and ETH
- Access to crypto-related ETFs
- Cold storage custody
- No trading commissions
Cons
- Limited to two cryptocurrencies
- No wallet withdrawals
- Mobile-only crypto access
- No advanced trading tools
9. The Road Ahead: Fidelity’s Crypto Vision
Fidelity has taken a cautious yet committed path toward crypto integration. While it may not support as many features or tokens as platforms like Coinbase or Binance, its focus is on long-term, regulated growth. Future developments may include:
- Support for additional cryptocurrencies
- Wallet transfer functionality
- Global expansion of crypto services
- Integration with DeFi and smart contracts
Fidelity’s measured approach provides a blueprint for how traditional finance can responsibly adopt digital assets.
Conclusion
So, can you buy crypto on Fidelity? The answer is a clear yes—but with limitations. Retail investors can buy Bitcoin and Ethereum through the mobile-only Fidelity Crypto platform, while institutions have access to Fidelity Digital Assets. For those who prefer indirect exposure, Fidelity also offers crypto-focused ETFs and a spot Bitcoin ETF.
Fidelity might not be the most flexible or fastest-moving crypto platform, but it is one of the most trustworthy. It’s an ideal choice for conservative investors who want crypto exposure without compromising on security or compliance. As the digital asset market matures, expect Fidelity to continue playing a key role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized world of crypto.