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Cryptocurrency as an asset class is finding more ways into traditional investment schemes. It’s now possible to hold crypto under a variety of individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Interest in this option has grown considerably recently when the largest retirement accounts provider, Fidelity Investments, announced plans to offer crypto within its 401(k) accounts. The move is widely viewed as a precursor to making crypto available under the company’s IRAs as well. Boasting significant taxation benefits — such as no capital gains tax, and tax-deductible contributions — crypto IRAs are a new hidden gem for retirement-oriented investors.
IRAs were first introduced by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). They’ve long been the staple of retirement investment for the self-employed, freelancers, small business owners or, in fact, anyone who wants to actively manage their own retirement funds. These accounts differ from the employer-sponsored 401(k), and are based on your own individual contributions. IRAs allow you to invest in a variety of asset classes, typically stocks, bonds, mutual funds and index funds, but also less conventional alternative investments. Cryptocurrency is also a legitimate asset to own under an IRA.
However, traditional IRA providers have long been reluctant to offer crypto or any other high-risk asset class to these accounts. Nevertheless, as often happens, the niche hasn’t remained vacant for too long. Over the last few years, several crypto IRA providers have emerged in the market. These financial companies offer cryptocurrencies within their IRA products. Among the most popular crypto IRA providers are Bitcoin IRA™, iTrustCapital, Alto Solutions and BitIRA™. While the niche of crypto IRA providers is still relatively small, it’s growing fast. Fidelity’s plan to offer crypto in its 401(k) products is also an indicator of traditional IRA providers’ interest in this area.
IRAs have typically been used for the tax advantages they offer. Depending on the type of IRA (of which there are several), your tax benefits will work differently. Out of the variety of IRA types, the two most common ones are standard IRAs, also referred to as traditional IRAs (or simply IRAs), and Roth IRAs.