Best 5 Bitcoin & Crypto IRAs for May 2024: Which Wins?

Want to stay ahead of the investment curve? 

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 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.

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. Altcoins are highly speculative and carry numerous unique risks!

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

• 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: 4.5/5 from over 1,020 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.

• Swan Mining April Report: The Current State of Bitcoin Mining. Free Download.

Pros of Unchained Capital

• Secure Investments: Offers a Bitcoin-only IRA with investments secured through a multi-signature cold storage vault.

• Expert Custody: Employs a collaborative custody model, enhancing security by distributing control over Bitcoin holdings.

• Specialized Service: Focuses exclusively on Bitcoin, avoiding complications from other cryptocurrencies.

• Educational Resources: Provides educational materials on Bitcoin and its technological foundations.

Cons of Unchained Capital

• Limited Options: Only supports Bitcoin, which is not suitable for those looking to invest in other cryptocurrencies.

• Higher Fees: Charges a 0.5% fee plus a $995 setup fee, which might be higher than some competitors. Pricing and Fees

• Setup Time: Account setup may take up to five business days, which is slower than other services.

Customer Insights from Trustpilot

• Rating: 3.2/5 from 2 reviews Trustpilot

• 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

Pros of Alto Crypto IRA

• 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.

• Additional Fees: $50 account closure fee, $25 for outbound wire transfers. Alto’s Fee Structure

Customer Insights from Trustpilot

• Rating: 4.4/5 from over 1,300 reviews Trustpilot

• 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

Pros of BitcoinIRA

• 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

Customer Insights from Trustpilot

• Rating: 4.3/5 from 27 reviews Trustpilot

• 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

Pros of Coin IRA

• Diverse Investment Options: Offers cryptocurrencies and precious metals, allowing for diversified investment portfolios.

• Experienced Parent Company: Backed by Goldco, a reputable player in the precious metals IRA market, adding a level of trust and experience.

• Comprehensive Rollover Options: Supports rollovers from various retirement accounts, including 401(k), 457, 403(b), TSP, and pensions.

Cons of Coin IRA

• High Account Minimums: Requires a $20,000 minimum for self-directed IRA accounts, which may be prohibitive for some investors.

• Limited Reviews: Few reviews on Trustpilot make it difficult to gauge widespread customer satisfaction.

Fees

• Setup and Maintenance Fees: $50 one-time setup fee, $80 annual maintenance fee, and $100 storage fee.

• Trading Fees: 1.25% on buy trades, 1% on sell orders, and 2.25% on assisted transactions. More on Fees

Customer Insights from Trustpilot

• Rating: 3.7/5 from just 1 review Trustpilot

• 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

Best Overall and for Bitcoin-only IRA

Account Minimum: No minimum balance requirements
Investment Options: Bitcoin-only
Fees: 0.99% funded from IRA funds
Custody Provider: BitGo Trust Company
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5/5 from 1.027k reviews
Apple App Store: 4.8/5 from +1.2k reviews
Google Play Store: 4.1/5 from 508 reviews, +50,000 downloads

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Employs a "collaborative custody" approach.

  • 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.

Unchained Capital offers great IRA features, but its pricing structure isn’t the best.

Unchained Capital’s setup may take up to 5 business days. Swan Bitcoin IRA offers a swift one-day account setup process.

Unchained Capital recently announced it has raised $60 million in fresh funding to expand its financial self-custody collaborative services.

Best for Low Investment Minimums

Account Minimum: $10
Investment Options: 200+ cryptocurrencies
Fees: 1% on all sized trade (No account monthly custody fees)
Custody Provider: Alto Trust Co.
Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5 from 1.31k reviews
Apple App Store: 4.9/5 from 11 reviews
Google Play Store: 2.0/5 from 17 reviews, +1,000 downloads

Alto Crypto IRA is another popular crypto IRA offering options for Roth, SEP, traditional Bitcoin and crypto IRAs.

• 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.

Best for a Saver IRA

Account Mminimum: $3,000
Investment Options: +60 cryptocurrencies
Fees: 2% plus 5.99% setup fee + 0.08% monthly fee with a $100 minimum
Custody Provider: BitGo Trust
Trustpilot Rating: 4.3/5 from 27 reviews
Apple App Store: 4.5/5 from 958 reviews
Google Play Store: 4.4/5 from 1.94k reviews, +100,000 downloads

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.

Although BitcoinIRA markets itself as a “Bitcoin” IRA company, it promotes and platforms over 60 altcoins on its crypto IRA platform.

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 BitcoinIRA’s product.

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.

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.

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.

• Professional expertise
  Entrust your IRA investments to experienced financial professionals to make informed investment decisions and effectively manage risks.

• 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.

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.

A Bitcoin IRA is a Bitcoin-only IRA investment product. Bitcoin has been the best performing asset of the last 14 years.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Swan is a leading Bitcoin financial services company with more than 120,000 clients and 170 employees, operating globally. Established in 2019, Swan helps individuals and institutions to understand and invest in Bitcoin. The Swan app simplifies Bitcoin purchases with instant and recurring buys. Swan IRA provides a tax-advantaged solution for saving Bitcoin in retirement accounts.

For HNWIs and businesses, Swan Private provides white-glove service for large purchases, treasury solutions, and employee Bitcoin benefits. With Swan Vault, clients can easily custody their own Bitcoin with peace of mind. Financial advisors trust Swan Advisor for client Bitcoin allocations, backed by world-class custody and educational content.

Swan Managed Mining provides clients with fully segregated and dedicated mining operations, catering to their unique requirements, opportunities, and strategic advantages. Swan prides itself on exceptional client service, making Bitcoin accessible to all. For more information, please visit swan.com.

Take control of your financial future with a Swan Bitcoin IRA. Learn more about our IRA product and invest with Swan today.